ALL THE TREASURES
Opening Prayer
Lord, may I learn who I am through trust in you, the One who can make me more than I can imagine.
Read COLOSSIANS 1:24 – 2:5
Paul’s Labor for the Church
24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.
2 I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What do you treasure (not just like or want)? Jesus said that where our treasure is, there will our heart be also (Luke 12:34).The Colossians are in danger of being distracted by bright, shiny ideas that would seek to diminish what Jesus has done for them. We don’t know the details of what they were dealing with, but we can guess from verse 4 that clever people were peddling attractive ideas that were in conflict with the gospel they heard from Epaphras. Anything that takes the place of Jesus in our lives is not only unhelpful; it is positively dangerous.
Paul draws them back to the truth that wisdom and knowledge are only found in Christ. That is the basis for being ‘encouraged in heart and united in love’ (2:2). This firm foundation is so important because the path we are on will involve suffering that could cause us to question God’s love and kingship.
Paul is in prison. Yet God is still in charge. He knows what real treasure is and where to find it. Following Jesus is not about an easy life, but it is all about a joyful one. It all depends on how you think! And how you think will be affected by who you choose to listen to.
Apply
What voices are you listening to? Some are probably yelling! Some are whispers in the background. Either way, how can you be aware of their influence and the direction they seek to take you? Pause now to think about your thinking. Your mind matters.
Closing prayer
Holy One, I pray for the leaders of my church. Encourage them and prosper their ministries for your glory.
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