In this passage, Paul (with Timothy’s help) transcribes a letter to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae. On an encouraging note, Paul affirms that he has heard of the faith, hope, and love that these people have - something which causes him to always thank God! He holds high gratitude to God for them and their beloved servant Epaphras. Though Paul, with a passport stamp for just about every other town in the area, had never ministered to these people of Colossae prior to this letter. In addition, he is currently locked away in jail. What can we learn from Paul’s perspective?

Paul could have been so focused on his imprisonment, so jealous that he is not the one sharing the gospel in Colossae, wondering how he could rid himself of this situation… instead he expresses thankfulness to the God who is spreading the good news apart from himself. It can be quite easy for us to be so focused on our own struggles, intentions, and desires that we miss the ways in which Jesus is moving apart from us. The Spirit that enabled the Colossian church to love in the passage is the same spirit that directs us towards outward thankfulness instead of an inward distraction. May it be so.

[Colossians 1.1-8]

1.1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What causes Paul and Timothy to always thank God?

+ Why does Paul believe that the people of Colossae have faith in Christ and a love for the saints?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ What am I missing today that shows God’s truth of Grace and is happening apart from me?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ How can I provide encouragement and support to the people around me who are bearing fruit and spreading the Gospel?