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COLOSSIANS - Christ in you, the hope of glory!
Studies in the Letter of Paul to the Colossians
Part 1 - The Foundations of Christian Faith (Colossians 1:1-29)
1. Greeting and introduction (Colossians 1:1-2)
To the Saints and brethren in Christ
Paul and Timothy addressed the members of the church in Colosse as “saints”, a reference to the cleansing of their sins through the blood of Christ (Heb. 9:14; 10:14). The term also included their justification by faith (Rom. 3:22-24) and confirmed the outpouring of the Holy Spirit into their hearts (Rom. 5:5b). They were being held firm in their faith by the help of this Spirit of Comfort in the middle of suffering and persecution (John 16:33; 17:17), so that in this letter they were called “faithful brethren in Christ” (Matt. 12:47-50; Rom. 8:29; Eph. 2:19-22). This title of honour states that they legally and spiritually belonged to the great family of God, whereby each one was hidden and secure “in Christ”. This unique term, “in Christ”, “in the Lord”, or “in Him” occurs more than 100 times in the New Testament and signifies the “staying kept” of those surrendered to Him in the spiritual shelter of their Savior and Lord. The title of the church members contained in the letterhead of this epistle contains the entire spectrum of salvation by grace in the New Testament. The church in Colosse had, without the agency of an apostle, received all the gifts of grace and privilege of the New Covenant. She was kept preserved even amid bitter opposition and temptation.
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, we thank You that You, through Jesus Christ, made sinners into saints. By receiving Your Holy Spirit they became brethren in Christ. Look at us, too, rebellious egotists, and fulfil Your salvation in us, that we might also become sanctified brothers and sisters.
Question 7: Who is holy? How can we become active brothers and sisters in Christ?