Faith, Love, and Hope: Lessons from Colossians

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing God's Will in Difficult Circumstances

Paul’s imprisonment did not deter him from fulfilling God’s will. He saw his chains as part of God’s plan, teaching us that God’s goodness is not dependent on our circumstances. Even in difficult times, God can use our situations for His glory and our good. Paul’s perspective challenges us to trust in God’s sovereignty, even when life is hard. It reminds us that our circumstances do not define God’s goodness or His plans for us. Instead, we are called to see our trials as opportunities for God to work in and through us.

In our own lives, we may face situations that seem insurmountable or unfair. Yet, like Paul, we can choose to trust that God is at work, even in our suffering. This trust can transform our perspective, allowing us to see our challenges as part of a larger, divine plan. By embracing God’s will, we can find peace and purpose, knowing that He is using our circumstances for His glory and our ultimate good. [08:45]

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Reflection: Think of a current difficult situation in your life. How can you trust God’s plan and see His goodness in this circumstance today?

Day 2: Unity in Diversity

The church at Colossae was a mix of Jews and Gentiles, united by their faith in Jesus. This unity, despite cultural and ethnic differences, is a powerful testament to the transformative power of the gospel. It challenges us to love and accept all believers, regardless of our differences. The unity in diversity within the church is a reflection of God’s kingdom, where people from every tribe, tongue, and nation come together to worship Him.

In our own church communities, we are called to embrace this unity. This means actively seeking to understand and appreciate the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of our fellow believers. It means loving others as Christ loves us, breaking down barriers of prejudice and division. By doing so, we demonstrate the power of the gospel to bring true reconciliation and peace. [11:58]

Ephesians 2:14-16 (ESV): "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility."

Reflection: Reflect on a relationship within your church where you can foster greater unity. What steps can you take this week to bridge any divides and show Christ’s love?

Day 3: Faith, Love, and Hope

Paul thanked God for the Colossians' faith in Christ, their love for all the saints, and their hope in heaven. These three elements are essential for a healthy Christian life and church. They remind us to trust in Jesus, love all believers, and look forward to our eternal hope. Faith, love, and hope are not just abstract concepts but practical virtues that should be evident in our daily lives.

Faith in Christ anchors us, giving us confidence in God’s promises. Love for the saints compels us to serve and support one another, reflecting Christ’s love. Hope in heaven keeps our eyes fixed on the eternal, motivating us to live for God’s glory. Together, these virtues create a vibrant and resilient Christian community. [15:14]

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 (ESV): "We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Which of these three virtues—faith, love, or hope—do you need to cultivate more in your life? What practical steps can you take to grow in this area?

Day 4: The Unchanging Gospel

In a world that is constantly changing, the gospel remains a firm foundation. The truth of Jesus Christ is unchanging and provides stability in our lives. This good news should be the cornerstone of our faith, continually reminding us of God’s love and grace. The gospel is not just a message for initial salvation but a truth that we need to revisit and apply daily.

The unchanging nature of the gospel gives us confidence and security. No matter what changes around us, we can rely on the steadfast truth of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection. This truth anchors our faith and guides our actions, helping us navigate life’s uncertainties with assurance and hope. [26:01]

Hebrews 13:8-9 (ESV): "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them."

Reflection: How can you make the gospel a more central part of your daily life? What specific practices can help you remember and live out this unchanging truth?

Day 5: Responding to the Gospel

The gospel demands a response. It’s not just a message to be heard but a truth to be lived out. We are called to respond by believing in Jesus, confessing our sins, and living a life transformed by His love and grace. This response should be ongoing, continually shaping our lives. The gospel is a call to action, inviting us to participate in God’s redemptive work in the world.

Living out the gospel means allowing it to influence every aspect of our lives. It means making daily choices that reflect our commitment to Christ. It means sharing the good news with others and being a witness to God’s transformative power. By responding to the gospel, we become active participants in God’s kingdom, bringing His light and love to those around us. [41:40]

James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can respond to the gospel today? How can you let the truth of Jesus shape your actions and decisions this week?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we began a new sermon series on the book of Colossians, diving into the rich teachings of Paul. Colossians is a letter written by Paul while he was in prison, addressed to a church he had never visited. Despite his circumstances, Paul’s letter is filled with thanksgiving and encouragement. He starts by introducing himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, emphasizing that his imprisonment is part of God's plan. This teaches us that God's goodness is not dependent on our circumstances.

Paul addresses the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae, highlighting the unity between Jews and Gentiles in the church. This unity is a testament to the power of Jesus, who brings together people from different backgrounds and cultures. Paul thanks God for three things: their faith in Christ Jesus, their love for all the saints, and the hope laid up for them in heaven. These three elements—faith, love, and hope—are foundational to a healthy Christian life and church.

Paul also emphasizes the importance of the gospel, the unchanging truth in an ever-changing world. The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ, who provides a way out of our punishment for sin through His sacrifice. This message is not just for initial salvation but is something we need to be reminded of continually. The gospel should grow deep roots in our lives and spread to others, just as it did from Colossae to the whole world.

We concluded by reflecting on what we are known for and whether we have someone in our lives, like Epaphras, who helps us grow in our faith. Finally, we were challenged to respond to the gospel, not just as a one-time event but as a continual transformation in our lives.

###

Key Takeaways

1. God's Will in Our Circumstances: Paul’s imprisonment did not deter him from fulfilling God’s will. He saw his chains as part of God’s plan, teaching us that God’s goodness is not dependent on our circumstances. Even in difficult times, God can use our situations for His glory and our good. [08:45]
2. Unity in Diversity: The church at Colossae was a mix of Jews and Gentiles, united by their faith in Jesus. This unity, despite cultural and ethnic differences, is a powerful testament to the transformative power of the gospel. It challenges us to love and accept all believers, regardless of our differences. [11:58]
3. Faith, Love, and Hope: Paul thanked God for the Colossians' faith in Christ, their love for all the saints, and their hope in heaven. These three elements are essential for a healthy Christian life and church. They remind us to trust in Jesus, love all believers, and look forward to our eternal hope. [15:14]
4. The Unchanging Gospel: In a world that is constantly changing, the gospel remains a firm foundation. The truth of Jesus Christ is unchanging and provides stability in our lives. This good news should be the cornerstone of our faith, continually reminding us of God’s love and grace. [26:01]
5. Responding to the Gospel: The gospel demands a response. It’s not just a message to be heard but a truth to be lived out. We are called to respond by believing in Jesus, confessing our sins, and living a life transformed by His love and grace. This response should be ongoing, continually shaping our lives. [41:40]
### [41:40]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:27] - Introduction to Colossians
[02:46] - Background of Colossians
[04:15] - Paul's Excitement for Letters
[05:43] - The Town of Colossae
[07:14] - Paul’s Imprisonment
[08:45] - God’s Will in Difficult Circumstances
[10:24] - Saints and Faithful Brothers
[11:58] - Unity in Diversity
[13:43] - Paul’s Thanksgiving
[15:14] - Faith in Christ Jesus
[18:24] - Love for All the Saints
[19:56] - The Mark of a Healthy Church
[23:04] - Hope of Heaven
[24:37] - The Truth of the Gospel
[26:01] - The Unchanging Gospel
[29:07] - Meaning of the Gospel
[32:06] - What is the Gospel?
[33:25] - Sharing the Gospel with Children
[41:40] - Responding to the Gospel
[43:48] - Impact Church’s Global Mission
[45:40] - Reflection and Questions

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What are the three things Paul thanks God for in the Colossians' lives? ([15:14])
How does Paul describe his role and circumstances in the introduction of his letter to the Colossians? ([08:45])
What does Paul emphasize about the gospel in his letter to the Colossians? ([26:01])
Who is Epaphras, and what role does he play in the church at Colossae? ([24:37])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul consider his imprisonment as part of God's will, and what does this teach us about God's goodness in difficult circumstances? ([08:45])
How does the unity between Jews and Gentiles in the Colossian church serve as a testament to the power of the gospel? ([11:58])
What is the significance of faith, love, and hope in the life of a Christian and the church, according to Paul? ([15:14])
How does the unchanging nature of the gospel provide stability in an ever-changing world? ([26:01])

Application Questions

Reflect on a difficult circumstance in your life. How can you see God's goodness and plan in that situation, similar to how Paul viewed his imprisonment? ([08:45])
In what ways can you promote unity and love among believers from different backgrounds and cultures in your church or community? ([11:58])
How can you actively demonstrate faith, love, and hope in your daily life? Identify one specific action for each element that you can implement this week. ([15:14])
The gospel is described as an unchanging truth. How can you make the gospel the cornerstone of your faith and daily life? ([26:01])
Do you have someone in your life, like Epaphras, who helps you grow in your faith? If not, how can you seek out such a relationship? ([24:37])
How can you continually respond to the gospel in your life, not just as a one-time event but as an ongoing transformation? ([41:40])
Think about what you are known for among your friends and family. How can you ensure that your faith, love, and hope in Christ are evident to those around you? ([45:40])

Sermon Clips

1. "Sometimes hard things happen to us and God is still going to use it for his glory and for our good. And so Paul is saying, my name is Paul. I'm writing to you and I'm by the will of God. And I'm writing to you and I'm writing to you and I'm writing to you because God is good and God is in control. I'm in chains. Guys, Paul did not equate the goodness of God with his circumstances. He said, my circumstances may be bleak, but God is still good." [08:45] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The mark of a healthy Christian is that you're able to love someone that you disagree with. The mark of a healthy church is that there is love among the people because Jesus matters more than anything else that may divide us. The mark of spiritual health in a church is that our love for Jesus and our love for other people who follow Jesus is supreme over anything else in our lives." [19:56] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "When we follow Jesus, the best is always yet to come. Here's why I believe that. Because heaven is to come. And so I don't know what may happen over the next 50 years on this earth, but I know that if you're a Christian, if you follow Jesus, if you're in a relationship with God, your future is heaven. And heaven, I don't need you to think, oh, heaven kind of weirds me out because I don't like heights and it's kind of weird. And I don't know. No, listen, heaven's not about the physical location. Heaven is about being in the presence of an almighty, loving, powerful God." [23:04] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "In an ever changing world, we need a never changing truth. And listen to me, this world is changing all the time. Guys, listen, I'm still in my thirties and I'm already done with technology. I'm like, I'm just not going to learn another app. I'm going to become my grandfather. And, uh, well, from now on, I will allow my children to teach me, um, anything else that I need. And probably in the next five years, we're looking at a situation where Zeke is showing me how to find my email on my, on my phone. Like that's where we're headed right now. Okay. Listen, the world is changing so quickly, but God's truth has never changed." [27:35] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "When you feel like things are changing in your life so quickly that you feel like you can't get a firm grasp, you're like, Oh man, I, I, I started middle school. I started high school. I started college and now I've got new friends and I'm starting a new job. And now maybe I've had a career change or just moved to the area and I've had a city change or I'm starting a family. And you just feel like there is so much change around you. Listen to me in an ever changing world. We need a never changing truth. And God has given us that. And it is called everybody say gospel. It's called the gospel." [27:35] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "When we come to church and we hear about Jesus, or someone shares the message of Jesus to you, you don't sit back and go, yeah, yeah, I heard that at church. I knew that. Oh yeah. I went to a Christian school already, already knew that. Instead, we should sit back and go, that's the best news ever. That's amazing. It just feels like all these shackles just fell. It feels like I was in the anxieties of war and now the war is over. It is complete. And I won, but I didn't even fight, but I won. And guys, that is good news." [30:24] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "The reason we take communion every week is because every week we need to be reminded that we send, but God provides and Jesus gives and we respond. I need that reminder every week. I need that reminder every single week. And you do too. And so let's never be a church that moves on from the gospel. Instead, let's be a church that lets the gospel grow deep roots in our lives and then increases it and multiplies it to hard places like Syria and Iraq and Iran and Afghanistan and Egypt and North Korea." [45:40] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "What if God could do that through a small two and a half year old church plant in a suburb of Washington, D.C. And that from there, God could do that. And that from there, God could do that. And that from there, from the small beginnings of a church, the gospel would grow roots in our lives and would spread to people of every nation, every language and every tribe. What if I told you it already happened?" [41:40] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Paul starts his letter with thanksgiving. And guys, when we follow Jesus, that's how we can live our lives is with thanksgiving. And so that's what we see. Paul is giving thanks to God, even though he's never met them. Isn't that amazing? Never met these people, never been to their town, but he's saying, man, I want to thank God for you." [13:43] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Paul says of this, you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel. I don't want you to, I want you to write this down, but the truth is the gospel. And I feel like I need to say this in our world today and in our culture. So forgive me if it sounds elementary, if you're like, oh, Brandon, that's so simple. I'm not going to write this down. I'm not going to write that down, but just humor me. Cause I feel like in, in our culture today, I need to say this. There is truth." [26:01] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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