Colossians 1:1–8 - 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. 3 We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel 6 which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth; 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, 8 and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit.
What does today’s passage say?
In today's passage, Paul introduces himself as an apostle proclaiming the gospel together with Timothy (v. 1). He greets the believers in Colossae, declaring grace and peace to them from God (v. 2). Paul gives thanks to God for their faith in Christ Jesus and love for fellow believers, both fruits of their hope grounded in the gospel (vv. 3-5). This gospel is powerfully advancing all over the world, just as it did in Colossae from the first day they truly heard it (vv. 6-7). Paul affirms Epaphras’ report about their genuine faith and abundant love in the Spirit (v. 8).
How can I apply Colossians 1:1-8 to my life?
Paul wrote Colossians to teach important gospel truths followers of Jesus need to grow spiritually. In the opening of his letter, we find key principles for living out our faith. First, Paul establishes that the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection must be at the very center of our lives. This gospel message is the bedrock we stand on to walk in grace, peace, love and hope. Before addressing deep theological issues, Paul starts by orienting the Colossian Christians - and us today - onto the foundation of rejoicing over the message of salvation bearing fruit everywhere it is proclaimed. As we study these first verses, we need to ask: Are we firmly grounded in the powerful, life-changing gospel? Has it overflowed to transform us toward maturity in Christ? Here are some basic principles from this passage that we should apply to our lives:
1. Let the Gospel Be the Source of Grace and Peace in Your Life (vv. 1-2): Paul begins by introducing himself and Timothy as servants proclaiming the gospel of Christ to fellow believers in Colossae. His opening words express a pastoral desire and prayerful blessing that his readers would profoundly experience grace and peace from God the Father. For followers of Jesus across the ages, recognizing the wellspring of grace and peace we enjoy comes directly from what He accomplished at Calvary and should be a daily, even moment-by-moment remembrance. The good news of Christ crucified, buried, and risen again serves as the foundation on which stands any true grace, any mercy that strengthens, and any peace that guards our hearts. If we somehow drift from that foundation of gospel truth, we disconnect from the source of comfort and security we desperately need to walk steadfastly in our calling. As you go through your day, consciously reflect again and again on the gospel’s reminder that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Let the staggering reality of God's love renew your faith each day. Allow the peace of Christ to reign in your heart no matter what circumstances swirl around you and set yourself purposefully in the rich soil of the gospel (2 Corinthians 13:14, Philippians 4:7, 1 Peter 1:2).
Food for thought: Why must followers of Jesus stay continually connected to and mindful of the gospel message? What specific, practical ways can you let the truth of the gospel dwell richly in your thoughts and actions today?
2. Let Your Genuine Faith in the Gospel and the Hope You Have in It Cause You to Love Others (vv. 3-5): After greeting the Colossian believers, Paul transitions to offering thanksgiving for them and their expression of faith, hope, and love rooted in the gospel. He had received word of their steadfast trust in Christ Jesus and the powerfully transformative hope they had because of His finished work. This hope was bearing fruit in the way they intentionally loved fellow saints. Our vertical relationship with God through the gospel should have a powerful impact our horizontal relationships with others. When the vibrant hope we have in the good news of salvation takes deeper and deeper root in our hearts, it overflows into compassionate actions, caring words, and selfless gestures to those around us. We love because He first loved us. As you encounter people in your life today - family members, neighbors, coworkers, or strangers on the street - allow your gospel-centered faith and Christ-focused hope to overflow into small acts of kindness, encouraging text messages to brighten someone’s day, or stopping to patiently listen to their story. Let your hope produce love (1 John 4:19, Romans 5:5, 1 Corinthians 13:7).
Food for thought: How have you seen the overflow of hope into love played out in your relationships recently? What is one specific way you can let gospel hope and faith spark fresh love today?
3. Rejoice in the Spread of the Gospel and the Fruit it Bears (vv. 6-8): Paul has heard that the gospel is bearing fruit and spreading in the lives of the Colossian believers from the day they first truly heard the word of truth and grasped God's grace. This wonderful report brings him great joy. The transformational message of Christ's redeeming work changes destinies and changes lives. Seeing the good news take root in hearts, spur spiritual growth, and then get shared with others should fill us with praise and thankfulness too. When you catch wind of gospel seeds being planted or harvest being reaped in unexpected places, rejoice. When a brother or sister shares what Jesus has done for them lately, celebrate. When you hear stories of prodigal sons and daughters coming home, not just overseas but on your street, thank the Father. The spread of the gospel and the fruit it produces is the best news we could wish for (Psalm 96:2-3, Philippians 1:12, Colossians 1:10).
Food for thought: What evidence have you seen recently of the gospel bearing fruit in your community? How can your joy over God's kingdom expanding inspire others around you today?
Digging into these opening verses of Colossians shows us important gospel truths. When we lose sight of the good news of who Jesus is and what He did for us, we drift spiritually. Returning again and again to the truth that Jesus completely paid for our sins gets us back on track. His finished work is the source of supernatural grace, peace, faith, hope and love flowing in our lives. These keys unlock maturity and purposeful living for Christ. May Paul’s gospel checklist stay pinned to our hearts. We best serve God’s kingdom when overflowing gratitude for the cross shapes our path.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray You would keep reminding me of the peace, hope, grace, and destiny I have because of what Jesus did for me. Anchor my soul to the truth that Jesus paid all my sin debt on the cross. As I think about His sacrifice, fill me with thankfulness that overflows into caring for others. Keep showing me Your motivating love at the cross. Let this good news of the gospel renew my mind and steadily transform me to be more like Christ. I pray that You would help me to stay grounded in this living hope so I can bear good fruit in Your kingdom.
I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Colossians 1:3 – “We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you.”
With His Blessings,
Pastor Corby
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