In Colossians 4, we see that Tychicus was an encourager for the gospel and Onesimus was a follower of the gospel. In both cases, giving your life to ministry gains more than it gives. This week, consider Tychicus and think about who you can encourage.   

In Colossians 4, we see that we’re called to persevere in praying, asking for prayer, and sharing Jesus. Consider which of these areas you’re doing well and which you could improve and then focus on that area this week, inviting others in to support and encourage you.  

In Colossians 3, we see a move from commands for the home to commands for the workplace. Is it easy for you to see the work environment as a place where God has influence? Scripture says that work can reflect God’s created order and intended heart. So, consider this in the workplace: Do good work; value people.

An epistle, such as Colossians, has doctrine, application, and personal touches. As we see in Colossians 3:12-17, Paul is explaining not only to avoid empty philosophy and powerless arguments, he begins to articulate what specific things a Christian should do to push back against the wisdom of the age. And verse 17 teaches that no matter what your lot in life, live it as if Jesus had asked you for it.

When Jesus is at the center of your life, your true identity is revealed. And, while sin is still in your story, it’s no longer who you are. As we read in Colossians 3:9, “…  seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”

Since we’ve been given new life in Jesus, we cultivate that new life by seeking and setting our minds on heavenly things, instead of earthly things. The world tries to tell us what we should be seeking to better ourselves. Being focused on things above actually puts us in the best position to have the most impactful life here on earth.

In Colossians, Paul asserts that the gospel is sufficient to answer to the culture around us. While this is true, does it actually feel sufficient to you as a response to the pressure and content of the world? Consider this: since pulling away from world views will cause push back, it’s important to continuously lean in to and promote the gospel.

In Colossians, we see that Paul struggles for the Gospel like Jesus suffered for the Gospel. In other words, he labors because he is convinced that the Gospel is sufficient because Jesus is preeminent . And he believes that you have to let go of the things you believe are wisdom and knowledge to make room for Jesus.  

This first message in the series, Colossians, takes a look at the goals of a book study — get confident to read on your own and know the book. We see in Colossians 1 that God is the creator of all things, good and bad, so we should lean in and pray for all situations.  

God often interrupts you to lead you. Considering this, do you listen for, respond to, and interact with Him? Wherever you are in this, as you move forward, be attentive and responsive to His nudges — the sudden, deep-down sense that God wants you to do something inconvenient for Him.