Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Colossians 1:9-12.
Like so many of the churches to which Paul wrote letters, the church at Colossae was very young. Paul had not gone directly to Colossae to start the church but had ministered for some time in Ephesus, about 100 miles away. Epaphras, a protege of Paul’s, had started the church in Colossae and was serving as their pastor when Paul wrote this letter to them. Epaphras had described to Paul the great faith in Christ held by the Colossians, and Paul had been praying for them.
What did he hope for the Christians in Colossae? Paul desired that they increase in knowledge, spiritual wisdom, and understanding. By growing in these ways, they will please Christ and will bear fruit in their good works. This will indeed help them to have patience and great endurance, qualities we think of in more mature Christians. As I read this passage today, I hear it as being written to all Christian in all churches, and perhaps more importantly to those of us in Christ Church. We are to learn and study the Scriptures if we are to live our lives of faith in Jesus Christ.
Personal Worship Option:
Please pray with me: Gracious God, I would like to know your written Word more deeply and fully. Increase my desire to read and study the Bible, to join studies with others, and to let the Word lead me into a deeper relationship with you. Amen.
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