God’s Renewing Word of Love
Introduction
Colossians 1:24-29: The apostle Paul describes how he has suffered for the sake of the gospel and affirms that his task, as a servant of the church, is to proclaim God’s message.
Scripture Reading
Paul’s Work as a Servant of the Church
24And now I am happy about my sufferings for you, for by means of my physical sufferings I am helping to complete what still remains of Christ’s sufferings on behalf of his body, the church. 25And I have been made a servant of the church by God, who gave me this task to perform for your good. It is the task of fully proclaiming his message, 26which is the secret he hid through all past ages from all human beings but has now revealed to his people. 27God’s plan is to make known his secret to his people, this rich and glorious secret which he has for all peoples. And the secret is that Christ is in you, which means that you will share in the glory of God. 28So we preach Christ to everyone. With all possible wisdom we warn and teach them in order to bring each one into God’s presence as a mature individual in union with Christ. 29To get this done I toil and struggle, using the mighty strength which Christ supplies and which is at work in me.
Today’s Key Verse: Colossians 1:27a, c
God’s plan is to make known his secret to his people, … the secret is that Christ is in you, which means that you will share in the glory of God.
Reflect
Re-read verse 27. What are your thoughts about Paul’s writing regarding God’s plan and the “secret” that God is making known? According to verse 29, what is the source of Paul’s strength? Is this something you can claim? In what ways does Christ give you strength?
Pray
Lord Jesus, thank you for the mighty strength that you provide and which is at work in me. In whatever struggles I may face, I know that you are there to help and guide me. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Colossians 2:1-19: The apostle Paul reminds the Colossians to remain united to Christ.