Faith in christ. colossians 1: 1 - 14

By Graeme Tearle
 
 
Concerning faith in Christ, we have many aspects of God’s blessings to be thankful for.
 
     Your New Faith in Christ, Col.1v3-8.
 
Paul didn’t start the church at Colossae, it appears to have been through the work of Epaphras, v7,8.
 
So Paul is writing this letter to further instruct the believers in Colossae in their faith, and to correct some false teachings which had arisen about the Lord Jesus.
 
In this opening passage, he focuses on aspects of their faith:

1. Faith is in Christ, v4; He is the sole basis of what we hold to;
2. Paul and others have heard about their faith, v1.
3. Faith has come through the gospel, v5; which has borne fruit amongst them and the rest of te world, v6.
4. Their faith , v3, has given them hope, v3.  Hope is “laid up in heaven” -meaning that it is stored away for us; we have this hope now for the treasure of the coming day of going to heaven.
5. Their faith has given them understanding of God’s truth and grace, v6.
6. Their faith has given them love, v4, extending out into the lives of fellow believers all around.

 
   Your New Kingdom in Christ, Col.1v9-14.
 
As a result of our faith, Christ has transferred us from one place to another.

1. Rescued, v13. The word Paul uses here means to rescue from a bad place so as to preserve, and keep safe.
2. Transferred, v13. This word means to place in a new location, and change. We are now in the kingdom of God’s Son, Jesus, which is spiritual.
3. This kingdom has a new inheritance; all of the eternal blessings and life he has in store for us, and we are ‘qualified’, v12; having all His sufficiency to be there.
4. Paul’s prayer, v9-11, is that we will have:

• Knowledge
• Wisdom
• Understanding
• Strength and power.

 
Colossians : Points to Ponder.
 
Give thanks to God for those who have led us into faith and understanding of God’s ways and His will, and seek to live worthily for Him.