Colossians: Jesus + Nothing = Everything!

Colossians: Jesus + Nothing = Everything! Welcome to our summer focus on the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Christians at Colosse! The overarching theme for the summer is Jesus + Nothing = Everything, because that’s how Paul set forth Jesus’ importance to the Colossian Church. In the first two chapters Paul sets forth the theological basis for Jesus being God, and thus being everything! In the final two chapters he gives us the practical application for our lives that Jesus is everything! We hope you’ll join us every week of this important series. Remember if you have to miss a weekend, you’ll be able to watch or download the message at New Life’s website: www.newlifexn.org.

Background Many biblical scholars believe the Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians, a church he had not yet visited, but which was started by one of Paul’s co-workers, Epaphras, in order to refute the Colossian heresy, which was a primitive form of Gnosticism. Gnostics held many false beliefs, but the primary focus was on hidden knowledge about God held only by the Gnostics, and in the case of the Colossian heresy, the false beliefs focused around ceremonialism, ascetism, angel worship, deprecation of Jesus as God, secret knowledge and reliance on human wisdom and tradition.

Date and Location of the Writing of the Letter It is never possible to say with certainty when and where Paul’s letters were written, although conservative biblical scholars generally agree that the letter to the Colossians was written about 60 A.D., while Paul was in prison in Rome.

Purpose of the Letter As stated in the background, Paul’s chief purpose for writing Colossians was to address the Colossian heresy, and to establish the primacy of Jesus in all things. No other New Testament book offers a higher view of Jesus as God, and as the all sufficient sacrifice for our sins.

1 Colossians 1:1-4:18

Greetings From Paul 1This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy. 2We are writing to God’s holy people in the city of Colosse, who are faithful brothers and sisters in Christ. May God our Father give you grace and peace. 3We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 4For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people, 5which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News. 6This same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives, just as it changed your lives from the day you first heard and understood the truth about God’s wonderful grace. 7You learned about the Good News from Epaphras, our beloved co-worker. He is Christ’s faithful servant, and he is helping us on your behalf. 8He has told us about the love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you.

Paul’s Prayer for the Colossians 9So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. 11We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, 12always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. 13For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.

Christ Is Supreme 15Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, 16for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. 17He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. 18Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. 19For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, 20and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood 2 on the cross.21This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. 22Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. 23But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.

Paul’s Work for the Church 24I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church. 25God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. 26This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. 27For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory. 28So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. 29That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me. 1I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many other believers who have never met me personally. 2I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. 3In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments. 5For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong.

Freedom From Rules and New Life In Christ 6And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. 8Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. 9For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. 10So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. 11When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. 12For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you 3 were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. 13You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 15In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. 16So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. 17For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality. 18Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self- denial or the worship of angels, saying they have had visions about these things. Their sinful minds have made them proud, 19and they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body. For he holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it. 20You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, 21“Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? 22Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. 23These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.

Living the New Life 1Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. 5So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. 12Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which 4 binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 16Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Instructions for Households 18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord. 19Husbands, love your wives and never treat them harshly. 20Children, always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord. 21Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged. 22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. 23Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 24Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. 25But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites. 1Masters, be just and fair to your slaves. Remember that you also have a Master—in heaven.

An Encouragement for Prayer 2Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. 3Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains. 4Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. 5Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

Paul’s Final Instructions and Greetings 7Tychicus will give you a full report about how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper who serves with me in the Lord’s work. 8I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you. 9I am also sending Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, one of your own people. He and Tychicus will tell you everything that’s happening here. 10Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin. As you were instructed before, make Mark welcome if he comes your way. 11Jesus (the one we call Justus) also sends his greetings. These are the only Jewish believers among my co- workers; they are working with me here for the Kingdom of God. And what a comfort they have been! 12Epaphras, a member of your own 5 fellowship and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident that you are following the whole will of God. 13I can assure you that he prays hard for you and also for the believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14Luke, the beloved doctor, sends his greetings, and so does Demas. 15Please give my greetings to our brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house. 16After you have read this letter, pass it on to the church at Laodicea so they can read it, too. And you should read the letter I wrote to them. 17And say to Archippus, “Be sure to carry out the ministry the 18 Lord gave you.” HERE IS MY GREETING IN MY OWN HANDWRITING—PAUL. Remember my chains. May God’s grace be with you.

During the Week Why not read through the letter to the Colossians each day this week? Each time you read it look for one affirmation that Jesus + Nothing = Everything

Write your discoveries below:

6 Message Notes

Colossians 1:1-4:18 “Jesus + Nothing = Everything!”

Take Home Point: The Apostle Paul makes it clear that Jesus is everything in our lives!

Today’s Commitment: I will live with Jesus first and last in my life this week!

Colossians 1:1-8

During the Week The Apostle Paul tells the Colossian readers that the Good News of Jesus is “bearing fruit everywhere by changing lives.” When we know Jesus as our Savior and Lord, changes start to take place, by the work of the Holy Spirit within us. The changes are not automatic. We must be intentional about giving the Holy Spirit control so we’ll experience the changes. As you read and reflect on this passage through the week, take some time each day to ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit AND to note the changes taking place in your life. List some of the changes below:

8 Message Notes

Colossians 1:1-8 “Immediate Change, Lasting Change!”

Take Home Point: When Jesus is added lives change!

Today’s Commitment: I will welcome the change Jesus brings in my life this week!

9 Colossians 1:9-14

During the Week The Apostle Paul makes it clear that as we gain knowledge, spiritual wisdom and understanding, the end result is GROWTH! Growth as Jesus’ followers is seen in the change we talked about last week. Paul tells us we have been rescued from the “kingdom of darkness,” and transferred into the Kingdom of Jesus. The growth that takes place in our lives OVER TIME is the difference between night and day! As you reflect on this passage this week, see the ways Paul offers for others to help us in this growth, the ways that God is responsible for the growth, and the ways we are responsible for the growth. Write your findings below:

10 Message Notes

Colossians 1:9-14 “Why Spiritual Growth Matters!”

Take Home Point: Following God’s plan brings fruit in the land.

Today’s Commitment: I will learn and do what Jesus wants me to this week!

11 Colossians 1:15-23

Christ Is Supreme 15Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, 16for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see— such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. 17He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. 18Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. 19For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, 20and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. 21This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. 22Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. 23But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.

During the Week Colossians 1:15-23 is one of the clearest presentations in the New Testament that Jesus is God. As you read and reflect on it this week, write the attributes of Jesus as God below AND write the difference this makes in your life (Some of the differences are listed in the passage and some of the differences will come from your own life experience.):

12 Message Notes

Colossians 1:15-23 “Jesus=Everything!”

Take Home Point: Jesus is God!

Today’s Commitment: I will live in peace, because of my trust in Jesus!

Colossians 1:24-2:5

During the Week One of the most amazing realities of God is that in Jesus He has revealed who He is to us! That is amazing because of who He is: the God of the universe. We have no right to assume that God would reveal Himself to us, and as Paul tells us this “secret” has been revealed through God living IN us. While the reality is so complex we will never totally understand it, the truth is God used Jesus to show us who He is, and then determines to live in us through the Holy Spirit! As you reflect on that truth this week, list some ways you live your life differently because God lives in you:

14 Message Notes

Colossians 1:24-2:5 “God’s Secret Plan!”

Take Home Point: Jesus is God’s secret plan!

Today’s Commitment: I will live freely, because I have God’s secret plan in me!

15 Colossians 2:6-15

During the Week Colossians 2:6-16 paints a clear picture that it is, indeed, Jesus+Nothing=Everything. We were dead in sin, and nothing could save us: not the law, not human philosophies or the spiritual powers of the world. Only Jesus, through His death on the cross has “cut away our sinful nature.” As you reflect on this passage during the week, you may want to write what it means to you that Jesus IS everything in your life:

16 Message Notes Colossians 2:6-15 “How To Live A Victorious Life!”

Take Home Point: Growing deep leads to lives that will keep!

Today’s Commitment: I will live a victorious life by daily trusting Jesus more and more this week!

17 Colossians 2:16-23

Freedom From Rules and New Life In Christ (Continued) 16So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. 17For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality. 18Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels, saying they have had visions about these things. Their sinful minds have made them proud, 19and they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body. For he holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it. 20You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, 21“Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? 22Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. 23These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.

During the Week Even though it is Jesus+Nothing we often seek to add something else. The something else may be rules, traditions, good works, or anything that will give us a little “control” in the matter. Knowing that nothing we add to Jesus’ all sufficient sacrifice on our behalf means He gets ALL the credit. He has ALL the authority. Even though we know that’s true, sometimes it’s hard for us to not have anything to do with our salvation. As you reflect on Jesus+Nothing this week, write some of the “+ somethings” you have added or been tempted to add to the reality of Jesus+Nothing:

18 Message Notes

Colossians 2:16:23 “Jesus+Nothing!”

Take Home Point: It’s not what we do, but what Jesus did that matters!

Today’s Commitment: I will live in the joy of Jesus’ victory in my life!

19 Colossians 3:1-11

During the Week Paul makes it clear that the focus of our lives after Jesus becomes Savior and Lord is to be the realities of heaven. He points out that we still have “sinful, earthly things lurking within…” and calls us to put them to death. He tells us to “put on” on new nature, using an analogy of taking off the “old clothes” of sin, and putting on the “new clothes” of our new natures in Jesus Christ. Take some time each day to reflect on what the realities of heaven are. Then consciously “take off” the sin that remains in your life, and “put on” Jesus! As you do this each day, note any thoughts or changes that you experience:

20 Message Notes

Colossians 3:1-11 “Living the Good Life!”

Take Home Point: Jesus came to deliver the “Good News” and to give us the “Good Life”!

Today’s Commitment: I will take off my old sinful nature, and live a life that pleases God this week!

21 Colossians 3:12-17

Living the New Life (Continued) 12Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. 16Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

During the Week Paul continues using the imagery of “putting on” new “clothes” in Colossians 3:12-17. He offers specific characteristics we are to put on, and they are similar to the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23. Take some time each day to consciously “put on” these realities, by asking the Holy Spirit to fill and empower you. Also, remember that verse 17 calls us in WHATEVER we do or say, we do or say it as representatives of Jesus! Note any thoughts/reflections from this activity below:

22 Message Notes

Colossians 3:12-17 “God’s Choice: You!”

Take Home Point: God chose us, clothes us, and fills us!”

Today’s Commitment: I will “wear” Jesus in my life this week!”

23 Colossians 3:18-21

During the Week Paul’s instructions regarding, wives, husbands, children and fathers are brief, less than 50 words in all in the New Living Translation. Entire books have been written on each relationship, but Paul’s focus is on submission, love, obedience and non-aggravation. Think of each of the roles you hold in your life: child, parent, husband, wife. Reflect on each one in light of the brief comment Paul offers. What changes do you need to make to fulfill the brief instruction in your life? Write your responses below:

24 Message Notes

Colossians 3:18-21 “Family Matters!”

Take Home Point: God wills our families to reflect Jesus!

Today’s Commitment: I will reflect Jesus in my family role(s) this week!

25 Colossians 3:22-4:1

Instructions for Households (Continued) 22Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Serve them sincerely because of your reverent fear of the Lord. 23Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 24Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. 25But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites. 1Masters, be just and fair to your slaves. Remember that you also have a Master—in heaven.

During the Week For most of us, as soon as we read the word “Slaves” we automatically default to: this can’t be for me. I’m no slave. We may start to think, “Why did Paul sanction slavery?” For us, the point is we are all “workers” of some kind. Whether we’re actual employees, or students, or stay at home parents, we all have work to do. We can heed Paul’s instructions for “slaves,” by applying them in our daily “work.” Consider the promise Paul tells us we’ll receive when we remember that our true master is Christ, and we serve Him well! Consider what you need to do to be a better worker for Jesus this week and write your reflections below:

26 Message Notes

Colossians 3:22-4:1 “Who’s Your Boss?”

Take Home Point: Whatever we do, God is our boss!

Today’s Commitment: I will remember I work for God in all I am and do this week!

27 Colossians 4:2-6

During the Week While Paul’s primary focus in this brief passage is prayer, he also offers us valuable instructions for sharing the new life of Jesus with others. As you read and reflect on the passage this week, consider what he says about prayer that will help you communicate more effectively with God, AND what he tells you that will make you a better communicator of God’s Good News in Jesus with others. Write your thoughts and commitments to ACTION below:

28 Message Notes

Colossians 4:2-6 “Heads Up!”

Take Home Point: Prayer involves alert minds and thankful hearts!

Today’s Commitment: I will pray expectantly and live wisely this week!

29 Colossians 4:7-15

Paul’s Final Instructions and Greetings 7Tychicus will give you a full report about how I am getting along. He is a beloved brother and faithful helper who serves with me in the Lord’s work. 8I have sent him to you for this very purpose—to let you know how we are doing and to encourage you. 9I am also sending Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, one of your own people. He and Tychicus will tell you everything that’s happening here. 10Aristarchus, who is in prison with me, sends you his greetings, and so does Mark, Barnabas’s cousin. As you were instructed before, make Mark welcome if he comes your way. 11Jesus (the one we call Justus) also sends his greetings. These are the only Jewish believers among my co-workers; they are working with me here for the Kingdom of God. And what a comfort they have been! 12Epaphras, a member of your own fellowship and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident that you are following the whole will of God. 13I can assure you that he prays hard for you and also for the believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14Luke, the beloved doctor, sends his greetings, and so does Demas. 15Please give my greetings to our brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church that meets in her house.

During the Week While today’s passage is mainly a list of instructions and greetings, as you read it note that Paul is genuinely concerned that relationships are built and maintained among Jesus’ followers. This is an important truth for us today, particularly as we live in a technologically “connected” world that is often less and less connected when it comes with being connected to other people in meaningful ways. During the week, reflect on your own personal relationships wither family, church family, friends, or co-workers what you need to do to deepen and strengthen or even start new relationships that will ultimately build up you and the body of Jesus. Write your ideas below:

30 Message Notes

Colossians 4:7-15 “God’s Plan To Expand!”

Take Home Point: God invites us—together—to partner with Him in His redemptive Mission on the earth!

Today’s Commitment: I will take the opportunities God gives me to expand His kingdom this week!

31 Colossians 4:16-18

Paul’s Final Instructions and Greetings (Continued) 16After you have read this letter, pass it on to the church at Laodicea so they can read it, too. And you should read the letter I wrote to them. 17And say to Archippus, “Be sure to carry out the ministry the 18 Lord gave you.” HERE IS MY GREETING IN MY OWN HANDWRITING—PAUL. Remember my chains. May God’s grace be with you.

During the Week In these brief, final words Paul offers two vital instructions: “Be sure to carry out the ministry the Lord gave you,” and “Remember my chains.” While the focus of Colossians is Jesus+Nothing=Everything, Paul reminded the Colossian believers throughout his letter that as a result of the transformation Jesus brings to our lives, as the result of His EVERYTHING, our lives are to be lived to His glory. That means we will often be serving others, whether in practical ways or through prayer, or both. Consider what ministry God has given you, and whether you are carrying it out on a daily basis. If you are, praise God; if you aren’t list some ways below that will ensure that you glorify God for supplying everything to you through Jesus by living in obedience to Him:

32 Message Notes

Colossians 4:16-18 “Why The Bible Ultimately Matters!”

Take Home Point: God has revealed Himself and His plan in His Word.

Today’s Commitment: I will spend time reading the Scriptures daily this week!

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.