Scripture to Read: Colossians 1:4–5
God used Paul to encourage the believers in Colossae by telling them in Colossians 1:4 that “since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints,” that was one of the reasons Paul was praying for them. God knew how He was using the believers in Colossae for ministry and that their faith in Christ was evident by the love they had for each other. God had revealed that to Paul through Epaphras (mentioned in Colossians 1:7) who had come to Paul to tell him how the saints were growing in their walk with Christ. When we consider our walk with Christ, our love for Christ, His Word, and for each other, and even for those who don’t know Christ yet, it should be so strong that it is evident to everyone who knows us. Paul was given information about this church in Colossae because their love for Christ and their faith in Christ was so obvious that people were talking about it. The reason these saints in Colossae loved each other so well and the reason their faith in Christ was so strong is found in Colossians 1:5, for God had Paul write, “because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel.” The Christians in Colossae knew this world was not their home and their complete hope was laid on the foundation of Christ in them and the truth of the Gospel that had been shared with them. Real hope can’t be found anywhere else.
Challenge & Application
When you consider your walk with Christ, how would others describe it? What do they see of Christ in you?
Why is Christ the only hope that is real, and why can’t hope be found in anyone or anything else?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!