Another week in the Book of Colossians. We added to our memory verse:
“And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)
In Colossians 2:8-10, we find Paul warns us not to be deceived or distracted but to dwell with Jesus.
I was drawn to look at each of those three “D” words:
- Deceived –> to mislead by false appearance or statement.
- Distracted –> rendered incapable of behaving or reacting in a normal manner.
- Dwell –> to live or stay in a permanent residence; to continue in a given state.
(all definitions from dictionary.com)
The enemy will dangle substitutes in front of us, misleading us into thinking they will fulfill or satisfy us.
He will render us incapable of behaving or reacting to life normally by distracting us with stress and anxiety.
But when we dwell with Jesus, we have a permanent residence, we can continue in a permanent given state of peace and calm.
How does this picture of Jesus that Paul gives remind us that Jesus is all that we need? In Jesus, we have all that we need. How can you live like this is true?
“Our union with Christ has practical applications for our daily lives. We must cling to Christ and be saturated in His Word so that we will not be easily swayed by the philosophies of this world.”
(from Colossians: Rooted in Him, page 80)
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In Colossians 2:16-19, Paul warns the church, and us (!), of false teachings.
“Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize.” (verse 18 NASB)
We need to protect our prize – our faith.
As I read the portion, I thought of how much misinformation swirls around today. So much so, we often don’t know who or what to believe.
And the same way it happens in the news, it can happen in the church and regarding our faith.
Paul advises us to “hold fast”. I am reminded of his words to Timothy:
“You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from who you have learn them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
(2 Timothy 3:14-15, NASB)
The study asks: How can we guard our hearts against false teaching? How do we hold fast to Christ?
We guard our hearts against false teaching by knowing the truth, by knowing God’s Word.
Jesus Christ –> the logos –> The Word.
We hold fast to Christ by holding fast to His Word.
” … hold fast to Christ. We hold fast to Him because He is holding fast to us.”
(from Colossians: Rooted in Him, page 88)
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Colossians 3:1-2. reminds us that we live in a state of what we already are, and what we have yet to become.
This in between place we find ourselves is why we struggle. Why we fall. Why we fail.
“The Christian life is one of constant recalibration of our thinking to the mind of Christ.”
(from Colossians: Rooted in Him, page 96)
We must realign our thinking daily.
We must be serious about pursuing Christ. We keep seeking the things above. We keep lifting our eyes. World events can so drag us down, causing us to walk with our heads hanging, our eyes looking downward. We must lift our gaze.
We set our minds on the things above, remembering who is sovereign, powerful, and able.
As I type out these words, a Scripture came to mind and I love it in The Message:
“So don’t sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it!” (Hebrews 12:12)
This is what we do for one another as we meet together and share. We strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that want to give out. We help one another to keep going, we hold one another up so no one trips.
The study asks: What are the “things of this earth� Why are we tempted to focus on the things of this earth? What are some practical ways that you can set your heart, mind, and will on Christ this week?
Let’s help one another, encourage one another, keep one another going until … we each cross the finish line!
~*~*~
As we hold onto Christ,
our thinking is realigned,
and our minds finds peace and calm.
Photo 1: by Debby Hudson on Unsplash
Photo 2: by Alexandra Fuller on Unsplash
Photo 3: by Vonecia Carswell on Unsplash
What a great truth and needed reminder … that peace is to rule our hearts, not just hang out in the corners. Joanne, thanks for taking us there today.
Bless you.
Amen. Dwell in Him, stay in His Word, and find rest. Great message.
An important and encouraging message to remind us, as Christians, of our vital role in leading and supporting others. Thank you, Joanne.
Joanne, these thoughts remind me of cutting out pieces of paper that all need to be the same size. Each one has to be measured against the original, rather than the last one cut, because over time, the cuts start to vary and shift. It’s the same way with the truth, I think. If we want to guard against false teaching, we have to constantly compare what we hear with what the Bible actually says, rather than our own emotions or what other people say. Wonderful post, my friend.
Amen Ms. Joanne! Especially in times such as these ma’am. Thank you for reminding me that I am no longer of this world; and for helping me remember Who my anchor is tethered to.
“So don’t sit around on your hands! No more dragging your feet! Clear the path for long-distance runners so no one will trip and fall, so no one will step in a hole and sprain an ankle. Help each other out. And run for it!†(Hebrews 12:12) Amen. Running our race with our fixed on Jesus….thanks for sharing these encouraging words!