I love picking one book in the Bible and reading it over and over again, taking time to get to know it. Some days it feels tedious, but it does something to solidify those truths in my mind. Also, it somehow even becomes friendly. When I go back to some of the books I’ve spent a lot of time reading and re-reading, I feel like I’m visiting with an old friend. If someone references a verse from one of those books, I not only remember what I was doing but also where I was when I was reading that book. Again and again.
Lately, I’ve been reading and re-reading Colossians in my quiet times. I’ve also listened to it on my way to work. It’s short, only four chapters. But it’s crammed with practical theological truths that are easy to say but take a lifetime to learn. Truths like, “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” Colossians 3:18–21 (ESV)
Over Time
Paul’s letter to Colossae is also bursting at the seams with bold doctrinal claims that have shaped the Christian church. Equally important, they have kept her from falling into error, or even full-blown heresy, over the past two thousand years. For example, in the fourth century, Arians used the words “firstborn of all creation” to argue that Jesus was a created being. Athanasius called out the error of the Arians, using the rest of Colossians (and other parts of Scripture). Thankfully, the bishops at Nicaea formally condemned this heresy in 325. Since then, the Church has affirmed that Jesus is “…very God of very God; begotten, not made; being of one substance with the Father…” as the Nicene Creed claims. This is a closed-handed, non-negotiable doctrine for Christians. As of late, I’ve been able to reinforce that truth (and many others) every day for about a month now!
Sadly, some people have also taken a few verses in Colossians out of context. They have misused and abused them to condone slavery. Thankfully, Christian abolitionists interpreted Scripture with Scripture to ultimately condemn slavery. This study has prompted me to ask questions and dig deeper into what Paul meant when he wrote it. If you’re curious about this, we will study and clarify what he meant in these verses when we resume our study of Colossians at church.
Make An Old Friend
Having a hard time deciding what to read in your Bible? I invite you to join me in reading Colossians every day (until the end of our study in early December). Make it an old friend. Enjoy it, obey it, learn it, and grow. Along with that, ask questions, listen to sermons, and read commentaries. Pray that God’s Spirit will use His Word to help you know Him better, glorify Him first, and enjoy Him forever.
Reading Colossians again,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor