Colossians 1:1-4

"Paul, an apostle (special messenger) of Christ Jesus (the Messiah), by the will of God, and Timothy [our] brother, To the saints (the consecrated people of God) and believing and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace (spiritual favor and blessing) to you and [heart] peace from God our Father" Colossians 1:1-2.

Paul always establishes His position in Christ Jesus right away in his communications, and follows quickly by bringing all of his audience together in unity to the same Jesus.

People that know me know I love the Lord and that I am His, but if I used Paul's' example here and let people know right away that I am in Christ, I know I could be far more useful to the Lord, Amen? I mean, really, let's just get that message out there right up front. If someone is thinking about being our friend, or intending to do evil, curious, interested, needing, lusting... whatever... let's just save everyone some time and tell them straight away, who we really are! More importantly, what does it say to the Lord to hear us label ourselves in His name.

3. "We continually give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), as we are praying for you."

And again, Paul has everything in order. Consistently, giving thanks to the Lord for all things, reveals a proper perspective of our belief that whatever is going on, our creator is not only aware, but, intimately working all things to His glory.

4. "For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus the leaning of your entire human personality on Him in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness] and of the love which you [have and show] for all the saints (God's consecrated ones)."

Four things that are important to note about verse four:

A. You know... it doesn't take long for news to spread. But whether good or bad, our fruit will eventually be revealed to those around us... And of course, the Lord is always aware. But, I think the point here is to see Paul is expressing encouragement to his fellow saints and to us today.

B. Here, we are shown what it is that was brought to Paul's attention, and now ours. He refers to their faith, "the leaning of their entire human personality on Jesus Christ." You know it's true, that the love that we sincerely have for the Lord is measured by how much of ourselves is turned toward Him. Paul is acknowledging those whom "express their measure of leaning on Christ through their very personality."

C. And how that "leaning on Christ" looks, or is measured, is by our "absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness". I know, first hand that this issue of TRUST (which is a feeling of confidence) is a growing thing, but I will also tell you that the sooner we get hold of it, the sooner we will reap the three rewards Paul lists here: POWER, WISDOM, and GOODNESS. I say they are rewards because when you DO trust in Gods' power... His wisdom... and His goodness... He gives them to YOU! Amen?

D. Finally, it seems like Paul is showing us another thing that they (the Colossians) have done that is brought to his attention, but as we learn from more of Paul's ministry, it is really the fruit of all he has just accredited them with. So he says, "and of the love which you [have and show] for all the saints (God's consecrated ones),".

You see, there is a thread running through Paul's messages that ties our faith in Christ Jesus to His power and transformation within us which is manifested in love. Love for God, and for one another, is the purpose of the power that He gives to us. This one verse may not convince all of us of this purpose, but the more we continue in the study the more prominent this theme will appear.

Let's end the study here and come back to verse 5 next time.

I love you.