| Series | 1. Readings from Colossians |
|---|---|
| Theme | 1. Readings from Colossians - Faitauga mai le tusi o Kolose |
| Colour | Lanu Meamata |
Scripture Focus: Kolose 1:1-8
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which you have toward all the saints, because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the Good News, which has come to you; even as it is in all the world and is bearing fruit and growing, as it does in you also, since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth; even as you learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.
- Colossians 1:1-8 (WEB)
Study:
Paul and Timothy express their gratitude for the faith and love demonstrated by the believers in Colossae. This opening section highlights the foundational importance of a genuine faith rooted in the gospel – the “word of the truth of the Good News.” Paul’s thankfulness isn’t simply polite; it's a recognition of God’s work in their lives. Notice the imagery of the gospel “bearing fruit and growing” – a powerful indication of its vitality and transformative power. Epaphras, a key figure in the Colossian church, is commended for faithfully sharing their love in the Spirit, emphasizing the organic andSpirit-led nature of their faith.
Application:
This passage encourages us to examine our own faith. Is it a faith that produces fruit – evidence of changed lives and a commitment to loving others? Are we actively thankful for the faith of those around us and recognizing God’s active hand in their spiritual growth? Just as the gospel impacted the Colossians, we too are called to live out our faith authentically, allowing it to grow and spread through our words and actions. We can learn from Epaphras to be faithful witnesses and encouragers to others, sharing our experiences of God’s love.
Reflection Questions:
- What specific ways does your faith “bear fruit” in your daily life?
- How can you demonstrate more gratitude for the faith of other believers?
- Who is someone you can encourage in their faith, like Epaphras did for the Colossians?
- How does the gospel’s growth in your life reflect its spread worldwide?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of faith and the transformative power of the gospel. Help us to live lives that bear fruit, demonstrating your love and grace to all we encounter. Inspire us to be thankful for the faith of others and to be faithful witnesses of your truth. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Tags:Colossians, faith, love, gospel, fruitfulness, prayer, gratitude, Epaphras, Christian living, Bible study