Dan’s Bible Fellowship Class

As I began reading Colossians this morning, I was struck by the fervor of Paul in writing to this church.  He writes words of encouragement, but does so in a very strong, emphatic tone.  He writes in such strong voice because he’s very concerned for the church that it not fall into deceptive teaching.  I understand that there was a report of  teaching that Jesus was not God Himself, that He was just one of many emanations from God, and that there was a secret higher that Scripture which must be understood for enlightenment and salvation.

 What struck me this morning is the “call to arms” Paul gave.

 He calls the church to not accept less than the pure truth that they were given.  He calls the church to live in a way that honors God.  Of course this would necessarily include rejection of any teaching or belief that diminishes the deity of Christ.

Then in chapter 2, God spoke to me, as I read, “As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.”  Colossians 2:6.

Perhaps Paul has stirred up my spirit into a furor.  Perhaps I just needed a bright line to go against, to define my day.  Verse 6 gives it to me; “so walk in Him.” 

I recall vividly the day I received Jesus Christ as my Savior, my Lord.  All anxiety was taken from me, as if I now had a power that was beyond me.  I remember how confident I was in the promises I’d read in God’s Word.  I remember how excited I was that I was redeemed.

 When Paul tells me to “walk” in the same way as I “received Christ Jesus the Lord,” he is reminding me that I can no longer settle for walking in my strength.  I can no longer wallow in defeat just because I’m in the midst of struggles.  I am called to, and I’m entitled to, walk in the way in which I “received Christ Jesus the Lord.”

 Great words:  what do they mean?

• My joy comes from knowing Christ and trusting in His power and might, not mine
• My strength emanates from my reliance on His righteousness
• My view of the challenges of the day, must be against the backdrop of the promises given to me in the Scripture
• My days can be filled with joy
• My view of the world is based upon the truth contained in the Word, not on another’s teachings or preaching
• My Lord is acting as an intercessor for me every moment
• My daily life will glorify Christ if I keep my eyes on Him, rather than on illusory goals or milestones

 Today, as I face the challenges of the day, I will continually remember this challenge that I should “so walk in Him.”