In my last post, I finished my series on Paul’s Epistle to the Philippians. I’ve been systematically going through the New Testament in the order that the Holy Spirit revealed it to the church.
I started with the four foundational books – James, First Thessalonians, Galatians and Mark. The next thing on the Holy Spirit’s agenda was to inspire books that dealt with our personal walk with the Lord. These books include Second Thessalonians, First and Second Corinthians, Romans, and Luke.
After that, the Lord gave us books dealing with our corporate walk. We need to understand life as a church. These epistles are Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.
The end of the book of Acts finds the Apostle Paul standing trial at Rome. This was his first Roman imprisonment. It seems that he had his own apartment while under house arrest.
It was during this time that these books were written. They are also called the prison epistles. It probably gave Paul a lot of time reflect on what it means for the body of Christ to be a living organism. We’re not just a social organization.
In this post I’ll start the book of Colossians.
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints…
Colossians 1:1-4 NIV
Paul starts this letter with a commendation for the church. They’re obviously doing something right in their walk with the Lord.
The apostle says that he’s heard throughout the church community that the Colossians are known for their faith and love. That’s a big plus. Actually, it’s what we all should be striving for.
That’s because these two things, faith and love, are the two non-negotiables in the kingdom of God. Throughout the Scripture we see the command to have both of these in place.
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 NIV
It’s not just hard to serve God without faith – it’s impossible. Also, it’s not simply enough to believe in God. You have to grasp a faith that sees His way as the best way of life. There’s no way to please God without this kind of faith.
If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:2 NIV
Just as important, is love. The Bible makes it clear that even if you have faith, without love you are nothing. You must have love and faith working together to serve God acceptably.
That’s why Paul’s commendation of this church is so good. They’re operating as the body of Christ should be.
Question: How do you see faith and love at work in your Christian walk?
© 2023 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 