What Happened?

It is not what a car looks like on the outside that counts - what matters is what is "under the hood." In Colossians 2 the Apostle Paul is detailing the changes that have come through regeneration.  Those who have come to faith in Christ are fundamentally changed - and those changes should make a big difference in how they navigate life.

The Mystery of Christ

Everyone loves a mystery.  But some people suggest that there are secret mysteries about Christ that only they can solve. According to them, there are higher truths and greater levels of wisdom and knowledge and only they have the secret key to understanding.

Paul warns the Colossians about false teachers like this. The mystery of Christ is rich, but it is available to anyone who will study God's revelation in the Bible.

New In Christ

The apostle Paul had heard about a group of new believers in Colossae whose lives had been changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ.  He was "tied up" at the time (in a Roman prison), but since he couldn't visit them - he wrote them a letter instead.  Here he gives them a thorough orientation to their new faith in Jesus Christ.

True Blessing

The Hebrew believers were struggling.  As Christians they were facing persecution.  They had lost jobs, faced arrest and beatings and the looting of their property.  They were tempted to turn in some other direction that might provide an easier path.

The author has encouraged them that Christ is far superior in every way to every possible alternative. He has sternly warned them that turning back is not really an option for true Christians.  Now he calls on them to recognize the source of true blessing in their lives.

Climbing Higher

The Hebrew believers are feeling tired and discouraged about their discipleship.  They are tempted to give up.  But the author encourages them.  He doesn't tell them that it will be easy, but he reminds them of the resources they have that will help them to continue following Christ with renewed energy.

Life With Christ

Those who put their faith in Christ are described in the Bible as "new creatures in Christ" and "alive from the dead."  We have been rescued from the dominion of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of God's dear son. We have been identified with the death of Christ for our sins and now we are to live with Christ in "newness of life."

What does that look like?  Is it complicated?  What should we do?

Hebrews 13:1-6 reveals that our life with Christ shows up particularly in our relationships.

God Has Spoken

There is no doubt that God has spoken. The question is, what will you do about it?