Colossians
Friday, July 16, 2004
My Prayer Today
Heavenly Father, as I come to the close of another week, I thank You for guiding and directing me through it. I praise You for Your written word, which makes it so clear that You and You alone are the means by which I may know the victory that Jesus purchased for me and for every believer with His blood on the cross. I pray that You will write these words on my heart that I may live boldly and confidently in Your power, the power of Your Holy Spirit, rather than seeking to live in my own power. Direct my thoughts, words and actions today that all that I am and all I do will bring You the glory and honor You deserve. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
God's Word For Me Today
Colossians 2:16-23
16So don't let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new-moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. 17For these rules were only shadows of the real thing, Christ himself. 18Don't let anyone condemn you by insisting on self-denial. And don't let anyone say you must worship angels, even though they say they have had visions about this. These people claim to be so humble, but their sinful minds have made them proud. 19But they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body. For we are joined together in his body by his strong sinews, and we grow only as we get our nourishment and strength from God. 20You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the evil powers of this world. So why do you keep on following rules of the world, such as, 21"Don't handle, don't eat, don't touch." 22Such rules are mere human teaching about things that are gone as soon as we use them. 23These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, humility, and severe bodily discipline. But they have no effect when it comes to conquering a person's evil thoughts and desires.
Reflecting on God’s Word
What is the most common source of self-condemnation in your life right now?
When was the last time you offered a word of encouragement or commendation to someone else?
A Deeper Exploration of God’s Word
What did you notice in this reading of today’s Scripture that you didn’t notice as you read it verse by verse through the week?
Understanding God’s Word
What is the “big picture” message of Colossians 2:16-23?
What do you learn about Jesus from this Scripture?
Applying God’s Word to Our Lives
What is the most important application of this Scripture to your life for today?
Thoughts...No Condemnation...
One of the most wonderful truths of Jesus’ Good News for our lives is that we no longer live with condemnation. The Apostle Paul makes it abundantly clear in this week’s Scripture that we are not to permit anyone to condemn us for not following certain rules and regulations of the Jewish law (or one would suppose of any religion), because our salvation doesn’t come from works, but rather through Jesus, and Jesus alone. The sooner we recognize this in our lives, the sooner we can live victoriously in Jesus! He died so we can live! He lives so we can live forever! We know these things in our minds, but all too often we forget to apply them to our daily lives. When someone calls us a name, or when we tempted to put ourselves down, because of a bad decision, or for whatever reason, we need to remember that Jesus came to give us life and to free us from condemnation. One of the best ways to experience that freedom from condemnation is to share words of encouragement and commendation with those around us—starting with our families. Sharing encouragement encourages us, too!