Sharing The Gospel

Colossians 1:20–23
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If there is to be reconciliation between God and man, the initiative and action must come from God. These false teachers in Colosse said that the angels could in some way bring men closer to God. But it was only through the blood of Christ that peace was made between God and man (vv. 19-20). Religion is man seeking God; Christianity is God seeking man (II Corinthians 5:18-20).

The false teachers in Colosse had been trying to discredit Paul and cause doubts in the people’s minds. They were saying; “Why listen to a man who is in jail?” “Can you trust him?” These Colossian believers knew that even though Paul had not personally been to their town, it was his ministry in Ephesus that had led to the founding of their church. It was with this in mind that Paul reviewed for his readers their own spiritual experience.

These Gentiles in Colosse had been “actively hostile to God” (v. 21) as they worshiped false gods and performed religious rituals. It was God who took the initiative in His love and grace, to send His Son to the cross, that they could be brought to Him. People may continue to bring accusations against us, but they cannot change our relationship with God. The most important thing in our Christian lives is not how we look in our sight, or in the sight of others but how we look in God’s sight. Christ has reconciled you to God through His death, in order to present you holy and faultless and innocent in the Father’s presence (v. 22). You must stay deeply rooted and firm in your faith and you must not give up the hope you received when you heard the good news. Paul concludes by saying, it was preached to everyone on this earth, and I myself have become a servant of this message (v. 23).

Application

Just as God has forgiven me and reconciled me to Himself I need to forgive those who have hurt me.