Moving Toward Maturity
Through Jesus, all things are reconciled to God. That doesn’t mean that all will be saved but that all are now savable. A believer who continually pursues Christ will grow and move toward maturity in Him. But some believers who ignore their need to mature will remain stagnant and immature. Paul’s passion is one we can embrace too: to see every believer presented as mature before Jesus.
Review the breathtaking portrait of Christ found in Colossians 1:15-18. Continue that description by reading 1:19-20. What is meant by the word, “fullness?” Compare Col. 2:9.
Read the controversial passage in 1:21-23. Explain why the phrase, “if indeed you continue” (1:23) is not a requirement for eternal life. What is Paul most likely talking about?
Take a brief aside to look at the subject of the judgment seat of Christ. What is it? Read the following verses for insights: Rom. 14:10-12, 2 Cor. 5:9-10 and 1 Cor. 3:11-15. How does the concept of Christ’s judgment of believers relate to Col. 1:21-23?
Most of us work to avoid suffering at any cost. How does God use suffering in our progress toward maturity? Read Col. 1:24-25. Why could Paul rejoice in his sufferings?
Paul was a man of intense purpose. Read Col. 1:28-29. Summarize Paul’s purpose in life. It’s clear he wanted to see believers grow in their faith. Do you see any connection between these verses and Col. 1:21-23? Explain.
Take a moment to describe your desire to influence others for Christ. What does your influence of others look like in your practical experience of life?
Further Reading
Searching for the Generous Life
Just like modest investments can grow over time, our investment into God's kingdom generates growth and produces eternal dividends. The apostle Paul presented the Macedonian believers as an example of generous giving to the Corinthian church and to us. Let's explore...
Searching for Reconciliation
Confronting others concerning biblical/theological compromise is never easy or pleasant. Such encounters must be handled with sensitivity to the needs of others, directed by spiritual wisdom and the Scriptures, and guided by the Holy Spirit. Paul closed chapter two of...
Searching for Courage
On the surface, hearing God and following His commands seems straightforward. However, when God calls us to do something that generates fear in us and feels daunting, second-guessing His call becomes reasonable. Finding the courage to obey such a call is overwhelming....
Searching for the Abundant Life
Jesus explicitly explained his purpose when He said “…I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly” (Jn 10:10). He said similar things many times, and these ideas are repeated, over and over again, by those who wrote the New Testament. Yet many people,...
Searching for Real Friendship
Some relationships may imitate friendship, but there’s no substitute for the real thing. Exploring the relationship between David and Jonathan in the Bible, we’ll identify some distinguishing features of friendship that are often overlooked and discover how to infuse...