TUESDAY March 8, 2022
Alienated Enemies
And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.
Colossians 1:21-23
False teachers in Colosse caused doubts in the minds of the Colossian believers, saying that Paul was an illegitimate apostle. In writing his letter, Paul no doubt realized the situation and knew that the Colossians needed to know they could trust him. Paul understood his calling and paused his discourse to give words of explanation of his sincere intent for them. He had exalted Jesus Christ, and they could perceive that Paul loved Jesus Christ, and that he wanted the same for them––to have a love for Jesus.
Paul explained three different aspects of his ministry to the Colossians; his call to share the Gospel, his suffering for the Gentiles’ sake, and his stewardship in striving for their care and maturity in Christ. Paul first began to unfold who they were before they came to Christ––separated from God. They were enemies of God because of the wicked works they used to do––just like us.
Our sinful actions were committed against God––all our cussing, cheating, stealing, drunkenness and fornication––all the works of the flesh. We did not know God. People who are addicted and enslaved to drugs and alcohol have to admit, “Yes, I have a problem. I am a sinner. I need help!” If they reach out to Christ, He will touch their lives.
As a sinner, I reached out to Christ. People saw the drastic change in my life. They wondered about my zealousness for Him. When a person becomes reconciled to God though Jesus, their lives are transformed!
The Bible was not given for our information but for our transformation.
~D.W. Moody~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
