Verse of the Day 11/1
Colossians 1:13-14 God rescued us from the dark power of Satan and brought us into the kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who forgives our sins and sets us free. Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Our men's Bible study group will be starting a new study in the book of Colossians and today's verses come from that first study. Last week, we finished a study in 1 & 2 Peter and Peter's final words to his readers, including us today, were as follows:
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. English Standard Version (ESV)
The situation in Colossae was not a good one at the time of his writing, the city was in a state of decline since it's glory days in the 5th century B.C. Trade routes had been rerouted through nearby Laodicea and other nearby cities. It was not a time of optimism for the people receiving the letter. I'm sure that there were a lot people who were telling doom and gloom scenarios for them and their city.
Today, we are a couple of days away from our presidential election and no matter what happens; with such a tight race; the country is pretty evenly split, meaning that no matter who wins have the country will be left wondering what is going to happen. The candidates haven't help matters much with both sides predicting doom and gloom should the other candidate win. Today's verses and short passage below, tell us that we don't have to be overcome by "dark thoughts" because our hope is in a risen Savior who has forgiven our sins and set us free from the powers of Satan, no matter what.
Similar to what Peter had to say to his readers, Paul echos a similar sentiment about growing in "grace and knowledge" of the Lord when he wrote in verses 9-12:
Colossians 1:9b-12 We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.
11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy,[a] 12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. New Living Translation (NLT)
| 1 | Living for Jesus a life that is true, |
|
| O Jesus, Lord and Savior, |
| 2 | Living for Jesus who died in my place, |
| 3 | Living for Jesus wherever I am, |
| 4 | Living for Jesus through earth's little while, |
May we do our best to "grow in the grace and knowledge of Him" and help others, weary of the world events around them, to find rest and peace and joy in Him.
-- In Christ, Mike Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. NIV
Colossians 1:9-14 English Standard Version (ESV)
9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks[a] to the Father, who has qualified you[b] to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
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