Collosians 1:1-8, "To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ &#…

To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ 

Collosians 1:1-8, 2023-0903, 

An anonymous church member wrote the following: "When I was weary, the Bible became my resting place. When it was dark, the Bible became my light. When I was hungry, the Bible became my manna. When I was afraid, the Bible became my weapon. When I worked, the Bible became my guide. When I praised, the Bible became my instrument..."

This autumn, as you read the Bible, I hope it becomes your confession when you encounter the words: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105).

Today, we looked at Colossians chapter 1, starting with a simple greeting: "To the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ..."

If it were our letter, we would write, "To the faithful fellow believers in the Lord." It seems that in the Colossian church, there were faithful and good saints like Philemon or Epaphras, who were influenced by the Apostle Paul. They seem to have gone to the Colossian region and started house churches, supporting Paul's mission.

Collaboration in missions and relief is something we must strive for, then as well as now. It would have been even more challenging 2000 years ago. When the Apostle Paul thinks of these Colossian saints, he sends heartfelt greetings: "Grace and peace to you from God!"

Grace (Karis) means "grace," and grace is the gift of blessedness that is given. Eirene means "peace." We wish for you the most necessary blessings. And from verse 3, he gives a word of thanks: "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ when we pray for you.“

Do we have a thankful heart whenever we think of someone? The Apostle Paul had such a heart. In verses 4-5, he continues: "Because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love you have for all God's people..."

What do we see when the church is truly the church, and believers are truly believers? It is when believers are filled with faith and love. When the church is faithful and believers are loving, that is what makes the church truly the church.

When a believer has faith and love, they are recognized and respected for their integrity and authenticity as believers. Jesus also said to the centurion with such faith (Matthew 8), "I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith." With faith, we serve God; our faith is a way of connecting with God. It means that we believe that we can approach God in any way, even with a mustard seed-sized faith.

Think about it. If I had to connect with a powerful person, how little would I hold onto the line? God's authority cannot be compared to worldly authority. He holds the line of our eternal life. With faith, we are connected to God, and we are connected to each other in love. Just as we believe in and love God, we live by loving and caring for each other. That is what Paul is thankful for - the love he receives.

In today's message, another reason for Paul's thanksgiving is that the saints have a full understanding of the hope of heaven (verse 5). They live with the hope in Jesus Christ. Living with the hope of Jesus Christ is like what the book of Hebrews says, "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess." (Hebrews 10:23) If hope weakens and disappears, the heart is shaken, anxiety enters life, discouragement enters, and eventually, despair may come.

Why does our mind waver? The theologian Henry Nouwen says, "The problem of life is always that 'it is never completely filled while it seems to be full.' People are busy living, but inside, there are worries, depression, and loneliness because the heart is 'never completely filled.' That's why she calls modern people 'worrying people.'"

Therefore, let's strive to live with unwavering hope in Jesus Christ as we share today's message. Fill your heart with the gospel of Jesus Christ, stand firm in faith in God, and live with the love of Jesus Christ. This is the faith and life of a saint. Let's start this week with faith, love, and hope, just like Paul's thanksgiving.

(Rev. Lee)