Colossians 4

Continuing the topic of how we are to treat one another from chapter 3, Paul tells those who have authority over workers to deal with them fairly. He also mentions that when dealing with those outside the church, it is best to seek wisdom and speak with grace.

Those in positions of authority must be careful not to wield it with a heavy hand. God treats us with grace and compassion, so we should show the same to anyone who may be subject to us in whatever way. When talking to non-Christians, we must remember not to come from a place of superiority, but as one who was once lost. It is God who makes us holy - not to elevate us above others, but to draw closer to Him and offer others the same opportunity.

Colossians 3

Paul instructed his readers to keep their minds on the good and righteous things in life, not the selfish, immoral things. Because of our relationship with Christ, we ought to love others and be at peace with them. In our family life, we should love and support one another and obey our parents. In the workplace, we should obey those in authority over us and perform our work to glorify God.

Christ calls us to a higher life. Because of Him, we can live a life without bitterness and resentment. Loving others and caring for them may not be the easiest thing in the world, but it is more fulfilling than the alternative. God made us to receive His love and to love others. We feel good when we fulfill our purpose. Part of loving others is respecting authority and submitting ourselves to those who have been put into positions of authority. We can't be loving towards others and still insist on having things our own way.

Colossians 2

Paul wrote that we should be rooted in Jesus so we won't be deceived by the made up religions of man that sound wise at first, but ultimately just wind up taking our eyes off of Jesus. Jesus did everything that needed to be done by dying on the cross and rising from the dead. If we are united to Him, there is nothing more that can be added to make us right with God.

Most false religions seem to make sense on the surface. If they didn't, no one would follow them. However, when the curtain is pulled back they always fall apart. This is because they aren't based on the truth of Christ. There is no other way than Jesus. Don't let anyone tell you anything different.

1 Colossians 1

Paul wrote that Jesus is the visible incarnation of the invisible God. All things were made through Him and for Him. He is the head of the church and has redeemed us through His sacrifice on the cross. He has reconciled us to God and brought us out of our evil ways.

Without Jesus, we are left to our base desires. On our own, we give in to our human nature and can never measure up to God's standard of perfection. But through Christ, who made all things, we can be made holy and pure before God so that He will accept us. Jesus alone has the power to reconcile us to God.