Author Archives: gonelikeashadowatevening

Bible, Eternity, Heirs, Inheritance, Qualifications, Scripture

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

COLOSSIANS 1:12

“joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.”

I have had a lot of different types of jobs over my 64 years of life. I had a lawn mowing business with my brother, Tim, when I was young. The qualifications for that job were simple. Know how to crank a mower and sweat, lol. I progressed to service station attendant where I learned how to service cars, change tires and work with customers. Over the years different jobs required different qualifications. Yet it always seemed that the Lord did the qualifying before the job arose.

Paul uses a Greek word for “has qualified” that is only used by him in the New Testament. He only uses it here and in 2 Corinthians 3:6 where he says, “who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.” The word is hikanoó which implies empowerment from an outside source for a particular role or assignment. God qualifies or makes us adequate. It is not something we can do ourselves.

APPLICATION

In today’s verse, God is qualifying us “to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” Wow! That sounds pretty exciting, doesn’t it? This inheritance is spoken of throughout the New Testament. In Romans 8:17 we read, “and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.”

1 Peter 1:4 says this, “and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,” John tells us in Revelation 21:7, “The one who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son.”

Three different writers saying the same thing. God has birthed us into His family, thus making us heirs with Christ in His kingdom light. We have been delivered from the domain of darkness. We will reign with Him eternally. And what qualifies us? Nothing we have done. He qualifies us through His Son. Once we receive Jesus as our Savior, we are qualified. We are His. He is ours. That is the highest qualification ever!

O Lord, thank You for qualifying me to be a part of Your eternal dynasty!

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Bible, Patience, Perseverance, Power, Scripture, Strength

STRENGTHENED FOR WHAT?

COLOSSIANS 1:11

“strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all perseverance and patience;” 

People lift weights and build muscle for a variety of reasons. Some do it to make their work easier. Others do it because they just enjoy working out. Still others do it to compete in muscle building contests. I know a few people in that latter category. They aren’t showboats or braggarts. They just love to compete, and this is their way of doing that. This type of training takes a lot of time. They have to persevere through pain and have to be patient as they see the results of their workouts.

Paul tells us today that we are to be “strengthened with all power.” Whose power? Well, Paul knew of only one source of true power – God. He prays for His power to strengthen us. The particular Greek word Paul uses here for “strengthened” is dunamoó. It “implies an infusion of strength or power, typically from an external source, such as God or the Holy Spirit, enabling individuals to perform tasks or endure situations beyond their natural capacity.” (Strong’s Lexicon) This particular form of this Greek word is only used twice in the New Testament. Here and also in Hebrews 11:34 referring to the faithful saints who were made strong in their weakness.

APPLICATION

How has the Lord strengthened you? Has He given you the strength to persevere through trials, to be patient in the midst of chaos? Think for just a minute about the last trial you went through. Maybe you are in one right now. As you pray about these trials, how does the Lord strengthen you? What does He say to you as you pour out your heart to Him?

The Greek word for “perseverance” means to be faithful under pressure. It means to trust in the promises of God, even though you cannot see a way out. It is total reliance on Him to see you through. You just keep putting one foot in front of another. It’s not blind faith because you know the one who is leading you. It’s patience in the midst of circumstances.

The word used for “patience” here is often translated as “long-suffering.” This word refers to patience with people. We all have people who can push our buttons, don’t we? That’s what this word is for. It can mean to show forbearance. It’s not just putting up with that person. It’s seeing them through God’s eyes and not our passion. Try that this week with family!

Who strengthens you? I think you know the answer to that. Trust His strength which is given to you as just the right time.

Father, strengthen me today so I can show perseverance and patience in my circumstances and towards others.

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Bible, Fruit, Growth, Pleasing, Scripture, Walking

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR JESUS

COLOSSIANS 1:10

“so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;” 

How much time did you spend Christmas shopping this year? Some people shop all year looking for that perfect gift for a loved one. Grandmas especially are good at that. They seem to always be on the lookout for a gift for a grandchild. That’s because they are always on her mind. Hmmm, how can we apply this to today’s verse?

In the previous verse, Paul had prayed for knowledge of God’s will for these believers. In today’s verse, we see why. He wants them to “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.” Isn’t that what every parent wants for their child? I know that is what I desire for my children and grandchildren. Once again, Paul further explains what he means by this.

APPLICATION

He wants the Colossian believers “to please Him in all respects.” The Greek word used here for “to please” is only used here in this verse. It means to be agreeable or accommodating. Paul wants them to walk only where Christ would walk. He wants them to do what only Christ would do, to say only what Christ would say. To be agreeable and accommodating to Christ in their daily lives.

He also wants them to bear “fruit in every good work.” We know what that means, don’t we? Fruit bearing is always for the benefit of others, not yourself. Paul desired that these believers bear fruit to help spread the gospel, to do good for those who need to hear the truth. I am sure the words of Jesus in John 15 were ringing through Paul’s ears as he wrote this.

And then Paul prayed they would be “increasing in the knowledge of God.” The Greek word for “increasing” has the idea of physical or spiritual growth. In either, it infers growing in size, getting bigger, getting stronger, just as a plant would grow in size and produce its fruit or grain.

Are you pleasing? Are you bearing? Are you increasing? If you are, you have just given Jesus the perfect gift this Christmas.

Father, help me please you, bear fruit and increase in the knowledge of You this Christmas Day.

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Bible, God's Will, Scripture, Understanding, Wisdom

ALL FILLED UP

COLOSSIANS 1:9

For this reason we also, since the day we heard about it, have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,” 

This time of the year being “all filled up” has the connotation of being stuffed with turkey, ham, cornbread dressing and pumpkin pie. When is the last time you ate until you were too full? I have learned as I have gotten older to limit what I eat at a meal. My wife and I often will split a meal when we go out to eat. We just don’t want to get “all filled up” and be uncomfortable.

Paul was not talking about eating in today’s verse when he said he was praying for these Colossian believers to “be filled.” No, he was asking the Father to fill them with “the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” That is a good filling. That is a filling worthy of seconds and thirds. That is a filling that we all need on a daily basis. Let’s break this down a bit.

APPLICATION

First, Paul prays they are filled with the knowledge of His will. The Greek word used here for “knowledge” is epignósis. Strong’s Lexicon states that it “refers to a deep, thorough, and precise knowledge. It implies a full understanding or discernment that goes beyond mere factual awareness. In the New Testament, it often denotes a spiritual or moral insight that is granted by God, particularly in the context of knowing Christ and His will.” In other words, Paul didn’t want them to know about God’s will. He wanted them to fully know God’s will.

Then he further defines his prayer. He wants that knowledge to include “all spiritual wisdom.” What does that mean? Paul gives a thorough teaching on God’s wisdom and worldly wisdom in 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. Let me just pull out one part of one verse. In verse 20, Paul says, “Has God not made foolish the wisdom of the world?” In today’s verse, Paul is praying for spiritual wisdom. He prayed specifically. We should too.

Finally, Paul prays for “spiritual…understanding.” Okay, this is where the application really begins. Paul is praying that they not only know God’s will and have godly wisdom, but that they also know how to apply this as mature believers. That’s the idea of this word “understanding.” It’s one thing to know something, but it’s another thing to know how to use that knowledge wisely. That is what Paul is praying. Again, we should pray for the same.

O Lord, give me that same spiritual wisdom and understanding of Your will for my life today.

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Bible, Holy Spirit, Information, Love, Scripture

INFORMER

COLOSSIANS 1:8

“and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit.”

In law enforcement people are often recruited as Confidential Informants. These are people who are usually involved in something illegal, are busted by the law and are “turned” to provide information about crimes. CIs are not the most trustworthy bunch. After all, they come out of the crime world themselves. They can, however, give information that can prevent future crimes or lead to the arrest of others.

Epaphras was NOT a CI. He was informing on the Colossian church to Paul while they were in prison together, but his news was not going to get anyone arrested. His information was going to give Paul joy. Look what he shared – their “love in the Spirit.” Now, that may not seem like much, but it was. These believers had learned to love as Christ loves. They were loving each other in the midst of potential persecution. They were there for each other. That must have truly warmed Paul’s heart.

APPLICATION

Paul didn’t always get good news about churches. In 1 Corinthians 1:11 we read, “For I have been informed concerning you, my brothers and sisters, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you.” How embarrassing! Don’t you think these believers were made to feel ashamed when they received this letter from Paul. You may be required at some point to share some less than flattering news about a brother or sister in Christ, in order to protect them and the church. Weigh that decision heavily. Seek godly counsel before doing so.

Do you know who else informs us of things? Jesus! Look at 2 Peter 1:14. “knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.” Jesus still speaks to us – if we are listening. He will reveal to us or inform us of things we need to know. That make come in a variety of ways – prayer, Bible study, other believers, quiet listening or circumstances. So, stay tuned in to His frequency to get your daily reports, lol.

What do you want to know about God? Ask Him! He’s not keeping secrets from us. He may not reveal everything to you at once. That’s how it’s been in my life. He usually gives it to me piece by piece because He knows how much I can handle. He may give you a bigger chunk. God wants to share with you His plans for your life. Once you ask and receive, do what He says. Amen? Amen!

O Lord, I can rely on the truth of Your information. All You speak is truth.

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Bible, Bondslaves, Prison, Scripture, Servant, Suffering

CELLMATES

COLOSSIANS 1:7

“just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf,” 

What would be your first four words to your best friend if you both woke up to find yourselves in jail? Mine would be “What did you do?” Knowing my friends, I am sure they did something to get us there. It certainly could not have been me. Right? We always want to blame someone else for our circumstances. Well, most of the time, we are the guilty party.

In today’s verse, Paul shares about his cellmate, Epaphras. All we know about Epaphras is found in three verses in the New Testament. Here is one. Paul calls him “our beloved fellow bond-servant” and “a faithful servant of Christ.” Not too shabby of a description. I would be happy being known as that kind of person. Wouldn’t you? One day I am sure we will get to talk to Epaphras in heaven and hear the whole story.

APPLICATION

How can you be like Epaphras? Can you emulate his reputation in your own life? We learn from Colossians 4:12 a little more about him. “Epaphras, who is one of your own, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings, always striving earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God.” Epaphras was a praying man. He was interceding for these Colossian believers even while he was in prison with Paul.

In Philemon 1:23 we learn this. “Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,” Paul identifies Epaphras as his fellow prisoner. Epaphras has obviously come to visit Paul and got caught up in his arrest. He was willing to suffer alongside Paul. He didn’t run away when things got tough. That speaks a lot about his character, as well.

Maybe Paul’s first four words to Epaphras in jail were “What would Jesus do?” Maybe Paul is responsible for the first WWJD bracelet, made from prison shackles. Epaphras embraced his calling as a servant of Christ. Tradition says he became the Bishop of the Colossian church. I would not be surprised if that was true. We’ll have to ask him about that one day.

Father, give me the boldness and tenacity of Epaphras to do whatever I am required for Your kingdom.

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Abundance, Bible, Fruit, God's Will, Gospel, Scripture, Unfruitful

FRUIT BEARING

COLOSSIANS 1:6

“which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth;” 

Trees that don’t bear fruit often meet a fatal end. The farmers can’t afford to have a tree take up valuable land and nutrients if isn’t producing fruit. There are so many stories in the Bible about fruit bearing. Jesus told several Himself. In Luke 13:6-9, Jesus tells this parable. “6 And He began telling this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and did not find any. 7 And he said to the vineyard-keeper, “Look! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?” 8 But he answered and said to him, “Sir, leave it alone for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer; 9 and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.”’”

The Greek word Paul uses for “bearing fruit” is karpophoreó. Strong’s Lexicon says karpophoreó “is often used metaphorically to refer to the visible results or outcomes of a person’s life or actions, particularly in a spiritual or moral context. The term implies productivity and the manifestation of inner qualities or virtues.” Just as God expected Israel to bear fruit (the image of the fig tree in the parable), He expects us to do the same.

APPLICATION

But Carl, I’m not a preacher. Nobody said you had to be a preacher to bear fruit. Our verse today says the gospel will itself bear fruit, if we will just share it. You don’t win a soul to heaven. God does through the Holy Spirit. You are simply the tool He has chosen to use. If you didn’t realize it already, God still uses people to accomplish His will.

This word karpophoreó is used eight times in the New Testament. Four times it is used in the Gospels (Matthew 13:23; Mark 4:20, 28; Luke 8:15) where Jesus is telling the parable of the sower. Paul uses it twice in Romans (7:4, 5) referring to the battle between law and grace producing fruit for life or death. Then finally we have the last two occurrences in Colossians (1:6, 10). We will see verse 10 in a few days.

Why am I telling you all this? Because fruit bearing is important. Take a minute and read John 15. Look at how the vine and branches are meant to produce fruit. We are the branches designed by God to produce fruit for His kingdom. Share the gospel. Share His Word. Tell someone about Jesus this Christmas season and watch how God will produce the fruit.

Forgive me Father, for not being more bold in witnessing about Jesus. Use me to produce fruit for Your kingdom.

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Bible, Heaven, Promises, Reserved, Scripture

STORED UP

COLOSSIANS 1:5

“because of the hope reserved for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel” 

My dad was a storer. What does that mean? That means he didn’t throw anything away. He always said, “I might need that one day.” Every extra screw, bolt, nut, tool in his workroom testified to that when he died. The sad thing was he had to leave it all behind. None of those earthly things were needed in heaven. Storing worldly possessions doesn’t really matter, in the long run.

Paul tells his audience to remember the hope that is stored up for them in heaven. What a glorious thought. The Greek word for “reserved” is apokeimai. Strong’s Lexicon says this about this word.  It “conveys the idea of something being set aside or reserved for future use. It often implies a sense of security or assurance that what is laid up will be available when needed. In the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to describe treasures or rewards that are stored up for believers in heaven.” Don’t you just love that?

APPLICATION

This word is only used four times in the New Testament. Let’s take a look at a couple of other uses. In 2 Timothy 4:8 we read, “in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” That crown of righteousness is waiting for me. The Lord stored it up for us. He’s watching it. What a promise!

In Hebrews 9:27, the writer says, “And just as it is destined for people to die once, and after this comes judgment,” It has been said that there are two absolutes in the world – death and taxes. Death is assured. We will all die, unless Christ returns before you die. Your death is “stored” up and waiting on you. Are you ready? I am. I am not planning on going any time soon, but if death comes ringing my door, I will gladly open it.

Listen, there are some things that are promised to you by God. And if God makes a promise, you can be sure it will happen. God does not make empty promises. Paul tells the believers that there is hope stored up for them in heaven. Do you have that hope? I pray you do. It is only accessible through Jesus. Come to Him.

O Lord, thank You for watching over all those things You have promised me.

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Accountability, Bible, Encouragement, Faith, Gossip, Scripture

DID YOU HEAR ABOUT…?

COLOSSIANS 1:4

“since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints;” 

The old kudzu vine spreads rumors and gossip faster than a bird after a June bug. How’s that for a Southern expression, lol. Do you know what kudzu is? It is a plant that was originally brought into the U.S. to help control erosion. It quickly took off and now covers a lot of the landscape in the South. It can completely bury a structure and climb and eventually kill a tree. It reportedly can grow up to four inches a day in the right conditions. But it bears no fruit. It only destroys. Gossip can spread just as fast.

Paul wasn’t talking about the kudzu vine (or the grape vine, if you prefer that expression). He had sent Epaphras there to bring back news of how they were progressing in their faith. In verses 7-8 (which we will look at in a few days), we see this. “7 just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, 8 he also informed us of your love in the Spirit.” What a great report!

APPLICATION

How do you talk about fellow believers? Do you share how well they are doing in their walk with Jesus, or do you share rumors of how they have messed up? Scripture is pretty clear about not spreading rumors. In 2 Corinthians 12:20, Paul rebukes the Corinthian church against this. “For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.”

Not only there but look at Proverbs 11:13 (NIV). “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” Also in Proverbs 18:8, we read, “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts.” So, it is clear that when we talk about others, it should not be hurtful or harmful words. We are to build each other up, like Epaphras did the Colossae believers.

Hold your tongue and do not sin, just like Job did in Job 2:10. Even though he was going through severe persecution, it says he did not sin with his lips. Can you do the same? If you don’t have something good to say, don’t say anything at all. We’ve all been told that a time or two, haven’t we? Give good reports!

Father, guard my mouth and help me to speak only good of my fellow believers.

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Answers, Bible, Hearing, Intercession, Prayer, Scripture

ALWAYS PRAYING

COLOSSIANS 1:3

“We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,”

How many times have you told someone, “I will pray for you,” or “I’ll remember you in my prayers”? Then you go home and totally forget all about it. I have learned when I am asked to pray for someone to do it right then, either out loud with the person or in my heart. I know how forgetful I am. I will forget who it was or what it was I was praying for. It doesn’t take much time. And if you do it right then, that person knows you take prayer seriously.

Paul tells his fellow believers in Colossae that he is “praying always” for them. I bet that was not the first time Paul had told them that. They knew Paul was a man of prayer. They knew Paul had modeled prayer for others to them. They could trust this statement and knew he was praying for them, even while he was in prison (his first imprisonment).

APPLICATION

How do you model this for others? Well, I told you what I do, but you may choose another way. You may want to make a note in your phone or in a journal. I do both of these, as well. I meet with different men’s groups and keep a list of prayer requests. Then when I am having my daily prayer time, I can pull these out and pray for them by name.

Let me encourage you to do that – pray for them by name. Generic prayers are good. All prayers are good, but when you call that person’s name and intercede for them, you are being specific in your prayers. We are told in Philippians to present our prayers and petitions before the Lord (Phil. 4:6-7). That Greek for “petitions” is used to describe prayers that are specific and fervent, often in the context of seeking divine intervention or assistance.

Don’t be shy about your prayers. God can handle all you give Him. In fact, He is waiting for them. He wants to hear them. He wants to answer them. By praying for others, you are building your own faith in prayer. Intercede for others as often as you can and watch the God of the universe work in and through you.

Father, I know You hear my prayers for others. Answer according to Your perfect will.

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