From Darkness to His Kingdom
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. ~ Colossians 1:13-14
Do you remember when you got the kind of news that changes everything? You know the kind of news I mean? When you realized that Christ had come to earth, that He died for your sins, that He rose from the dead, that He is coming back to take you to be with Him forever. Paul calls that “the word of the truth, the gospel” (Colossians 1:5). That word got to Colossae, and it got to work. It started bearing fruit and growing. That is always the result when someone hears and receives the grace of God.
Paul gives God thanks that their faith and love for all the saints were coupled with the hope that is laid up in heaven (Colossians 1:4-5). Paul is not writing to pump up. Paul is setting a marker. Faith anchors you to Christ, love extends you to others, and hope pulls your eyes up to eternity. Your faith should reflect His reality. In a world wallowing in cynicism and chaos, there are three marks of those who belong to Christ.
Paul does not stop at giving thanks to God. He is on his knees praying that believers would be “filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him” (Colossians 1:9-10). This is not merely theory. This is on-the-ground action. If the true knowledge of God has transferred you from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son, if you are truly in Christ, then you do not live like you are still in darkness. You walk differently. You bear fruit. You grow deeper in the knowledge of God.
And Paul says the good news that changes everything is this: “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14). That is not merely a future hope. This is a present reality. You are no longer subject to Satan’s rule and reign. You are now in the kingdom of Christ. You are a member of His household. You have been redeemed by His blood. Live like it.
Paul is lifting our eyes up even higher when he says about Jesus: “He is the image of the invisible God…by Him all things were created…in Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:15-17). In other words, He is not simply a helper. Christ is the Creator. He is the Sustainer. He is the Center of the universe. The One who holds galaxies together will hold your life together when it seems like it is coming apart at the seams.
So, the question is: are you walking like someone who has been rescued? Are you letting His power strengthen you for “all endurance and patience with joy” (Colossians 1:11)? Are you giving thanks because the Father has “qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light” (Colossians 1:12)?
Faith in Christ, love for His people, hope in heaven, and a life that is worthy of the One who has saved you. This is not just Paul’s prayer for the Colossians. This is God’s call to you today.
Jeremiah 2:31-4:18
Colossians 1:1-17
Psalm 76:1-12
Proverbs 24:21-22
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New Testament: Colossians 1:1-17
Summary:
Thanksgiving and Prayer
The Preeminence of Christ
Overview: Colossians – Click Here
Dr. J. Vernon McGee – Thru the Bible
J Vernon Mcgee – Thru the Bible
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