EMPTY PHILOSOPHIES
Colossians 2:5-10
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers 2 Timothy 4:3
The world today is filled with different philosophies and ideologies even of biblical teachings. Some Bible teachers in a bid to sound ‘deep’ and wow their audience go to unscriptural lengths to interpret the teachings of God. Paul’s warning is just as relevant today as it was when he wrote it. In our modern age, countless ideologies and philosophies are vying for our attention and allegiance. Many of these systems of thought are devoid of any real substance or truth.
As believers, we must be vigilant to guard against being taken captive by these empty philosophies. We must hold fast to the truth of Christ and rely on His wisdom to guide us. This means being discerning in our thinking, and carefully evaluating any ideas that are presented to us to ensure that they are in line with the truth of God’s Word and that discernment is actualized by the person of the Holy Spirit. Without the knowledge of God’s word, it is oftentimes difficult to differentiate falsehood from the truth. Thus, we must equip ourselves richly with the word of God. Daily bible study can not be overemphasized. Do not buy the temptation of replacing the scripture with Christian literature. We must know the scriptures before studying Christian literature. The scriptures help us discern the truth, even in Christian literature.
Prayer
Lord, give me the grace to study Your word in order to discern the truth from falsehood. Amen.
LIBERTY IN CHRIST
Colossians 2:9-15
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage Galatians 5:1
The word liberty refers to the state of being free. In today’s text, Paul highlights the freedom that we have in Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Christ has freed us from the power of sin and death. He has cancelled the record of our debt of sin and has reconciled us to God. This freedom means that sin cannot have dominion over us anymore. It is therefore a lie from the devil when he makes a child of God feel that he is bound to a negative habit or lifestyle. The first and most important step to this freedom is to know that you are not a slave to sin anymore. As believers, we should live in the freedom that Christ has won for us. We no longer have to be enslaved to sin or bound by guilt and shame.
Instead, we can walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, living lives that are pleasing to God. Liberty in Christ is not freedom to live our lives without control. Rather it is living in the newness of Christ. Yes, we are free from sin, but also, we are now slaves to Christ and righteousness. Thus, we must obey our Master in all things. It is possible to walk in the liberty of Christ and you can start today.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to be conscious of the liberty I have in Christ. Amen.
CALLED TO LIVE A WORTHY LIFE
Colossians 1:8-14
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light. 1 Peter 2:9
It is one thing to be saved, and another to live a Christ-like life. In today’s meditation, apostle Paul prayed for the brethren at Colosse, praying that they might walk worthy of the Lord. God called us to live as a people who have been rescued from the kingdom of darkness, into the kingdom of light. Living worthy to the Lord involves bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, and being strengthened with all power. We too can strive to live a life that is pleasing to God and be fruitful for his kingdom.
How? You might ask. It is possible through prayers, daily study of God’s word and putting into practice all that the scripture commands us. The Christian life is meant to be a progressive one. We can end up being stagnant if we don’t place importance on growth. We are called to a new life that has its ways and principles. We ought to abide by these principles for us to grow. These principles are found in the scriptures. Daily ask God to help you live a life worthy of our calling. Sincerely make efforts to grow in faith.
Prayer
Dear Lord, help me to live a life worthy of my calling. Amen.
CHRIST IS SUPREME
Colossians 1:15-20
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name. Philippians 2:9
Most people know Jesus mainly as the saviour of the world. As much as this is true, that is not His only attribute. From today’s scripture reading, some other attributes of Jesus were outlined. Some of these include: He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, the creator of all things that are in heaven and on earth, that are visible and invisible, be it thrones, dominions or powers, Jesus created them all, He existed before all things, nothing exists without Him. We could go on and on to list out the many attributes of Jesus Christ. This only points to one central truth, Jesus is supreme! He is above everything and everyone.
Having this knowledge assures us that if Jesus is supreme and we have Him in us, then there’s nothing the devil can do to hurt us or our loved ones. It also gives us the boldness and confidence to overcome the devil and his devices. Christ’s supremacy is undisputed and no challenge or circumstance can prove otherwise. No matter how huge or terrifying it may be, the supremacy of Christ always prevails. As you about your daily activities, have this assurance that you have the supreme one (Christ) in you.
Prayer
Lord, I reverence your supremacy. Help me to be conscious of Your presence in my life. Amen.
JESUS, THE IMAGE OF THE INVISIBLE GOD
Colossians 1:15-20
who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Hebrews 1:3
From the time Yahweh (God) revealed himself to man, man has always not been able to see him physically. We can only understand his attributes through his word. God however desires that we all be like his image. In the beginning, when God set out to create man, He used the words “Let us make man in our image” (Genesis 1:26). This project was accomplished in Adam. However, when man chose to disobey God in the Garden of Eden, man fell from that image and God set out to restore man to that image again through His son Jesus (Romans 8:29).
Jesus is our only hope of ever conforming to the image of God again. He modelled a life on earth that was sinless and perfect, making him our ultimate example that every believer in Christ should look to if they ever desire to be who God made them to be. We can learn to be like Jesus from his words throughout the scriptures. Also, fellowshipping with him in prayers makes us more like Christ. The result of this is described by Paul in 2 Corinthians 3:18 “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” Do you desire to be more like God? Jesus is your answer. Follow his steps today.
Prayer
Lord, I desire to be like you. Help me to daily yoke myself to Christ and learn from him. Amen.
CHRIST IN ME
Colossians 1: 24-29
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20
In today’s scripture reading, apostle Paul revealed a mystery unto us. He wrote, “The mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:26-27). The mystery that Paul refers to is the reality of Christ living in us through the Holy Spirit. This is the hope of glory, the assurance that we will one day be transformed into the likeness of Christ and be with Him forever.
As believers, we have the privilege of living in union with Christ. Through the Holy Spirit, Christ dwells in us. Guiding us, empowering us, and transforming us. We can experience the fullness of Christ in us by abiding in Him, walking in obedience to His commands, and relying on His strength. Christ will not force himself or his will on us. We must choose to be daily yoked to him and learn from him. Just like Paul, we must daily crucify our lives and allow Christ to live in us. Do you have Christ in you? Are you yoked with Christ? Choose today to walk with Jesus and you will see that hope come alive in you.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to daily abide in Christ and yield to his instructions. Amen.
SOURCE OF WISDOM
Colossians 2: 1-5
But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30
In today’s world, wisdom is synonymous with philosophies, universities and colleges, astrology etc. But rarely do we associate being wise with being in Christ. Contrary to the opinion of the world, in today’s scripture reading, Paul encourages believers to grow in their understanding and knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ. Paul highlights the fact that in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. We see this practically in the lives of men like Daniel and Joseph who interpreted dreams by God’s wisdom and brought deliverance to their kingdoms and the world at large.
As believers, we have access to this wisdom and knowledge through Christ. Through His teachings, we can gain a deep understanding of God’s character, purposes, and plans. As we study the Word of God and seek to apply it to our lives, we can grow in wisdom and knowledge, gaining insight into how to live in a way that pleases God. Are you in a fix and confused? Do you seek direction and guidance in any area of your life? Jesus is the answer. His wisdom is available to as many that desire it. There is no true wisdom anywhere else, except in Jesus. Accept Jesus today and enjoy his manifold wisdom.
Prayer
Lord, fill me with true wisdom that comes from Christ. Amen.
English 
French