to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you, the hope for glory. It is he whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. Colossians 1:27-28 NABRE
Paul is writing to the community at Colossae, a predominantly Gentile community. The story of scripture is God choosing a people that would be the elect to give witness to all others. God chooses Israel to set in motion a plan of redemption that would include everyone. Paul is the Apostle to the Gentiles, and he is feeling blessed that God chose him for this mission. In this quoted verse we see Paul proclaiming that he was who God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles. Mystery here is expressing something that has been planned by God from the beginning of God’s conversation with humanity in scripture but has been hidden. Paul is revealing this mystery. Paul proclaims that the Messiah of Israel has been sent to all the Gentiles. Paul writes, “Christ in you” so the reader may fully realize that Christ is dwelling in them and has been empowering them to love one another, overcome social barriers, forgive injuries and place other’s first as Jesus did in His life. Paul goes on to include in his goal holiness, we are challenged to lead people to faith, baptism, and church membership (which has been accomplished at Colossae) but also perfection of holiness. We are meant to constantly grow closer to Christ so we may become more Christ-like.
Christ is the gift of life and love, given to the world so we may know the love that God has for us all. We are all challenged to be like Christ so that the world may know of God’s love through us.
Do you try to grow in perfection toward Christ? Do you put others first?
Christ is the gift of life and love, given to the world so we may know the love that God has for us all. We are all challenged to be like Christ so that the world may know of God's love through us. Click To Tweet#bible’#godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #perfect #holy #Paul #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray #prayer #goodnews #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways