Jeff Englund

December 10, 2024December 10, 2024

Colossians 2:6 – Jesus as Lord

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him …

Summary: Accepting Jesus as Lord is important, but Paul challenges us to think about our relationship with Jesus and what it means for our lives.

I love the way Paul writes! His words sound simple and pleasing to the ear, yet when we look at them in detail, there is a vast expanse of meaning behind them.

Take today’s passage, for example:

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him …” (Colossians 2:6)

Paul tells us to live our lives in Jesus “just as you received [him] as Lord.”

What does that mean?

December 9, 2024December 9, 2024

Colossians 2:5c – Good Fruit

…and how firm your faith in Christ is.

Summary: A firm faith in Christ results in good fruit for the Kingdom of God. Jesus is the reason for our faith and the source of everything good.

There is a passage in John that comes to mind as I read Paul’s final words in verse five. In it, Jesus says:

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

In this quote from the Lord, Jesus explains how faith works. If this were “Three Second Bible” instead of “Three Minute Bible,” I would stop here. But it’s not. So, in the remaining two minutes and fifty-seven seconds, let’s take a closer look at what Jesus says.

December 7, 2024December 8, 2024

Colossians 2:5b – Pleasing Jesus

… and delight to see how disciplined you are …

Summary: Words often can be used in more than one way. The word “discipline” is one of those words. Paul is not thinking of external discipline, but the kind that flows naturally from a loving heart.

One definition of the word “disciplined” might be “Doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done.” That is a rather gentle definition and one that Paul might have liked. Another definition he might have liked is that being disciplined is like “knowing your place.”

When people of faith are disciplined, they work together without complaint. Each person is content, knowing that they are part of the body of Christ, and following the Spirit’s lead. The “feet” do not wish they were a “hand,” and the “hands” do not complain because they are not “eyes” (1 Corinthians 12:12-26).

December 6, 2024December 6, 2024

Colossians 2:5a – Ghost Story

For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit…

Summary: When we delve into the spiritual realm, it is hard to fully grasp what is going on. Paul explains why in 1 Corinthians 13:12 (KJV) when he says, “For now we see through a glass, darkly…”

Do you believe in spirits?

As kids, many of us were ridiculed if we admitted we believed in “ghosts.” Ridicule is a powerful social tool. It shames us for being afraid to express thoughts the “group” doesn’t want to hear.

Whether you see them or not, the problem with “ghosts” is that they are, in fact, spirits. Admitting to the reality of spirits is an important step toward believing in God because, after all, God is Spirit (John 4:24).

December 5, 2024December 5, 2024

Colossians 2:4 – Fine-Sounding Arguments

I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.

Summary: Some things never change. One of those unchangeable things is the tendency of people to share their ideas about how God works. Unfortunately for them, there is only one right answer: Jesus.

Ever since Adam and Eve sinned, mankind has had a problem. Instead of only being able to “see” God’s will, sin caused their “eyes …[to] be opened” (Genesis 3:5). As a consequence, our “eyes” are opened, too.

Which “eyes” are we talking about? We are not discussing physical eyes because Adam and Eve could already see. We are talking about the inner eye of the mind, the part of our being that takes in information and decides what we will do.

December 4, 2024December 4, 2024

Colossians 2:3 – Treasure Trove

… in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Summary: When we look at the full context of Paul’s message, it becomes clear that the “treasures of wisdom and knowledge” are found only in Christ. Paul emphasizes that true wisdom isn’t hidden in secret teachings or outside sources, but in Christ alone.

What are the “treasures of wisdom and knowledge?”

As I read this verse, I find myself thinking about the whole of Paul’s thinking. He says:

“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:2-3)

Is encouragement worth anything?

December 3, 2024December 3, 2024

Colossians 2:22d – The Mystery of God

…in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ…

Summary: Why does Paul refer to Christ as the “mystery of God?” The answer has to do with God’s love for all of his creation.

In Job’s long-running conversation with his three friends, Zophar the Naamathite challenges Job with this question:

“Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?” (Job 11:7)

Paul does not claim to “fathom” these mysteries. However, he claims that God has “revealed” them to him (Ephesians 3:2-5).

December 2, 2024December 2, 2024

Colossians 2:2c – Coming Together

…so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding,

Summary: “Complete understanding” is very different than “understanding” that is not complete.

One of the things that makes writing fun for me is being able to play with words. For example, what is the opposite of “understanding?” Wouldn’t it be “misunderstanding?”

A misunderstanding happens when you don’t have all the information you need for complete understanding. However — and this is very important! — understanding and misunderstanding both feel exactly the same!

November 30, 2024December 1, 2024

Colossians 2:2b – Game Changer

[My goal is] … that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love …

Summary: The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross bridges the gap between our hearts and our minds, drawing us together in love.

Perhaps the most powerful concept associated with Christianity is the power to connect hearts in love.

Intellectually, it doesn’t make any sense. There are so many things we like to argue about. Each of us has our reasoning. Each one has their own perspective.

November 29, 2024November 29, 2024

Colossians 2:2a – Checkbooks and Calendars

My goal is …

Summary: Goals are an important part of living, and spiritual goals are no different.

Popular sales trainer and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar was known for saying, “If you aim at nothing, you will hit nothing.” The wisdom of his saying is undeniable. What we aim for in life determines, to a large extent, where we end up and what we do.

Paul knew what he was aiming for. His goal for the believers who had not yet met him was the same goal he had for those who knew him: He wanted them to understand the Gospel.