Colossians 2:5 – Three Minute Bible

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).