Colossians 3:12a – The Rub

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved,  …

Picture of a cat rubbing up against the corner of a fence.

Summary: This passage is a refreshing change of pace in Paul’s letter. He reminds us that our faith is not based on fear, but rather is couched in love. 

As we turn to look at this verse, the first five words are a show-stopper. Paul says we are “God’s chosen people!” Reading this gives us a reason to smile! 

So much of Paul’s letter to the Colossians sounds almost critical. It feels a bit like a stern lecture from a grandparent. Yet, even after admonitions of putting our “earthly nature” to death, Paul suddenly turns and says something nice! 

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Colossians 2:23a – The Wisdom Test

Picture of a small boy taking a test in an old-style school room.

Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom …

Summary: Paul’s letter points us to a test for determining if a religious rule or regulation truly honors God. 

If we are going to be able to recognize the kind of “rules” that Paul is talking about, we need to pay close attention to the clues Paul gives us. His first clue is that “Such regulations [aka ‘rules’] … have an appearance of wisdom …” 

What does that mean? 

Interestingly, the Bible has a lot to say about “wisdom.” The first thing to know about wisdom is this: 

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