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).

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Ephesians 4:14 – Taking Control

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.

Summary: Looking back in time we find a real-life example of what Paul is talking about in this passage. Thinking about Paul’s words in the light of the Old Testament helps us understand what he was trying to say.

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