...give thanks to God...

“1 For I want you to know how much I am struggling for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me face to face. 2 I want their hearts to be encouraged and united in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ himself, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I am saying this so that no one may deceive you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, and I rejoice to see your morale and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving” Colossians 2:1-7.

In verses 6-7 above we have Paul’s summary statement of what this letter to the Colossians is all about: “6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving” Colossians 2:6-7.

Through baptism we receive Christ Jesus, so Paul is writing this letter to the new Christians in the city of Colossae. He is reminding them that they have received Christ when they were Baptized. And then Paul encourages them to continue to live in Christ, encouraging them to be “rooted and built up” in their faith in Jesus Christ! Paul knows they are continuing to be taught what it means to live the Christian life, and so he concludes withy advice to “abound in thanksgiving” to Jesus Christ.

So three things stand out here:

1. We have all received Christ.

2. We must all continue to live in Christ. Don’t give up, in other words.

3. Live a life of thanksgiving to God.

This is what Pauls says it means to live as Christians. So, then, let this be our prayer today:

Today’s Prayer

Oh Lord, I thank You that You have come into my life.

I thank You that I am not alone.

When I go through tough times,

remind me of Your presence,

and help me rely on You alone!

Help me to continue to live in You.

Never let me depart from You.

And when I struggle, may Your love fill my heart.

So I thank You and pray that my genuine gratitude to You

will fill my thoughts and actions this day.

And I life this prayer too You in Jesus’ name, amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.

From the Bible:

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”

1 Thessalonians 5:18.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever”

Psalm 107:1!

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving” Colossians 4:2.

“Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift” 2 Corinthians 9:15!