[Colossians 1, Proverbs 6]

H – Colossians 1:13–14, “[13] He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, [14] in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

E – The Gospel Changes Everything!

When you hear of someone who once was a wild child carrying about in all types of darkness be transformed by the Gospel and now they are no longer who they once were, you take notice. People start to hear. Rumors start to fly. Everyone around them takes notice. 

That was Colossae and Paul had heard about them. He heard of the establishment of this church and radical transformation. Yet, he wrote them to encourage a continuation in the Word of truth in which they heard and not give in to “other” dangerous teachings that would threaten their spiritual health. 

Which begs the question. Why do many start out strong and then seem to fade away? Could it be that there is abandonment of truth by believing teachings and other thoughts contrary to the truth of God’s Word? 

Nevertheless, there were clear evidences that the Word of truth, the Gospel, had genuinely impacted their lives and their faith in Christ Jesus (1:4) was real. The Gospel had come to them (grace and mercy) (1:6). The Gospel, by faith, had changed them to think and act differently (bear fruit) (1:6), And, the Gospel was still changing them. Their knowledge of God through Christ and His Word was continuing to increase (1:6). Their faith in Christ was active (1:7) and their love for God and people was evident (1:4). They had a new focused hope and it was no longer themselves (1:5). They were truly not who they use to be (1:13). 

Yet, Paul knew that they couldn’t stop. The Gospel had changed them, but the Gospel never stops changing. Therefore, we are always in need of increase. So, Paul makes his prayer known for this church, to admonish them to keep pressing forward. He prays for them to be filled to know God’s will, anew each day (1:9); that they would be obedient to be faithful (1:10); that they would continue to grow spiritually (both inward and outward) and be transformed through endurance and perseverance (1:10-11); and that they wouldn’t get over their salvation (1:12). 

In a nut shell Paul is saying, the Gospel has changed you, don’t let it stop changing you, for the Gospel changes everything. 

A – Increase in faith, hope, and love. Be changed, anew by the Gospel. Be filled, obedient, and transformed. Let the Gospel continue to change everything. 

R – Lord God, thank you for saving me and changing my life. I can proclaim that I’m not who I use to be. Lord, I know I’m not all I should be, in you. Would you continue to lead me in conviction, transform me through repentance, and use me to bear fruit for your great glory? God, I don’t want to get over my salvation. Keep it at the forefront of my remembrance. For I know your deliverance, redemption, and forgiveness. 

In Jesus Name!