A NEW TESTAMENT HYMN
Read it
Colossians 1:19-20
“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”
Discover It
Our passage for today is one of the most Christ-glorifying in all the New Testament. But did you know that when you read these famous and lofty words, you also may be reading one of the first New Testament hymns? Scholars believe that these verses are part of an early Christian song or poem. And even though the tune has been lost to history, when you read the words of this passage, you are looking at one of the most foundational confessions of faith in the Early Church.
Ask It
1. In verse 19, speaking of Jesus, we read that God the Father was pleased to have “all his fulness” to dwell in Him. What does it mean when this verse says that “all the fulness” of God dwells in Jesus? (Hint: Listen to the July 16, 2023 sermon at South Main!)
2. In verse 20, the Bible says that God the Father utilizes Jesus to “reconcile to himself all things.” Because of sin we have become alienated from God. What do you think it means to be reconciled to God?
3. Also in verse 20, we read that our reconciliation with God is accomplished by Jesus, “through his blood, shed on the cross.” How do you think Jesus dying on the Cross helped us to be reconciled back to God?
Live It
1. KNOW ABOUT GOD. Realize and exalt in the wonder and beauty of the triune God – who He is and what He does in His power and love. Seek to know the fulness of the Lord!
2. KNOW GOD. It’s not enough just to know about God, though. Many people are familiar with the facts about God’s existence. But you are saved when you come into a personal intimate knowledge of, and relationship with, Him.
3. LOVE GOD. Aren’t you glad that our powerful and awesome Lord is a good God who loves you? How sad it would be if the Lord was not loving and kind toward us! And how assuring it is, though, that God is gracious and full of compassion towards us! All He asks in return is that you love and receive Him!
Pray It
“The Lord’s Prayer” - Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.
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