Digging down...

I've been digging lately....digging through Colossians, which I'm trying to memorize a little at a time. So I thought I'd post my findings. You may think they're too deep, or not deep enough, but they are what the Lord brought to me. I love studying one verse at a time, word by word, so I thought I'd start posting my thoughts, one verse at a time...so here goes!

Col 1:1

¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus

our brother,

• Paul claims not to be a great teacher, or preacher, or missionary, but humbly acknowledges that it is only by God's will that he is an apostle, not by his own greatness.

• Timotheus is willing to be “second fiddle”, a brother. A brother is a helper, teacher, example, encourager. He is also called “our” brother, which indicates that he willingly served all, not only a select few Christian friends.

• In this very first verse, humility is displayed. Esteeming other better than ourselves.¹ How can we put this into practice?

• Acknowledging God's power and leading in our lives, rather than our own goodness or wisdom.

• Being willing to serve others wholeheartedly, as brothers and sisters.

• Not looking for glory or gain, but for the welfare of others.

• This verse begins the familiar pattern of “Jesus first, others second...”

• It is interesting to note that “Paul” means “little, or small”. Paul was willing to be small so that Christ could be magnified.

• “Timotheus” means “to honor God, to fear God”. As a brother to the saints, Timotheus behaved in a way that would honor God, fearing God rather than men.²

• Paul was an apostle. A man who had seen Christ. But more than that, a man who spread Christ's message to all those he met. How can I see more of Christ? Through Bible study, prayer, meditation. How can I share more of Him with others? Are there options I have not explored? Have I ignored opportunities?

• The exact phrase “By the will of God” is used only eight times in all of Scripture. Seven of those times it was written by Paul's hand. Am I building a life that could be consistently directed “by the will of God?”

• Paul's consistency throughout Scripture is also an attribute to admire and cultivate. In all of his endeavors, he remained directed by God's will, not people's opinions, or his own personal desires. His will was surrendered always to the Lord. Thus leaving him free to lead a life of power for Christ's sake.

1Philipians 2:3

2Acts 5:29