Yesterday, we launched our series, Touchdown in Christ: A New Game Plan, charging through Colossians to uncover how to live as new creations in Christ. Jesus’ victory over sin and death rewrites our playbook, transforming our hearts with purpose and holy hustle. Over the coming weeks, we’ll unpack Christ’s supremacy, our freedom, and practical strategies to bring His grace into every sphere of life. The gospel doesn’t just change us—it revolutionizes the entire game. We began by exploring Colossians 1:1-8.
Colossians delivers a powerful message for today: the centrality of the all-sufficient Christ. Written by Paul in the early 60s AD, this letter addresses a church in Colossae that was facing deceptive teachings blending Judaism’s strict rules—observing the Sabbath, celebrating specific festivals, and avoiding unclean foods—with pagan practices such as mysterious rites, asceticism, and angel worship. Paul makes it clear: Christianity cannot be part of a mixed religion. Christ must be the focus, the core, the driving force of our lives. The overarching theme of Colossians is unmistakable—Jesus Christ is supreme over everyone and everything.
Paul’s coach-like greeting in Colossians 1:1-2 sets the tone: “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.” Paul introduces himself as an apostle, commissioned by God, and includes Timothy, a brother in ministry. The term “brothers” here isn’t gender-exclusive; it conveys tenderness, warmth, and a deep sense of family, embracing both men and women in Christ’s forever family. As His church, we are called to care for one another, making sacrifices for the welfare of all. Paul also calls the Colossians “saints,” not because of their moral perfection but because they belong to Christ, set apart by His divine calling. This is our identity: we are saints because we belong to Christ. Paul’s greeting of “grace” and “peace” underscores God’s unconditioned goodwill and the state of life enjoyed by those transformed by it. In a world that defines us by performance, God names us by grace, giving us a secure identity to start our spiritual journey with determination.
Paul continues in Colossians 1:3-5, cheering the Colossians’ progress: “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven.” He celebrates their faith in Christ, a belief that defines them as believers. Their love for all saints flows from knowing who they are in Christ, and their hope points to the future fulfillment of salvation when Christ returns. Faith is directed to Christ, love is for His church, and hope is for His coming. This triad of Christian virtues—faith, love, and hope—fuels our journey, not as rewards but as gifts rooted in Christ. Like a coach praising a team’s growth, Paul reminds us to thank God for every step forward.
Finally, in Colossians 1:6-8, Paul urges the Colossians to stay engaged with the gospel’s enduring truth: “The gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant.” Epaphras, a missionary, brought the gospel to Colossae, and its power is evident. Though the church was small in the Roman Empire, the gospel was bearing fruit and increasing, like a tree producing fruit and budding for the next season. Today, the gospel has reached every continent, and its proclamation to all people groups is within reach if we, like Epaphras, share it. The gospel builds a worldwide community, and we are part of Christ’s forever family. Its truth empowers us to live with purpose, transforming our homes, workplaces, and communities.
I’ve seen many stand at a crossroads, chasing empty goals until Christ’s grace transformed their playbook. Like the Colossians, they found their true identity as saints, not by their actions but by belonging to Jesus. Paul’s gratitude for their faith, love, and hope reminds us that our identity is rooted in grace, not performance. The gospel’s power sustains us to the finish line. So, where are you with Christ? Have you embraced Him as Lord and Savior? Are you ready to take your next step, whether trusting Him for salvation or growing deeper in faith? Picture yourself on God’s team, cheered by His grace, fueled by faith, love, and hope, and empowered by the gospel’s enduring truth. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!