Devotional: Colossians 1:21-23

Today's passage: Colossians 1:21-23

Helpful thoughts:

• The truth of our natural condition: “you, who were once alienate and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds.”  It is by the grace of God we are saved!
• Salvation is given to us freely, but its cost was astounding.  Jesus paid it all on the cross.
• We do not change to become a Christian (Again, Jesus paid it all!), but Christians do change.
  • James 2:18
  • Ephesians 2:10
  • 1 John 1:6

Questions to consider:

1. As a Christian, why is it right to strive for righteousness?  What motivates us?  When is it right to say, “If you continue in sin, how can you be confident you are truly a Christian?”
2. In contrast to our natural state (Verse 21), how will we be presented to God (Verse 22)?  Who ultimately ensures this change will take place (Romans 8:28-30, Philippians 1:6)?  How does this promise fuel and inform our efforts to change and grow in the grace of God?
3. What was Paul's mission (Primary objective) as a minister of the gospel?  How do we carry on that work today?