Scripture: Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Colossians 3:5 ESV Observation: Having cautioned the Colossians about pursuing asceticism and worldly philosophies that are of “no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh” (2:23), Paul urges this young church to set their sights […]
Daily Focus: The Substance Belongs to Christ
Scripture: Therefore, let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Colossians 2:16-17 ESV Observation: Having cautioned the Colossians to avoid those who compete for […]
Daily Focus: Kindred Spirits
Scripture: For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. Colossians 2:5 ESV Observation: In this second chapter, Paul first expresses his desire to see the Colossians “knit together in love” and mature in their understanding of […]
Daily Focus: Praises of Triumph
Scripture: Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! Take hold of shield and buckler and rise for my help! Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers! Say to my soul, “I am your salvation!” Psalm 35:1-3 ESV Observation: In this prayer of deliverance, David petitions Yahweh to […]
Daily Focus: Staying on Track
Scripture: And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the […]
Daily Focus: Seeking the Needs of Others
Scripture: Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4 ESV Observation: This second chapter of Paul’s letter to the Philippian church builds on his proclamation: “to live is […]
