This devotion series unpacks one of the most serious threats to the faith: a misunderstanding of our identity in Christ. Join us as we take a look at this ancient letter by Paul to a first century church located in the city of Colossae. This might just be the most important letter ever written for our understanding of the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ.
After watching the biblical teaching by Ron Davis, read the following portions of Scripture.
Colossians 2:20-23; 3:1-3
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Paul is making it clear: Christ is Everything. When we truly understand this, there is nothing either opposing kingdom (darkness or self-righteousness) can offer us that will satisfy. Think about this as you read.
PASSAGE GUIDE
Use a journal and interact with Scripture as you read, study and meditate on it.
Col. 2:20 - We are dead to earthly kingdoms.
Col. 2:23 - Paul makes it clear that the kingdom of self-righteousness is of any value in stopping the indulgence orsatisfying of the flesh.
1 Cor. 6:12 - Relates to Col. 3:3 - our lives are hidden in Christ with God.
1 Cor. 6:13-20 - our identity in Christ gives us victory over the flesh: motive is more important that works.
REFLECT
Prayer Guide
an attitude of submission to Christ
the desire to embrace your identity in Christ
wisdom to be more driven by motive than works
repentance from things that threaten your identity in Christ
Personal Evaluation/Actions
Are you seeking the things that are above?
Are you driven by being part of the Kingdom of God or the other two kingdoms (darkness/self-righteousness)
Write out what it means to have a whole new reality in Christ and how the other two kingdoms threaten this reality.
After watching the biblical teaching by Ron Davis, read the following portions of Scripture.
Colossians 3:1-17
Paul is addressing how to deal with the flesh. Remember, the flesh is the "road map" that leads up back into sin (who we were before Christ). Pay attention to how he presents this and the emphasis there is upon the person of Christ as you read this portion of Scripture.
PASSAGE GUIDE
Use a journal and interact with Scripture as you read, study and meditate on it.
Col. 3:1-2 Your focus should be heavenly things because we are part of the Kingdom of God.
Col. 3:3-4 Your life is hid with Christ and He is now "your life" (entire focus of your being).
Col. 3:5-7 This is the flesh Paul is speaking about. Notice we have to, in our minds and will, violently deal with it.
3:8-9 Removing the old garment of the flesh
3:11 The gospel is for all
3:12-14 Our identity in Christ will produce these
3:16-17 The Word is so important and so are our desires.
REFLECT
Prayer Guide
for a focus that is heavenly/eternal
for the ability to embrace your identity in Christ
for victory over the flesh
repentance from things that strengthen your flesh
Personal Evaluation/Actions
What do you focus on most of the time?
Knowing that the gospel is for all, does your life reflect Christ enough for people to see the power of the gospel in you?
Since the Word is so important, what are you doing to let it dwell richly in you?
Make two columns on a piece of paper. Write down the things Paul tells us to "put away" and the things he tells us to "put on." Which column best represents you?
After watching the biblical teaching by Ron Davis, read the following portions of Scripture.
Colossians 1:15-29
Ephesians 5:15-21
Paul makes it so clear in these passages that we cannot change our behavior in order to become more like Christ. Rather, as a follower of Jesus who is "in Christ," change will be brought about through the power of the Lord - a change that allows us to truly reflect Christ. Think about this as you read these passages.
PASSAGE GUIDE
Use a journal and interact with Scripture as you read, study and meditate on it.
Col. 3:1-2 Your focus should be heavenly things because we are part of the Kingdom of God.
Col. 3:3-4 Your life is hid with Christ and He is now "your life" (entire focus of your being).
Col. 3:5-7 This is the flesh Paul is speaking about. Notice we have to, in our minds and will, violently deal with it.
3:8-9 Removing the old garment of the flesh
3:11 The gospel is for all
3:12-14 Our identity in Christ will produce these
3:16-17 The Word is so important and so are our desires.
REFLECT
Prayer Guide
for the ability to consistently life with the concept of "in Christ" as the center of your thoughts
for an attitude of continual submission to Christ
the desire to embrace your identity in Christ
Repentance over the lack of truly accepting Christ as Everything in your life
Personal Evaluation/Actions
What truly is your "everything"? This can probably be determined by what you spend your time and money on.
Write out what your "whole new reality" in Christ is and how if affects your daily life.
What will help you fully embrace sanctification (growing into the image of Christ)? Do you think is is more about works or motive?
After watching the biblical teaching by Ron Davis, read the following portions of Scripture.
Galatians 5:16-26
Colossians 4:1-12
Notice in Galatians the emphasis upon the power of the Holy Spirit in these verses and the importance of living out our faith by embracing who we are in Christ: our identity. The Colossians passage begins to give the practical application of what this looks like in our everyday lives. Think about these things as you read these passages of Scripture.
PASSAGE GUIDE
Use a journal and interact with Scripture as you read, study and meditate on it.
Gal. 5:16-18 How do you defeat the flesh (that which leads you back into sin)? Walk in submission to the Holy Spirit
Gal. 5:19-19-21 Notice the list of things that identify the flesh. Also notice the warning of Paul at the end of 21. This is not saying that your sin, as a believer, will kick you out of the Kingdom. Rather, it is a statement about identity.
Gal. 5:22-26 The works of the Spirit in those who have their identity in Christ
Col. 4:1-5 How to live out your faith daily.
Col. 4:7-17 Ordinary people being used by Christ.
Col 4:18 Paul is in prison when writing this letter.
REFLECT
Prayer Guide
for an attitude of submission to the Holy Spirit on a consistent basis (walking in the Spirit)
for a new motive: to do all in the name of the Lord Jesus
for direction in your life that flows from this new motive
repentance for neglecting the power of the Holy Spirit and embracing a motive that destroys your identity in Christ
Personal Evaluation/Actions
Write down your life's goals and ask the following question: are these goals driven by the concept "I want to do all in the name of the Lord Jesus"?
Are you confused about your future, your vocation, etc.? How do you think you will know?
How does your identity in Christ, and the motive of doing all in His name, strengthen you to face the intellectual and spiritual battles of the future?
After watching the biblical teaching by Ron Davis, read the following portions of Scripture.
Colossians 4:1-6
Ephesians 6:10-20
Colossians 4:1-6 deals specifically with daily actions that strengthen our identity in Christ. Notice the emphasis upon the gospel.
The Ephesians passage gives instruction on how our identity is strengthened through our relationship to Christ through the Word of God. Notice There is a strong emphasis on two aspects: prayer and Scripture.
PASSAGE GUIDE
Use a journal and interact with Scripture as you read, study and meditate on it.
Col. 4:1 Many, many people were slaves in the ancient Roman ruled empire. It was much different than the race-driven slavery of modern times, but it still involved ownership. Some of it was voluntary to pay off a debt, improve a standard of living, etc. Paul is instructing those who had slaves to treat them just and fair.
Col. 4:2-4 Prayer is beyond important for strong faith and the ability to properly reflect Christ. Notice that Paul asks for prayer concerning the power of the gospel and not relief from his circumstances.
Col. 4:5 This is biblical wisdom (making decisions that are driven by biblical truth).
Col. 4:6 How we should interact properly with those who do not know Christ.
Eph. 6:10-13 Our strength is in Christ, and our enemy cannot be overcome by our actions but our dependency upon Christ. Notice that the armor is "the armor of God."
Eph. 6:14-15 These pieces of armor are directly tied to our submission to God in Christ.
Eph. 6:16-17 The same emphasis we see in Colossians 3 and 4 (the Word and prayer).
Eph. 6:18-20 Notice the centrality of the gospel here and the request by Paul for strength and not relief from his circumstances.
REFLECT
Prayer Guide
for strength to proclaim the gospel
for opportunities, within your circumstances, for the gospel to be shown and its power to be real
an awareness of the need of the gospel for the people you are around every day
for repentance over a timid attitude about the gospel and sharing it with others
Personal Evaluation/Actions
Think about the past week and your interaction with two things: prayer and Bible study. Write down what you have discovered about your interaction with these vital spiritual exercises and how they relate to Col. 3:16-17.
Who are you truly reflecting right now in your life (consistent reflection)?
The purpose of prayer and Bible study is to strengthen your faith for two reasons: to help you overcome the power of the enemy (Eph. 6:10-13) and so the implications of the gospel can be available and clear to the people around us (Col. 4:1-6). Are you allowing this transformation to take place?
After watching the biblical teaching by Ron Davis, read the following portions of Scripture.
Colossians 4:7-14
Ephesians 6:21-23
2 Timothy 4:11-13
Colossians 4:7-14 is the list of ordinary people listed by Paul in this little letter. As inspired Scripture, this list is important. Why? It shows the value of every single person in the Kingdom of God.
Ephesians 6:21-23 is another place Tychicus is mentioned by Paul. Notice the similarities and the trust Paul has in this faithful servant.
2 Timothy 4:11-13 also mentions Tychicus. It is amazing to think how this ordinary servant was so important for the ministry of Paul and the formation of the New Testament.
Think about this: Tychicus had NO CLUE that he was carrying books of the New Testament. He didn't know how important his task was, but he was faithful to what the Lord had led him to do for the sake of the gospel
PASSAGE GUIDE
Use a journal and interact with Scripture as you read, study and meditate on it.
Col. 4:7-14 Notice how Paul describes describes each person and the instructions that are given, as well. It is very obvious that Paul has a great amount of respect for person and also a great amount of love. He wants to make sure the prisoner (Aristarchus) is treated well. He also emphasizes the acceptance of Mark. Mark had abandoned Paul and Barnabas in Acts 13.
Eph. 6:21-23 Tychicus is mentioned again by Paul in this letter. It shows the importance of his work and his willingness to be used of the Lord. Once again, Tychicus is going to deliver the inspired letter written by Paul to an early church. This letter, as with Colossians, will become part of the New Testament! Tychicus did not know how important his task was, but he was faithful and willing to be used in whatever way was needed.
2 Timothy 4:11-13 Paul makes a little comment about Tychicus that seems unimportant: "I have sent him to Ephesus." This tells us everything about Tychicus that we need to know: he was so faithful and useful that Paul sent him to an early church with a letter that he wrote them (Ephesians) to give them instructions from the Lord and encourage them in their faith. What an amazing testimony!
REFLECT
Prayer Guide
for the acceptance of who you are in Christ
for the ability to do "all in the name of the Lord Jesus"
for an attitude of faithfulness to the things the Lord has given you to do now
a desire to be used and not to be known
for the ability to be gracious to others, especially those who need the gospel
for repentance over wasted time and wrong attitudes that can weaken the gospel message.
Personal Evaluation/Actions
What are you greatest fears concerning "the will of God" for your life?
Write down what you are good at - your skill set, your abilities, your desires, your passions. Evaluate whether or not you are using them to do "all in the name of the Lord Jesus."
Do you truly have a desire to "do all" for the Lord? This is when God begins to move and direct in your life. Write down the things in your life that are a hinderance to this being an attitude and action that you consistently live out.
After watching the biblical teaching by Ron Davis, read the following portions of Scripture.
Acts 13:1-14
Acts 15:36-41
Colossians 4:10
You will be reading the story behind the failure of John Mark (Mark, Marcus). It begins in Acts 13. Notice there is not a reason given, but the surrounding circumstances lead us to conclude that it was probably related to Mark not being comfortable with Paul abandoning the Jewish customs that were so important before Christ. In chapter 15, notice what Paul says about him joining them. It is very interesting, and it caused he and Barnabas to part ways.
Notice what we see in Colossians: Paul is commending Mark as a fellow servant and encourages the people in Colossae to treat Mark like they would treat him. Failure is not final, and God will grow and use us in spite of our failures. We only need to repent, grow and do all in the "name of the Lord Jesus."
PASSAGE GUIDE
Use a journal and interact with Scripture as you read, study and meditate on it.
Acts 13:1-4 Journal what you notice about this narrative as it unfolds. Notice how Paul does not let a controversy within his team hinder him from being faithful to the task. Think about what he has written all throughout Colossians. What do you see that is similar?
Acts 15:36-41 This is a picture of a real conflict within a ministry. The conflict is so strong that Paul and Barnabas part ways over it. There is no blame cast on either party in Scripture. Notice how both teams continue the work. Sometimes, we may not understand what is going on, but our response should be: faithfulness, a right motive (all in the name of the Lord Jesus), activity for Christ, etc.
Colossians 4:10 Paul clearly has confidence in Mark at this point in his ministry. This is amazing! They are reconciled. The work of God is still moving forward. Think about how this connects to our identity in Christ and the importance of understanding the concept of "Christ in you the hope of glory" (Col. 1:27)..
REFLECT
Prayer Guide
for a proper respect for those you disagree with
the right attitude toward those who fail the Lord
the wisdom to know when you are standing in opposition to Christ
the discernment to recognize when you are living in a way that weakens your identity in Christ
the desire to properly love those who re in Christ so the world can see Him by our love for each other
Personal Evaluation/Actions
Think about your own life. Is there anything that weakens your identity in Christ?
Pray for someone who has offended you. Evaluate if you have the attitude of Paul and Mark: being willing to forgive and work together for the sake of the gospel.
Write down how the concepts of Col. 3:16-17 impact your ability to avoid failure and to also overcome it when you do fail.
After watching the biblical teaching by Ron Davis, read the following portions of Scripture.
Colossians - the entire book
As you read the entire book, take your time. This may take you a few days or a few weeks. Sincerely reflect on what you have learned. Research passages that we did not take an in-depth look at in this study. Feel free to contact us with questions about the book and how it applies to you personally.
Use this time to allow the truths of Colossians to grow your faith in a stronger way and prepare you engage the culture with the gospel of Jesus Christ!
Remember: take your time, journal as you go, and let this book impact you in a powerful way!
PASSAGE GUIDE
Use a journal and interact with Scripture as you read, study and meditate on it.
Colossians 1 This chapter focuses clearly on our identity in Christ and clearly defines who He is: the supreme and sufficient One who created all things and holds all things together. He is Everything, and we have His power in us to live out our faith.
Colossians 2 This chapter explains the sufficiency of Christ, i.e., nothing is greater than He is, and nothing can ever take his place. This includes the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of self-righteousness. Both of these threaten our identity in Christ and strengthen our flesh (the road map back to sin).
Colossians 3 Paul addresses what we should "putt off" and what we should "put on" as followers of Christ. He also begins to teach about the practical reality of our identity in Christ (family relationships, master/worker relationships, etc.).
Colossians 4 Clear instructions on strengthening our identity: consistent prayer, walking in wisdom, and interacting with people who need the gospel (with grace and wisdom and significance). Beginning in verse seven, he gives a list of "ordinary" people who were faithful to Christ. He ends the book by focusing on his position in Christ and not his circumstances.
REFLECT
Prayer Guide
for the ability to truly embrace your identity in Christ
the desire to equip your heart and mind
the passion and courage to engage the culture with the gospel
for repentance over things that threaten your identity, your passion to learn and your desire to share the gospel
for strength to be faithful to Christ in the culture we live in and the desire to see it changed by the gospel
Personal Evaluation/Actions
How faithful have you been to studying Scripture during this devotion series?
How consistent is your prayer life?
Do you treat others with grace and have answers that are biblically sound and significant?
All three of these are mentioned by Paul in Col. 4 as actions that reveal strengthen our identity in Christ. All three are driven by Col. 3:16-17.
Write down your plan to grow in Christ. Does it reflect those two things found in Col. 3?
Help you embrace your identity in Christ; equip the heart & mind; and engage the culture with the gospel.
Our vision is to assist the local church by:
Exposing the fact that young people today are walking away from the faith at a staggering rate. Most pastors, parents and leaders are not fully aware of this problem. This has created a vacuous approach to a significant problem today: we are losing our youth in droves. We want to get this message out!
Providingmaterials that are biblically sound, engaging, current and significant. The majority of this material will be online for easy access and usability. Make sure to check out our devotion series that are designed to be self-paced journeys into a stronger relationship with Christ: Reflect|Christ and The Death of Summer. We have also launched a biblical engagement method for consistent spiritual growth entitled, the CORE Journal.
Counseling those who struggle with religious doubt. One of the leading causes of churched young people walking away from the faith is unconfessed religious doubt. Most pastors, parents and leadership feel inadequately trained to deal with some of the major issues young people face today from this skeptical world. We want to come along side of you and help with resolving these issues. We have counseled 100s of people of all ages with religious doubt issues and currently help Dr. Gary Habermas with many of his doubt cases. This truly is one of our passions, and we look forward to every opportunity that God brings our way.
Coaching/Training by providing area-wide teaching and training summits for pastors, leadership and parents. This is a future goal with our first summit being in the summer of 2020.
Motivating/Challenging by providing top-notch, exciting, current and powerful youth conferences, retreats and events in strategic locations throughout the country. Connect with us to stay informed about events coming your way!
Guiding young people into serving their community through area community service events, monetary collections for those in great need, and special emphases upon cultural wrongs that impact specific groups.
Our goal:
To provide all of our resources and services without charging fees or expenses to the church, pastors, leadership, parents and students. Our plan is to depend upon the generosity of God's people as they are led to give. We also generate funds through Christian Benefit Plans, an organization that specializes in helping churches, Christian schools and Christian business owners navigate the difficult world of employee benefits.
Ron has been in ministry for twenty-six years. He has served as a Christian School educator, College Administrator, College Professor, Director of Student Life, and Associate Pastor. His passion has always been to serve young people of almost any age with a special emphasis on older high school, college age, and single professionals. He has a unique ability to understand and connect with the people in these categories and has a passion to see them grow in their faith, overcome the intellectual and cultural attacks on their faith, and engage the culture with the gospel. He has been married for almost twenty-seven years to Kristi and has two daughters, Emilee and Alyssa.
Ron is ABD (all but dissertation) in a PhD program at Liberty University School of Divinity. This degree is in Theology and Apologetics with a cognate in apologetics.
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