4/29/15- A Celebration Introduction

3We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— 5the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. 7You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant,^c who is a faithful minister of Christ on our^dbehalf, 8and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. (Colossians 1)

Thoughts: Paul usually begins with thankfulness, grace and peace.  Paul is excited that the people of Colossae are keeping their faith and loving the people of the church.  This faith and love come from hope.  These three abide (1 Corinthians 13:13)- they last.  He is celebrating their faith and love that has its roots in heaven.  But there is also hope now- it is bearing fruit in this life and it is spreading.  The gospel is still spreading today- and that keeps us from losing heart in this life.  So we have hope in the life to come, and we see God's good news spread here too.  Epaphras is seen elsewhere as someone who does not abandon the faith but is called a "faithful servant" (Philemon 1:23; Col. 4:12).  We should imitate the faith, hope and love of the Colossians.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to keep the faith and love today- and to always have hope and not give up.