CONTENTS
- Come to Jesus Daily devotional
- Monday – The mystery is revealed
- Tuesday – The glorious riches of this mystery
- Wednesday – Christ in you
- Thursday – Christ in you by the Spirit
- Friday – Christ in you, the hope of glory
- Community Group/Family Study
- Outline of the ‘Come to Jesus Daily’ devotional method
You can listen to all the messages at: Click this link to audio content
For more information visit www.communitychurchputney.com
1. COME TO JESUS DAILY DEVOTIONAL
These daily devotionals follow the ‘Come to Jesus daily’ devotional method (See the last page of this for a fuller outline)
MONDAY – THE MYSTERY IS REVEALED
Colossians 1:26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people.
This week we are looking at the very heart of what it means to be a Christian – it means that Christ is in you! During our devotionals we will consider what this means and how it is to affect our lives.
Today, however, we are stepping back and seeing how Christ coming into the world, dying, rising and then living in us, was promised to the Jews.
Paul calls Jesus – His person and work (the gospel) – ‘the mystery’; in the next verse he explains it as ‘the glorious riches of this mystery’.
This term (mystery) is something that can only be known through revelation as God reveals it. When one reads the Old Testament, we see allusions and prophecies about Jesus, but these remained ‘mysterious’ and only became clear when Jesus came. For example, when a Christian reads of the events of the Passover (Exodus 12), we see that the blood of the lamb that protected God’s people for judgement and death as it was painted over their doorposts, was a ‘type’ of Christ - it pointed to Him.
Jesus is the answer – that which was ‘kept hidden for ages and generations… is now disclosed to the Lord’s people.’ We now read the Old Testament differently and we understand the ‘mystery’. Jesus has come, He has died, He has risen, He is our only Saviour.
As Paul says, ‘The gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures regarding his Son’ (Rom. 1:2-3).
We are no longer in the dark, the mystery that was promised is now revealed in Christ.
Meditation on Colossians 1:26
Colossians 1:26 The mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people.
1. GC (GOSPEL-CENTRED) – What does the text say about Jesus and salvation through Him?
Father, I thank you for your eternal plan of salvation. Jesus coming into the world for sinners has always been in Your mind. I’m no longer questioning the meaning of life, or who You are, or how I can know You…You have revealed Jesus to us. Light has broken into the world and my life. Isaiah promised your coming,
Isaiah 9:2-6 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned…For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
The ‘darkness’ of ‘mystery’ has been removed in your light. You are my ‘peace’.
2. UP – What does it say about God – His worth, character, attributes, will, promises…?
You are the God of history. You direct all things according to your good will. We may ask, why did the world have to wait so long for Jesus? The answer is that You sent Jesus at the right time as we read, ‘that which has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people’; and this was done according to your wisdom. Paul says elsewhere, ‘You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly’ (Romans 5:6). In Galatians Paul puts it 'But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.’ (Galatians 4:4-5)
Father, You do all things at just the right time.
3. IN – What does it teach about God’s people?
Many people are struggling with God’s timing; they say things like, “why doesn’t He do this or that more quickly…why does He allow this or that to happen now?” Let’s be ready to strengthen people’s trust in the God who does all things according to His plans, in His time and at the right time.
Also, It’s common for us to think that there are deep mysteries that, if we uncover them and apply what’s revealed, we will find the power and breakthrough that everyone needs. However, God’s ‘mystery’ now revealed is Jesus. Let’s keep Him central, and encourage our brothers and sister to keep Him, and the gospel, central. There is salvation, power and true treasure in Him.
4. OUT – What does the text say about non-believers and God’s mission?
The only reason that you and I know about Jesus is that God has chosen to reveal Him to us. God could have wrapped up the world after Adam and Eve’s rebellion, but He has chosen to keep things going and bring Christ into the world to save and restore. Let’s be confident as we pray and share with our non-believing friends, that God is loving and has plans to keep revealing Christ.
TUESDAY – THE GLORIOUS RICHES OF THIS MYSTERY
Colossians 1:27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
The Colossian church were being tempted to look for spiritual riches in places other than Christ. Paul is writing this letter to re-focus them on the true treasure, who is Christ.
We can all be lured away by the siren calls of things that promise much, but deliver little or nothing.
Meditation on Colossians 1:27
Colossians 1:27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
1. GC (GOSPEL-CENTRED) – What does the text say about Jesus and salvation through Him?
Jesus has given me ‘glorious riches’. How often I fail to count these blessings and celebrate your grace to me.
Paul rehearses some of the riches that we have through Jesus in Ephesians 1:3-7. Let’s look at this together,
‘Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.’
Paul chooses to worship and rehearse the ‘glorious riches of this mystery’. Paul shows me that it’s all in You, Lord Jesus. He continues,
‘For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.’
You, Father, have ‘chosen’ me. You make me ‘holy and blameless’! All of this was only possible because you gave your Son, who, on the cross, was rejected and became sin for me. Ephesians 1 continues,
‘In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ…’
‘The glorious riches of this mystery’ includes your choosing me to be saved; not only that, you chose me to be adopted to sonship. These are riches beyond measure. Paul continues,
‘In accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.’
All the riches that I have in Christ are given freely and according to your ‘pleasure and will’. You do nothing except what is according to your will, and your will, mysteriously, included my salvation! Paul continues,
‘In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace’
The ‘glorious riches of this mystery’ that we have been recounting are all purchased by the ‘incomparable poverty of this mystery’ for Jesus! So what is the right response to this? How could I pay this debt of mercy? I can give one thing: praise and worship, as Paul continues (and we finish with this),
‘To the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.’
2. UP – What does it say about God – His worth, character, attributes, will, promises…?
Father, your mercy is rich beyond compare. Like the Psalmist, may I say, ‘Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits’ (Psalm 103:1-2)
3. IN – What does it teach about God’s people?
Many become focussed on their struggles and equate their circumstances and feeling to God’s love (or lack of it) toward them. Let’s help one-another to recount the ‘glorious riches’ that we have in Christ.
4. OUT – What does the text say about non-believers and God’s mission?
How attractive would Jesus become if you and I were enjoying ‘the glorious riches of this mystery’? Our enjoyment of God will directly influence our desire to make Him known and how attractively we present Him. Let’s remember that “rivers of living water will flow from within you” (John 7:37-39), if you come to Jesus; in other words, our sharing the gospel and loving people flow out of our enjoyment of God.
WEDNESDAY – CHRIST IN YOU
Colossians 1:27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Too often religion and Christianity are lumped together in people’s minds. They are seen as different ways of doing the same thing - constraining bad behaviour and becoming better people through endeavouring to stick to the rules of your own particular ‘team’.
Paul says something radical here. Not only does he speak of a God who dies for our sin (1:14, 20, 22) in order to give forgiveness freely; he also talks of our transformation being the result of God’s power, of ‘Christ in you’. Over the next two days, we will think, meditate and pray on this idea of Jesus taking up residence in our lives.
Paul, as we have already looked at, speaks of Jesus, and the gospel, as a ‘gloriously rich, mystery’, which has been revealed to us. We now understand who God is and how we can be restored to Him because we understand Jesus and the cross. Now, Paul summarises the content of ‘the glorious riches of this mystery’ as ‘Christ in you…’ True Christians have Jesus living in them. Their lives are transformed by his residency in their spirit.
God wants us to know ‘the glorious riches of this mystery’ - He doesn’t want us in the dark or confused about the truth that Jesus is in us by the Spirit. Paul prays,
‘I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know…His incomparably great power for us who believe.’ (Ephesians 1:18-19).
I pray that you would know, and be full of hope because Christ is in you!
Meditation on Colossians 1:27
Colossians 1:27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
1. GC (GOSPEL-CENTRED) – What does the text say about Jesus and salvation through Him?
Once it was said of me, ‘your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear’ (Isaiah 59:2). I was under your wrath and separated from your holy presence. As Paul says, ‘Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behaviour’ (Colossians 1:21). But the glorious riches of the gospel means, ’but now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation’ (Colossians 1:22). More than this, my forgiveness means that you come and dwell in my life. Your holy presence is in me. You challenge me today, ‘Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?’ (1 Corinthians 3:16).
2. UP – What does it say about God – His worth, character, attributes, will, promises…?
I thank you, Jesus, that you are in me. You are not a distant God. You are not out of reach. You are with me as my Saviour, my strength, my ‘ever-present help in trouble’ (Ps. 46:1).
3. IN – What does it teach about God’s people?
You being in me has great promise and challenge. Your power in me in transforming me into your likeness. You are purifying my thoughts, motives and actions. My growth (sanctification) is your work, but involves my prayers and faith as I seek to actively live a holy and pleasing life. As Paul encourages me,
‘And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.’ (Ephesians 4:30-32)
4. OUT – What does the text say about non-believers and God’s mission?
In a world that is seeking answers for joy and personal growth, may my hope for joy and growth by completely in you - that you are in me. May I live such a dependent and holy life, that I, through word and lifestyle, make you attractive to others.
THURSDAY – CHRIST IN YOU PART BY THE SPIRIT
Colossians 1:27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Yesterday we began our consideration of what it means for Christ to be in us. Today we will see that for Christ to be in us means that He is in us by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is in heaven. His body still bears the scars of His death for our sin. But, mysteriously, He is also with us. How can this be the case?
This is where we must bear in mind the doctrine (teaching) of the Holy Trinity: God is three persons - Father, Son and Spirit; each person is fully God; but, there are not three Gods but one God.
This means that Jesus is with us in the promised presence of the Holy Spirit – where any one person of the Trinity resides, the other two are equally present. This is why Jesus could say that as the Spirit comes to us, He also comes to us to be in us,
‘And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realise that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you.’ (John 14:16-20)
Meditation on Colossians 1:27
Colossians 1:27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
1. GC (GOSPEL-CENTRED) – What does the text say about Jesus and salvation through Him?
Holy Spirit I acknowledge your presence with me right now. You have been promised, and you have come. You fill my life with the power and presence of God. Your presence in me is made possible by the promise and suffering of Jesus. Lord Jesus, speaking of your suffering, death and ascension to heaven you say,
“But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7).
You had to die, you had to ‘go away’ to darkness and suffering in order to cleanse us and make for yourself a home in our hearts.
2. UP – What does it say about God – His worth, character, attributes, will, promises…?
Lord God, I worship you as the triune God. I can try to describe you, but you are beyond searching out.
You reveal to us that we, your church, are your temple. Jesus, you are not in a building or holy priest ‘over there’, You are in me and us! We are all your priests and living stones in your temple. We are called to worship. You say,
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them”(Matthew 18:20).
I thank you that I can meet you, and worship you, right here and right now. I thank you that when I come together with the church, you are present. May I acknowledge you. May I worship you. May I listen to you.
3. IN – What does it teach about God’s people?
Jesus, you are in me. This is the great mystery promised in your word and achieved through your incarnation and suffering. You are to be experienced. Your presence comforts and empowers. I thank you that I can ask you to fill me each day; may I be ready to pray for any brother or sister who needs a fresh encounter with you.
Here are two examples from Colossians 1 of the sort of things that Paul prayed for others regarding the work of the Spirit,
Colossians 1:9 We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives
Colossians 1:11-12 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you… that you be strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[f] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.
4. OUT – What does the text say about non-believers and God’s mission?
Earlier in today’s devotional, we looked at John 16 regarding the promise of Jesus’ presence with us after His sufferings. He says,
“But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” (John 16:7)
However, Jesus goes on to show that the Spirit’s coming will have an effect on non-believers,
“…When he comes, he will prove (Convict) the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: about sin, because people do not believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.” (John 16:8-11)
To put this in this in the words of today’s text (Colossians 1:27) – “Christ in you (by the Spirit) will lead some non-believers to change their views on Jesus and seek forgiveness from Him”; How does this happen?
There is always more to say, but one way that this works is that our enjoying the presence of Jesus in our lives, challenges non-believers in their current view of Jesus: If ‘Christ is in you’ He cannot be a liar or dead! He must be alive and truthful! Alternatively, our non-believing friends and acquaintances have to conclude that we are deluded, evil, or daft.
Put simply, being filled with the Spirit each day will have a great effect on our non-believing friends and acquaintances.
FRIDAY – CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY
Colossians 1:27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Christ being in us is meant to fill us with hope (a certain hope). Christ in us means that we will go to ‘glory’ and all that this rich term means.
When one goes on holiday, we know that if we are in the plane, we can fly! The hope of the holiday is guaranteed because of the ability of the plane! Our hope is in the plane, not our ability in any way. So, too, our hope of heaven and eternal glory is built on Jesus. Our glory is guaranteed because of His work. If Christ is in you, you have the hope of glory - He is all you need to get there!
God wants you to enjoy the ‘glorious riches’ that you now have in Christ. You are going to glory! He doesn’t want this to be a ‘mystery’ to you. He wants you confident of going to heaven, and, ultimately, of having a resurrection body in a new heaven and earth.
Meditation on Colossians 1:27
Colossians 1:27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
1. GC (GOSPEL-CENTRED) – What does the text say about Jesus and salvation through Him?
Jesus, you not only purchase forgiveness (justification) for me, but you also guarantee glory. You are in me and so I have the hope of glory. Lord Jesus, You prayed and it will come to pass,
“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” (John 17:24)
2. UP – What does it say about God – His worth, character, attributes, will, promises…?
My salvation and hope of glory are in you. May I honour your promise with my “yes and amen!” May I see in your death and resurrection the final cry of “it is finished” over my sin and death; You have broken the seals of my tomb forever! As Paul writes,
‘For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.’ (2 Corinthians 1:20-22)
3. IN – What does it teach about God’s people?
We often talk to members of the church family who are struggling to have hope. They are not saying ‘Yes and amen’, they are saying ‘no and maybe’ to God’s love and future glory.
Paul says that ‘God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.’ It’s God’s choice that we live in clarity of hope. It’s not humble to say, “I hope God loves me and that I’m good enough to be accepted by Him”. Let’s be clear ourselves, and encourage others to be clear, about the hope that they have because ‘Christ is in you’.
It’s also good to pray for people, that the Spirit would give them inner assurance. Who do you know that needs prayer? Use Paul’s model prayer as a guide to pray for them now,
‘I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people’ (Ephesians 1:18)
4. OUT – What does the text say about non-believers and God’s mission?
Peter writes about our hope,
'But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.’ (1 Peter 3:15-16)
How ready are you to ‘give an answer…for the hope you have’? Think about how you would explain what it means for Paul to say ‘Christ in you the hope of glory’.
Pray for your non-believing friends, that you would have the opportunity to share your hope with them.
2. COMMUNITY GROUP/FAMILY STUDY
This week we are considering Paul’s words in Colossians 1:26-27
Col. 1:26-27 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
- Paul speaks of a ‘mystery…now disclosed to the Lord’s people’. This relates to Jesus and the gospel. How were Jesus and the gospel a ‘mystery’ in the past – in the Old Testament? (Do you have any ‘prophetic’ texts you would cite as examples?)
- God wants us to understand who Jesus is, and what He has done for us. Briefly look at Colossians chapter 1 and share the various things it says about Jesus and How He has saved us.
- Some Christians still find Jesus and the gospel mysterious. How would you help a Christian friend who was struggling to be confident of forgiveness and the hope of heaven?
- Sometimes Christian truth remains mysterious because we are lazy. What does 2 Peter 1:5 say about the pursuit of knowledge.
- Paul summarises what Jesus gives us as ‘the glorious riches of this mystery’. What are the glorious riches that Christians are to know and enjoy? (Ephesians 1:3-10 is a good list).
- Beginning our daily devotions by recounting and praising God for the riches of the gospel is a great habit. What Bible texts or songs do you find helpful for this?
- One of the most profound truths about us is to have ‘Christ in you’. What does this mean and how does this change our lives?
- God wants us confident of heaven and future glory. Jesus has purchased this for us. Finally, using Ephesians 1:18-19, pray for one another, that by the Spirit, we would have a vision of our great hope.
3. THE ‘COME TO JESUS DAILY’ DEVOTIONAL METHOD
This structure can be used to aid you in your devotions.
Begin by thanking God for salvation/the gospel (GC); Worship Him (UP); Pray for Christian friends and yourself (IN); Pray for your non-believing friends (OUT). As you go along, God will remind you of bible texts; turn to these, and pray/worship out of them.
This structure can also be used for bible meditation. As you read, pray that God would speak. As He highlights something in the text, use the following questions to help you meditate, worship and pray out of the bible:
- GC (Gospel–Centred) What does the text say about Jesus?
- What does the text say about Jesus and salvation through Him, and how will you now worship and pray in response?
- UP – What does it say about God?
- What does it say about God – His worth, character, attributes, will, promises…how will you worship and pray in response?
- IN – What does it teach about God’s people?
- What does it teach about God’s people – how He thinks of them, how we are to treat them?
- Is there anyone that you particularly want to pray for?
- This is a great time to pray for your Community Group and church.
- OUT – What does the text say about non-believers?
- What does it say about non-believers and God’s mission?
- What does this inspire you to pray or do in response for non-believers or problems in the world more generally?
- In this section make a commitment to pray through a list of non-believing friends that God has put into your life.
0 comments:
Post a Comment