Colossians 4:2-18
In this passage, Paul touches on relationships both inside and outside the church. He’ll show us that all of these relationships are important, but they are not all the same. In every relationship that we have we are to be either a witness or an encouragement.
For many, day-to-day life is an area completely separated from beliefs or values that might be called “religious” or “spiritual”. Many now consider it an absolute virtue to “not let their personal faith affect how they do their job.” The Bible makes no such distinction. If Jesus is Lord at all, His influence will be felt in all our relationships and responsibilities.
My college friend threw a problem my way – something from his philosophy teacher. It’s called the Euthyphro Dilemma and it goes back at least to the time of Plato: Does God command something because it is good, or is it good because God commands it?
The solution is found in today’s passage: God is personal and so He has a certain character. That is, certain qualities are essential to the “nature” of God. His commands, then, are an expression of His nature. He is the ultimate good and His commands are always consistent with His character – or, who He is by nature. His commands are the faithful expression of these essential character traits.
Reality The Colossian church, however, was beginning to move in the direction of religious rules and rituals. Paul warns them hoping to stop them in their tracks before it’s too late. Jesus Christ is the ultimate reality. Don’t get distracted by things that simply look or sound religious.
Central Reflections 