volved in their living at Colossae, they were safe and strong because they were “in Christ.” Jesus de scribed the twofold environment of the Christian when he said, “In me ye may have peace, but in the world ye shall have tribulation” (John 16:33). Paul could always find something to thank God for in the life of the church. It does not mean that he overlooked their errors (Gal. 1:6-9), but he always took hold of trouble at the right end—the cool one. This is where he starts with the Colos- sians. This thanksgiving indicates a prominent feature of his Christian life. Closely associated with thanksgiv ing is prayer. These are Siamese twins which cannot be separated, or like the two wings of the bird which are required to enable it to soar into the sky. The object of the thanksgiv ing and prayer is, “God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The basis of this outflow of gratitude is next expressed. His good friend Epaphras has brought to him the things which characterize their Christian lives. Faith in Christ Jesus 1 :4. Having heard of their faith, love, and hope, he gave thanks and prayed for them. Paul places faith first as it should be, because it is the first element of the Christian life. This is the divine means of bringing the soul into con tact with the Saviour (Jo. 3:14-18; Acts 16:31; Ro. 5:1; Eph. 2:7-8). Their love toward all the saints is a natural fruit of faith in Christ. Paul said in Galatians 5:6 that “faith worketh by love.” The love spoken of here is not some senti mental emotion toward someone. Faith implies some insight into Him who is the object of our trust. This makes our faith an experience, a re liance upon Him, a use of Him as our refuge, strength, and peace. T hanksgiving for T heir C hristian S tatus 1:3-8
cacy of his call is shown by (dia with the genitive) means outside h im s e lf (1 Cor. 1:1; 2 Cor. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; 2 Tim. 1:1). The p h ra s e (en Christo) “in SOUND THE ALARM! Sound the alarm through the earth and the heavens! Summon the slumbering world to attend! Jesus is coming! The hour is impend ing! Sound the alarm to earth's utter most end! Sound the alarm in the ears of the sinner! Haste, ere the time of probation be past! Now is the day of salvation, improve •t; Mercy long lingers, but doom comes at last. Sound the alarm to the slumbering Christian! Are you prepared should the Bride groom appear, Oil in your vessels, your lamps trim med and burning? Brother, be ready, the Master is near. Sound the alarm to the millions that wander Out in the darkness of heathen dom's night! Tell them the King of all kingdoms is coming; Tell them of Jesus, and send them the light. Sound the alarm to the scoffers and worldings! Long have ye mocked at His grace and His Word. "Look, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish." Where shall you hide in the day of the Lord? — A. B. Simpson Christ” is a further designation of their status and an important one. This phrase is the basis of all they possess and enjoy as Christians. In the face of all the sin and danger in
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