Colossians: Alive In Christ Sample

Paul has already made clear in verse 11 that the local church is to be centred around Jesus Christ – he ‘is all, and is in all’. Everything about what we do and who we are as churches is about him. Here in these verses, Paul helps us to think about how Christ’s presence shapes our church community. 

Firstly, we see in verse 15 that we’re to build peace-filled churches. He’s already shown us the details of how Christ changes our relationships (see 3:8 and 12). Here we’re reminded that the Prince of Peace lives amongst us and so, as his people, we should make every effort to be at peace with one another. We belong to him and to one another, and so divisiveness is always anti-Jesus. 

Secondly, we see in verse 16 that we’re to build word-shaped churches. The local church isn’t a club or social work office, but a gathering of Christ’s people around his word. We’re defined by the gospel of Jesus Christ in all that we do – both inside the church and outside the church. We’re not to be stingy with this gospel either, but ‘rich’ with it. We’re all to overflow with it, teach it to one another (note this does not apply just to the pastor/minister/vicar!) and let it shape the kind of songs we sing. 

Thirdly, we’re called to build thankful churches. Three times thanksgiving is mentioned in these verses. We’re not to be like the grumbling people of God in the wilderness, but to recognise God’s incredible daily generosity to us through Jesus Christ. We have much to thank God for – everything that isn’t hell in our lives is grace. If we see that, we’ll become thankful churches. 

By way of summary, Paul says that we’re called to honour Christ in all we do (v. 17). Our lives individually, and together as his people, are about him. We’re to build churches where the name of Christ is over everything we do. He is all for us. 

Reflection

1. How can you help to build a local church that looks like this?

2. List the things you can give God thanks for today!

3. How is Christ's name honoured in your life at the moment?