Purposed on Christ

 1 Kings 17-19; Colossians 2 

“I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

Colossians 1:1-3

Paul’s goal for the Church was that they would know and experience the love of Christ. He labored in prayer and in writing letters of encouragement to new disciples of Christ so they could be transformed by Christ and his love. The distractions of the dietary laws, fine sounding religious arguments, precise wording in theological arguments, and other seemingly life-giving purposes were exposed by Paul as powerless in transforming hearts. Only knowing, following, loving, and obeying Jesus Christ will transform us. This is a relationship with a person, not a self-help program. In knowing Jesus, we have access to all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Do we believe this?

Is this single-minded pursuit of knowing Christ and his love reflected in how we live?

“Lord Jesus, you are my purpose; sharing you with others is the only life-transforming way to live. Fill me with your love this day, for your mission and glory.”