Lesson 1 – Stability in Christ, an Introduction
Read Colossians 1 - https://www.bible.com/bible/59/col.1.esv
Many people point out that the books of Ephesians and Colossians say many of the same things and wonder why both books are in the Bible. But the two books present this information from different perspectives. In Ephesians, the emphasis is placed on the Christian’s responsibility – this is what God has done, so this is what we should be. Ephesians is an emphasis on our walk – how we live our lives.
In Colossians, the same information is given but from the perspective and emphasis of our stability in our relationship with Jesus. Verse 23 of the first chapter says, “…continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard…” In chapter 2 we read that we are to be “rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith” (verse 7), and again, “see to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit…” (verse 8).
But there is one more thing in this book that tells us this is a book about stability – it tells us where to anchor our hearts and minds in a different way. There are 48 direct references to God in just the first chapter. Can you find them all (God, Father, Jesus, Christ, Lord; and don’t forget to look for “he, him, his” when they refer to God). In writing this study, we are using the same English Standard Version of Scripture you have available to you in the link at the top of this study. I challenge you to mark these words in your Bible when you see them during this study. Let the knowledge of Him become the anchor for your life – Hebrews 6:19.
Hebrews 10:23 tells us, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” And Hebrews 4:14 reminds us again that Jesus, through what He did for us, is the only sure hope we can ever have for being able to do that.
One more scripture that teaches us about this stability is Zechariah 4:6 “… Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.” This is not a magical power that allows us to do fantastic things, it is simply stability in Him because His Spirit lives inside us, and teaches us whenever we are quiet and willing to hear His voice giving us wisdom for the moment, a truth spoken in quiet love to touch a heart for Him, an urge to give someone a smile that tells the other He is with us too, and always helping us pray His will when we are willing to leave the results up to His perfect plan.
*What would you like Jesus to do for you in this study – where in your life do you need stability?