Colossians 1-4

Thanksgiving and Prayer

[2] To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ in Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

[3] We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 

[4] since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints, 

[5] because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel 

[Col 1:2-5 LSB]

[9] For this reason also, since the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the full knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 

[10] so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please [Him] in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and multiplying in the full knowledge of God; 

[11] being strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously 

[12] giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

[Col 1:9-12 LSB]

The Firstborn of All Creation

[16] For in Him all things were created, [both] in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him. 

[Col 1:16 LSB]

[20] And through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross--through Him--whether things on earth or things in heaven. 

[Col 1:20 LSB]

[21] And although you were formerly alienated and enemies in mind [and] in evil deeds, 

[22] but now He reconciled you in the body of His flesh through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach-- 

[23] if indeed you continue in the faith firmly grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister. 

[Col 1:21-23 LSB]

Alive with Christ

[2] so that their hearts may be encouraged, having been held together in love, even unto all the wealth of the full assurance of understanding, unto the full knowledge of God's mystery, [that is], Christ [Himself], 

[3] in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 

[Col 2:2-3 LSB]

[6] Therefore as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, [so] walk in Him, 

[7] having been firmly rooted and being built up in Him, and having been established in your faith--just as you were instructed--[and] abounding with thanksgiving. 

[Col 2:6-7 LSB]

[9] For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells bodily, 

[10] and in Him you have been filled, who is the head over all rule and authority; 

[11] in whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ, 

[12] having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 

[Col 2:9-12 LSB]

[18] Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, going into detail about [visions] he has seen, being puffed up for nothing by his fleshly mind, 

[19] and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. 

[Col 2:18-19 LSB]

Put On the New Man

[1] Therefore, if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 

[2] Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 

[3] For you died and your life has been hidden with Christ in God. 

[Col 3:1-3 LSB]

[5] Therefore, consider the members of your earthly body as dead to sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry. 

[Col 3:5 LSB]

[16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms [and] hymns [and] spiritual songs, singing with gratefulness in your hearts to God. 

[17] And whatever you do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. 

[Col 3:16-17 LSB]

[19] Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.

[Col 3:19 LSB]

[23] Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, 

[24] knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. Serve the Lord Christ.

[Col 3:23-24 LSB]

Family and Work

[19] Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. 

[Col 3:19 LSB]

Final Instructions and Greetings

[2] Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving; 

[Col 4:2 LSB]