Bible Study: Colossians 4:2 ff — July 13, 2024

2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

“How can one satisfy these people with bread here in the wilderness?” Trinity 7 2024

Jesus looks upon you and has compassion for you. He sees your hunger and feeds you. He knows your needs and provides for you. He draws your eyes off the vain pursuit of more and bigger and better and fixes your eyes on Him. You have been with him “for three days” and hear His words, “It is finished!” Everything and anything that your heart wants is yours already in Jesus. As He gives you to dwell richly in His Word, you’ll also find your heart is changed, and you’ll stop demanding what you think you deserve and gladly receive even crumbs from the Master’s table.

“Nevertheless, at Your word, I will let down the net” Trinity 5 2024

Jesus has been healing the sick, casting out demons, and preaching. That's the Jesus job. But what have Peter and the other disciples been given to do? Follow Him, to be sure. That's the common calling of all disciples, Christ-followers. To follow the Way of Jesus is to listen and do what He says. But as you have experienced, that's easier said than done. As Jesus says, "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able" (Luke 13:24). The life of the Christian is simple, but it is not easy. We are being conformed to the image of Jesus through pain, suffering, toil, and crosses.