Daily Guide 7th December 2023 | Scripture Union Devotional
Do You Know That? Daily Guide Reading is published by Scripture Union Press & Books Ltd, an arm of Scripture Union Nigeria. Daily Guide is a true nondenominational, interdenominational Christian Bible engagement/reading aid – meditate on the Bible without denominational colorations. May the Lord bless you as you study!
Today’s Topic: The unchanging message of salvation
Opening Prayer: Sanctify my life dear Lord as I study your word in Jesus name.
SCRIPTURE: Colossians 1:1-14
Question(s) for Reflection
• Q 1: What does the passage teach about God the Father, or God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
• Q 2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
Outline For Scripture Union Daily Guide 7 December 2023
Introduction: Colosse was a small town 100 miles east of Ephesus, in the area which is now Turkey. Close by, were the towns of Laodicea and Hierapolis. The Church in Colosse was probably begun during Paul’s three years in Ephesus.
The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to a Church which he had never visited, but he had heard about from Epaphras. He wrote from prison, probably in Rome about A.D. 61. His purpose was to correct the various false teachings, which he had heard about in the Church, and to encourage the believers. He sent this, and the personal letter to Philemon, through Onesimus, the converted run-away slave whom he sent back to Philemon in Colosse.
Paul’s letter to the church at Colosse served as an encouragement to the body of Christ. Paul commended their unique faith and love for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. The message of salvation is the same and true all over the world (vs.5-6). The message continues to bear fruit even today, just as it did in the lives of the Colossian Christians.
Paul also recognized Epaphras’ leadership in teaching and making known the word of grace and truth to build up the church at Colosse. Paul’s letter contained a prayer focused on important parameters for church growth. Can you identify some of these? See vs.9–14. Here we see the true indicators to evaluate church growth daily. What can we learn from the church in Colosse from this passage? They were a church of faith, demonstrated love for fellow believers and bore fruit as they spread the gospel.
Paul also sets an example for us in prayer. His letters were filled with prayers and the study today is an example of effective prayers in the life of a believer. We should seek all opportunities available to us to encourage and admonish one another.
Practice/Word Application
And so? The message of Christ has not diminished in power to save man and transform lives today.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Lord, as we continue to respond to the gospel of grace in faith, may we develop an unshakable trust in your word of truth – and a deep love for the body of Christ.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Jeremiah 31:3
One Year Bible Reading Plan
2 Timothy 1, 2; Proverbs 27.
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN FOR 7TH DECEMBER 2023
PRAYER FOCUS: END OF YEAR CAMPS AT THE AREA LEVEL THIS MONTH
“Unto Him shall the gathering of the people be” Genesis 49:10
THANK GOD FOR:
►For another camping opportunity
►For His Word that works effectually in His people to reproduce Christ’s image in us.
PRAY FOR:
►That this year’s camping in all the venues, will receive an overwhelming presence of God.
►For the resource persons for clear unction from the Holy Spirit.
►That all participants will be greatly imparted, experiencing first hand touch of the transforming power of His grace.
