What does it really mean to be a Christian? We often begin with things we should know and believe: understanding the grace of God in truth (v. 6), knowing that it is in Christ that we have redemption and forgiveness of sins (v. 14), and putting our faith in Him as our Lord and Savior (v. 4). And of course there’s always room to grow in spiritual wisdom and understanding (v. 9). That’s one reason why we need teachers like Paul and Epaphrus to help us learn more about God’s will (v. 7).

But God doesn’t give us all this knowledge just so that we can keep it to ourselves. No, our faith in Jesus should be joined to love for all the saints (v. 4). For that’s the only way we can live in a manner worthy of Christ, a way that pleases Him (v. 10). It is as we bear fruit in good works that we demonstrate the reality of our faith.

And the good news is that God Himself is the One Who gives us the strength to live in such a selfless way. He is the One Who gives us the power to endure and to be patient, no matter the challenges that may come our way. In fact, even when we are called to serve and bless others, God can fill us with joy, as we know He has given us an eternal inheritance (vv. 11-12).

Yes, true discipleship consists of faith in Jesus, love for the saints, and the hope of heaven. May God help all of us to grow in each one of these ways every day.

Colossians 1:1-14 (ESV)

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,
4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints,
5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel,
6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing– as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth,
7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf
8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.
9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;
12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.