OCT 28

Colossians 1:26-27
Memorise Matthew 6:21
“…which is Christ in you, the hope of glory…”

Paul now describes the gospel as “the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:26-27) The word “mystery” does not mean something that has to be solved, like working out who committed a crime, but rather something that was hidden or secret in the past but is now revealed by God. The Old Testament saints were not told of all the details of God’s plan of redemption, but with the advent of Jesus Christ this mystery was later made clear (“manifest”) to all the elect (“his saints”) by the Holy Spirit. Paul was one such saint amongst the Jews, and was given the commission to share the rich gift of the gospel to the Gentiles; one body of such Gentiles being the Colossian church. The testimony of the Colossian church (that was earlier commended in Colossians 1:3-4) clearly showed that Christ was in the Colossian believers (“Christ in you”). Their belief in the blessed hope of glory in Christ Jesus was evident in how they responded to the trials and cares of this world. The importance of the gospel to the Colossians was reflected in how it affected their words and actions! This testimony of the Colossian church was thus a fulfillment of the dispensation given to Paul by God.

Dear teen, start realising that God has revealed to you the mystery of the gospel through ministers that He has sent to you, and has given you this priceless gift of salvation in Christ Jesus. The question is, do you hide this revelation and this salvation from the world, or do you live by this blessed hope? It is very strange when a teen professes to believe in the blessed hope, but does not share this hope with others, and lives a life that clearly trusts in the temporal riches and pleasures of this world instead. You might protest that you are not guilty of this, but ask yourself: While you need to bear a good testimony as a student, how often have you been so determined to excel in your studies that you do not set aside time to serve God? Or, how often have you witnessed for Christ to your friends instead of condoning their sinful lifestyle in your desire to be accepted by them. If the gospel is really valuable to you, you will treasure it and live by it.

Thought: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21)
Prayer: May my life show my belief in the hope of the gospel!