Christ IN you, the Hope of Glory

Scripture:

Colossians 1:27 (MSG) God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, therefore you can look forward to sharing in God's glory. It's that simple. That is the substance of our Message.

Colossians 1:27 (NIV) To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Observation:

The false teachers in the Colossian church believed that spiritual perfection was a secret and hidden plan that only a few privileged people could discover. Their secret plan was meant to be exclusive. Paul said that he was proclaiming the entire message of God, not just a part of the plan. He also called God's plan a "message . . . kept secret for centuries and generations past," not in the sense that only a few would understand, but because it was hidden until Christ came. Through Christ it was made open to all. God's secret plan is "Christ lives in you"-God planned to have his Son, Jesus Christ, live in the hearts of all who believe in him-even Gentiles like the Colossians. Do you know Christ? He is not hidden if you will come to him.

Application:

The Virgin birth is more than just another Christmas story; it illustrates just how close God wants to get to you. In fact, He's asking you the same question He asked Mary, "Are you willing to let me move in?" Throughout scripture it's always been His desire to get close to His people. He told the disciples, "I am in you" (John 14:20). Paul prayed, "That Christ may dwell in your hearts" (Ephesians 3:17) John says, "Those who obey… live in him, and he in them" (1 John 3:24). Paul wrote, "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27), then he added: "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). And Jesus said, "If any one… opens the door, I will come in" (Revelation 3:20).

In the Old Testament God was with Adam and Eve in the Garden… He was with Abraham, and even called him His friend… He was with Moses and the Israelite. But as a believer He's in you - and He'll keep growing in you, and as He does, He comes out in what you say, how you act and the decisions you make. Do you struggle with bitterness, worry, habits and fear? Not Jesus! And because He lives in you, you have access 24/7 to His limitless power! That's how come Paul writes about "striving according to His power, which mightily works within us" (Colossians 1:29). What's in you? "His power!" What more do you need? Remember when the Angel appeared to Mary and she said, "Be it done… according to your word" (Luke 1:38)? Make that your prayer this Christmas!

Prayer:

"Lord, yesterday I studied how You are WITH ME as Immanuel. Today, I am so thankful that you are IN ME as Christ, my Savior and Lord. I am so thankful that you are being formed in me, and I am daily striving to allow Your character to be seen through my words, choices, attitudes, etc. I ask today, as Mary did, 'Be it done according to your Word.' Thank you Lord, for giving me the great HOPE that I have today. In this day, I refuse to be bitter, depressed, discouraged, or in despair. Because you are my hope, I will savor this day and realize that you will provide my daily bread. You have provided me already with new compassion and mercy, they are new every morning. You have given me my breath. Your Word says in Job 34:13-15 "He's the one who runs the earth! He cradles the whole world in his hand! (14) If he decided to hold his breath, (15) every man, woman, and child would die for lack of air." I understand that you hold my life in your hands. You are giving me the breath to breathe at this very moment, and as long as I have your breath, I have YOUR hope. I love you Lord, and I am so thankful that you are IN ME. In jesus' name, amen!"