Together in Christ: 'My Life is Safe with Jesus!' — Colossians 3:1-4

Saturday, October 12, 2024

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
— Colossians 3:1-4 NLT

Key Thought

Behind the world we see is an unseen world where spiritual powers are at work to defeat us:

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

The evil one and his demonic forces want to deceive us, oppose us, and trap us in a self-destructive life, alienating us from people we love and from God. [2] Those who have been caught in this kind of lifestyle, those who have worshiped pagan idols, and those involved in dark arts have tasted some of the powers of the evil one. In addition, those involved with pornography, addiction, some forms of music, and the drug culture can carry residues of these dark spiritual forces. However, two words change everything: "Then Jesus..."

Jesus came and defeated Satan at every turn. When demons saw Jesus, they fell at His feet in fear and confessed Him as the Son of God. [3] Even the cross, which was supposed to be Satan's triumphant moment in killing the Son of Man, became his greatest defeat. [4] Jesus entered into the world of the dead and triumphed over Satan and shamed him, along with his evil minions, through the cross. [5] Jesus completed His triumph by rising from the dead.

Now comes the incredibly great news. Once we have died with Christ in baptism and were raised to life with Him through our faith in the power of God, [6] Satan and his demons can't have us. Our life is hidden with Christ in God. The evil one may try to tempt us, bring trials into our lives, and even attack us, but he cannot have us or defeat us. The eternally living part of us, our "real life is hidden with Christ in God" and "overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us."  [7]

When Jesus returns in His glory for all the world to see, we will not only be with Him, but we will share in all of his glory! God provided a way for us to have an intimate, eternal, victory-producing relationship with Jesus Christ, the Lord!

[1] Ephesians 6:10–12.
[2] Notice all the destructive qualities in the man's life known as Legion in Mark 5:1-13. This is what the devil — the liar and murderer from the beginning (John 8:44) — wants to do with us!
[3] Mark 1:31-32 and Luke 4:41.
[4] 1 Peter 3:18-22.
[5] Colossians 2:15.
[6] Romans 6:5-11; Colossians 2:12.
[7] Romans 8:37.

Today's Prayer

Alighty God, righteous and holy Father in heaven, my words fail me. To know that You provided a plan to redeem me, Jesus offered Himself as the sacrifice to atone for my sins. Then, Father, You provided a way for my life to be joined to Jesus and the eternally living part of me to be kept safe with Jesus until He returns in glory. This plan is simply breathtaking. I thank You for my confidence, knowing that the Spirit is leading me to grow in Christ and become more and more like Him. I anticipate the day the Lord Jesus returns and invites me to share in His glory. Thank You! Praise You! And I look forward to seeing You in Your glory as Your beloved child. All praise to You, God — Father, Son, and Spirit. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
  • Romans 8:31-39

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Illustration

Illustration of Colossians 3:1-4 NLT — Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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