Lessons from Colossians (Part 1): The Fruit of Hope

Recently, I've been studying Paul's epistle to the Colossians (I'll be preaching on chapter 3 this Sunday at Trinity Baptist). The church at Colossae came under the erroneous influence of various forces that threatened to tear the congregation apart. A myriad of philosophies, teachings, and religious rituals confused the community and distracted the Colossian church from following the truth of the Gospel. In their most disparate hour, the Colossian Christians needed a word of hope.

Paul responded to this need by using a "fruit tree" metaphor. He implied that the church had been investing in its relationship with God for so long (being "rooted in Christ" (2:6), that the "fruit" of that relationship was finally ripening in its midst. The fruit of a deeply intimate relationship with God is that of hope. In fact, according to Paul, God is in the business of providing the church with the fruit of hope on a regular basis.

So too with us: if we are deeply rooted in Christ as a result of a profound relationship with Him, we are able to enjoy the fruit of hope even in our most disparate hour. We are not condemned because of our flaws; nor are we disqualified from the fullness of God's love because of the things we might do or say. Rather, we are simply called to reach out to God, eat of the fruit of His hope, and respond to Him by offering thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is an important theme in Colossians. Paul wrote, "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thanksgiving" (Col. 2:6-7). Writing about this passage in the Broadman Bible Commentary, R. E. O. White commented, "The only appropriate response to grace is gratitude."

This week, as you gear up for "back-to-school," wrestle with any hardships, or are just get downright frustrated with the economy, remember that you too must cultivate the soil of your relationship with God through the daily disciplines of prayer and scripture reading. And then, when your hour of trial comes upon you, God will produce a bountiful harvest of hope in your midst. But the hope is only possible when we take the time to tend to our spiritual lives and allow Christ to take root in the deepest crevices of our heart and mind.