Ever find that a single word catches your attention as you
read? Well, I was reading through Colossians during my quiet time when the word
“all” began jumping out at me. I found it used at least twenty-nine times
through the four short chapters. Let me share a few with you. But before I do, let’s make note that the
word “all” means the whole quantity or extent of a particular group or thing,
the whole of one’s energy or interest, the total sum, everything, the entire
amount.
So, look at some of the things God mentions along with the word “all.” In Colossians 1:16-20, there are no less than seven “all’s.” Each of them declaring that all things are his, he created them, and all things consist only by his decree and command. He is to have preeminence in all things—everything, the whole quantity.
Colossians lists several more things that are ours because of his supremacy and the availability of his power within us. We read of:
+being all pleasing (1:10) walking worthy of the Lord in every good work.
+strengthened to all might (1:11)
+all patience (1:11) with longsuffering and joy.
+all wisdom (1:28) so we can proclaim the gospel.
+all treasures (2:3) of wisdom and knowledge which are hidden in him.
+all riches (2:2) of love and understanding, and
+all fulness (2:9-10) making us complete in him.
It sounds to me like we are fully equipped because he is our all in all (Col 3:11).
If you take time to look, you will find more treasures. Colossians 2:19 speaks of all the body(church) being held together. Colossians 2:22 warns us about all the things that perish, teaching us that we need not be hung up by things of this world. Colossians 3:8 lists things to take out of our lives while Colossians 3:14 shows us the things to put on. Colossians 3:10 elevates the Word of God. Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Then verse twenty instructs children to be obedient in all things. Verse twenty-two requires servants (employees) to do the same. Colossians 4:12 ends with, “that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.”
But, as I reread Colossians 2:13, I humbly bowed my head. It reads, “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you ALL trespasses.” All my trespasses! And they were so many. Verse fourteen goes on to say he blotted them out and nailed them to his cross. His cross? That should have been my cross. But in his mercy and grace, he took ALL my sins —the entire amount, the total sum, the whole quantity—upon himself once and for all making an end to them.
Such is God’s amazing grace. He takes a person with no hope, no worth, no redeeming qualities, someone who is failing miserably, and places within them the beauty of His Spirit by the humble, incredible act of forgiveness. By this, He transforms a life, giving all things necessary for godliness and equipping the believer with a wealth of spiritual resources found only in himself so they can stand perfect and complete.
At times, we may feel ill-prepared for the things we face, but in truth, all we need are at hand. We have only to ask. In Christ, we have it all.
So, look at some of the things God mentions along with the word “all.” In Colossians 1:16-20, there are no less than seven “all’s.” Each of them declaring that all things are his, he created them, and all things consist only by his decree and command. He is to have preeminence in all things—everything, the whole quantity.
Colossians lists several more things that are ours because of his supremacy and the availability of his power within us. We read of:
+being all pleasing (1:10) walking worthy of the Lord in every good work.
+strengthened to all might (1:11)
+all patience (1:11) with longsuffering and joy.
+all wisdom (1:28) so we can proclaim the gospel.
+all treasures (2:3) of wisdom and knowledge which are hidden in him.
+all riches (2:2) of love and understanding, and
+all fulness (2:9-10) making us complete in him.
It sounds to me like we are fully equipped because he is our all in all (Col 3:11).
If you take time to look, you will find more treasures. Colossians 2:19 speaks of all the body(church) being held together. Colossians 2:22 warns us about all the things that perish, teaching us that we need not be hung up by things of this world. Colossians 3:8 lists things to take out of our lives while Colossians 3:14 shows us the things to put on. Colossians 3:10 elevates the Word of God. Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Then verse twenty instructs children to be obedient in all things. Verse twenty-two requires servants (employees) to do the same. Colossians 4:12 ends with, “that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.”
But, as I reread Colossians 2:13, I humbly bowed my head. It reads, “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you ALL trespasses.” All my trespasses! And they were so many. Verse fourteen goes on to say he blotted them out and nailed them to his cross. His cross? That should have been my cross. But in his mercy and grace, he took ALL my sins —the entire amount, the total sum, the whole quantity—upon himself once and for all making an end to them.
Such is God’s amazing grace. He takes a person with no hope, no worth, no redeeming qualities, someone who is failing miserably, and places within them the beauty of His Spirit by the humble, incredible act of forgiveness. By this, He transforms a life, giving all things necessary for godliness and equipping the believer with a wealth of spiritual resources found only in himself so they can stand perfect and complete.
At times, we may feel ill-prepared for the things we face, but in truth, all we need are at hand. We have only to ask. In Christ, we have it all.
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