15 Minute Bible Study
Christ In You
Scripture Passage: Colossians 1:24-29
Memory Verses: Colossians 1:26-27

    Most people who go to church regularly have the idea that the Christian life is something we do, and God?who is up in heaven?hears us when we pray and helps us when we get off track. In other words, we do our job down here, God does His job up there, and someday we'll come together. However, this is not the teaching of the Bible.

    In our focal passage, the apostle Paul describes a principle that he terms a "mystery." What does he mean by this? He certainly is not saying that God has hidden the saving message of Jesus from all but a select few. Rather, by "mystery" he means there is something that was once misunderstood which has now been revealed.

    This mystery is simply Christ in you. It was previously misunderstood because the first century religious teachers were not expecting the type of Messiah that Jesus was. They anticipated a military leader who would raise up a mighty army to save them from the persecution of their oppressive Roman rulers. Jesus, however, came to offer a different kind of salvation.

    He spoke of dwelling within those who followed Him. Over and over again throughout Scripture, Jesus refers to this special relationship whereby He enters into the hearts of those who receive Him. (John 6:55-56; 15:4-5; 17:22-26)

    Some people have difficulty with this concept because the Scriptures also say that when He ascended, Jesus took His position seated at the right hand of His Father (Psalm 110:1; Mark 16:19, Colossians 3:1) If this is true, how can Jesus also be living within each of us at the same time?

    The answer lies in the fact that Jesus promised to send His disciples "another Helper." (John 14:16-17) We know this "helper" is the Holy Spirit, whose primary ministry is to live the life of Christ in and through us.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:

When you know that the Spirit of God is leading you to a specific action, do you think about His indwelling power?

If so, how does that understanding aid you?

How does remembering the significance of the phrase "Christ in you" affect the way you make decisions in daily life?