Christianity as an invasive species.

Col. 1:1-8

Paul begins with his typical greeting of “Grace” and “Peace”. The first is essential to the second, without grace there is never the possibility of peace.  But we should also note that the double greeting has both a Greek and Hebrew component.  Even in saying, “Hello,” Paul is moving toward unity.  This issue of unity will be developed later on in this letter.

Three elements that Paul refers to in the passage need to be developed in the life of every disciple.  There can be no point at which we stop growing in these three areas.  First, is “Faith in Christ” that is more than knowledge and theology.  I can never have a strong faith if I live in ignorance.  Nor can I assume I have it all figured out.  I must avoid learning in order to reinforce my opinions and pet ideals.  Rather we learn to constantly challenge our personal convictions and make sure they are Biblical convictions.  Knowledge is not the same as faith, but it is the foundation of faith.  Faith is the active trust and living in the sphere of Christ.  It is the challenges of obedience in the daily-we live in Christ.  Second, is the “love of the saints”.  Love is not practiced at a distance.  Love for the saints requires an ongoing, involved and intimate relationship.  It is much more than membership in a church, even with weekly attendance, though for many that would be an improvement.  Nor is it friendship and a common affection.  Agape love is always costly.  If the relationship is not based in the faith, ongoing, intimate and in some way costly, it is not love.  I should not try to find this in others; but rather, ought to find and develop it in myself.  Third, “fruit bearing” is the final descriptive.  The life of faith that is not bearing fruit is dead, that was the point of Jesus cursing the fig tree.  What is the fruit that Paul refers to in verse 6?  This is clearly critical!  It is the fruit of both the change in the life of the believer and the expansion of the community of faith.  Christianity is the ultimate, invasive species.  Everywhere it is supplanting and rooting out the native species of the world, the flesh, and the devil, it is replacing these with its new life.

The church must never become or be allowed to be stupid (weak in faith), disconnected (without Agape love) and deadbeat (failing to work with the Holy Spirit in personal and kingdom growth).  We must never look at Paul’s guidance as if he were speaking to another.  We must hear him speaking to us.