Episode 65: A life of worship

There’s a tendency in some churches to speak of “worship” as if it meant “worship music.” Worship is more than that. But there’s no denying the importance of music in our lives generally and in worship particularly. Paul thus tells the Colossians to sing “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” to one another (Col 3:16). We don’t need to distinguish these from each other; the more important point is that these are tangible expressions of their heartfelt gratitude.

What is Chunks: Paul's Letter to the Colossians?

The church in the city of Colossae had recently been founded by one of the apostle Paul's colleagues; he had never met them personally. But he had heard of their faith and of some of the challenges that threatened to undermine that faith, including what seems to be the presence of false teachers who were leading them astray. Paul therefore writes to them from prison, lovingly encouraging them to realize the treasure they already have in the gospel. In so doing, he paints a magnificent and cosmic portrait of the Christ in whom they've already believed, and in whom they've been given a new and transformed nature. His words should help remind believers of every time and place that the Christ we worship is supreme. (Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture passages will be read from the New International Version.)