Daily Bible Reading Plans to help you read and understand God’s Word

Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:9-23, Colossians 3:1-11, Daniel 7:9-14, Hebrews 1:1-4

This Is the New Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. As we read, we’ll gain a broader understanding of the redemptive story of Scripture. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we’ll continue reading the Pauline Epistles.

The Book of Colossians: Colossians is a letter written by Paul to counter false teaching in the city of Colossae. In it, Paul encouraged Jewish and Gentile believers alike toward a proper understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He also discussed the practical implications of salvation: Because they had been made new in Jesus, their lives as believers should have looked differently from their old lives.

How Colossians Fits into the Story: Colossians provides one of the Bible’s fullest expressions of Jesus’s divine identity. This is most evident in the hymn of praise in Colossians 1:15–23, which presents Jesus as the image of the invisible God, the Creator and sustainer of the universe. He is the head of His body, the Church, and the One through whom forgiveness is possible.

Reflection Questions:
1. Jesus is both fully God and fully man. How does the hymn of praise in Colossians 1:15–23 encourage you to celebrate this truth?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?

Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.