Colossians 1:21-2:5.  Paul wanted the Colossians to understand that (providing their faith was real) what Christ has done for them had changed their status before God, and changed them from the inside out. He expected them to show maturity for today and a new destiny for tomorrow.

1. He expected stability of character and steadfastness of faith (1:21-23).
2. He was willing to suffer whatever was necessary in order to fulfill the stewardship of the gospel given to him for the Gentiles (1:24-29).
3. He wanted his words to encourage believers to persevere in their pursuit of their destiny by loving one another and by learning more about him – rejecting false teaching (2:1-5).

LORD, may we stay true to our hope, and allow that hope to manifest in us by making us more Christ-like.