In The Margins

1 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

5 Therefore, put to death what belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, God’s wrath is coming upon the disobedient, 7 and you once walked in these things when you were living in them. 8 But now, put away all the following: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your Creator. 11 In Christ there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all. –Colossians 3:1-11

I have a golden retriever named Chloe. Since she was a puppy, she has loved tennis balls. If you’ve got one in your hand, she’ll do whatever you ask. She stares at it with such intensity that sometimes I only have to fake a throw, and she’ll take off running. She reminds me of a line from Forrest Gump. When Forrest learns to play ping pong, he’s told: “The secret is to never take your eye off the ball.”

That’s exactly how Paul tells us to live as Christians—with focus, intentionality, and intensity. He says in Colossians 3:2, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

What does it mean to set your mind on things above? It’s not about dreaming of “heavenly geography.” It’s about seeking Christ, the One who dwells there. Setting our minds on things above means filling our thoughts with what brings God joy and gives Him glory. But if we’re honest, it’s easy to fix our eyes on temporary things—success, popularity, or comfort. Paul reminds us to look higher.

In verse 5 Paul says, “Put to death what belongs to your earthly nature.” That’s strong language! Why so intense? Because sin is serious. Jesus even said, “If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out” (Matt. 5:29). Paul lists sins like sexual immorality, greed, and evil desires. These aren’t just actions—they’re heart issues. Sin lives inside us, and if we don’t deal with it, it will deal with us. Putting sin to death means digging deep, confessing it, and cutting it off before it controls us.

After addressing the inner battles, Paul moves to our outward behavior: anger, rage, malice, gossip, and filthy language (v. 8). These are choices. The enemy can tempt us, but the moment we choose to lash out, tear down, or curse—it’s on us. Paul says we can put them away. Breaking habits is hard, but change is possible when Christ is shaping our responses.

Finally, Paul says we are being renewed in knowledge after the image of Christ (v. 10). This is daily. Every day you wake up with new mercy, fresh grace, and the reminder that God is shaping you into someone new. The old ways don’t define you anymore. Christ does.

The Christian life is a process: seek Christ with focus, put sin to death, put away harmful habits, and let God renew you every day. You won’t get it perfect, but you don’t have to. The point isn’t striving harder—it’s fixing your eyes on Christ and letting Him transform you.

Reflective Questions:

What daily rhythms or habits could you begin (like prayer, Scripture reading, gratitude, or worship) that would help you fix your mind on Christ and the things that matter to Him? How can you take a practical step toward this starting today?

When you look honestly at your life, what earthly things—like distractions, temptations, or misplaced priorities—tend to pull your attention away from Christ? How might you bring those struggles before the Lord and trust Him to help you refocus?

Paul says we are being renewed daily in Christ. How does knowing that God is constantly shaping you, forgiving you, and making you new change the way you see yourself and the way you live right now?

For further reading and study: Eph. 2:4-10

By Justan Borth

“I guess ultimately what I’m wondering is, does God actually exist?”

That question came from a young guy across the dinner table one evening. He leaned more toward the rational side—he was a thinker—and lately he had been wrestling with the very foundation of faith: the existence of God.

I slowed the conversation down because before you can talk about applying the Bible, you have to deal with the question of whether God is real. And interestingly, the Bible doesn’t spend much time trying to prove God’s existence. Instead, it assumes it.

Scripture says we all carry an innate sense of the divine, something inside us that points toward God. Romans 1:19–20 explains that His power and nature are clearly seen in creation, leaving us without excuse. Acts 17 says He’s the one who gives life and breath to all things. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says God has “set eternity in the human heart.” Psalm 14:1 even says, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’”

And nature itself backs this up. Psalm 19:1 declares, “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.” Every sunset, every star-filled night, every intricate detail of creation whispers the reality of God.

Beyond Scripture, thinkers through the centuries have developed arguments for God’s existence. Wayne Grudem, in Systematic Theology, summarizes a few:

• Cosmological argument: Everything has a cause, and the universe must have one too. That ultimate cause is God.
• Teleological argument: The order, beauty, and design of creation point to a Creator.
• Ontological argument: If we can conceive of the greatest possible being, He must exist—because if He didn’t, something greater could exist.
• Moral argument: Our sense of right and wrong must come from somewhere. God is the ultimate source of morality.

These arguments can spark thought, but here’s the truth: arguments alone can’t convince someone to believe. Faith is more than reason—it’s revelation. 2 Corinthians 4:4 reminds us that “the god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers.” In other words, spiritual blindness is real. Only God can open eyes.

That’s why Jesus said in John 9:39, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”

So yes, there are solid reasons to believe God exists. Nature points to Him, logic affirms Him, and our moral compass cries out for Him. But ultimately, faith is a gift from God Himself. Our role is to ask, seek, and be open—and trust Him to open our eyes.

Reflective questions:

-How does your experience with nature impact your belief in God? What natural occurrence makes you feel the presence of God (i.e. sunrise, ocean, storm, etc…)

-Which of the arguments above do you find the most compelling and why?

-How might you support and discuss within someone the existence of God if they are struggling to believe? What scripture would you go to?

Further reading: Psalm 19

We’re right in the middle of Colossians, and Paul is starting to explain why he wrote this letter in the first place. The church was being pulled toward false teaching—a mix of rules, rituals, and philosophies that promised “fullness” but only led to emptiness.

Before Paul tackles those ideas, he makes something crystal clear: Christ has already won. Colossians 2:15 says, “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and disgraced them publicly; he triumphed over them in him.” At the cross, what looked like defeat was actually God’s greatest victory. Jesus stripped evil of its power, once and for all.

That’s where we start: you’re not fighting for victory—you’re living from it. When you feel insecure, when you can’t keep up with expectations, or when you feel completely alone, remember this truth: Christ has already won.

But here’s the problem. The Colossians didn’t live like that. Instead, they took shortcuts. They tried to add rules and experiences as if Jesus wasn’t enough. Paul warns them—and us—against three traps:

1. Legalism — Trading substance for shadows
Paul says, “Don’t let anyone judge you in regard to food, drink, or festivals” (v. 16). These Old Testament laws pointed to Jesus, but the false teachers turned them into a checklist. Legalism is when we depend on rules instead of grace, thinking we can earn our way to God. But salvation is not “Jesus + works.” It’s Jesus alone.

2. Mysticism — Chasing experiences over truth
Some were claiming special visions or spiritual access no one else had (v. 18). They acted like their experiences gave them authority over others. Paul calls it empty pride. Faith isn’t built on feelings or visions—it’s built on Christ and His Word.

3. Asceticism — Severe rules can’t make a holy heart
Others believed holiness came from harsh self-denial: “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!” (v. 21). Paul says these rules look wise but are useless in curbing sin (v. 23). God’s good gifts aren’t the problem—our hearts are. Denying yourself doesn’t save you; Christ does.

Paul’s point is simple: don’t fall for shortcuts. Legalism, mysticism, and asceticism all look spiritual, but they can’t make you right with God. Only Jesus can.

So here’s the big takeaway: Christ is enough. Don’t trade Him for shadows, feelings, or self-made religion. Live in the freedom He already won for you at the cross.

Reflective Questions:

-When life feels heavy or overwhelming, how does remembering that Christ has already won change the way you see your struggles?

-What are some “shadows” in your life—things that look meaningful but can’t truly satisfy compared to Christ?

-What’s one practical way you can remind yourself daily that Jesus is enough?

Further Reading and Study: John 16:31-33

by Justan Borth

“I don’t care what you want to do. Your curfew is at 11:00, so you will be home at 11:00—and that’s final.”
Sound familiar? I’m sure many of you have had conversations like that with your parents. I remember one night when I wanted to stay out with my friends longer. I called my dad and tried everything—bartering, reasoning, even softening my tone—to convince him to let me stay. But he wasn’t having it. My curfew didn’t budge. I ended the night annoyed and frustrated… but I was home by 11:00.

Why did I obey? Because my dad had authority in my life. As the parent, he had the final say. His authority determined my actions.

The same is true for us as Christians. Our beliefs, behavior, and obedience hinge on how we view Scripture—specifically its authority. The Bible isn’t just another book; it stands above every other power and opinion.

Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”

I love starting sermons with that verse. I’ll read the passage for the day, then say it out loud, and the congregation responds with “Amen.” Why? Because it reminds us of the weight of Scripture. These aren’t just words on a page—they are God’s words, alive and eternal. When we believe and obey Scripture, we are believing and obeying God Himself. When we ignore it, we are ignoring Him.
That’s what the authority of Scripture means: on every matter, the Bible gets the final word. It becomes the filter for our choices, the lens through which we make decisions. Before acting, we should ask: Does this align with biblical principles? Does Scripture speak directly to this situation?

When you run your decisions through the authority of Scripture, you can be confident you’re honoring God.
Scripture will guide how you manage conflict.
Scripture will set boundaries for relationships and purity.
Scripture will shape how you handle money.
Scripture will even tell you how to honor your parents.
The world has endless opinions, but Scripture has the final say. And when you live under its authority, you’ll find clarity, wisdom, and the confidence to follow God faithfully.

Reflective questions:
-Are there parts of the Bible that feel hard for you to believe or follow? How do you think God wants you to respond to those struggles?
-In what ways have you let Scripture shape your choices and actions? In what ways have you resisted? What would it look like to surrender more fully to its authority?
-Is there an area of your life—like friendships, relationships, school, or habits—that you haven’t fully submitted to God’s Word? How could you take a step toward change?

Further study and reading: 2 Timothy 3

Colossians 2:4–15

4 I am saying this so that no one will deceive you with arguments that sound reasonable. 5 For I may be absent in body, but I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see how well ordered you are and the strength of your faith in Christ.

6 So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, 7 being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude.

8 Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elements of the world, rather than Christ. 9 For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ, 10 and you have been filled by him, who is the head over every ruler and authority. 11 You were also circumcised in him with a circumcision not done with hands, by putting off the body of flesh, in the circumcision of Christ, 12 when you were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And when you were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he made you alive with him and forgave us all our trespasses. 14 He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and disgraced them publicly; he triumphed over them in him.

The Venus flytrap is a strange little plant. It looks shiny and inviting to insects, but once they land, the trap snaps shut. What seemed desirable was actually deadly.

Paul warns the church in Colossae about something similar—false teaching. My Bible even labels this section “The Colossian Heresy.” A heresy is simply a belief that looks spiritual but is completely opposed to God’s truth. It may sound impressive, but in reality, it’s a trap.

In verse 8, Paul describes four traits of false teaching:

• It’s deceptive—empty ideas dressed up in smart-sounding words.
• It’s based on human tradition, claiming secret wisdom or “ancient truth.”
• It’s spiritual but dangerous, influenced by powers that oppose Christ.
• And it’s enslaving—it doesn’t free people; it locks them up.

At its core, the false teachers were saying: “Jesus plus something else equals fullness.” That’s the flytrap. The world still sells us the same lie today—“You’ll be complete if you have success, popularity, relationships, or the right image.” It looks shiny, but it can’t deliver.

Paul pushes back hard. He says in verses 9–10: “For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ, and you have been filled by him, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” In other words, everything you need is already found in Jesus.

I love the picture one writer gave: imagine standing by the Pacific Ocean with a tiny jar. The moment you dip it in, it’s completely full of ocean water. But you could never put the whole ocean into the jar—it’s endless. That’s what Christ is like. He holds the fullness of God, and when we come to Him, He fills us completely. And the more we open our hearts to Him, the more of His fullness we can receive.

Here’s the bottom line: don’t get caught by flytraps. The world will keep telling you, “Jesus isn’t enough—you need this too.” But Paul reminds us: in Christ, you are already full. You don’t need to chase every shiny promise the world offers. You only need Him.

Reflective Questions:

-What “flytraps” in your life look shiny and desirable but actually pull you away from Christ?

-So where are you tempted to believe “Jesus + something else” will make you complete?

-How would your life look different if you trusted that Christ really is enough?

Further reading and study: John 1:1-18

by Justan Borth

A few months ago, I was at a Chinese restaurant with a friend who was struggling with doubt. He had questions about faith, works, and repentance. As we talked, he brought up a verse I didn’t recognize. When I asked where it came from, he said, “The Book of Tobit.”

That moment raised a huge question: What belongs in the Bible, and what doesn’t?

Forget about Tobit for a second. Our Bibles contain 66 books, written by different authors over centuries. But why those books? Why not others? What makes them God’s Word?

The answer comes from something called the Canon of Scripture—the collection of writings recognized as God-breathed. This isn’t just an academic issue; it matters because God warns us not to add or subtract from His Word (Deut. 4:2). If we lose or add to Scripture, we risk losing obedience to God Himself.

So how did the early church know what belonged? Let’s break it down:

The Old Testament

Two big questions help us here:

1. Did God’s people preserve it? Scripture shows Israel carefully kept God’s words (Ex. 31:18; Deut. 4:13).
2. Did Jesus affirm it? In the New Testament, Jesus constantly quotes the Old Testament as Scripture. Not once does He reject it.

The New Testament

The early church used a few key tests:

• Authentic: Was it written by someone who knew Jesus or His close followers?
• Authoritative: Did it clearly teach God’s will?
• Inspired: Was it guided by the Holy Spirit?

When a book met these standards, Christians recognized it as part of God’s Word.

Why It Matters for You

We live in a world filled with voices telling us who we should be, what to believe, and how to live. The canon of Scripture gives us confidence that the Bible we hold isn’t random—it’s been trusted for centuries as God’s inspired Word.

So when you open your Bible, you can rest knowing these are the words God intended for you. They’re the foundation for faith, identity, and direction in a noisy world.

Reflective Questions:

-Why is it important to your Christian life to know which writings are God’s words and which are not?

-Have you had doubts or questions about the canonicity of any of the books of the Bible? What caused those questions? What should one do to resolve them?

Further Reading and Study: Hebrews 1:1-2

by Justan Borth

Colossians 1:24–2:3

Within this passage, Paul shifts the focus away from the church of Colossae and onto his own walk with the Lord.

Specifically, Paul gives us a picture of his faith in 4 parts:

• His attitude: He rejoices even in suffering (1:24).
• His calling: To make Jesus known (1:25–27).
• His purpose: To help believers grow mature in Christ (1:28).
• His devotion: He works hard, relying on God’s strength (1:29).

Paul begins by saying something pretty wild: he rejoices in his sufferings (his attitude). That doesn’t mean he enjoyed being in pain, but he understood that his struggles had a purpose. He saw his hardships as part of serving the church and making Jesus known. That’s a huge perspective shift, isn’t it?

Paul also talks about his calling. God had called him to share the gospel, the “mystery” that had been hidden for generations but was now revealed: Christ in you, the hope of glory. In other words, Jesus doesn’t just save us—He lives in us. That’s the hope we carry into every part of life.

But Paul’s goal wasn’t just to get people to believe in Jesus. He wanted them to grow up in their faith, to become mature (his purpose). He says, “We proclaim him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” For Paul, maturity wasn’t optional—it was the whole point.

Therefore, with such a high purpose in view, Paul labored toward that end. His devotion was so that he “strived” for the maturity of other Christians with the power that was working itself through him. His conclusion is that the devotion with which he worked was not possible without the strength of something greater than himself.

So what does maturity in Christ look like for you as a teenager? It’s more than just knowing Bible verses. It’s letting God’s Word sink deep into your heart so it shapes your daily choices. It’s choosing kindness even when popularity seems easier. It’s pursuing purity in your relationships. It’s refusing to let fear or anxiety control your identity. It’s deciding that who you are in Christ matters more than grades, sports, or friendships.

That kind of maturity doesn’t happen overnight—it takes work and discipline. Paul compared it to training for a race. Nobody shows up to a marathon without practice. In the same way, we need consistent time with God in prayer, in Scripture, in worship, and in community with other believers. That’s how He shapes us.

So here’s the big picture: following Jesus won’t always be easy, but it will always be worth it. Christ in you is the hope of glory. He is with you, giving you strength to grow, endure, and live faithfully.

The question is—are you letting Him shape you?

Reflective questions:

-How can you keep your identity in Christ from being overshadowed by things like school, sports, or friendships?

-In what ways do you notice yourself depending on God, and where are you tempted to rely more on your own effort or discipline?

-When you face suffering, how do you honestly process your emotions while also learning to rejoice in God’s presence?

-Which spiritual disciplines are you practicing right now, and where do you sense God inviting you to grow?

Further Study and Reading: 2 Peter 1:5-8 ; Romans 5:3-5

Colossians 1:15–23
The Supremacy of Christ Leads to Reconciliation

Paul paints a powerful picture of who Jesus really is in Colossians 1. Each verse builds on the last, like bricks forming a strong foundation. By the end, you see a breathtaking truth: Christ is supreme, and His supremacy leads to our reconciliation with God.

Christ’s Authority (vv. 15–17)
Paul begins by declaring that Jesus is “the image of the invisible God.” If you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus. He isn’t just similar to God—He is God in the flesh. Paul goes further, saying that everything in heaven and on earth was created by Him, through Him, and for Him. Not only did Jesus create everything, but He also holds it all together. Your life, the universe, every atom—none of it continues without Him. His authority is over all things.

So what does that mean for us? If Jesus truly holds everything together, then He knows how to hold your life together, too. Why look anywhere else for meaning or purpose when the Creator Himself offers it?

Christ’s Role (vv. 18–20)
Jesus is not only supreme in creation—He is also supreme in redemption. Paul says He is “the head of the body, the church.” Through His resurrection, Jesus proved His authority over death. Verse 19 reminds us that “God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him.” That fullness led Him to the cross, where His blood brought peace.

This matters for us because the world constantly tells you to put yourself at the center of everything. But Christ shows us a better way. Following Him means reflecting God’s character, even when it’s not easy—like forgiving when you don’t feel like it, or being kind to someone others overlook. When you model your life after Christ, you are pleasing to God.

Christ’s Reconciliation (vv. 21–23)
Paul then makes it personal: “Once you were alienated… but now He has reconciled you by His physical body through His death.” Our sin separated us from God, but through Jesus, we are made holy, faultless, and blameless. That’s not something we earned—it’s a gift we received.

Paul adds a challenge: remain grounded and steadfast in the faith. Why? Because our hearts often drift from the truth of the gospel. But reconciliation is God’s work from beginning to end. He keeps pulling us back to Himself.

The Big Picture
The supremacy of Christ isn’t just a big theological idea—it changes everything. He created you, He leads His church, and He reconciled you to God. Your role? Trust Him, stay grounded in the gospel, and give Him first place in your life.

Reflective Questions:

If Jesus really holds everything together—including your life—what would it look like to trust Him with the things that feel out of control right now?

Where are you most tempted to put yourself at the center instead of giving Christ first place?

Paul says Jesus reconciled us to God. How does knowing you are holy and blameless in Him change the way you see yourself and others?

Further Reading and study: Matthew 9:1-8