“because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the Good News,”

The faith and love of the believers at the church in Colosse is secure because their eyes are firmly on the coming kingdom. Their hope in Christ is real and certain, because they believe. They consider what God has laid up for them in the coming kingdom and it influences every part of their lives, in faith and love.

“Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.”

Matthew 5:12

This is the key to Christian contentment. Whatever state we are in, nothing and no one will touch our eternal inheritance kept in heaven for us. It is the constant comfort and confirmed in us by the Holy Spirit. The things of this life never completely satisfy and our souls need something beyond us to fulfil our spiritual desires. 

The Colossian Christians heard this truth in the preaching of the gospel. They heard this from Paul’s teaching and also Epaphrus, and Paul is reminding them of this truth. The element of the eternal must be part, the main part of the gospel, otherwise it becomes a social gospel and therefore no gospel at all. If there is nothing beyond the here and now, then nothing is worth it. 

“If we have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all men most pitiable.”

1 Corinthians 15:19

The main event is after this life, and what an event it will be! As we lay hold of the gospel of truth, that those who are forgiven and believe have a glorious treasure laid up for them in the heavens, so we will persevere and our salvation will last the test of time in this difficult world. 

Beloved, whatever you are facing, keep your faith and love alive and hold on to the glorious hope in Christ of the coming kingdom. It is the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of God to salvation, to everyone who believes.