Session 1
From NewSpring at Home: A Study on Colossians
Scripture
“He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” – Colossians 2:13-14 (NIV)
Observation
Financial debt can feel challenging, and even overwhelming. However, spiritual debt is much more dangerous, because its impact is eternal.
All of us have a spiritual debt we cannot pay, but the Bible tells us God has paid our debt! He canceled the payment due for our sins and instead accepted the payment His Son Jesus provided when He died on the cross (Colossians 2:14). God grants this freedom to all who choose to follow Jesus (Colossians 2:13).
Jesus once encountered a woman who recognized the depth of her sin (Luke 7:36-50). Her love toward Jesus overflowed into service because she was so grateful to experience forgiveness.
She received forgiveness for her spiritual debt, and it changed her life forever. Likewise, accepting God’s payment for our spiritual debt means our obligation is paid in full, enabling us to live as his free children.
Application
The chorus to the song “Jesus Paid It All” proclaims, “Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.”
- How should knowing Jesus has paid your spiritual debt change the way you live?
- Who needs to hear about how you became spiritually debt-free?
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for canceling my spiritual debt through the cross—a debt I could never pay. Help me to show my gratitude by living in the wonder of my freedom in you!
As an enthusiast and expert in biblical studies and theology, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the interpretation of the scriptural passages presented in Session 1 of NewSpring at Home's study on Colossians. My extensive background in religious studies and textual analysis equips me to delve into the nuances of the verses, providing a comprehensive understanding of the concepts discussed.
Let's dissect the key concepts in the provided article:
-
Scripture Analysis - Colossians 2:13-14 (NIV):
The passage emphasizes the divine act of forgiveness, stating that God forgives all sins and cancels the legal indebtedness against humanity. The vivid imagery of the debt being nailed to the cross underscores the profound nature of this forgiveness.
-
Observation - Spiritual Debt vs. Financial Debt:
The article draws a parallel between financial debt and spiritual debt, highlighting the eternal impact of the latter. It stresses that everyone carries a spiritual debt that cannot be repaid individually, but through Jesus, God has provided a means of redemption.
-
Biblical Narrative - Luke 7:36-50:
The narrative of a woman encountering Jesus in Luke 7:36-50 is presented to illustrate the depth of one's recognition of sin. The woman's gratitude for forgiveness is expressed through her service to Jesus, showcasing the transformative power of divine forgiveness.
-
Application - Living in Freedom:
The article encourages readers to reflect on the implications of Jesus paying their spiritual debt. The lyrics of the song "Jesus Paid It All" are invoked to emphasize the idea that believers owe everything to Jesus, and the crimson stain of sin is washed away, leaving them pure as snow.
-
Reflective Questions:
Two reflective questions are posed to the readers:
- How should the knowledge of Jesus paying your spiritual debt change the way you live?
- Who needs to hear about how you became spiritually debt-free?
-
Prayer:
The article concludes with a prayer expressing gratitude to Jesus for canceling the spiritual debt through the cross and seeking guidance to live in the freedom granted by this forgiveness.
In summary, the article weaves together scriptural analysis, real-life narrative, and practical application to convey the profound message of spiritual freedom through the forgiveness of debts, as exemplified in the biblical passages from Colossians and Luke. This message encourages believers to live in the light of this freedom and share their stories of spiritual transformation with others.
FAQs
What Does "Paid in Full" on Your Credit Report Mean? When you pay a debt in full, you've basically fulfilled the terms of your loan or credit account and paid back the lender the full amount promised. With a loan, this usually happens once you've made your final payment and reached a zero balance.
Where in the Bible does it say your debt is paid? ›
Luke 7:42-43 - He who is forgiven much (debt) loves much; he who is forgiven little (debt) loves little. Romans 4:4 - Wages, like a debt owed, must be paid. Colossians 2:14 Jesus canceled the record of debt we owed by nailing it to the cross.
What's the difference between settled and paid in full? ›
"In other words, it means you did not pay your debts in full." Debt settlement involves working out an agreement between you and your creditor or a debt collector to pay less than you currently owe but still have the debt considered satisfied.
Does paid in full hurt your credit? ›
The bottom line
The lower your balances, the better your score — and a very low balance will keep your financial risks low. But the best way to maintain a high credit score is to pay your balances in full on time, every time.
What is a debt paid in full agreement? ›
An agreement between a creditor and a debtor to discharge the debtor's debts owed to the creditor for an amount less the debt may constitute payment in full.
What does the Bible say about clearing debt? ›
Deuteronomy 15:1-2
1 At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. 2 This is how it is to be done: Every creditor shall cancel any loan they have made to a fellow Israelite. They shall not require payment from anyone among their own people, because the LORD's time for canceling debts has been proclaimed.
What does God say about unpaid debt? ›
In Luke 7:42, the Bible says, “When they were unable to repay, he graciously forgave them both. So which of them will love him more?” And Romans 13:8 says, “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.”
What is the meaning of paid in full? ›
idiom. : to pay all of the money owed (for a bill or debt) The receipt shows that their bill has been paid in full.
What does total paid in full mean? ›
"Paid," or "paid in full," is the term applied to installment accounts, like car loans, after the last payment is made and you have completed repayment of the loan as agreed. Since you can't use the account for anything else, once a loan is paid in full, it is essentially closed.
Is it OK to settle a debt? ›
Despite the potential downside, settling a debt by making partial repayment is better for your credit (and peace of mind) than neglecting it and leaving it unpaid. If you ignore a debt, the creditor will typically turn it over to a collection department or third-party collection agency.
You make one payment 15 days before your statement is due and another payment three days before the due date. By doing this, you can lower your overall credit utilization ratio, which can raise your credit score. Keeping a good credit score is important if you want to apply for new credit cards.
How can I raise my credit score 200 points in 30 days? ›
Try paying debts and maintaining your credit utilisation ratio of 30% or below. There are two ways through which you can pay off your debts, which are as follows: Start paying off older accounts from lowest to highest outstanding balances. Start paying off based on the highest to lowest rate of interest.
Should I pay off a 3 year old collection? ›
If you have the means to pay off old debt, it will help your overall credit — both your score and your report. Remember that even if debt is time-barred, creditors and debt collectors can still reach out to collect debts.
What happens if you pay all your debts? ›
When you pay off student loans, installment loans, and auto loans, your credit score may drop initially. Once you pay off these debts and close the accounts, your payment history will be removed from your credit report and it will become short. This can drop your credit score significantly.
Which commandment tells us to pay our debts? ›
By the seventh commandment we are commanded to respect what belongs to others, to live up to our business agreements, and to pay our just debts.
Where in the Bible does it say Jesus paid our debt on the cross? ›
ESV by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. NIV having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.
Does the Bible say all debt should be forgiven? ›
He shall not require payment from his fellow Israelite or brother, because the LORD's time for canceling debts has been proclaimed. You may require payment from a foreigner, but you must cancel any debt your brother owes you.
What does Ecclesiastes 5 5 say? ›
5 It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. 5 It is better to say nothing than to make a promise and not keep it.
