Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Colossians 3. Day 125 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Colossians 3. Day 125 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes:
Today's Scripture: Colossians 3(CSB)Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a YearBible Reading Plan: Navigators Reading PlanContact Sean through email here: seanbailey1985@gmail.comNTIY on Facebook: Facebook.com/newtestamentinayearNTIY Website: www.newtestamentinayear.com
Episode Highlights:
Seeking Things Above. Putting Off the Old Self. Living for Christ in Every Relationship.
"So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." Colossians 3:1
Colossians 3 moves from doctrine to daily living. Because believers have been raised with Christ, Paul calls us to set our minds on things above rather than being consumed by the priorities of this world. This is not a call to ignore earthly responsibilities. It is a call to view every part of life through the lens of our relationship with Jesus. Our identity is no longer rooted in who we once were. Our life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Paul then describes what it looks like to put off the old self and put on the new. Because Christ has changed us, there are attitudes, desires, and behaviors that no longer belong in our lives. Sexual immorality, anger, slander, lying, and selfish ambition are to be put to death. In their place, believers are called to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love. These qualities are not simply moral improvements. They are evidence of Christ's work within us and reflections of His character being formed in our lives.
The chapter concludes by showing how the lordship of Christ transforms our relationships. Paul addresses families, workplaces, and everyday responsibilities, reminding us that whatever we do, we are ultimately serving the Lord. Whether at home, at work, at church, or in our communities, Christ is to be at the center. Colossians 3 challenges us to ask whether our actions, attitudes, and relationships reflect the new life we have received in Christ. This chapter reminds us that the gospel does not just change our eternity. It changes how we live today.

Colossians 2. Day 124 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Colossians 2. Day 124 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes:
Today's Scripture: Colossians 2(CSB)Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a YearBible Reading Plan: Navigators Reading PlanContact Sean through email here: seanbailey1985@gmail.comNTIY on Facebook: Facebook.com/newtestamentinayearNTIY Website: www.newtestamentinayear.com
Episode Highlights:
Rooted in Christ. Freedom from False Teaching. Complete in Him.
"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." Colossians 2:8
Colossians 2 calls believers to remain firmly rooted in Christ and to guard against anything that would pull them away from the sufficiency of the gospel. Paul’s concern for the church is clear. False teachers were promoting ideas that sounded spiritual but ultimately diminished the centrality of Jesus. Rather than looking for deeper truth somewhere else, Paul reminds the Colossians that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ alone. The Christian life does not begin with Jesus and then move on to something greater. It continues by growing deeper in Him.
Paul emphasizes that believers are complete in Christ because the fullness of God dwells in Him. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus accomplished everything necessary for our salvation. He canceled the debt of sin that stood against us, triumphed over the powers of darkness, and secured our freedom through the cross. Because of that, Christians do not need additional spiritual experiences, human traditions, religious regulations, or man-made systems to make them acceptable before God. Christ is enough.
The second half of the chapter warns against legalism, mysticism, and self-made religion. Paul challenges believers not to let others judge them based on external rules or religious performance. These things may appear wise on the surface, but they cannot transform the heart. Colossians 2 reminds us that true spiritual growth comes from remaining connected to Christ, the head of the church. This chapter challenges us to examine what we are trusting in, what voices we are listening to, and whether Christ truly holds first place in our lives. The answer to spiritual maturity is not found in trying harder. It is found in holding more tightly to Jesus.

Colossians 1. Day 123 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Colossians 1. Day 123 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes:
Today's Scripture: Colossians 1(CSB)Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a YearBible Reading Plan: Navigators Reading PlanContact Sean through email here: seanbailey1985@gmail.comNTIY on Facebook: Facebook.com/newtestamentinayearNTIY Website: www.newtestamentinayear.com
Episode Highlights:
The Supremacy of Christ. Spiritual Growth and Fruitfulness. Reconciled Through the Cross.
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation." Colossians 1:15
Colossians 1 lifts our eyes to one of the clearest and most majestic pictures of Jesus Christ found anywhere in Scripture. Paul begins by thanking God for the faith, love, and hope that were evident in the lives of the Colossian believers, and he prays that they would continue growing in spiritual wisdom, understanding, and fruitfulness. This chapter reminds us that the Christian life is not simply about gaining knowledge. It is about knowing God more deeply and allowing that knowledge to transform the way we live.
At the center of the chapter is Paul's powerful declaration of the supremacy of Christ. Jesus is not merely a great teacher, a moral example, or one spiritual option among many. He is the image of the invisible God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, the head of the church, and the One through whom all things hold together. Paul presents Christ as preeminent over creation, redemption, and the church itself. Everything in this chapter points to the truth that Jesus is worthy of our complete trust, worship, and devotion.
Paul then turns to the work Christ accomplished through the cross. Though we were once alienated from God because of our sin, Christ has reconciled us through His death and made a way for us to stand before God forgiven and restored. Colossians 1 challenges us to remain grounded in the gospel, steadfast in our faith, and centered on Christ above all else. This chapter reminds us that spiritual maturity begins with a right view of Jesus. The bigger our view of Christ becomes, the more clearly we understand who we are, why we are here, and how we are called to live.

Philippians 4. Day 122 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Philippians 4. Day 122 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes:
Today's Scripture: Philippians 4(CSB)Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a YearBible Reading Plan: Navigators Reading PlanContact Sean through email here: seanbailey1985@gmail.comNTIY on Facebook: Facebook.com/newtestamentinayearNTIY Website: www.newtestamentinayear.com
Episode Highlights:
Rejoicing in the Lord. The Peace of God. Contentment in Christ.
"Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6
Philippians 4 brings Paul’s letter to a close with some of the most practical and encouraging instructions in all of Scripture. Writing from prison, Paul calls believers to rejoice in the Lord, pursue unity, replace anxiety with prayer, and fill their minds with things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable. This chapter reminds us that Christian joy is not dependent on favorable circumstances. It is rooted in the unchanging character and presence of God.
Paul addresses the reality of worry by directing believers toward prayer. Rather than carrying our burdens alone, we are invited to bring every concern before the Lord with thanksgiving. The promise is not that every problem immediately disappears, but that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. In a world filled with uncertainty, Philippians 4 teaches us that peace is found not in controlling our circumstances but in trusting the God who is sovereign over them.
The chapter concludes with Paul’s powerful testimony about contentment. He had experienced both abundance and need, comfort and hardship, yet he learned that true contentment is not found in possessions, success, or circumstances. It is found in Christ. When Paul says, “I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me,” he is speaking about Christ’s power to sustain him through every season of life. Philippians 4 challenges us to trust God with our worries, discipline our thoughts, and find our satisfaction in Christ alone. It reminds us that no matter what we face, the Lord is near, His peace is available, and His strength is sufficient.

Philippians 3. Day 121 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Philippians 3. Day 121 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes:
Today's Scripture: Philippians 3(CSB)Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a YearBible Reading Plan: Navigators Reading PlanContact Sean through email here: seanbailey1985@gmail.comNTIY on Facebook: Facebook.com/newtestamentinayearNTIY Website: www.newtestamentinayear.com
Episode Highlights:
Knowing Christ. Righteousness Through Faith. Pressing Toward the Goal.
"My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death." Philippians 3:10
Philippians 3 is a powerful reminder that nothing compares to knowing Jesus. Paul warns the church not to put confidence in the flesh, religious performance, personal background, or outward credentials. If anyone could have trusted in those things, Paul could have. He had the heritage, the training, the zeal, and the reputation. But once he truly saw Christ, everything he once counted as gain became loss compared to the surpassing value of knowing Jesus.
At the heart of this chapter is the difference between a righteousness we try to build ourselves and the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. Paul is not saying obedience does not matter. He is saying obedience cannot save us. Our standing before God is not based on how impressive we are, how religious we appear, or how hard we work to prove ourselves. We are made right with God through faith in Jesus. That truth frees us from boasting in ourselves and teaches us to treasure Christ above everything else.
Paul then points us forward. He has not arrived, and neither have we. The Christian life is a continual pursuit of Christ, pressing on toward the goal and growing in the grace God has given us. Philippians 3 challenges us to ask what we are really chasing, what we are trusting in, and what we are holding onto that may be keeping us from deeper faithfulness. This chapter reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven, our hope is in Christ, and our lives should be shaped by the desire to know Him more.

Philippians 2. Day 120 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Philippians 2. Day 120 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes:
Today's Scripture: Philippians 2(CSB)Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a YearBible Reading Plan: Navigators Reading PlanContact Sean through email here: seanbailey1985@gmail.comNTIY on Facebook: Facebook.com/newtestamentinayearNTIY Website: www.newtestamentinayear.com
Episode Highlights:
The Humility of Christ. Working Out Your Salvation. Shining as Lights.
"Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5
Philippians 2 takes us straight to the heart of what it means to follow Jesus. Paul calls the church to unity, humility, and selfless love, not because those are simply good character traits, but because they reflect the very mind of Christ. He challenges believers to do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but to count others as more important than themselves. That kind of humility does not come naturally to us. It is formed in us as we look to Jesus.
At the center of this chapter is one of the clearest and most powerful pictures of Christ’s humility in all of Scripture. Jesus, who is fully God, did not cling to His rights or use His glory for selfish gain. He humbled Himself, took on the form of a servant, became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. But the story does not end in humiliation. God highly exalted Him, giving Him the name above every name. Philippians 2 reminds us that the way of Jesus is humble obedience before glory.
Paul then turns that truth toward our daily lives. Because God is at work in us, we are called to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. This does not mean we earn our salvation. It means we live out what God has already begun in us. We are called to stop grumbling, walk in obedience, and shine like stars in a dark world. Philippians 2 challenges us to ask whether our attitude, our relationships, our words, and our service look like Jesus. This chapter reminds us that real Christian maturity is not about being noticed. It is about becoming more like Christ, serving faithfully, and pointing others to Him.

Philippians 1. Day 119 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Philippians 1. Day 119 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes:
Today's Scripture: Philippians 1(CSB)Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a YearBible Reading Plan: Navigators Reading PlanContact Sean through email here: seanbailey1985@gmail.comNTIY on Facebook: Facebook.com/newtestamentinayearNTIY Website: www.newtestamentinayear.com
Episode Highlights:
Partnership in the Gospel. Joy in Suffering. Living Worthy of Christ.
"For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21
Philippians 1 opens with Paul writing from prison, but the tone of the chapter is not bitterness, fear, or defeat. It is joy. Paul looks at the Philippian church with deep affection because they have partnered with him in the gospel from the beginning. He prays that their love would keep growing with knowledge and discernment so that their lives would be pure, fruitful, and centered on Christ. This chapter reminds us that Christian love is not just emotion. It is love shaped by truth, wisdom, and the desire to honor God.
As we keep reading, Paul helps us see suffering through the lens of the gospel. His imprisonment did not stop the mission. God used it to advance the gospel, encourage other believers, and make Christ known in places Paul may have never reached otherwise. Even when others preached with wrong motives, Paul rejoiced that Christ was still being proclaimed. That kind of perspective only comes from a life fully surrendered to Jesus.
The heart of the chapter is Paul’s statement, “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Paul is not being dramatic. He is showing us the center of his life. If he lives, he wants his life to be fruitful for Christ. If he dies, he knows he will be with Christ. Philippians 1 challenges us to ask what our lives are really built around. It calls us to gospel partnership, joyful endurance, and a life worthy of the good news of Jesus. Whether we are facing encouragement or hardship, comfort or pressure, this chapter reminds us that Christ is enough, the gospel is still moving, and our lives should point clearly to Him.

Ephesians 6. Day 118 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Ephesians 6. Day 118 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: Ephesians 6(CSB)
Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year
Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Reading Plan
Contact Sean through email here:  seanbailey1985@gmail.com
NTIY on Facebook: Facebook.com/newtestamentinayear
NTIY Website: www.newtestamentinayear.com
Episode Highlights:
Relationships Governed by Christ. Duty and Respect in Service.  The Full Armor of God. 
"Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens." Ephesians 6:11-12
Ephesians 6 brings Paul’s teaching on the Spirit-filled life into the everyday places where faith is lived out: the home, our responsibilities, and the unseen spiritual battle around us. Paul begins by addressing children and parents, showing that obedience, honor, discipline, and instruction are not merely family values, but discipleship issues. He then speaks to servants and masters within the world of the first-century church, reminding every believer that our work, authority, service, and leadership are ultimately lived before the Lord. In every role, Christ remains the true Master.
As the letter closes, Paul lifts our eyes to the reality of spiritual warfare. Our struggle is not finally against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil. Because of that, we are not called to stand in our own wisdom, strength, or willpower. We are called to be strengthened in the Lord and to put on the full armor of God. Truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer are all necessary for the believer to stand firm. Ephesians 6 will help you reflect on faithful obedience in daily life, Christ-centered relationships, and the spiritual readiness we need as we follow Jesus in a world filled with real opposition.

Ephesians 5. Day 117 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Ephesians 5. Day 117 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: Ephesians 5(CSB)
Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year
Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Reading Plan
Contact Sean through email here:  seanbailey1985@gmail.com
NTIY on Facebook: Facebook.com/newtestamentinayear
NTIY Website: www.newtestamentinayear.com
Episode Highlights:
Imitation of God.  Living in the Light.  Wisdom in Conduct.  Roles of Wives and Husbands. 
"Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— making the most of the time, because the days are evil."  Ephesians 5:15-16
Ephesians 5 calls us to live differently because we belong to Christ. Paul tells us to be imitators of God and to walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us. This chapter reminds us that following Jesus is not just about avoiding what is wrong. It is about becoming more like Him in the way we love, speak, think, and live. We are called to leave behind the deeds of darkness and walk as children of light.
As you listen, you will be challenged to think about whether your life is marked by wisdom, purity, love, and surrender to Christ. Ephesians 5 teaches us to make the most of the time we have, to be filled with the Spirit, and to let our homes and relationships reflect the gospel. Paul also points to marriage as a picture of Christ and the church, reminding husbands and wives that love, respect, sacrifice, and faithfulness matter deeply. This chapter will help you reflect on what it means to walk in love, live in the light, use your time wisely, and honor God in your relationships.

Ephesians 4. Day 116 - Read the Bible: The New Testament in a Year

Ephesians 4. Day 116 - The New Testament in a Year
Episode Notes: 
Today's Scripture: Ephesians 4(CSB)
Podcast Homepage: The New Testament in a Year
Bible Reading Plan: Navigators Reading Plan
Contact Sean through email here:  seanbailey1985@gmail.com
NTIY on Facebook: Facebook.com/newtestamentinayear
NTIY Website: www.newtestamentinayear.com
Episode Highlights:
Understanding the Mystery. The Role of the Apostle Paul. Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Strength. 
Ephesians 4 shows us what it looks like to live a life worthy of the calling we have received in Christ. Paul reminds us that the gospel does not just save us individually. It brings us into one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God. Because of that, we are called to walk with humility, gentleness, patience, and love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit.
As you listen, you will be challenged to think about how your faith is shaping the way you live, speak, serve, and treat others. Ephesians 4 reminds us that every believer has been given gifts to build up the body of Christ, and that spiritual maturity means we are no longer tossed around by every false teaching or feeling. This chapter calls us to put off the old self, be renewed in our minds, and put on the new self that looks more like Jesus. It will help you reflect on unity, maturity, forgiveness, and what it means to live differently because Christ has changed your life.