16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. (Col 2:16-17)
In this passage, we discover the distractions we face in our pursuit of personal fellowship with Jesus Christ.
The first distraction is Empty Religion.
God gave Israel practices in the Old Testament to be pictures of His goal with humanity: a personal relationship with all who would believe in His Son. What hinders us in this pursuit is our reluctance to be vulnerable with God. Our plastic approach to life limits the vitality of a personal relationship with Him.
These religious practices including the "New Moon" and the "Sabbath Day" came every month and every week. These practices and celebrations were meant to be a means to fellowship with God, yet we tend to make them a means to knowing about Him.
In v.17 we learn that these rituals were billboards along the highway of life pointing us to Jesus Christ Himself. Once Christ came, these shadows lost their value. The Jews continued to place primary value on the shadow after the reality had come. As a result, they missed experiencing a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Believers in Christ must not let anyone other than the Lord define us. Being free servants of God, living out of His world, obeying His call, joyfully interacting with all that He has made, going where He sends us, and afraid of nothing, we live out of the freedom Christ earned for us at the cross.
The Christian life now is learning to trust Him, walk with Him, and know Him personally. We learn this life by being defined by Him through His word and through practicing His presence every day.
Showing posts with label Colossians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Colossians. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 05, 2018
Tuesday, December 04, 2018
Colossians 2:8-15
8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. 11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it." (Colossians 2:8-15)
We have considered two of the three characteristics of false teaching, today, we consider the third: It is "not according to Christ."
False teaching will always have these three characteristics. Notice how the apostle Paul focuses on Jesus Christ.
"9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power." (2:9-10)
When we are preoccupied with Him we are protected from false teaching. All too often Christians are known more for what we do not believe rather than for what we believe. This is to our detriment.
In v.11 Paul elaborates on what the believer has in Christ.
First, we were circumcised with Him.
"In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ."
Here, the Apostle Paul uses a common every day medical procedure to illustrate a profound truth. In the same way that a surgeon removes the extra skin, the Lord removes the callousness that sin has formed around the human heart. Apart from His intervention, our hearts are indifferent to Him.
When Jesus was crucified, He removed the consequences of our sin before God. The result is what the Scriptures call the "circumcision of the heart." Through Christ’s performance, believers in Christ have been made alive to God. And, the more we act on our aliveness to God, the more sensitive we become to Him.
Then Paul moves to the next step ...
"... buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12)
Second, we are baptized into Christ.
Baptism stands for our new life with the Lord. Being immersed in the waters of baptism we were not left there, we were brought into eternal life. That is what baptism reflects: the work of the Spirit in imparting the very life of Christ to us.
The third step in this process is seen in v.14. We are no longer condemned.
"having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross." (Colossians 2:14)
Our condemnation before God is removed by the death of Christ. He paid for all our sins, our past sins, our present sins and our future sins. Sin no longer separates us from God, even though we still do it. We are free to experience God because of who He is, not because of what we do.
Now, we are free to experience life in the full assurance that God is with us and He is experiencing every high and low with us. This means everything, both good and bad, has meaningful purpose. We are no longer to be dominated by sin, the flesh or any diabolical being. We are truly free!
We have considered two of the three characteristics of false teaching, today, we consider the third: It is "not according to Christ."
False teaching will always have these three characteristics. Notice how the apostle Paul focuses on Jesus Christ.
"9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power." (2:9-10)
When we are preoccupied with Him we are protected from false teaching. All too often Christians are known more for what we do not believe rather than for what we believe. This is to our detriment.
In v.11 Paul elaborates on what the believer has in Christ.
First, we were circumcised with Him.
"In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ."
Here, the Apostle Paul uses a common every day medical procedure to illustrate a profound truth. In the same way that a surgeon removes the extra skin, the Lord removes the callousness that sin has formed around the human heart. Apart from His intervention, our hearts are indifferent to Him.
When Jesus was crucified, He removed the consequences of our sin before God. The result is what the Scriptures call the "circumcision of the heart." Through Christ’s performance, believers in Christ have been made alive to God. And, the more we act on our aliveness to God, the more sensitive we become to Him.
Then Paul moves to the next step ...
"... buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead." (Colossians 2:12)
Second, we are baptized into Christ.
Baptism stands for our new life with the Lord. Being immersed in the waters of baptism we were not left there, we were brought into eternal life. That is what baptism reflects: the work of the Spirit in imparting the very life of Christ to us.
The third step in this process is seen in v.14. We are no longer condemned.
"having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross." (Colossians 2:14)
Our condemnation before God is removed by the death of Christ. He paid for all our sins, our past sins, our present sins and our future sins. Sin no longer separates us from God, even though we still do it. We are free to experience God because of who He is, not because of what we do.
Now, we are free to experience life in the full assurance that God is with us and He is experiencing every high and low with us. This means everything, both good and bad, has meaningful purpose. We are no longer to be dominated by sin, the flesh or any diabolical being. We are truly free!
Monday, December 03, 2018
Colossians 2:8 (b)
"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8)
In order to grow toward spiritual maturity, we must recognize the false. In order to help us do this, in Colossians 2, the Apostle Paul gives us three characteristics of false teaching.
Having considered the first yesterday, today we will take up the second.
False teaching is based upon "the basic principles of this world."
The word for "principles" here literally means "things in a row" or "a series of things." This means that this way seems right to most in the culture, making it more difficult for us to think differently. This explains why we have such difficulty thinking the Lord's thoughts.
This philosophy is man's drive to be successful. Success isn't wrong or bad. The key is by what definition do I define success. If we are defined by anything or anyone other than the Lord, we will be rendered lacking in one way or another. False teaching will always lead us to self, our most prominent god.
Our culture defines success by the amount of money, education, or status we have attained. Again, there is nothing wrong with money, education, or status, but, if we define our success by the world's definition, we lack the definition of God.
In 1 Corinthians 1:18-24, we read, "18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, "I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE." 20 ‘Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God."
Here is the contrast between the wisdom of God and the wisdom of this world. God’s wisdom is Jesus Christ crucified. God's wisdom is seen most profoundly through the death and resurrection of His Son, as He remedied our greatest enemy, death.
The Greeks were well known for their philosophers; with Socrates, Plato and Aristotle being the most notable. Jesus and His crucifixion was like foolishness to them.
In 1 Corinthians 1:30-31, we read, "30 But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, 31 so that, just as it is written, "LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD."
Jesus Christ is the antidote to empty human philosophy. He is the solution for the lack rendered by the wrong pursuits in the human heart! We do well to pursue a real, meaningful and intimate relationship with Him. Our goal is to discover His definition of all things, which are discovered in His word.
The reason so many Christians struggle with spiritual maturity is that we pursue formulas rather than a Person. When we have a passion for a person, we won’t have a problem with the requirements that are involved in that relationship. We will not read the Bible because we have to, we will read it because we want to.
When we increasingly pursue Christ as a Person, we will increasingly find Him. In so doing, we will be defined by Him and not the basic principles of this world.
Finally, think of the Bible as a pane of glass. The glass is designed for us to look through and enjoy the scenery beyond. When the Bible is a means to seeing God, our study of it will render a heart for Him. When we study Him, we will be guarded against becoming etched and scratched by this cruel world's way of thinking. This is how we fight off the negative influences of this lost and dying world.
In order to grow toward spiritual maturity, we must recognize the false. In order to help us do this, in Colossians 2, the Apostle Paul gives us three characteristics of false teaching.
Having considered the first yesterday, today we will take up the second.
False teaching is based upon "the basic principles of this world."
The word for "principles" here literally means "things in a row" or "a series of things." This means that this way seems right to most in the culture, making it more difficult for us to think differently. This explains why we have such difficulty thinking the Lord's thoughts.
This philosophy is man's drive to be successful. Success isn't wrong or bad. The key is by what definition do I define success. If we are defined by anything or anyone other than the Lord, we will be rendered lacking in one way or another. False teaching will always lead us to self, our most prominent god.
Our culture defines success by the amount of money, education, or status we have attained. Again, there is nothing wrong with money, education, or status, but, if we define our success by the world's definition, we lack the definition of God.
In 1 Corinthians 1:18-24, we read, "18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, "I WILL DESTROY THE WISDOM OF THE WISE, AND THE CLEVERNESS OF THE CLEVER I WILL SET ASIDE." 20 ‘Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. 22 For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom; 23 but we preach Christ crucified, to Jews a stumbling block and to Gentiles foolishness, 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God."
Here is the contrast between the wisdom of God and the wisdom of this world. God’s wisdom is Jesus Christ crucified. God's wisdom is seen most profoundly through the death and resurrection of His Son, as He remedied our greatest enemy, death.
The Greeks were well known for their philosophers; with Socrates, Plato and Aristotle being the most notable. Jesus and His crucifixion was like foolishness to them.
In 1 Corinthians 1:30-31, we read, "30 But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, 31 so that, just as it is written, "LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD."
Jesus Christ is the antidote to empty human philosophy. He is the solution for the lack rendered by the wrong pursuits in the human heart! We do well to pursue a real, meaningful and intimate relationship with Him. Our goal is to discover His definition of all things, which are discovered in His word.
The reason so many Christians struggle with spiritual maturity is that we pursue formulas rather than a Person. When we have a passion for a person, we won’t have a problem with the requirements that are involved in that relationship. We will not read the Bible because we have to, we will read it because we want to.
When we increasingly pursue Christ as a Person, we will increasingly find Him. In so doing, we will be defined by Him and not the basic principles of this world.
Finally, think of the Bible as a pane of glass. The glass is designed for us to look through and enjoy the scenery beyond. When the Bible is a means to seeing God, our study of it will render a heart for Him. When we study Him, we will be guarded against becoming etched and scratched by this cruel world's way of thinking. This is how we fight off the negative influences of this lost and dying world.
Sunday, December 02, 2018
Colossians 2:8
Colossians 2 is all about the ability to recognize the real from the false. One of several results is spiritual maturity, because we are realizing the economy of God in our lives.
Notice the word captive here in v.8. It means to "kidnap" or "to be taken hostage! The Apostle Paul instructs us not to be “taken captive.” The Greek word used for captive is "sulagogon" which was used when slave traders would capture people to be sold into slavery. When we are taken captive by false teaching, we are deprived from fellowship with Christ. And, as a result, we do not experience His freedom.
One weapon that is used to do this is philosophy, man's love for wisdom. Not all philosophy is bad, but if it doesn't match up with the teaching of the Bible, it is. These philosophies have no real content, they have no actual basis in reality. And, they conflict with God’s definition of things.
In Colossians 2:8, we discover three characteristics of wrong philosophy. Today we will take up the first of these three.
"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8)
1. Worldly Philosophy based on “human tradition.”
This first characteristic is an intellectual challenge to our faith. Paul does not identify the philosophy, however, there are some clues.
He mentions the observance of special days, including the Sabbath (2:16); the worship of angels (2:18); submission to the “elemental spirits of the world” (2:20); and abstinence (2:21,23).
The Greek word philosophia had a variety of meanings in this period, and, depending on the context, might be translated “religion,” “speculation,” or “investigation.” There are those that have taken this verse and used it to support the idea that all philosophy is bad. Paul’s primary target is “philosophical” speculation whose foundation is merely human wisdom.
Much of the false teachings in Colossae hindered the believers from entering into an intimate and personal fellowship with the Lord. You will remember that our justification (rightness with the Lord) is based upon the work that Jesus accomplished on His cross on our behalf. However, our sanctification is based upon the Spirit's work in our lives as we allow Him to change our souls (mind, will and emotions).
These worldly philosophies always appeal to our flesh (evil desires within us). The flesh is expressed in an unforgiving spirit, a critical spirit, complaining, lusts, suspicion, and many others.
The odd part of all of this is it is plain dumb to allow others to captivate us into motivating us to feed the flesh.
Tomorrow, we will consider the next characteristic of false teaching.
Notice the word captive here in v.8. It means to "kidnap" or "to be taken hostage! The Apostle Paul instructs us not to be “taken captive.” The Greek word used for captive is "sulagogon" which was used when slave traders would capture people to be sold into slavery. When we are taken captive by false teaching, we are deprived from fellowship with Christ. And, as a result, we do not experience His freedom.
One weapon that is used to do this is philosophy, man's love for wisdom. Not all philosophy is bad, but if it doesn't match up with the teaching of the Bible, it is. These philosophies have no real content, they have no actual basis in reality. And, they conflict with God’s definition of things.
In Colossians 2:8, we discover three characteristics of wrong philosophy. Today we will take up the first of these three.
"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." (Colossians 2:8)
1. Worldly Philosophy based on “human tradition.”
This first characteristic is an intellectual challenge to our faith. Paul does not identify the philosophy, however, there are some clues.
He mentions the observance of special days, including the Sabbath (2:16); the worship of angels (2:18); submission to the “elemental spirits of the world” (2:20); and abstinence (2:21,23).
The Greek word philosophia had a variety of meanings in this period, and, depending on the context, might be translated “religion,” “speculation,” or “investigation.” There are those that have taken this verse and used it to support the idea that all philosophy is bad. Paul’s primary target is “philosophical” speculation whose foundation is merely human wisdom.
Much of the false teachings in Colossae hindered the believers from entering into an intimate and personal fellowship with the Lord. You will remember that our justification (rightness with the Lord) is based upon the work that Jesus accomplished on His cross on our behalf. However, our sanctification is based upon the Spirit's work in our lives as we allow Him to change our souls (mind, will and emotions).
These worldly philosophies always appeal to our flesh (evil desires within us). The flesh is expressed in an unforgiving spirit, a critical spirit, complaining, lusts, suspicion, and many others.
The odd part of all of this is it is plain dumb to allow others to captivate us into motivating us to feed the flesh.
Tomorrow, we will consider the next characteristic of false teaching.
Saturday, December 01, 2018
Colossians 2:4-7
4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:4-7)
The Apostle informs us that his goal in teaching is that we will not be deceived. To "deceive," means "to reason beside something." We are deceived when we believe the counterfeit that was put alongside the truth that looks very much like it.
There is a counterfeit for every truth. Often, what we think is worship is nothing more than preoccupation with the god of self. This is what Paul is addressing in the book of Colossians.
Poor theology infects our hearts with unbelief! Many are paralyzed through embracing bad theology, resulting in preoccupation with knowing about the truth rather than the truth Himself.
This is a struggle between two gods: the great god, Self, and the true God, Jesus Christ. In this world, and even in the church, we are taught self-realization, self-actualization, self-development, self-discovery, self-esteem, and self-love.
As a result, most believe freedom is the ability to do what we want to do when we want to do it. When we give up this illusion, we are freed to discover true freedom in Jesus Christ. This is the secret to real life.
In Colossians 2:5, the Apostle provides two things which provide the antidote for bad theology.
The first is a disciplined life.
Jesus told us if we want real life, we will deny ourselves. Yet, the world and the flesh (the evil desires within) say, do whatever you like doing, deny yourself nothing. On the other hand, when we live a disciplined life, a life defined by God's truth, we will quickly detect and resist error.
The second is faith in Christ.
Every human on the face of the earth has faith. What makes the Christian's faith unique is our faith's object ... Jesus Christ Himself. Faith in the active presence of Jesus Christ will act like a metal detector. Instead of detecting metal, faith in Christ detects that which is false.
Now, according to Colossians 2:6-7, there are three things that happens to the believer which dovetails with the above two qualities of the believer in Christ. All three are passive participles, meaning these things have been done to us by God.
First, we are "rooted" in Christ. Like a deeply-rooted tree, we have been planted in Christ and our roots hold tight. He is the Gardener who is responsible for our spiritual maturity (see John 15).
Second, we are "built up" in Christ. Not only are the roots going deep, but we are growing up as well. We are increasing in faith and experience in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As this happens, we begin to see life through His eyes.
Third, we are "strengthened" in the faith. We are tested through trials, and our faith is strengthened through being forced to cry out to and run to Him for the answers for life.
When we experience these three, we discover God's life which results in "overflowing with thankfulness." This is when we learn how to be thankful in all things. And, we short circuit this false alternative of grumbling, complaining and criticizing through life.
6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:4-7)
The Apostle informs us that his goal in teaching is that we will not be deceived. To "deceive," means "to reason beside something." We are deceived when we believe the counterfeit that was put alongside the truth that looks very much like it.
There is a counterfeit for every truth. Often, what we think is worship is nothing more than preoccupation with the god of self. This is what Paul is addressing in the book of Colossians.
Poor theology infects our hearts with unbelief! Many are paralyzed through embracing bad theology, resulting in preoccupation with knowing about the truth rather than the truth Himself.
This is a struggle between two gods: the great god, Self, and the true God, Jesus Christ. In this world, and even in the church, we are taught self-realization, self-actualization, self-development, self-discovery, self-esteem, and self-love.
As a result, most believe freedom is the ability to do what we want to do when we want to do it. When we give up this illusion, we are freed to discover true freedom in Jesus Christ. This is the secret to real life.
In Colossians 2:5, the Apostle provides two things which provide the antidote for bad theology.
The first is a disciplined life.
Jesus told us if we want real life, we will deny ourselves. Yet, the world and the flesh (the evil desires within) say, do whatever you like doing, deny yourself nothing. On the other hand, when we live a disciplined life, a life defined by God's truth, we will quickly detect and resist error.
The second is faith in Christ.
Every human on the face of the earth has faith. What makes the Christian's faith unique is our faith's object ... Jesus Christ Himself. Faith in the active presence of Jesus Christ will act like a metal detector. Instead of detecting metal, faith in Christ detects that which is false.
Now, according to Colossians 2:6-7, there are three things that happens to the believer which dovetails with the above two qualities of the believer in Christ. All three are passive participles, meaning these things have been done to us by God.
First, we are "rooted" in Christ. Like a deeply-rooted tree, we have been planted in Christ and our roots hold tight. He is the Gardener who is responsible for our spiritual maturity (see John 15).
Second, we are "built up" in Christ. Not only are the roots going deep, but we are growing up as well. We are increasing in faith and experience in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As this happens, we begin to see life through His eyes.
Third, we are "strengthened" in the faith. We are tested through trials, and our faith is strengthened through being forced to cry out to and run to Him for the answers for life.
When we experience these three, we discover God's life which results in "overflowing with thankfulness." This is when we learn how to be thankful in all things. And, we short circuit this false alternative of grumbling, complaining and criticizing through life.
Friday, November 30, 2018
Colossians 2:1-3
I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:1-3)
Colossians addresses the problem of lack, a lack of meaning and life within. The true secret to real life is a mystery. In order to bring real life to our souls, we must truly experience fellowship with Jesus Christ who has chosen to live within His followers.
When Jesus is this real to us, even difficulties and trials are meaningful to us. So meaningful we discover they are a means to adventure in life with our friend Jesus Christ. Out of such a life, we discover that which is real. And, a sense of risk, perhaps even danger, is embraced by us in time.
Paul wrote Colossians while in prison. In it, he highlights his efforts to help believers experience the life Jesus died to give us, a life full of adventure.
In Colossians 1, the Apostle wrote about praying for them. Prayer is one very important element involved in our fellowship with the Lord and with one another. Think about it, we practice God’s presence in the midst of our most difficult moments in life. And, as a result, prayer is an important element to experiencing a changed heart.
Paul literally “agonized" in prayer. Agonize (ἀγωνιζόμενος/agonizomenos) is the word that Paul uses here. The Apostle wrestled deeply in prayer which was the product of dealing with deep troubles in his own life. Through his own agony God not only provided answers for Paul, He provided many, many answers to many, many people.
Such is the nature of our trials. In 1 Peter 4:12-13 we read, "12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
When we go through the deepest of waters, we are poised to discover God. And, in discovering Him, we discover a lot of truths about life. And, when God blesses us like this, He always has others in mind.
Paul's goal, according to Colossians 2:2 is to encourage the Colossians in order to unite them in love. In doing so, Paul is illustrating a very important principle in leading others to spiritual maturity: building a relationship with people is the way to help them to what is really real.
When we grasp what the word of God is saying on how to handle life it becomes exciting. It gives us the sense that we are not alone, that we don't have to handle our problems alone, or that we don't have to lean heavily on human advice, though God often provides help in that way. We gain a different attitude toward the irritations that come at us. And, we naturally want to help others find the truth that we have discovered.
We were wired with two GREAT needs: to be loved and to love. This is why we clamor so much to find significance in this world through our relationships, jobs, and accomplishments. And, there is no greater satisfaction than to know that we have impacted an everlasting soul with that which is eternal.
Colossians addresses the problem of lack, a lack of meaning and life within. The true secret to real life is a mystery. In order to bring real life to our souls, we must truly experience fellowship with Jesus Christ who has chosen to live within His followers.
When Jesus is this real to us, even difficulties and trials are meaningful to us. So meaningful we discover they are a means to adventure in life with our friend Jesus Christ. Out of such a life, we discover that which is real. And, a sense of risk, perhaps even danger, is embraced by us in time.
Paul wrote Colossians while in prison. In it, he highlights his efforts to help believers experience the life Jesus died to give us, a life full of adventure.
In Colossians 1, the Apostle wrote about praying for them. Prayer is one very important element involved in our fellowship with the Lord and with one another. Think about it, we practice God’s presence in the midst of our most difficult moments in life. And, as a result, prayer is an important element to experiencing a changed heart.
Paul literally “agonized" in prayer. Agonize (ἀγωνιζόμενος/agonizomenos) is the word that Paul uses here. The Apostle wrestled deeply in prayer which was the product of dealing with deep troubles in his own life. Through his own agony God not only provided answers for Paul, He provided many, many answers to many, many people.
Such is the nature of our trials. In 1 Peter 4:12-13 we read, "12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
When we go through the deepest of waters, we are poised to discover God. And, in discovering Him, we discover a lot of truths about life. And, when God blesses us like this, He always has others in mind.
Paul's goal, according to Colossians 2:2 is to encourage the Colossians in order to unite them in love. In doing so, Paul is illustrating a very important principle in leading others to spiritual maturity: building a relationship with people is the way to help them to what is really real.
When we grasp what the word of God is saying on how to handle life it becomes exciting. It gives us the sense that we are not alone, that we don't have to handle our problems alone, or that we don't have to lean heavily on human advice, though God often provides help in that way. We gain a different attitude toward the irritations that come at us. And, we naturally want to help others find the truth that we have discovered.
We were wired with two GREAT needs: to be loved and to love. This is why we clamor so much to find significance in this world through our relationships, jobs, and accomplishments. And, there is no greater satisfaction than to know that we have impacted an everlasting soul with that which is eternal.
Thursday, November 29, 2018
Colossians 1:26-29
The main theme in Colossians is Christ n you, the HOPE of glory, which leads to increasingly being made more and more spiritually mature.
We have considered the first two steps involved in this process: a change in orientation and having a mindset of a servant. Today we consider the third step.
Growing in our understanding of the mystery.
In Colossians 1:26-29, we read, "26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me."
Christ not only died for the forgiveness of our sins, He also died that He might live in, to and through us. It is His life within us that is the means by which we are transformed and enabled to relate with God and others.
"Christ in you" is the mystery and is surely the most astounding revelation in the Bible. The Lord Jesus is the secret behind any success in the life of the believer.
This mystery "has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord's people." The Apostle Paul used the word mystery twenty-one times in all of his Epistles. There are hints in the Old Testament of this mystery, but nowhere in the Old Testament do we find a single verse that describes this mystery.
When we understand that the Lord Jesus lives in us, we discover that we have access to a new hope, a new source of power. And, if we are honest, we can not do what is required of us to have the life that the Lord Jesus died to give us. He must do it, thus He indwells us through the promised Holy Spirit.
In addition, we also have a new motive to obey, to read, to study, to learn, to grow in this newfound relationship. God did it this way in order to present us "mature in Christ." (see v.28)
The goal of our new birth is to make us spiritually mature. This transformation occurs only by coming to understand and practice the mystery of Christ within us. We must incorporate relational skills with Christ Himself in order for us to experience that which Christ has died to give us.
Philip Yancey once said, “Hope cannot exist in a vacuum where facts are ignored.” And the fact is, we will never get life completely right. This is why we need the indwelling Lord. As is evidence in many biblical characters, “God shows us our inability, so that we will depend upon Him.” Dependency upon God is the womb of true spiritual maturity.
We have considered the first two steps involved in this process: a change in orientation and having a mindset of a servant. Today we consider the third step.
Growing in our understanding of the mystery.
In Colossians 1:26-29, we read, "26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me."
Christ not only died for the forgiveness of our sins, He also died that He might live in, to and through us. It is His life within us that is the means by which we are transformed and enabled to relate with God and others.
"Christ in you" is the mystery and is surely the most astounding revelation in the Bible. The Lord Jesus is the secret behind any success in the life of the believer.
This mystery "has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord's people." The Apostle Paul used the word mystery twenty-one times in all of his Epistles. There are hints in the Old Testament of this mystery, but nowhere in the Old Testament do we find a single verse that describes this mystery.
When we understand that the Lord Jesus lives in us, we discover that we have access to a new hope, a new source of power. And, if we are honest, we can not do what is required of us to have the life that the Lord Jesus died to give us. He must do it, thus He indwells us through the promised Holy Spirit.
In addition, we also have a new motive to obey, to read, to study, to learn, to grow in this newfound relationship. God did it this way in order to present us "mature in Christ." (see v.28)
The goal of our new birth is to make us spiritually mature. This transformation occurs only by coming to understand and practice the mystery of Christ within us. We must incorporate relational skills with Christ Himself in order for us to experience that which Christ has died to give us.
Philip Yancey once said, “Hope cannot exist in a vacuum where facts are ignored.” And the fact is, we will never get life completely right. This is why we need the indwelling Lord. As is evidence in many biblical characters, “God shows us our inability, so that we will depend upon Him.” Dependency upon God is the womb of true spiritual maturity.
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Colossians 1:24-25
24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness. (Colossians 1:24-25)
In context, the Apostle Paul is teaching the Christian about spiritual maturity. Yesterday, we considered the first step involved in this process: the first step is a change in orientation..
Whereas, we were separated from God, through Christ we have been reunited to God. Today, we will consider the next step involved in this process.
The second step involved in this pathway toward spiritual maturity is having a mindset of a servant. The mentality of a servant is fostered in the context of finding it a delight and a joy to be included by God in His work in this world.
Most American Christians think God works for them. Thus, their greatest desire is not what they can do for God, but what God will do for them. This is why the Apostle writes in v.24, "I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church."
Notice that phrase in v.24 "...what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions." The word "afflictions" is never used in the scriptures to describe the death of Jesus, therefore Paul is not speaking here of Jesus' work on the cross. There is nothing lacking in what he did on the cross.
Given that the believer has an ongoing civil war within between the Spirit of God and the flesh (the sinful desires with us), in order to move closer to spiritual maturity, we must choose to feed the Spirit. And, when we do so, we will embrace the posture of a servant.
The question is: what does the Spirit of God feed on? You will remember that in John 4, Jesus' disciples ask Him to eat. Jesus response was quite instructive: He said, “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” The Spirit of God feeds on doing God's will. And, the will of God is clearly spelled out in His word.
Finally, you probably are wondering what the link is between the first and second steps involved in becoming more spiritually mature. As we see what God has done on our behalf in reconciling us to Himself, we increasingly are going to be defined by Him. As a result, we will increasingly embrace His value system. Thus, we will not be dependent upon others' acceptance. It is at this point that we will embrace being the servant of God who is defined more and more by his master.
"God uses those who are weak and feeble enough to depend upon Him."
In context, the Apostle Paul is teaching the Christian about spiritual maturity. Yesterday, we considered the first step involved in this process: the first step is a change in orientation..
Whereas, we were separated from God, through Christ we have been reunited to God. Today, we will consider the next step involved in this process.
The second step involved in this pathway toward spiritual maturity is having a mindset of a servant. The mentality of a servant is fostered in the context of finding it a delight and a joy to be included by God in His work in this world.
Most American Christians think God works for them. Thus, their greatest desire is not what they can do for God, but what God will do for them. This is why the Apostle writes in v.24, "I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church."
Notice that phrase in v.24 "...what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions." The word "afflictions" is never used in the scriptures to describe the death of Jesus, therefore Paul is not speaking here of Jesus' work on the cross. There is nothing lacking in what he did on the cross.
Given that the believer has an ongoing civil war within between the Spirit of God and the flesh (the sinful desires with us), in order to move closer to spiritual maturity, we must choose to feed the Spirit. And, when we do so, we will embrace the posture of a servant.
The question is: what does the Spirit of God feed on? You will remember that in John 4, Jesus' disciples ask Him to eat. Jesus response was quite instructive: He said, “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” The Spirit of God feeds on doing God's will. And, the will of God is clearly spelled out in His word.
Finally, you probably are wondering what the link is between the first and second steps involved in becoming more spiritually mature. As we see what God has done on our behalf in reconciling us to Himself, we increasingly are going to be defined by Him. As a result, we will increasingly embrace His value system. Thus, we will not be dependent upon others' acceptance. It is at this point that we will embrace being the servant of God who is defined more and more by his master.
"God uses those who are weak and feeble enough to depend upon Him."
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Colossians 1:21-23
Colossians 1:21-29 describes the process of change in a human heart which produces, to a certain degree, spiritual maturity in the believer. This is a three step process.
Today, we will just consider the first step.
Colossians 1:21-23 reads, "21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant."
The first step is a change in orientation. Whereas, we were separated from God, through faith in Christ's work on the cross, we have been reunited to God.
There was a time when we were "alienated from God." During this time, we had no time or regard for God. We started and ended each day without a thought of him. We cut him out of our thinking, and , as Paul describes in v.21, we were "enemies in our minds," toward God.
I'm sure that you remember how that felt, I sure do. We avoided God.
The phrase in v.21 ”because of your evil behavior," is a poor translation. It sounds as though evil behavior is the cause of our alienation and hostility toward God. In reality, it is inner alienation from God and hostility toward Him, that causes evil behavior.
"But now," Paul writes in v.22, "we are reconciled to God."
When we cried out to God for help, and, when we saw that the death of Jesus was for us, the scripture makes it clear, He made us alive to Himself. As a result, our thinking began to change, being made more consistent with God's way of thinking. It is at this point that we no longer see God as an enemy, but as a friend.
From our newfound personal relationship with God, we grow in our understanding that the gospel of Jesus Christ has rendered us holy, whole and complete in God’s sight, without blemish and free from accusation.
Notice the first phrase is v.23 ”if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel." This sounds that the believer has to perform to maintain his position in Christ. Not so!
The Apostle Paul is simply saying that God has reconciled (justified) us through Christ. But the subject in context is spiritual maturity. People who are spiritually mature do not live out of a spiritually immature posture of trying to earn and/or maintain God's favor. The spiritually immature posture is a product of the flesh, the product of worry.
Justification is accomplished the moment the believer believes in the finished work of the Lord Jesus, yet the outworking of this is the ongoing development of spiritual maturity. Colossians 1:23 does not mean that we earn and/or maintain God’s favor. No we have His favor because of what Jesus did on that cross.
Today, we will just consider the first step.
Colossians 1:21-23 reads, "21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant."
The first step is a change in orientation. Whereas, we were separated from God, through faith in Christ's work on the cross, we have been reunited to God.
There was a time when we were "alienated from God." During this time, we had no time or regard for God. We started and ended each day without a thought of him. We cut him out of our thinking, and , as Paul describes in v.21, we were "enemies in our minds," toward God.
I'm sure that you remember how that felt, I sure do. We avoided God.
The phrase in v.21 ”because of your evil behavior," is a poor translation. It sounds as though evil behavior is the cause of our alienation and hostility toward God. In reality, it is inner alienation from God and hostility toward Him, that causes evil behavior.
"But now," Paul writes in v.22, "we are reconciled to God."
When we cried out to God for help, and, when we saw that the death of Jesus was for us, the scripture makes it clear, He made us alive to Himself. As a result, our thinking began to change, being made more consistent with God's way of thinking. It is at this point that we no longer see God as an enemy, but as a friend.
From our newfound personal relationship with God, we grow in our understanding that the gospel of Jesus Christ has rendered us holy, whole and complete in God’s sight, without blemish and free from accusation.
Notice the first phrase is v.23 ”if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel." This sounds that the believer has to perform to maintain his position in Christ. Not so!
The Apostle Paul is simply saying that God has reconciled (justified) us through Christ. But the subject in context is spiritual maturity. People who are spiritually mature do not live out of a spiritually immature posture of trying to earn and/or maintain God's favor. The spiritually immature posture is a product of the flesh, the product of worry.
Justification is accomplished the moment the believer believes in the finished work of the Lord Jesus, yet the outworking of this is the ongoing development of spiritual maturity. Colossians 1:23 does not mean that we earn and/or maintain God’s favor. No we have His favor because of what Jesus did on that cross.
Moreover, in the Greek, this phrase (“if you continue”) is a first-class conditional sentence, meaning, "if you continue and you will." The Lord Jesus is not only the author of the believer's justification, He is also the author of our sanctification. Our role is to be willing and submitted to Him.
The first stage in the process toward spiritual maturity is having the firm foundation of understanding that God has rendered you HOLY through your faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
Tomorrow, we will consider the second step toward spiritual maturity.
Tomorrow, we will consider the second step toward spiritual maturity.
Monday, November 26, 2018
Colossians 1:18-20
18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (Colossians 1:18-20)
Whereas Colossians 1:15-17 speaks of Jesus as the Lord over creation, Colossians 1:18-20 speaks of Jesus as Lord of the new creation. The new creation is the believer in the Lord Jesus.
These ordinary people, these believers in Jesus make up the church. Each believer has a relationship with the Head of the Church, the Lord Jesus Himself.
The Colossian church was a group of eager religious people who ran after every new doctrine that came along. They pursued teachings which were not from Jesus. They had, for all practical purposes, lost their Head.
In the Church, each individual is directly related to the Head of the church, Jesus Himself. As we relate directly to the Head, expecting Him to relate to us, He then opens doors to us for pointing others to Him. We are positioned to interact with people for His sake.
As individuals we must remember that our part is to respond to personal direction from the Head: to do as He says and obey His word. All the while, recognizing the application of His word to our lives is unique to each of us. There is one truth, but many applications.
Paul tells us in Colossians 1:18 why Jesus Christ is the Head of the body. First, "He is the beginning of the church! He is the One from whom the church gets its life.
In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we read, "If anyone be in Christ he is a new creation. Old things have passed away, all things have become new." We are part of a new humanity that God is positioning to do His bidding in this world.
Second, Paul says, Jesus is "the firstborn from among the dead." Here "firstborn" means the owner, the possessor, of the creation. He alone possesses resurrection life, and, He is giving to His followers His resurrected life. But we do not always live as if we have this life.
In Colossians 1:19 Paul turns from Jesus' position as Head of the body to His work as the reconciler of all things. If Jesus is not God there is no bridge that can span the chasm between God and man. This is why Christianity is often offensive to people of other faiths. Jesus is only One who claims that he is both God and man.
The word "reconcile" means to bring into fellowship those who believe. The amazing thing about this is that it flows out of the death of Jesus on the cross. This is why the cross has been the central symbol of the Christian faith since the very beginning. And out of that death has flowed life to all who would believe.
Whereas Colossians 1:15-17 speaks of Jesus as the Lord over creation, Colossians 1:18-20 speaks of Jesus as Lord of the new creation. The new creation is the believer in the Lord Jesus.
These ordinary people, these believers in Jesus make up the church. Each believer has a relationship with the Head of the Church, the Lord Jesus Himself.
The Colossian church was a group of eager religious people who ran after every new doctrine that came along. They pursued teachings which were not from Jesus. They had, for all practical purposes, lost their Head.
In the Church, each individual is directly related to the Head of the church, Jesus Himself. As we relate directly to the Head, expecting Him to relate to us, He then opens doors to us for pointing others to Him. We are positioned to interact with people for His sake.
As individuals we must remember that our part is to respond to personal direction from the Head: to do as He says and obey His word. All the while, recognizing the application of His word to our lives is unique to each of us. There is one truth, but many applications.
Paul tells us in Colossians 1:18 why Jesus Christ is the Head of the body. First, "He is the beginning of the church! He is the One from whom the church gets its life.
In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we read, "If anyone be in Christ he is a new creation. Old things have passed away, all things have become new." We are part of a new humanity that God is positioning to do His bidding in this world.
Second, Paul says, Jesus is "the firstborn from among the dead." Here "firstborn" means the owner, the possessor, of the creation. He alone possesses resurrection life, and, He is giving to His followers His resurrected life. But we do not always live as if we have this life.
In Colossians 1:19 Paul turns from Jesus' position as Head of the body to His work as the reconciler of all things. If Jesus is not God there is no bridge that can span the chasm between God and man. This is why Christianity is often offensive to people of other faiths. Jesus is only One who claims that he is both God and man.
The word "reconcile" means to bring into fellowship those who believe. The amazing thing about this is that it flows out of the death of Jesus on the cross. This is why the cross has been the central symbol of the Christian faith since the very beginning. And out of that death has flowed life to all who would believe.
Sunday, November 25, 2018
Colossians 1:16-17
In Colossians 1:16-17, we read, "16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Notice the words, "through Him" and "for Him." Jesus Christ is the God of Genesis 1:1. He was the agent of creation and the purpose of it as well. The whole of the cosmos was made for Him! Both the visible and the invisible.
Electricity was invented by Jesus (not as a man, but as the Eternal Son) before the creation of the world. Including radiation, magnetism, and the dance of electrons from one level of energy to another within the atom that makes light.
It all was the design of the Eternal Son. He not only created forces, but concepts, like grace, mercy, truth, love, and life itself. Jesus Christ is the originator of all life.
Due to the presence of false teachers, the Colossians began to believe that the universe consisted of a "hierarchy of angels." From this idea has come the eastern concept of reincarnation and horoscopes and astrology---the idea that stars influence and define our lives.
Transcendental Meditation which is the means of getting in touch with invisible beings is another example of the false teaching that had crept in to the church in Colossae.
In response, the Apostle Paul was telling the Colossians, "Jesus is above all angels. You are freed from bondage to these lesser beings when you see the true authority and power of your risen Lord." This is the supremacy of the Lord Jesus in His own world!
Nothing can make us more confident and enable us to speak more boldly of our faith than the great truth that Jesus is Lord. Nothing can happen in our lives without His permission. Creation was created through Jesus Christ.
But creation is not only by Him, it is also for Him. It all operates for His purposes. Colossians 1:17 declares, in two great phrases, just how Jesus controls the events of history.
"He is before all things," means He is outside His own creation; He was there when the beginning began. This describes his eternity as the Son of God.
When Paul uses the phrase, "all things by him hold together," he is speaking of Jesus' power to sustain all things. He has the power to sustain, because he is the Eternal Son.
We live among a generation which has lost touch with the One who brings purpose into our lives. We have thrown out all the absolutes, and found ourselves adrift on the unpredictable ocean of life.
What all mankind desperately needs is an Anchor to cling to. Jesus Christ is that anchor. "He is the image of the invisible God...the Creator of all things, who is before all things and holds all things in his hand and power."
Notice the words, "through Him" and "for Him." Jesus Christ is the God of Genesis 1:1. He was the agent of creation and the purpose of it as well. The whole of the cosmos was made for Him! Both the visible and the invisible.
Electricity was invented by Jesus (not as a man, but as the Eternal Son) before the creation of the world. Including radiation, magnetism, and the dance of electrons from one level of energy to another within the atom that makes light.
It all was the design of the Eternal Son. He not only created forces, but concepts, like grace, mercy, truth, love, and life itself. Jesus Christ is the originator of all life.
Due to the presence of false teachers, the Colossians began to believe that the universe consisted of a "hierarchy of angels." From this idea has come the eastern concept of reincarnation and horoscopes and astrology---the idea that stars influence and define our lives.
Transcendental Meditation which is the means of getting in touch with invisible beings is another example of the false teaching that had crept in to the church in Colossae.
In response, the Apostle Paul was telling the Colossians, "Jesus is above all angels. You are freed from bondage to these lesser beings when you see the true authority and power of your risen Lord." This is the supremacy of the Lord Jesus in His own world!
Nothing can make us more confident and enable us to speak more boldly of our faith than the great truth that Jesus is Lord. Nothing can happen in our lives without His permission. Creation was created through Jesus Christ.
But creation is not only by Him, it is also for Him. It all operates for His purposes. Colossians 1:17 declares, in two great phrases, just how Jesus controls the events of history.
"He is before all things," means He is outside His own creation; He was there when the beginning began. This describes his eternity as the Son of God.
When Paul uses the phrase, "all things by him hold together," he is speaking of Jesus' power to sustain all things. He has the power to sustain, because he is the Eternal Son.
We live among a generation which has lost touch with the One who brings purpose into our lives. We have thrown out all the absolutes, and found ourselves adrift on the unpredictable ocean of life.
What all mankind desperately needs is an Anchor to cling to. Jesus Christ is that anchor. "He is the image of the invisible God...the Creator of all things, who is before all things and holds all things in his hand and power."
Saturday, November 24, 2018
Colossians 1:15
Colossians 1:15 reads, "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation."
In Colossians 1:15-17, we learn that Jesus Christ is Lord over creation. In Colossians 1:18-20, He is lord over His recreation. Today, we will only consider Colossians 1:15.
The Apostle Paul is teaching the Colossian believers on the subject of spiritual maturity. Most think spiritual maturity is measured by how moral we are, NOT! Spiritual maturity brings a certain measure of comfort with the discomforts that God allows in our lives. The discomforts in our lives drive us to cry out to the Lord and He is the one who brings about wisdom and spiritual understanding as we have seen previously in this chapter.
The problem the Apostle Paul was addressing in this epistle was the attacks that were being levied on the person of Jesus. The believers in Colossae were in danger of losing a sense of the profound power and ongoing presence of Jesus Christ in their lives. They were losing sight of the fact that Jesus is in control of all things in our lives, even the discomforts!
C.S. Lewis wrote, "A man can't be always defending the truth; there must be a time to feed on it." This was the case for the church at Colossae.
In today's text the Apostle tells us Jesus is the image of the invisible God. The Greek word "eikon" is used for the English word "image". Someone once said, "Jesus is God with a face."
Paul likely had in mind Psalm 89:27: "I will make Him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth." Jesus is not a created being. He is the Creator who reigns over all creation!
I love the story of the little girl who when put to bed asked to her mommy, "mommy, I want you to stay with me." Her mommy responded with, "honey, Jesus is with you." The little girl then said, "I know that mommy, but I want someone with skin on."
Some say that "firstborn over all creation" means that Jesus is the first one to be created. Even though, it is true that the Greek word translated here "firstborn" is used of Jesus in the Bethlehem story. Here in Colossians 1:15 it is used in the sense of the heir, the owner, the possessor of creation. The context bares this out.
Jesus could not be part of God's creation, for all created things were created by Him.
Ancient Colossae was located in the Lycus Valley, about one hundred miles inland from Ephesus. This was an area that was the center of earthquakes. We know that a major, devastating earthquake hit this area in A.D. 60. Much of the city was destroyed and numerous lives were lost. Since the Apostle Paul was imprisoned in Rome during A.D. 60. he wrote this letter to a group of believers who had been seriously shaken!
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation", was significant to the believers in Colossae, because their world had been shaken and they needed an anchor. And, when we come to know Jesus for who He is, we discover that He is what we need.
"Jesus will never be all that we need until He is all that we have."
In Colossians 1:15-17, we learn that Jesus Christ is Lord over creation. In Colossians 1:18-20, He is lord over His recreation. Today, we will only consider Colossians 1:15.
The Apostle Paul is teaching the Colossian believers on the subject of spiritual maturity. Most think spiritual maturity is measured by how moral we are, NOT! Spiritual maturity brings a certain measure of comfort with the discomforts that God allows in our lives. The discomforts in our lives drive us to cry out to the Lord and He is the one who brings about wisdom and spiritual understanding as we have seen previously in this chapter.
The problem the Apostle Paul was addressing in this epistle was the attacks that were being levied on the person of Jesus. The believers in Colossae were in danger of losing a sense of the profound power and ongoing presence of Jesus Christ in their lives. They were losing sight of the fact that Jesus is in control of all things in our lives, even the discomforts!
C.S. Lewis wrote, "A man can't be always defending the truth; there must be a time to feed on it." This was the case for the church at Colossae.
In today's text the Apostle tells us Jesus is the image of the invisible God. The Greek word "eikon" is used for the English word "image". Someone once said, "Jesus is God with a face."
Paul likely had in mind Psalm 89:27: "I will make Him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth." Jesus is not a created being. He is the Creator who reigns over all creation!
I love the story of the little girl who when put to bed asked to her mommy, "mommy, I want you to stay with me." Her mommy responded with, "honey, Jesus is with you." The little girl then said, "I know that mommy, but I want someone with skin on."
Some say that "firstborn over all creation" means that Jesus is the first one to be created. Even though, it is true that the Greek word translated here "firstborn" is used of Jesus in the Bethlehem story. Here in Colossians 1:15 it is used in the sense of the heir, the owner, the possessor of creation. The context bares this out.
Jesus could not be part of God's creation, for all created things were created by Him.
Ancient Colossae was located in the Lycus Valley, about one hundred miles inland from Ephesus. This was an area that was the center of earthquakes. We know that a major, devastating earthquake hit this area in A.D. 60. Much of the city was destroyed and numerous lives were lost. Since the Apostle Paul was imprisoned in Rome during A.D. 60. he wrote this letter to a group of believers who had been seriously shaken!
"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation", was significant to the believers in Colossae, because their world had been shaken and they needed an anchor. And, when we come to know Jesus for who He is, we discover that He is what we need.
"Jesus will never be all that we need until He is all that we have."
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
Colossians 1:10
… that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:10)
In Colossians 1, the topic is knowing God. As a result, we, according to v.10 will experience three blessings that we have a choice in, and these three are the evidence of our personal relationship with Him.
The first: we will "walk worthy of the Lord." (v.10). This does not mean we earn God's favor, rather, it means to live out of the favor that Jesus earned on our behalf. Having believed in Jesus' finished work on the cross, we are imputed His righteousness and we are freed to live the life He died to give us.
God's way to spirituality is having us raise our sails rather than rowing our boats.
The word that Paul uses for worthy is "axios." We get our word "axis" it, and the greatest axis ever know to man is the cross of Jesus Christ. No greater price tag has ever been placed on us than through the cross of Jesus Christ. This is greatest of all motivations, producing confidence in the believer to live a life of faith and risk. When we are not worrying about earning or maintaining God's acceptance we are freed to be who He has called us tho be.
The second: we will walk in faith in Him and thus "please Him in every way." Hebrews 11:6 reads, "Without faith it is impossible to please God!" Faith is the only human thing that pleases God. Every time Jesus approved or commended people in the gospels, it was because of their faith.
The third: we will be "bearing fruit in every good work." This "fruit" is the fruit of the Spirit: producing actions like goodness, compassion, encouragement, and help in a time of distress. It really isn't our fruit. We merely yield to His expressions of fruit.
This is eternal life, Jesus said in John 17:3, "that they might know you, the only true God."
In his book, Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby wrote, “Many want God to call them to a big assignment. However, they try to bypass the love relationship...the love relationship is why God created you. That is far more important to Him than what you do. So anticipate that God will start working with you and drawing you to an intimate love relationship that is real and personal. When the love relationship is right, God will be free to begin giving you assignments at His initiative. Whenever you do not seem to be receiving assignments from God, focus on the love relationship and stay there until the assignment comes.”
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Colossians 1:9
9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding." (Colossians 1:9)
The Colossians were struggling with their understanding of what it means to be a Christian, to have a personal relationship with Jesus. The apostle Paul has highlighted faith, hope and love. This hope is the main theme in the book and it comes from the gospel.
The Gospel declares that Jesus Himself is available to each believer personally in the positives and negatives of life. From this hope comes faith. And, out of faith, then, comes love.
The Colossians were being threatened by a mountain of false teaching, threatening to destroy their faith, their heart's ability to see God.
In v.9, the Apostle shares a prayer for the Colossians. Everything else in this epistle flows out of this prayer. This prayer underscores the most important thing that you and I can do: to communicate with God.
The main idea in this prayer is that the Colossians might come to know God's will which is to know Him. If the believer begins to personally know God, everything that is needful will follow.
Most think the will of God is an itinerary we must discover, including where God wants us to go, and what God wants us to do. The will of God for us is that we come into a deep, intimate and personal relationship with Him. Everything else that is needed in our lives will flow out of knowing Him, including His calling on our lives.
The amazing truth of the good news is that Jesus Christ has made us alive to God. The primary curriculum of the Spirit is to mature us in our newfound relationship with Him. The more we understand who we are, holy in Christ, and what God has done to make us holy, the more our minds will change and we will embrace His wisdom. That is why Paul puts the knowledge of God's will first.
In v.9 we discover two things that enable us to discover the will of God. The first thing needed is "spiritual wisdom". This wisdom comes from the Spirit, not from us. This divine insight enables us to understand ourselves and how life functions. Truth is God's definition of all things. As God teaches us these things, we grow in our knowledge of Him which is His ultimate will for our lives. At this point we are being discipled by God.
The second thing we need is "understanding" which is the application of God's wisdom. The key is that we must discover how God sees our problems and what He says about them, in His word. Then there will come, as we pray and seek Him, a clear vision of what needs to be done emerges.
So when you open the Bible, pray that God will help you to understand what it says. As a result, you will begin to gain spiritual wisdom and understanding. In so doing, you will personally start to get to know God.
The Colossians were struggling with their understanding of what it means to be a Christian, to have a personal relationship with Jesus. The apostle Paul has highlighted faith, hope and love. This hope is the main theme in the book and it comes from the gospel.
The Gospel declares that Jesus Himself is available to each believer personally in the positives and negatives of life. From this hope comes faith. And, out of faith, then, comes love.
The Colossians were being threatened by a mountain of false teaching, threatening to destroy their faith, their heart's ability to see God.
In v.9, the Apostle shares a prayer for the Colossians. Everything else in this epistle flows out of this prayer. This prayer underscores the most important thing that you and I can do: to communicate with God.
The main idea in this prayer is that the Colossians might come to know God's will which is to know Him. If the believer begins to personally know God, everything that is needful will follow.
Most think the will of God is an itinerary we must discover, including where God wants us to go, and what God wants us to do. The will of God for us is that we come into a deep, intimate and personal relationship with Him. Everything else that is needed in our lives will flow out of knowing Him, including His calling on our lives.
The amazing truth of the good news is that Jesus Christ has made us alive to God. The primary curriculum of the Spirit is to mature us in our newfound relationship with Him. The more we understand who we are, holy in Christ, and what God has done to make us holy, the more our minds will change and we will embrace His wisdom. That is why Paul puts the knowledge of God's will first.
In v.9 we discover two things that enable us to discover the will of God. The first thing needed is "spiritual wisdom". This wisdom comes from the Spirit, not from us. This divine insight enables us to understand ourselves and how life functions. Truth is God's definition of all things. As God teaches us these things, we grow in our knowledge of Him which is His ultimate will for our lives. At this point we are being discipled by God.
The second thing we need is "understanding" which is the application of God's wisdom. The key is that we must discover how God sees our problems and what He says about them, in His word. Then there will come, as we pray and seek Him, a clear vision of what needs to be done emerges.
So when you open the Bible, pray that God will help you to understand what it says. As a result, you will begin to gain spiritual wisdom and understanding. In so doing, you will personally start to get to know God.
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Colossians 1:6-8
"The gospel has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth; 7 as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, 8 who also declared to us your love in the Spirit. Three words that are crucial there: faith, hope, and love." (Col 1:6-8)
Paul picks up here in v.6 with the most powerful concept ever presented to man: the Gospel which is both good news and bad news. The bad news prepares us for the good news. And, of course, the good news is Jesus Christ has demonstrated His love for us by solving our sin and death problem on His cross. The result of knowing this love is we are gradually transformed from the inside out.
There are times, when facing difficulty, we are tempted to give up on following the Lord Jesus. At this point, He is always faithful to reveal the fact that He is more involved in our lives than we knew. This is the power of the gospel. Almost without exception, God has, during these times taught us the value of faith in Him. As Philip Yancey writes in his book, Disappointment with God, “Faith means believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse.”
Although God has often provided help to us through friends and family, He has been known to sometimes deliberately deny us human help. He does this so that we will recognize that no matter where the help comes from, He is the one providing the help.
The Apostle Paul identifies what is happening in these contexts: the Gospel is producing fruit in and through us. The type of fruit that he is talking about is faith, hope and love.
Notice when the effectiveness of the Gospel began to come alive in our lives, "...since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth." (v.6)
Do you remember the first day you began to hear and know God's grace? Like me, it probably took you a while to get it, but when you did, you began to recognize that He was the power behind your change. There is nothing more life changing than to know that God likes us and is for us one hundred percent.
This presents a major theme in the book of Colossians. You see, the Colossians had lost sight of this core doctrine: Jesus is the active answer in every possible way during each day of our lives. Learning to relate with Him is the key to all of life. When we do this, we begin experiencing "eternal life".
At this point, hope is unlocked in our lives. And, this hope is effective because it is about that which awaits us each day as we anticipate what God is going to do in our lives on that day. Those who don’t understand hope are always freaking out when things go wrong. This posture of worry is needless and stunting to our spiritual growth. Even the negative is a positive in the kingdom of God.
Martin Luther King, Jr. said it well when he said, "We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
Paul picks up here in v.6 with the most powerful concept ever presented to man: the Gospel which is both good news and bad news. The bad news prepares us for the good news. And, of course, the good news is Jesus Christ has demonstrated His love for us by solving our sin and death problem on His cross. The result of knowing this love is we are gradually transformed from the inside out.
There are times, when facing difficulty, we are tempted to give up on following the Lord Jesus. At this point, He is always faithful to reveal the fact that He is more involved in our lives than we knew. This is the power of the gospel. Almost without exception, God has, during these times taught us the value of faith in Him. As Philip Yancey writes in his book, Disappointment with God, “Faith means believing in advance what will only make sense in reverse.”
Although God has often provided help to us through friends and family, He has been known to sometimes deliberately deny us human help. He does this so that we will recognize that no matter where the help comes from, He is the one providing the help.
The Apostle Paul identifies what is happening in these contexts: the Gospel is producing fruit in and through us. The type of fruit that he is talking about is faith, hope and love.
Notice when the effectiveness of the Gospel began to come alive in our lives, "...since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth." (v.6)
Do you remember the first day you began to hear and know God's grace? Like me, it probably took you a while to get it, but when you did, you began to recognize that He was the power behind your change. There is nothing more life changing than to know that God likes us and is for us one hundred percent.
This presents a major theme in the book of Colossians. You see, the Colossians had lost sight of this core doctrine: Jesus is the active answer in every possible way during each day of our lives. Learning to relate with Him is the key to all of life. When we do this, we begin experiencing "eternal life".
At this point, hope is unlocked in our lives. And, this hope is effective because it is about that which awaits us each day as we anticipate what God is going to do in our lives on that day. Those who don’t understand hope are always freaking out when things go wrong. This posture of worry is needless and stunting to our spiritual growth. Even the negative is a positive in the kingdom of God.
Martin Luther King, Jr. said it well when he said, "We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
Monday, November 19, 2018
Colossians 1:1-5
"1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; 5 because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel." (Colossians 1:1-5)
Notice the three words that are crucial in our personal relationships with the Lord: faith, hope, and love. In the Bible, faith provides the force of trust in something that is true, hope is the forward-looking assurance of a promise to be fulfilled, and love is a sacrificial choice that continues to seek the one who gave this gift of three.
The apostle Paul uses this triad in several of his letters. In 1 Thessalonians he writes about "your work of faith," "your labor of love," and "your patience of hope." In 1 Corinthians 13, "And now abide faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love."
As indicated in Colossians 1, as a believer in Christ, we have faith and love which spring from hope, and that hope is found in the gospel. Without hope we lose the desire to live. We all have had hopeless moments when we felt like giving up.
Hope is awakened by the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. The gospel is offered to losers, to the failures, to the weak, to the empty, to the lost, and it gives us hope. In order to access the good news, we must be willing to accept the bad news. The bad news is that we are broken sinners in need of a savior.
In Colossians 1:5, we read, "...the hope stored up for you in heavens." This term "the heavens" is a reference not to heaven after death, but to the invisible spiritual reality that surrounds us on all sides right now. The gospel reveals to us that there is hope for us immediately coming from that invisible spiritual reality.
This hope includes His strength and His wisdom which are granted to us to steady us, to strengthen us and to make us to stand. That is the hope of the gospel. That is what awakens our faith and hope.
This awakened faith acts upon this newfound hope. Faith means we believe that Jesus is here and involved in the good and the bad in our everyday lives.
3 We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; 5 because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel." (Colossians 1:1-5)
Notice the three words that are crucial in our personal relationships with the Lord: faith, hope, and love. In the Bible, faith provides the force of trust in something that is true, hope is the forward-looking assurance of a promise to be fulfilled, and love is a sacrificial choice that continues to seek the one who gave this gift of three.
The apostle Paul uses this triad in several of his letters. In 1 Thessalonians he writes about "your work of faith," "your labor of love," and "your patience of hope." In 1 Corinthians 13, "And now abide faith, hope, and love, but the greatest of these is love."
As indicated in Colossians 1, as a believer in Christ, we have faith and love which spring from hope, and that hope is found in the gospel. Without hope we lose the desire to live. We all have had hopeless moments when we felt like giving up.
Hope is awakened by the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. The gospel is offered to losers, to the failures, to the weak, to the empty, to the lost, and it gives us hope. In order to access the good news, we must be willing to accept the bad news. The bad news is that we are broken sinners in need of a savior.
In Colossians 1:5, we read, "...the hope stored up for you in heavens." This term "the heavens" is a reference not to heaven after death, but to the invisible spiritual reality that surrounds us on all sides right now. The gospel reveals to us that there is hope for us immediately coming from that invisible spiritual reality.
This hope includes His strength and His wisdom which are granted to us to steady us, to strengthen us and to make us to stand. That is the hope of the gospel. That is what awakens our faith and hope.
This awakened faith acts upon this newfound hope. Faith means we believe that Jesus is here and involved in the good and the bad in our everyday lives.
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