Tag Archives: Colossians

A Life Changing Prayer

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(The Prayer of Paul and Timothy for the church of Colosse)

(All Scripture is from The Amplified Bible)

The Prayer

Colossians 1:9-14 – For this reason, since the day we heard about it, we have not stopped praying for you, asking [specifically] that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [with insight into His purposes], and in understanding [of spiritual things], so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord [displaying admirable character, moral courage, and personal integrity], to [fully] please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing in the knowledge of God [with deeper faith, clearer insight and fervent love for His precepts]; [we pray that you may be] strengthened and invigorated with all power, according to His glorious might, to attain every kind of endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints (God’s people) in the Light.

For He has rescued us and has drawn us to Himself from the dominion of darkness, and has transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption [because of His sacrifice, resulting in] the forgiveness of our sins [and the cancellation of sins’ penalty].

James 5:15 – “The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].”   

  • Asking – you have to ask

James 4:2 – “You do not have because you do not ask.”   

1 John 5:14 – “And this is the confidence (the assurance, the privilege of boldness) which we have in Him: [we are sure] that if we ask anything (make any request) according to His will (in agreement with His own plan), He listens to and hears us.”   

  • What is God’s will?
  • God’s Word is His will

1 John 5:15 And if (since) we [positively] know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted us as our present possessions] the requests made of Him.”   

  • That you may be filled

Colossians 1:9 – “that you may be filled with the full (deep and clear) knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom [in comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God] and in understanding and discernment of spiritual things.”  

  • You need to know your Father

Matthew 6:33 – “But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.” Amplified Version                

  • You need to know God’s way of doing things

2 Chronicles 15:2 – “the Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him [inquiring for and of Him, craving Him as your soul’s first necessity], He will be found by you.”  

Proverbs 8:17 – “I love those who love me, and those who seek me early and diligently shall find me.” 

Jeremiah 29:11-13 – “For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.  Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you. Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”  

  • How do you get to know someone?
  • Spending time with God
  • Prayer is a dialogue – not a monologue
  • This is not your home
  • Kingdom Principles (Laws)
  • You are an ambassador (a representative) of Jesus
  • That you may walk

Colossians 1: 10 – That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, acquaintance, and recognition].

  • You have to pray it out
  • You have to walk it out
  • It is a walk – one step at a time
  • Start right where you are
  • That you may be “invigorated”

Colossians 1:11 – “[We pray] that you may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of His glory, [to exercise] every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy.”

  • You may not feel like it
  • It hurts the flesh
  • Do it because it is the right thing to do
  • Do it because you love Jesus
  • Call those things which are not as though they are (Romans 4:19)
  • Do not allow others to speak the contrary over you
  • Giving thanks for the Father

Colossians 1:12 – “Giving thanks to the Father, Who has qualified and made us fit to share the portion which is the inheritance of the saints (God’s holy people) in the Light.”

  • Satan is a liar

Colossians 1:13-14 – “[The Father] has delivered and drawn us to Himself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in Whom we have our redemption through His blood, [which means] the forgiveness of our sins.”

Colossians 2:15 – “[God] disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it [the cross].”

  • Remember who you are
  • The son or daughter of the Great and Almighty God Jehovah
  • You sit in heavenly places
  • Remind Satan of who he is not
  • He wants to take your anointing
  • You do not have to live in his kingdom
  • You do not have to be in bondage to his laws and rules
  • This is God’s Will for You
  • Start right where you are
  • Pray this prayer daily
  • Speak the Word out loud
  • Believe for these things to be manifested in your life
  • Receive them.  They belong to you
  • Listen for the Holy Spirit to begin speaking to you
  • EXPECT THE GLORY!

God, I ask that I may be filled with the full (deep and clear) knowledge of Your will in all spiritual wisdom (in comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of You) and in understanding and discernment of spiritual things.  That I may walk (live and conduct myself) in a manner worthy of God, fully pleasing to You and desiring to please You in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of You (with fuller, deeper and clearer insight, acquaintance and recognition.)  I pray that I may be invigorated and strengthened with all power according to the might of Your glory, (to exercise) every kind of endurance and patience (perseverance and forbearance) with joy, giving you thanks Father, for You have qualified and made me fit to share the portion which is the inheritance of the saints (Your holy people) in the Light.  Father, You have delivered and drawn me to Yourself out of the control and the dominion of darkness and have transferred me into the kingdom of the Son of Your love, Jesus, My Lord and Savior, in Whom I have my redemption through His blood, (which means) the forgiveness of my sins.

The Christian Home and Family

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Colossians 3:18-21

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.  Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.  Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.  Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

For the home and family to be a Christian home and family:

  • Christ must be in the home
  • Christ must be the head of the home
  • Christ must be first in the home
  • Christ must be first in the life of the father/husband
  • Christ must be first in the life of the mother/wife

In today’s society there are a host of combinations that make up a home and family –   divorce, multiple sets of parents, multiple sets of grandparents, multiple combinations of her kids/his kids/our kids/her aunt/his aunt/her uncle/his uncle.  If both the biological parents of a child have remarried, kids may have two fathers, two mothers and four sets of grandparents.  If one or more of the grandparents have divorced and remarried, then there will be more sets of grandparents.  This can lead to confusion in the home.

This is why it is so important that Christian parents, grandparents realize the great responsibility they have to be an example and to do what they can to teach their children of the truth of God.

The Bible is still our guide.  There is no better.  If you find yourself in a home or family that is not what God really intended, you must still follow the Bible as best as you can under the circumstances.  You must still obey the Word of God.  You must still hold true to what you know to be right. 

The command for wives to be submissive to their husbands does not mean they must take abuse either physically or spiritually from their husbands. Rather it says wives should work in unison with their husband, and respect his position as leader of the family.

Colossians 3:18 – Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.

Titus 2:4 – that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children.

1 Peter 3:1 – Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives.

Paul gives husbands instructions on how they should treat their wives. They must be selfless in their love for their wife.  They must be giving and sacrificial in their love.  Their love must be of the will as well as of the heart, a commitment as well of affection.  It must be a love that works for the highest good of the wife.

Ephesians 5:25 – Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.

1 Peter 3:7 – Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

Interesting that Peter suggests if the husband does not honor his wife and show understanding his prayers will be hindered.

Proverbs 5:18 – Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth.

Children are to obey, heed, comply, and follow directions and instructions in all things.  Children are not to behave as parents.  Children are children and parents are to be the parents.  Parents are to be the authority figure in the home.  Children are to be obedient without questioning the biblical responsibility of the parent.  This does not mean that a child should not be able to question the reasoning of the parent when an explanation is in order.  Children must be prepared to face a world that is self-centered, demanding, corrupt, evil, sinful, power, competitive, dangerous and authoritative and it is the parent’s responsibility to prepare them.

Mark 7:10 – For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.

Ephesians 6:1 – Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

Proverbs 1:8 – My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother.

Proverbs 6:20 – The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is the grief of his mother.

Proverbs 20:11 – Even a child is known by his deeds, whether what he does is pure and right.
      

If you do not obey God and His Word in every detail and aspect as God has enlightened you, you cannot expect your children to obey you.  You, the parent, will give an account to God if you do not live up to what God’s Word demands.  You do not have a choice.  You must obey and train your children to obey.

It is amazing to me that parents allow children to decide whether they come to church or not.  You make them go to school, get immunizations, dental and medical check-ups and that is as it should be, but you let them decide if they want to go to church.  Grandparents, if mom or dad is not a Christian, it is your responsibility to do everything you can to have your grandchildren in church and train them in the things of God.

Continue in Prayer

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Colossians 4:2, 5-6

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.  Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Not just continue in prayer, but do it “earnestly”.  That word implies to be serious, having a purpose.  To be earnest in prayer is to be steadily pursuing it.  We are to be vigilant in our prayer life.  To be vigilant means to be alert, to do it with a great deal of care.  Thanksgiving is also to be a part of our prayer life.  As we give thanks to God, our hearts are encouraged. 

Without prayer the child of God is weak and will fall into temptation and yield to the pressures of the world. 

How many times do we hear a prayer request from a friend and we say we will pray, then we forget all about it?  Or, we pray one time and move on.

Satan knows your weaknesses and will exploit them especially at times of sickness, loss, depression or discouragement.  If you give him an inch, he will want more.  Do not give in to his deceptive practices.

Know how to treat, speak and behave toward your Christian neighbors.  Then you will be able to tell him/her about Jesus and perhaps even win them to the Lord.

Your speech should always be wholesome and full of truth. 

God’s grace will work through you as you follow the leading of the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 – Pray wthout ceasing.

Ephesians 6:18 – praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 – For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

Your Character

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Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him. (Amplified Version – all Scripture is from Amplified Version)

With all your might

  • In other words – you cannot be snappy with your fellow Christian if you do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.
  • You cannot be unkind if you do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.
  • You cannot be argumentative if you do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.
  • You cannot be complaining if you do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.
  • You cannot be unmerciful or impatient if you do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.
  • In other words….you must be like Christ.
  • As a child of God, born again, redeemed, forgiven, whatever term you want to use that describes an encounter with the risen Lord.  An encounter that turns your life around and gives you purpose all performed by the precious blood that flowed from His body on the cross.  You have been pulled free from the miry clay of sin, set firm on the solid rock Christ Jesus.  You have got to be different because there has been a change in you. You are no longer what you were.  You have been changed

I’m free, so free; I’ve life in the Spirit and His spirit in me.  I’m rejoicing because, I am not what I was, Thanks to Calvary, I’m free.

IF?  THEN SEEK…

Colossians 3:1 – IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

ARE YOU SEEKING THINGS ABOVE

Matthew 6:33 – But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.

  • What things?  Things you have need of….not necessarily things you want…things you have need of….your priorities will line up with God’s word if you have truly been changed

Colossians 3:2 – And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.

  • Set your mind on things above…be who God called you to be

Romans 12:1-2 – I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you].

  • Our minds must be renewed to please God…
    • You cannot be thinking unkind, unholy thoughts and please God at the same time.
    • You cannot be trying to get even with someone and please God at the same time
    • You cannot be worshipping God in the service while you are still angry at your wife or husband.
    • You cannot be serving God in newness of life when things are not settled between you and your son…your daughter…your boss….your neighbor
  • You have to have a renewing ….a changed mind. 
  • A changed mind only happens when you have had a changed heart.
  • A changed mind only happens when sin departs and Jesus abides.
  • A changed mind only happens when you surrender your will to His will.
  • A changed mind only happens when you let go of your own selfish desires and let God take control.
  • A changed mind only happens when you realize your only hope is Christ

BE WHO GOD CALLED YOU TO BE

Romans 6:14 – For sin shall not [any longer] exert dominion over you, since now you are not under Law [as slaves], but under grace [as subjects of God’s favor and mercy].

  • Sin SHALL NOT have dominion over you…
  • SHALL NOT
  • MUST NOT
  • CANNOT
  • WILL NOT BE ABLE
  • The word “shall” shows determination
    • Shall – permissive = allows – ok
  • The words  “shall not” shows the exact opposite of shall
    • Shall not – does not permit, does not allow, is not ok
  • Sin shall not have…right now, currently…Sin shall not have dominion (force, strength, might, power …manifested power, perfect and complete, shall not) have dominion over you.

BE WHO GOD CALLED YOU TO BE

  • Only when you give in to Satan’s power temptation does sin have power over you.
  •  In other words… you do what you want to do…

I Pet 4:11 – Whoever speaks, [let him do it as one who utters] oracles of God; whoever renders service, [let him do it] as with the strength which God furnishes abundantly, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever (through endless ages). Amen (so be it).

Jude 24-25 – Now to Him Who is able to keep you without stumbling or slipping or falling, and to present [you] unblemished (blameless and faultless) before the presence of His glory in triumphant joy and exultation [with unspeakable, ecstatic delight]—To the one only God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory (splendor), majesty, might and dominion, and power and authority, before all time and now and forever (unto all the ages of eternity). Amen (so be it).

James 1:22 – But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth].

 BE WHO GOD CALLED YOU TO BE

  • Ask yourself…would Jesus go here, say this, read this, watch this, laugh at this joke, listen to this music, wear these clothes, treat his neighbor this way, do his job this way, go to church this often, spend his money this way?
  • Let the presence of Jesus saturate, overflow your life.
  • In all you do …be who God called you to be.
  • In all you say…be who God called you to be.
  • In all you think…be who God called you to be.
  • In all that you are…be who God called you to be.

Believer’s New Clothing

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Colossians 3:12-14

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

A BELIEVER IS THE ELECT OF GOD

  • Elect is Greek word electors and means chosen, one picked out from among the larger group for special service or privileges.  It is used to refer to Christ as the chosen Messiah of God (Luke 23:35) and believers as recipients of God’s favor (Matt. 24:22; Romans 8:33; and Col. 3:12).
  •  

Matthew 24:22 – And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.

Romans 8:33 – Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.

Colossians 3:12 – Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

  • Chosen to be holy.  Holy (haggis) means set apart or separated.  Believers have been chosen to be separated from the world and its sin, and set apart for God.
  • Chosen to be the beloved of God.  Believers have been chosen to receive God’s love through Christ Jesus and to experience this new love of God. 
  • This passage is therefore for the believer, the one who has accepted Christ and experienced His forgiveness and His love.  Paul is not writing to the world – he is writing to the Christian.

A BELIEVER IS TO PUT ON NEW CLOTHES

  • Put on enduno is a picture of a man putting on clothing.  The concept is that when we accepted Christ, we took off our old garments of sin.  Now we must put on something new or we will be naked. 
  • Mercy oiktirmou is compassion, pity, tenderness.  As a Christian, we are to have compassion and reach out to meet the needs of those lonely, hurting, depressed, homeless, hungry, aged, widowed, orphaned, etc.

Isaiah 58:6-7 – Is this not the fast that I have chosen;…to undo the heavy burdens,…Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house and poor who are wandering; When you see the naked, that you cover him and not hide yourself from your own flesh?

Micah 6:8 – He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God

Acts 20:35 – I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Hebrews 13:3 – Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.

  • Kindness chrestotes is goodness in action, gentleness in dealing with others.  The ability to act for the welfare of those who tax your patience.  As a Christian, we must be gentle in our actions and our conversation with others.  We must show goodness, not only to those we like, but to those who irritate and even provoke us.

Luke 6:35 – But love your enemies, do good and lend, expecting nothing in return…

1 Corinthians 13:4 – Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up.

Ephesians 4:32 – And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

  • Humility tapeinophrosune means modesty, total absence of arrogance and conceit, an attitude of unselfish concern for others. 

1 Peter 5:5 – …all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

James 4:6 – But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

James 4:10 – Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

Titus 3:1-2 – Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.

  • Meekness praotes means a disposition that is even-tempered, tranquil, balanced in spirit, unpretentious and that has the passions under control.  This does not mean someone who is weak, but rather of someone who has power and strength under control. 

Matthew 5:5 – Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

James 3:13 – Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.

  • Long-suffering makrothumia means patient endurance, ability to endure persecution and ill-treatment.  It describes a person who has the power to exercise revenge but instead exercises restraint.

James 1:2-4 – My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience (endurance or perseverance).  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect (mature) and complete, lacking nothing.

Ephesians 4:1-3 – I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

  • Forbearance anechomai means to persevere, tolerate put up with, stand firm and not lose courage under pressure.  As Christians we must “put up with” and “tolerate” the failures, bad habits, irritating behavior and mistreatment of others.

Romans 15:1 – We then who are strong ought to bear with the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

Galatians 6:2 – Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Ephesians 4:1-3 – I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

  • Forgiveness charizomai means to know kindness unconditionally, give freely, and forgive freely.  This word is from the same root word as grace.  The example we are to follow in our forgiving is the example of Christ.  We forgive others only to the degree that Christ forgives us.  Since Christ forgives us of any and every sin and forgives us over and over, we must use that standard as our standard of forgiveness.

Mark 11:25-26 – And when you stand praying, forgive, if you ought against any; that your Father which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses…

Luke 17:4 – And if he trespass against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to you, saying, I repent, you shall forgive him. 

Matthew 6:14-15 – For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 7:1-2 – Judge not, that you be not judged.  For with what judgment you judge, you judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.

A BELIEVER’S MOST ESSENTIAL GARMENT IS LOVE

  • Love is the most important part – “Above all these things”

1 Peter 4:8 – And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins.

  • Love is the bond that makes us complete.  If a believer really has love, then the above qualities will follow. 

Mark 12:29-31 – The first of all the  commandments is…you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul…the second is…You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  There is none other commandment greater than these.

A BELIEVER IS TO ALLOW PEACE TO BE THE UMPIRE

  • Peace from God.  Peace elrene means an absence of strife, calmness.

John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

John 16:33 – These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation (thlipis – pressure, oppression, stress, adversity, affliction, crushing distress.  The word is used for crushing grapes or olives in a press); but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

  • Peace is to rule.  This is a command, not a suggestion.  The peace is from God, but we make a choice rather we accept his peace or not.  Rule brabeueto means to act as an umpire.  Peace is to be the deciding factor in all situations that arrive in our life.  Matthew Henry said it this way, “Let this peace rule in your heart-prevail and govern there…as an umpire (let it) decide all matters of difference among you.” 

Isaiah 26:3-4 – You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.   Trust in the LORD forever, for in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength.

Psalm 119:165 Great (rab – abundant, many, large in number, of major importance, significant) peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble.

  • Peace is to rule because we have been called to be one body.  The church is to act and behave as one people in union with each other.  The only way we can do that is to let peace be the umpire in the differences and conflicts that arise.

Ephesians 2: 14 – For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.

Psalm 34:14 – Depart from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it.

1 Peter 3:11 – Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.

Romans 14:17 – For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

  • Peace is something we are to be thankful for.  We are thankful for the peace Christ has given us personally and to the church collectively.

Philippians 4:6-7 – Be anxious (merimnao – distracted, preoccupation with things causing anxiety, stress and pressure) for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 5:20-12 – Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.

A BELIEVER IS TO ALLOW THE WORD OF GOD TO LIVE IN HIS HEART

  • The choice is up to the believer – “Let”
  • The word is to dwell (enoikelot – to make a home) in the believer’s heart richly.  A believer is not to be satisfied with a small portion of God’s Word.

Deuteronomy 11:18 – Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.

Psalm 119:11 – Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.

John 15:7 -“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

2 Timothy 2:15 – Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 3:16 – All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

  • The word is to dwell in our hearts so that we can teach and counsel one another.

2 Timothy 2:2 – And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

2 Timothy 2:24 – And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient.

A BELIEVER IS TO USE PSALMS, HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS

  • Many different ways of worshipping and sharing God’s Truth.
  • Our worship is to be with grace in our heart.  That word grace (charis) comes from the same root as joy (chara) and to rejoice (chairo).  Grace causes rejoicing.  It is the word for God’s grace to sinful man.  So, we sing with joy in our hearts because of God’s grace to us.  That is why we can sing with joy even in difficult times, even when we are sorrowful.  For the reason we sing, God’s grace to us, remains the same regardless of our circumstances.

A BELIEVER IS TO DO ALL IN THE NAME OF JESUS

  • To the Jewish world in the first century A.D., a person’s name stood for the person themselves.  Even in our country, there was a time when a man did not need to sign a contract to validate an agreement.  His name was enough.  Often children were warned, “Don’t disgrace the family name.”  The name stood for the family and their reputation.
  • So, to do all in the name of Jesus, means to represent Jesus in all we do and say.  We must never do anything to bring dishonor on His name.  It means to live our lives trusting and depending upon Jesus in every circumstance.  It means to let the motto WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) really be a part of our lives.
  • Would Jesus go here?
  • Would Jesus say this?
  • Would Jesus read this?
  • Would Jesus watch this?
  • Would Jesus laugh at this joke?
  • Would Jesus listen to this music?
  • Would Jesus wear this outfit?
  • Would Jesus treat his neighbor this way?
  • Would Jesus do his job this way?
  • Would Jesus go to church this often?
  • Would Jesus spend his money this way?
  • It means to let the presence of Jesus saturate, overflow our lives and all we do, say and are.

Colossians 3:23 – Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.

1 Corinthians 10:31 – Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

A BELIEVER IS TO DO ALL THINGS WITH THANKS

  • Giving thanks (eucharisteo) means to be grateful, to express gratitude.  We need to be a grateful people, expressing freely our thanks to God.

Ephesians 5:20 – Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 13:15 – Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

Colossians 3:17 – And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Christ Has Set Us Free

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Colossians 2:13-15

And you who were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh (your sensuality, your sinful carnal nature), [God] brought to life together with [Christ], having [freely] forgiven us all our transgressions, having cancelled and blotted out and wiped away the handwriting of the note (bond) with its legal decrees and demands which was in force and stood against us (hostile to us). This [note with its regulations, decrees, and demands] He set aside and cleared completely out of our way by nailing it to [His] cross. [God] disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it [the cross]. Amplified Bible

THE CONDITION OF MAN – SIN AND DEATH

  • Man’s concept of sin is different than God’s as stated in the Bible.  Man does not see sin as a violation of God’s will.  This simply shows how weak man and his ideas and thinking are in comparison to God.  Man looks at sin and calls it
  • Human error
  • Personal slip
  • Moral flaw
  • Physical failure
  • Character defect
  • Shortcoming
  • Immaturity
  • Unpreventable
  • Misunderstanding
  • Mistake
  • Irresponsibility
  • Semantics
  • Labeling sin something other than it is – sin – does not change it in God’s eyes, nor does it change the penalty for sin.  We may blame sin or whatever we choose to call it – the result of our environment, training, heritage, and/or belief or a combination of these.  Whatever we call sin or what ever we blame it on does not really matter.  In God’s eyes sin is sin.  Sin is a violation of God’s law or will.  Sin is also rebellion and insurrection against Him and the way He has told mankind to live. 

SAY NO TO SIN AND YES TO GOD!!

  • Man’s view of death, the penalty for sin, also varies according to a person’s background and beliefs.  Some of the views of death that man has come up with are
  • Ceasing to exist
  • Passing into oblivion
  • A semi-conscious state
  • A deep sleep
  • Reincarnation into another form of life
  • Moving into another dimension
  • Most of men’s ideas about death involve either denial of a life hereafter or else another chance to work oneself into the favor of God.  All of man’s ideas and concepts of sin and death are based on man’s knowledge, man’s ability, man’s energy, and man’s power to somehow make himself acceptable to God.  If mankind could make himself acceptable to God, then Christ died in vain.  But He did die and we cannot make ourselves acceptable.
  • If there was something I could do on my own, there was no reason for Christ to go to the cross.  But He did go to the cross and we cannot atone for our sins.
  • There would have been no need for the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ to give of Himself on the cross for our sins.  But He did!
  • There would have been no need for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ to give of His blood for the redemption of fallen man.  But He did!
  • There would have been no need for our precious Lord, our Healer to take upon Himself stripes on His back for our healing.  But He did!
  • There would have been no need for our provider, Jesus Christ the Righteous, to cry out to the Father in heaven asking pardon for you and I.  But He did!
  • There would have been no need for our Savior, Jesus Christ, to suffer pain and torment at the hands of wicked men so that we might have everlasting freedom.  But He did!
  • We cannot help ourselves so Christ gave Himself on the cross.

THE CONDITION OF MAN BECAUSE OF THE SACRIFICE ON THE CROSS

  • Man has a chance for new life because of the cross.
  • Man has a chance for new life because of Christ’s sacrifice.
  • Man has a chance if he will repent of his sins and change his way of living.
  • Man has a chance if he will surrender to God.
  • Man has a chance if he will throw himself on the mercy of God.
  • Man has a chance if he will submit to God.
  • Because of the cross I
  • Have new life
  • Hope eternal
  • Forgiveness
  • I am free

John 5:24 – Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. 

Ephesians 2:1-8 – And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once con-ducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.  But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.  For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Isaiah 53:6 – All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, everyone, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

Romans 6:23 – The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life.

Romans 8:6 – To be carnally (fleshly) (worldly) minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

CHRIST IS OUR HOPE

  • All requirements of the Law were fulfilled in Jesus Christ
  • 613 laws of Moses
  • 248 prohibitions – “Thou shall not”
  • 365 affirmations – “Thou shall”
  • There is no need for us to go back to the Law of Moses and try to follow all those requirements, holidays, holy days, dietary laws, purification laws, sacrificing laws.  The Pharisees tried to keep the Law.  They could not!  The Law pointed toward Jesus Christ and since He has appeared these laws are no longer needed.  It is just like you receive a gift at Christmas or a birthday or for some other day or occasion.   After the gift is opened and you have taken it for yourself and begin to enjoy it, you no longer keep the package or the wrapping paper that it came in.  That is not the important part of the gift.  The gift came in the package.  The gift was not the package.  Christ is now here.  He was and is God’s gift to fallen man.  He is our Hope; our only Hope. 
  • All the guilt charges, all the condemnation, all the crimes heaped against you and I, and all mankind from the beginning of creation were nailed to the cross.  He was saying my blood is enough to do away with them all.  The sacrificial lambs all pointed toward this day but they could only cover the sin.  I’m cleansing it; I’m washing it away for all time.  Just receive it.  It is finished.  He conquered it all…He made a public display of the fact that your sins and mine were nailed to the cross, triumphing over all principalities, powers, evil forces, demonic foes that might come against you.  Christ conquered all that.  So why do we feel defeated?   There is no need.  You are set free in Jesus Christ.  Just receive it.  Just believe it. 

Romans 8:1 – There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

Romans 8:37 – I am more than a conqueror through Him (Christ Jesus) who loved us (me). 

John 12:31-32 – Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.  And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.

Hebrews 3:14-15 – “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” 

1 John 3:8b – For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world (me, you, all mankind), that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever (me, you, all mankind that will receive) believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 

Know Who Jesus Is

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Colossians 2:1-10 – For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

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. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

Danger of perversion of the truth

  • Enticing (persuasive) words -Teaching that tells us what we want to hear, that encourages us to “do our own thing.”

Colossians 2:4 – I say this so that no one will deceive you with persuasive [but thoroughly deceptive] arguments. (The Amplified Version)

2 Timothy 4:3-4 – “For the time is coming when [people] will not tolerate (endure) sound and wholesome instruction, but, having ears itching [for something pleasing and gratifying], they will gather to themselves one teacher after another to a considerable number, chosen to satisfy their own liking and to foster the errors they hold, and will turn aside from hearing the truth and wander off into myths and man-made fictions.”  (The Amplified Version)

  • Philosophies –   Learning more and more about less and less until finally you know everything about nothing.

Colossians 2:8 – See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception [pseudo-intellectual babble], according to the tradition [and musings] of mere men, following the elementary principles of this world, rather than following [the truth—the teachings of] Christ. (The Amplified Version)

2 Timothy 3:7 – “forever inquiring and getting information, but are never able to arrive at a recognition and knowledge of the Truth.” (The Amplified Version)

  • Traditions –  Traditions in and of themselves are not bad, but when they take precedence over God and His Word, they are wrong.

Colossians 2:8 – See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception [pseudo-intellectual babble], according to the tradition [and musings] of mere men, following the elementary principles of this world, rather than following [the truth—the teachings of] Christ. (The Amplified Version)

Matthew 15:8-9 – “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.  And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.”

  • Legalism –  A believer who puts himself back under legalism would be like a man admiring the photograph of his father but ignoring his father’s actual presence.

Colossians 2:16-17 – Therefore let no one judge you in regard to food and drink or in regard to [the observance of] a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day. Such things are only a shadow of what is to come and they have only symbolic value; but the substance [the reality of what is foreshadowed] belongs to Christ. (The Amplified Version)

1 Timothy 4:1-5 – “Now the Spirit explicitly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons…forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving.”

  • Mysticism –  Mysticism stresses the inner light and ignores the true light.  It may confuse truth with personal experience.  While personal experience can be real, we must not base our faith on personal experience, but on the Word of God.
  • Idolatry – God alone deserves our worship.

Colossians 2:18 – Let no one defraud you of your prize [your freedom in Christ and your salvation] by insisting on mock humility and the worship of angels, going into detail about visions [he claims] he has seen [to justify his authority], puffed up [in conceit] by his unspiritual mind, (The Amplified Version)

  • Asceticism – We cannot make ourselves good by anything we do or do not do.

Colossians 2:20-21 — If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were still living in the world, do you submit to rules and regulations, such as, “Do not handle [this], do not taste [that], do not [even] touch!”? (The Amplified Version)

Answer to these perversions

  • Know who Jesus is
  • All knowledge dwells in Him

Colossians 2:3 – in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge [regarding the word and purposes of God]. (The Amplified Version)

  • The fullness (full measure, plenitude, that which has been completed) of God dwells in Him

Colossians 2:9 – For in Him all the fullness of Deity (the Godhead) dwells in bodily form [completely expressing the divine essence of God]. (The Amplified Version)

  • Know what Jesus has done  for you.
  • Before his sin in the Garden of Eden, Adam did not know the true meaning of seven words.  After his fall, Adam added these seven words to his vocabulary.  The second Adam (Jesus) met and dealt  with each of these seven words.

First Adam’s Dilemma –  Death

Genesis 2:17 – but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”           

Second Adam’s Answer to Death

John 11:25 – Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

First Adam’s Dilemma – Cursed

Genesis 3:14 – So the Lord God said to the serpent:  “Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all cattle, and more than every beast of the field; on your belly you shall go, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life.

Second Adam’s Answer to Cursed

Galatians 3:13 – Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”.

First  Adam’s Dilemma – Sorrow

Genesis 3:17 – Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’:  “Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life.

Second Adam’s Answer to Sorrow

Isaiah 53:3-4 – He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.  And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.  Surely He has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.

First Adam’s Dilemma – Thorns

Genesis 3:18 – “Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it
all the days of your life.  Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you,

Second Adam’s Answer to Thorns

John 19:5 – Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. 

First  Adam’s Dilemma – Sweat

Genesis 3:19 – In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; fFor dust you are, and to dust you shall return.”

Second Adam’s Answer to Sweat

Luke 22:44 – And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

First Adam’s Dilemma – Sword

Genesis 3:24 – So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.

Second Adam’s Answer to Sword

John 19:34 – But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.

  • Know who you are
  • You are complete in Him (full of the Godhead)

Colossians 2:10 – And in Him you have been made complete [achieving spiritual stature through    Christ,] and He is the head over all rule and authority [of every angelic and earthly power]. (The Amplified Version)

  • You are buried with Him (your old sin nature is dead)
  • You are raised with Him (a new, victorious life)

Colossians 2:11 – In Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, but by the [spiritual] circumcision of Christ in the stripping off of the body of the flesh [the sinful carnal nature], (The Amplified Version

Romans 6:3-7 – “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?  Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.  For he who has died has been freed from sin.”

Romans 6:8-14 – “Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him.  For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.  Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.  And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.  For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”

  • Know what you are to do for Him
  • Be rooted and built up in Him
    • Rooted like a tree – draw your nourishment and strength from Him.
    • Built up like a building.  Jesus is your foundation.

Colossians 2:6-7 – Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in [union with] Him [reflecting His character in the things you do and say—living lives that lead others away from sin], having been deeply rooted [in Him] and now being continually built up in Him and [becoming increasingly more] established in your faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing in it with gratitude. (The Amplified Version0

Psalm 1 – “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.  He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.  The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.  For the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”

Matthew 7:24-26 – “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.  But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.”

1 Corinthians 3:11 – “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

  • Walk (live daily) established (firm, stable, holding fast and not letting go) in the faith.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 – “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.”

Hebrews 13:9 – “Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.”

Psalm 40:2 – “He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps.”

  • Walk with thanksgiving

Philippians 4:4, 6 – “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

Hebrews 13:15 – “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”

Intoducing the letter to the Colossians

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Although Paul never actually ministered in the city of Colossae, a small town in the province of Asia, about 100 miles east of Ephesus, it appears this church was an outgrowth of his three-year ministry in Ephesus.  Epaphras, probably a convert of Paul, appears to be the church’s founder and leader (Col. 1:7, 8; 4:12-13).  Comparing Philemon 2 with Colossians 4:17, it appears the church met in the home of Philemon.  Many Bible scholars believe Paul wrote this book during his first imprisonment in Rome and that the letter was delivered by Tychicus along with the letter to the church at Ephesus (see Handout on Prison Epistles given with the book of Ephesus).  Apparently at the same time Tychicus brought with him Onesimus to restore him to his master, Philemon, and he also carried with him Paul’s note to Philemon beseeching him to take his slave back “as a man and as a Christian”.  (Philemon 15-16).

Paul was apparently writing his letter to deal with false teaching which was threatening the church at Colossae (2:8-9).  The false teaching appears to have been an early from of Gnosticism.  Gnosticism (from gnosis in Greek which meant knowledge) taught that matter was evil.  Therefore, God could not have created the world.  Rather, God (the original source) created an angel who in turn created another angel, who created yet a third angel, etc.  The last of these angels created the world as we know it today.  It was impossible for Jesus (or anyone) to be both fully God and fully man because of the evil of material things.  Therefore, Jesus was only one of the many semi-divine beings that bridged the gap between God and the world.  Because He was not God, Jesus did not have the authority to ability to meet their needs.

Since the material world was evil, there evolved two different philosophies regarding how man should live.  The first said that if matter is evil, then the body is evil.  Therefore, man should avoid all joys of life and abuse the body for the spirit’s sake.  This point of view was called Stoicism.  The other philosophy said that since the body was evil, it is ultimately destined for the dust.  It does not really what we do with it.  Therefore, if it felt good, do it.  This led to a belief system called Epicureanism.

However, the heresy was not just a simply form of Gnosticism.  It appears that it was a blending of pagan and Judaic speculation which results in a syncretism.  A study of its characteristics can be beneficial to the church today as we see many of these same characteristics in beliefs and philosophies being taught today. 

  1.  It stressed philosophy (Col. 2:8).
  •  It stressed “enlightenment” with a strong emphasis on wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:3); philosophy and tradition (Col 2:8); delving into the unknown and using one’s fleshly mind (Col 2:18) and worshipping man’s own ability and will to control and discipline himself (Col. 2:23).
  • It stressed soul over body (Col. 2:16, 20-23).  Again, this brings about two different approaches – both are wrong.  One says – The way to release or take care of the soul is to discipline and control the body.  This involves into all kinds of legalism – “Touch not, taste not, handle not.”  (Col. 2:21).  The other says – One can do what he wishes with his body as long as he takes care of his soul by participating in religious worship and rituals.
  • It stressed ritual and tradition.  Special foods and special days (Col. 2:16, 22).
  • It stressed other mediators between God and man:  elementary spirits (Col. 2:8, 20) and angels (Col. 2:18).

It appears Epaphras was not able to deal properly with this false teaching and so he made the dangerous and wearisome journey of 1000 miles from Colossae to Rome to speak to Paul.  While in Rome, he was evidently also imprisoned (Philemon 23) probably because of his bold preaching.  Paul wrote the letter to the Colossians in response to the report from Epaphras and sent it by one of his trusted workers.  Tychicus (Col. 4:7; Acts 20:4; Eph. 6:21; 2 Tim. 4:12; Titus 3:12).

To counter the error, Paul underscored the deity of Christ and His death on the cross for our sin.  No other New Testament book sets forth more fully or defends the universal lordship of Christ more thoroughly than Colossians.  The book sets forth Christ as supreme Lord.  The first two chapters present and defend this truth.  The last two chapters unfold practical implications of this truth.

This was important because the false teaching attacked Jesus Christ at every point. 

  •  It attacked His deity.  If the world is material and man’s body is evil, then God would never take upon Himself human flesh.  God would become evil by taking man’s flesh upon Himself.  Col. 1:15 – “He is the image of the invisible God.”
  •  It attacked His creative power and His role in creation.  If the world is evil, then God could not have been the creator.  Col.  1:16 – “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth. . .All things were created through Him and for Him.”
  • It attacked the humanity of Jesus.  If He was really God, then He could not have been flesh since flesh is evil.  Col. 2:9 – “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily (in bodily form).”
  • It attached His redemptive power.  Something more than Christ was needed to defeat the powers that oppose man – Angels, philosophy, human effort.  Col. 1:21-22 – “And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind. . .in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, blameless, and above reproach in His sight.”

Paul showed three primary ways in which Christ is Lord:

  • Christ is Lord over all creation.  His creative authority includes both the material and the spiritual universe (1:16).  Because of this, He alone is to be worshipped.  No other being – man or angel – deserves the worship that is His alone.  This also means there is no reason to fear demonic forces or seek superstitiously for protection from them. 
  • Christ is Lord over the church.  He is the Creator and Savior of the church (1:18).  He is the very life source of the church.  He is over all, and in Him the church is made perfect (2:10).
  • Christ is Lord of salvation.  He is the one who has made Christians of all mankind (3:11).  Only by associating with Him in His death, burial and resurrection can anyone hope to find eternal life                            Col. 2:11-14).

Colossians may be compared to other writings of Paul:

In Romans we are justified in Christ.

In 1 Corinthians we are enriched in Christ.

In 2 Corinthians we are comforted in Christ.

In Galatians we are free in Christ.

In Ephesians we are quickened in Christ.

In Philippians we are happy in Christ.

Then, we come to Colossians.  This book gives us the glorious culmination of it all.

In Colossians we are complete in Christ.

This completely is achieved in four ways.

  •  Building downward.  Col. 1:23 – “Grounded and steadfast. . .not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard.”  This is the deeper life.
  •  Building upward.  Col. 2:7 – “Rooted and built up in him and established (to make firm, secure, guarantee) in the faith.”  This is the higher life.
  • Building inward.  Col. 3:3 – “for you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”  This is the inner life.
  • Building outward.  Col. 4:5 – “Walk with wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time (the opportune time, appointed time, due time, proper time for action; this word for time, kairos describes kind, or quality, of time rather than quantity of time).”  This is the outer life.

Colossians bears a close resemblance to Ephesians in language and subject matter.  Over 70 of the 155 verses in Ephesians contain expression echoed in Colossians.  In a sense, Colossians concludes that which Ephesians introduces.  In Ephesians Paul emphasizes the fact that the church is a body.  In Colossians he emphasizes the head of the body which is Christ.

Colossae, along with the towns of Laodicea and Hierapolis (Col. 4:13), lay beside the banks of the small river, Lycus, in the Roman province of Asia.  Today that area is in west Turkey.  In earlier days it had been a prosperous center of wool and weaving and was described in the fifth century B.C. as “a great city.”  However, at the beginning of the Christian era its influence had greatly declined and a first-century geographer, Strabo, described it as “a small city.”  It is now no more than a barren and uninhabited site.  But because of the letter of Paul, it remains in the memory of the church.

Continue in Prayer

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Colossians 4:2, 5-6

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

Not just continue in prayer, but do it “earnestly”.  That word implies to be serious, having a purpose.  To be earnest in prayer is to be steadily pursuing it.  We are to be vigilant in our prayer life.  To be vigilant means to be alert, to do it with a great deal of care.  Thanksgiving is also to be a part of our prayer life.  As we give thanks to God, our hearts are encouraged. 

Without prayer the child of God is weak and will fall into temptation and yield to the pressures of the world. 

Satan knows your weaknesses and will exploit them especially at times of sickness, loss, depression or discouragement.  If you give him an inch, he will want more.  Do not give in to his deceptive practices.

Know how to treat, speak and behave toward your Christian neighbors.  Then you will be able to tell him/her about Jesus and perhaps even win them to the Lord.

Your speech should always be wholesome and full of truth. 

God’s grace will work through you as you follow the leading of the Lord.