Our next study will be the book of Ephesians. We will be tracking alongside our Bammel Tuesday Morning Bible Study. We will begin the week of Labor Day, 2009. I hope you will join us on this journey. The material that is being used by those attending the Tuesday AM Class is: "Precept Upon Precept, Ephesians". You can order the study guide at http://www.precept.org/ or by calling 1-800-763-8280.
A couple of comments about this format:
1. If you choose to order the study guide and have never done a Precept study, the primary advice I would offer is ... do not be put off by the size of the guide! Plan to do what makes sense to you ... and bypass what does not. The guide is full of great cross-referencing and thoughtful questions to guide your study. Special markings and word studies enhance delving deeply into the book (but are not a necessity for beneficial study).
2. You can follow this blog study without the Precept workbook. I will be posting the verses to read for each day ... and then making some comment as in previous studies.
I am looking forward to studying this letter with you ... it is one of my all time favorite books in the entire Bible!
July 16, 2009
July 9, 2009
Colossians: Conclusion
Colossions 4: 18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
One commentator, Alford, states movingly, "When we read of his chains we should not forget that they moved over the paper as he wrote. His hand was chained to the soldier that kept him." As we secure that image in our minds, we must not think that Paul is crying for some kind of sympathy or pity. He is stating boldly his authority to write. This is a man who knows full well the costs of being a Christ - follower. He calls us to nothing that he has not been willing to carry himself. He carries the mark of the cross of Christ. And he does it willingly, even joyfully. He does it because he knows ... and passionately loves ... the Son of God. It is a love that changes your life ... the way you think, the way you interact, the way you live. And Paul's entreaty is to us as well.
Barclay says, "And so the letter comes to its inevitable end. The end of every letter of Paul is grace; for he always ended by commending others to that grace which he himself had found sufficient for all things."
Remember what Paul stated in 2 Corinthians 12:9: "But He (the Lord) said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." Paul fully realized the all sufficient quality of the grace of God. Think about that word, sufficient.
According to Mirriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, sufficient means: enough to meet the needs of a situation or a proposed end
The Greek word Paul used means: for, according to the abundance of; more than enough to meet one's needs.
Can we hear it? God's grace is sufficient for, enough for ...... you fill in anything you are facing in your life right now. God's grace is sufficient.
Paul closes this letter, indeed all of his letter, with the reminder to his readers ... that God's grace is enough. And we must remind each other of the same reality ... it has not changed ... it is as applicable to 21st century living as it was for 1st century living. So, we close this study with the same reminder. God's grace is sufficient for you, for me.
Grace be with you ...
One commentator, Alford, states movingly, "When we read of his chains we should not forget that they moved over the paper as he wrote. His hand was chained to the soldier that kept him." As we secure that image in our minds, we must not think that Paul is crying for some kind of sympathy or pity. He is stating boldly his authority to write. This is a man who knows full well the costs of being a Christ - follower. He calls us to nothing that he has not been willing to carry himself. He carries the mark of the cross of Christ. And he does it willingly, even joyfully. He does it because he knows ... and passionately loves ... the Son of God. It is a love that changes your life ... the way you think, the way you interact, the way you live. And Paul's entreaty is to us as well.
Barclay says, "And so the letter comes to its inevitable end. The end of every letter of Paul is grace; for he always ended by commending others to that grace which he himself had found sufficient for all things."
Remember what Paul stated in 2 Corinthians 12:9: "But He (the Lord) said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." Paul fully realized the all sufficient quality of the grace of God. Think about that word, sufficient.
According to Mirriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, sufficient means: enough to meet the needs of a situation or a proposed end
The Greek word Paul used means: for, according to the abundance of; more than enough to meet one's needs.
Can we hear it? God's grace is sufficient for, enough for ...... you fill in anything you are facing in your life right now. God's grace is sufficient.
Paul closes this letter, indeed all of his letter, with the reminder to his readers ... that God's grace is enough. And we must remind each other of the same reality ... it has not changed ... it is as applicable to 21st century living as it was for 1st century living. So, we close this study with the same reminder. God's grace is sufficient for you, for me.
Grace be with you ...
July 8, 2009
Colossians: Week 6: Day 3
Colossians 4: 14 - 18
We close our thoughts on this letter today with Paul's final "greetings" to fellow believers and coworkers. There will also be some warnings today that leap from these few verses!
Paul mentions Luke, whom he calls "our dear friend". Luke was a physician, a tireless worker for the church, the writer of the Gospel that bears his name and the writer of the book of Acts. Luke is with Paul. What a comfort he must have been for this beleaguered apostle! We also learn in 2 Timothy 4:11 that Luke remains with Paul when all others have left. Do you have anyone in your life that you would describe as "my dear friend"? Have you let them know? Remember, we only have today. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Perhaps today would be a good day to drop a note in the mail!
A disciple named Demas is also with Paul. We know almost nothing about this man ... except that he provides our first solemn warning today. In personal comments at the end of 2 Timothy, Paul asks Timothy to come to him as quickly as possible because "Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me ...". How is your staying power? The lure of our world and the things of this world is so strong. Do a mental check today of where your first love lies. Keeping your love relationship with the Lord in first place will guard your heart and mind from the seduction of our world. Don't be a Demas ... don't be a deserter.
Paul sends encouragement to Nympha who hosts one of the churches. The gracious gift of hospitality! This woman embodies that gift ... do you? If you are a hostess for a small group, a gathering of people who meet together because of Jesus, take Paul's encouragement personally! Remember the church in the first couple of centuries gathered together in homes. There were many women (and men) who were willing to provide the gathering place for Christ's followers. We still need such men and women - willing the share the resources and blessings that God has so generously poured out.
And then there is Archippus who needed some encouragement to finish a task that God had called him to. Here again is this reference to staying power - perseverance - finishing the course. It reminds me how important it is to finish well. I don't know about you, but I am a great "starter"! I get excited about new projects, new endeavors, new adventures. I have no problem starting. However, finishing well. Aahh ... that is a different story. We get tired, bored, distracted, etc. and leave things for something new. That is OK in some arenas. After all, an unfinished quilt project carries little importance compared to an unfinished task that my God has laid before me. A second warning from these verses ... when God calls you to a task ... carry it all the way to the end!
The final warning in these verses comes from the frequent mention of the church in Laodicea. This church was a neighboring church to Colosse. The reference to the letter from Laodicea is a mystery. We do not have a copy of that letter. Commentators have different opinions about that letter. Some believe that it is the letter we call, Ephesians. The letters written to the churches were encyclical, meant to be circulated among the churches in Asia. Others believe that the Laodicean letter was lost. Some think it is the letter to Philemon. However, the warning is not in lost letters ... the warning is in the mention of the church in Laodicea. You can read about what happened to that church in Revelation 3:14 - 22. It is a sad story. And a story that speaks boldly and loudly to the church in our day. We studied this passage in the study on "God Speaks to the Church". You can read about it in the archives of this blog. Go to that particular study and go to Lesson 5: Section 1.
As we close today, listen to the warnings in these verses and take them to prayer:
1. Don't be a deserter ... stay the course with God and God's people, even when it is hard
2. Finish God-given tasks ... even if it takes your lifetime ... stay the course
3. Keep your love relationship with God fresh and vital ... keep it first place
We close our thoughts on this letter today with Paul's final "greetings" to fellow believers and coworkers. There will also be some warnings today that leap from these few verses!
Paul mentions Luke, whom he calls "our dear friend". Luke was a physician, a tireless worker for the church, the writer of the Gospel that bears his name and the writer of the book of Acts. Luke is with Paul. What a comfort he must have been for this beleaguered apostle! We also learn in 2 Timothy 4:11 that Luke remains with Paul when all others have left. Do you have anyone in your life that you would describe as "my dear friend"? Have you let them know? Remember, we only have today. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Perhaps today would be a good day to drop a note in the mail!
A disciple named Demas is also with Paul. We know almost nothing about this man ... except that he provides our first solemn warning today. In personal comments at the end of 2 Timothy, Paul asks Timothy to come to him as quickly as possible because "Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me ...". How is your staying power? The lure of our world and the things of this world is so strong. Do a mental check today of where your first love lies. Keeping your love relationship with the Lord in first place will guard your heart and mind from the seduction of our world. Don't be a Demas ... don't be a deserter.
Paul sends encouragement to Nympha who hosts one of the churches. The gracious gift of hospitality! This woman embodies that gift ... do you? If you are a hostess for a small group, a gathering of people who meet together because of Jesus, take Paul's encouragement personally! Remember the church in the first couple of centuries gathered together in homes. There were many women (and men) who were willing to provide the gathering place for Christ's followers. We still need such men and women - willing the share the resources and blessings that God has so generously poured out.
And then there is Archippus who needed some encouragement to finish a task that God had called him to. Here again is this reference to staying power - perseverance - finishing the course. It reminds me how important it is to finish well. I don't know about you, but I am a great "starter"! I get excited about new projects, new endeavors, new adventures. I have no problem starting. However, finishing well. Aahh ... that is a different story. We get tired, bored, distracted, etc. and leave things for something new. That is OK in some arenas. After all, an unfinished quilt project carries little importance compared to an unfinished task that my God has laid before me. A second warning from these verses ... when God calls you to a task ... carry it all the way to the end!
The final warning in these verses comes from the frequent mention of the church in Laodicea. This church was a neighboring church to Colosse. The reference to the letter from Laodicea is a mystery. We do not have a copy of that letter. Commentators have different opinions about that letter. Some believe that it is the letter we call, Ephesians. The letters written to the churches were encyclical, meant to be circulated among the churches in Asia. Others believe that the Laodicean letter was lost. Some think it is the letter to Philemon. However, the warning is not in lost letters ... the warning is in the mention of the church in Laodicea. You can read about what happened to that church in Revelation 3:14 - 22. It is a sad story. And a story that speaks boldly and loudly to the church in our day. We studied this passage in the study on "God Speaks to the Church". You can read about it in the archives of this blog. Go to that particular study and go to Lesson 5: Section 1.
As we close today, listen to the warnings in these verses and take them to prayer:
1. Don't be a deserter ... stay the course with God and God's people, even when it is hard
2. Finish God-given tasks ... even if it takes your lifetime ... stay the course
3. Keep your love relationship with God fresh and vital ... keep it first place
Our Father, holy is Your Name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth even as it is in heaven. Give us the wisdom, the strength and the will to walk with You faithfully, to resist the seduction of this fallen world, and to love You with all our heart, mind, soul and strength - through Your Spirit who makes it possible.
We will close this study with one final posting in conclusion. Thank you for your faithfulness to read and study and meditate and contemplate these things. May God bless you this day ...
July 5, 2009
Colossians: Week 6: Day 2
Colossians 4: 10 - 13 and Acts 13:13; 15: 36 - 41
Paul continues acknowledging the persons that have proven themselves helpful and valuable to him. And we continue to glean lessons for ourselves from the traits that are evident in these co-workers.
Paul calls the name of his fellow prisoner, Aristarcus. We know very little about him. But we do know that he stood by Paul. He was from Macedonia. He was one of the disciples arrested after the riot in Ephesus (Acts 19). He was with Paul when he was being taken to Rome as a prisoner (Acts 27:1 - 2). And here we see him a fellow-prisoner. Aristarchus was a man who was willing to stand by Paul through the toughest times, the hardest circumstances. I think Paul could count on this man to never run away, even when staying proved personally very costly! So I ask myself, with whom am I willing to stand - regardless? What will I stand for even when the personal cost soars high? Are you an "Aristarcus" for someone?
Then there is Mark. We know a little more about this man. You read the confrontation in Acts 13 and 15. Why did Mark leave Paul and Barnabus? We don't know. There is interesting speculation that may or may not apply ... homesick? scared? immature? too hard? ... we don't know. But Paul obviously saw it as abandonment ... and wanted nothing more to do with this man. That has changed ... Paul has forgiven Mark ... and now commends him to the church in Colosse because he has become a vital part of the church and its work. Mark was a close companion of Peter. Peter even refers to him as "my son" (1 Peter 5:13). Mark was the author of the gospel that carries his name, probably gleaning the stories and encounters from Peter himself. So what do I take for myself from this mention of Mark? Forgiveness matters. It is life-blood in the ebb and flow of life. We have all failed at different times and in different circumstances in our lives. So have the people connected to you. Forgiveness matters. Don't hold yourself or someone you care about hostage to a past failure. Forgiveness sets free. Paul models this for us with the man Mark.
Paul mentions 'Jesus who is called Justus'. All we know of this companion is that he was a Jew. That is no small thing! This Jewish man had so embraced faith in Christ as Messiah that he was willing to stand with this prisoner. Truly - one of God's chosen people!
The last companion we will think about today is Epaphras. Epahras was a minister and had been instrumental in the gospel being spread in Colosse. (Look back at Colossians 1:7). Paul confirms to these believers how much Epaphras loves and cares for this church and its neighbors (Laodicea and Hieropolis). In fact he "wrestles in prayer" over them and for them. There is my personal lesson from this man ... for whom do I "wrestle in prayer"? What does it even mean to "wrestle in prayer"? Do you feel that you have done that? Or is your (and my) prayer life much easier than that? I don't have much context to grasp the concept of wrestling. My daughters, when they were small, "wrestled" some with their dad ... but it was all fun and laughter. I had students on wrestling teams in high school. It involved discipline, practice and skill. Maybe that moves us a little closer to the meaning. Instead of "wrestles", the New American Standard Bible translates this idea as "labors earnestly for you in prayer." Now I begin to get a better sense of the concept. I know what labor is - hard work! It is the word used when delivering a baby ... some of you know that kind of labor! And it is not done until it is done. The word "earnestly" is a Greek word that means "to be hot, to burn, to heat oneself". Wow - it screams passion! That's the kind of feeling and intensity that Epaphras had in his prayer and love for these believers ... and he took it to the Father. So I ask myself again ... over whom do I "labor earnestly in prayer"? Put passion in your prayer!! Follow Epaphras' example!
There are a few more personalities in this honor roll of Paul's companions ... we will consider them in our next reading.
Paul continues acknowledging the persons that have proven themselves helpful and valuable to him. And we continue to glean lessons for ourselves from the traits that are evident in these co-workers.
Paul calls the name of his fellow prisoner, Aristarcus. We know very little about him. But we do know that he stood by Paul. He was from Macedonia. He was one of the disciples arrested after the riot in Ephesus (Acts 19). He was with Paul when he was being taken to Rome as a prisoner (Acts 27:1 - 2). And here we see him a fellow-prisoner. Aristarchus was a man who was willing to stand by Paul through the toughest times, the hardest circumstances. I think Paul could count on this man to never run away, even when staying proved personally very costly! So I ask myself, with whom am I willing to stand - regardless? What will I stand for even when the personal cost soars high? Are you an "Aristarcus" for someone?
Then there is Mark. We know a little more about this man. You read the confrontation in Acts 13 and 15. Why did Mark leave Paul and Barnabus? We don't know. There is interesting speculation that may or may not apply ... homesick? scared? immature? too hard? ... we don't know. But Paul obviously saw it as abandonment ... and wanted nothing more to do with this man. That has changed ... Paul has forgiven Mark ... and now commends him to the church in Colosse because he has become a vital part of the church and its work. Mark was a close companion of Peter. Peter even refers to him as "my son" (1 Peter 5:13). Mark was the author of the gospel that carries his name, probably gleaning the stories and encounters from Peter himself. So what do I take for myself from this mention of Mark? Forgiveness matters. It is life-blood in the ebb and flow of life. We have all failed at different times and in different circumstances in our lives. So have the people connected to you. Forgiveness matters. Don't hold yourself or someone you care about hostage to a past failure. Forgiveness sets free. Paul models this for us with the man Mark.
Paul mentions 'Jesus who is called Justus'. All we know of this companion is that he was a Jew. That is no small thing! This Jewish man had so embraced faith in Christ as Messiah that he was willing to stand with this prisoner. Truly - one of God's chosen people!
The last companion we will think about today is Epaphras. Epahras was a minister and had been instrumental in the gospel being spread in Colosse. (Look back at Colossians 1:7). Paul confirms to these believers how much Epaphras loves and cares for this church and its neighbors (Laodicea and Hieropolis). In fact he "wrestles in prayer" over them and for them. There is my personal lesson from this man ... for whom do I "wrestle in prayer"? What does it even mean to "wrestle in prayer"? Do you feel that you have done that? Or is your (and my) prayer life much easier than that? I don't have much context to grasp the concept of wrestling. My daughters, when they were small, "wrestled" some with their dad ... but it was all fun and laughter. I had students on wrestling teams in high school. It involved discipline, practice and skill. Maybe that moves us a little closer to the meaning. Instead of "wrestles", the New American Standard Bible translates this idea as "labors earnestly for you in prayer." Now I begin to get a better sense of the concept. I know what labor is - hard work! It is the word used when delivering a baby ... some of you know that kind of labor! And it is not done until it is done. The word "earnestly" is a Greek word that means "to be hot, to burn, to heat oneself". Wow - it screams passion! That's the kind of feeling and intensity that Epaphras had in his prayer and love for these believers ... and he took it to the Father. So I ask myself again ... over whom do I "labor earnestly in prayer"? Put passion in your prayer!! Follow Epaphras' example!
There are a few more personalities in this honor roll of Paul's companions ... we will consider them in our next reading.
Colossians: Week 6: Day 1
Colossians 4: 7 - 9 and Philemon
Paul closes this letter with his usual commendations and encouragement to certain individuals. I used to skip verses such as these, thinking that they were just a list of names and no longer relevant to me. How wrong I was! There are riches to mine in verses "such as these".
Consider Tychicus. We don't know much about this man. We have snapshots of him - similar to photos with a name but very little detail - certainly not a life story. You can find his name in Acts 20: 4 - 5; Ephesians 6: 21 - 22; 2 Timothy 4:12; and Titus 3:12 as well as our current Colossians passage. What we learn is that Tychicus was trusted by Paul and worked closely with him. So what is relevant to me? To you? Notice the descriptors that Paul used for Tychicus: dear brother, faithful minister, fellow servant. I have a friend in Houston who commented in a class about "deciding to live her life so that she could be described in ways she wanted to be described at her funeral. " How do you want to be described? Are you living in such a way that your "loved ones" will be able to say such things honestly? These three brief descriptors of Tychicus are beautiful!
dear - something or someone precious
brother - close, blood related
faithful - one that can be trusted
minister - one who works to meet the needs of others
fellow - connected to
servant - one who has responded to the call of God
Let's choose to live today so that these words can be descriptors of us ...
We get to have a bit more of the life story of Onesimus. I find myself with more questions than answers about this man! Why did he run away from his master? Philemon was a believer so I do not think it was an issue of mistreatment. Or was it? Had he heard the Apostle before ... is that why he ran to him for asylum? Why did he not turn to the robber bands which most runaway slaves managed to join? We just don't know. However, what we do know about this man is: 1) he went to Paul; 2) he became a believer in Christ; 3) he had the courage to return to his master, Philemon; 4) he became a vital help to Paul and the church; 5) Paul describes him as faithful and dear, as a brother (not a slave). So what do I take from this? One thing I gain is the knowledge that a person's past does not have to define their future. Do you need to hear that? Are you stuck with knowledge from your past that you assume defines you? Listen to Paul's words from Galatians 5:1 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." If you carry something from your past that keeps you enslaved ... claim the courage of Onesimus and make whatever amends possible ... and let Christ set you free!
And Philemon? Did he forgive? Did he give freedom to Onesimus? Those are questions for another day!
Paul closes this letter with his usual commendations and encouragement to certain individuals. I used to skip verses such as these, thinking that they were just a list of names and no longer relevant to me. How wrong I was! There are riches to mine in verses "such as these".
Consider Tychicus. We don't know much about this man. We have snapshots of him - similar to photos with a name but very little detail - certainly not a life story. You can find his name in Acts 20: 4 - 5; Ephesians 6: 21 - 22; 2 Timothy 4:12; and Titus 3:12 as well as our current Colossians passage. What we learn is that Tychicus was trusted by Paul and worked closely with him. So what is relevant to me? To you? Notice the descriptors that Paul used for Tychicus: dear brother, faithful minister, fellow servant. I have a friend in Houston who commented in a class about "deciding to live her life so that she could be described in ways she wanted to be described at her funeral. " How do you want to be described? Are you living in such a way that your "loved ones" will be able to say such things honestly? These three brief descriptors of Tychicus are beautiful!
dear - something or someone precious
brother - close, blood related
faithful - one that can be trusted
minister - one who works to meet the needs of others
fellow - connected to
servant - one who has responded to the call of God
Let's choose to live today so that these words can be descriptors of us ...
We get to have a bit more of the life story of Onesimus. I find myself with more questions than answers about this man! Why did he run away from his master? Philemon was a believer so I do not think it was an issue of mistreatment. Or was it? Had he heard the Apostle before ... is that why he ran to him for asylum? Why did he not turn to the robber bands which most runaway slaves managed to join? We just don't know. However, what we do know about this man is: 1) he went to Paul; 2) he became a believer in Christ; 3) he had the courage to return to his master, Philemon; 4) he became a vital help to Paul and the church; 5) Paul describes him as faithful and dear, as a brother (not a slave). So what do I take from this? One thing I gain is the knowledge that a person's past does not have to define their future. Do you need to hear that? Are you stuck with knowledge from your past that you assume defines you? Listen to Paul's words from Galatians 5:1 "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." If you carry something from your past that keeps you enslaved ... claim the courage of Onesimus and make whatever amends possible ... and let Christ set you free!
And Philemon? Did he forgive? Did he give freedom to Onesimus? Those are questions for another day!
July 1, 2009
Colossians: Week 5: Day 3
Colossians 4: 5 - 6
Writing to believers in Colosse, and to us, Paul makes three quick statements about our behaviors. They are so quick to read! They are so profound in their implications and scope.
First, we need to be wise in the way we interact and behave toward non-believers. It is always disturbing to read the reports that give insight into the ways non-believers view Christians. More often than not, the views are far from favorable! In fact, those views can be the catalyst that drives people away from Christ and His church. We MUST NOT carry an air of superiority. We MUST NOT communicate a "better than" attitude. We MUST NOT reflect any attitude other than mirroring our Lord. Read again Philippians 2: 5 - 11. In Barclay's words: "Few people have been argued into Christianity ... On the Christian there is laid the great responsibility, not of talking about Christ, but of showing men Christ, not in words, but in life." How do you reflect Jesus to outsiders? If an outsider were to read any of the Gospel accounts of the life of Jesus for the first time, would they recognize Him because they already know you?
Secondly, Paul reminds us to be sure to make the most of every opportunity. That means we are on the lookout for opportunities to work for Christ, to share the good news of Christ, to let not one opportunity slip past us unaccounted for. Have you ever found yourself avoiding such things? Calls for service opportunities are made through your church ... and you walk away? Teachers are needed ... you are gifted and able ... just not willing? A needy soul shows up in your life ... and you ignore that needy one? Takes wisdom ... takes balance ... but the cry for balance in life does not negate Paul's admonition to be ready for any opportunity that God lays down before you.
And last, our talk - our conversations - our tongues. Let ALL of our conversations be full of grace and seasoned with salt. Isn't that a lovely image?! Grace is one of my all time favorite words. Philip Yancey calls it "the last unspoiled word". Oh - that our conversations (with family members, with friends, with acqaintances are work, with those with whom we passionately disagree,) - may our words be gracious. Why is a lovely hostess called 'gracious'? Isn't it because she makes sure that all of her guests feel welcome? They all enjoy the event - food, environment, etc. She is never cold or condescending. She welcomes, she shares. Our conversations are to be filled with grace. Need practice? Practice on your teen children - or perhaps your spouse! Also, our conversations are to be seasoned with salt. Salt adds flavor. Salt preserves. You must make your own applications here. Examine your speech - your converstaions of the past couple of days - have they been gracious? Have they served to preserve and protect? We have much to work on in this arena! I will close our reading today with 2 quotes. You may need your dictionary - I did!
C. F. D. Moule: Paul's instructions here "constitute a warning not to confuse loyal godliness with graceless insipidity."
William Barclay: "The Christian must commend his message with the charm and the wit which were in Jesus Himself. There is too much of Christianity today which stodgily depresses a man, and too little of Christianity today which scintillates with life and charm." (written in 1957)
Colossians: Week 5: Day 2
Colossians 4: 2 - 4
Three little verses ... but verses that echo the heartbeat of Christianity! The subject?
Prayer ............. foundational, necessary, easy/difficult, misunderstood, comforting/disturbing, the anchor in the life of our Lord and in the life of the apostle Paul.
Prayer ............ communion with God, disclosing our own hearts to God, listening for God, aligning our will to the will of God.
And Paul tells these believers to "devote themselves to prayer." The Greek word translated "devote" is the word proskartereo. Listen to the nuances of that word as described in the Enhanced Strong's Lexicon: to adhere to; to be constant to; to be steadfastly attentive to; to give unremitting care to a thing; to persevere and not to faint; to show one's self courageously for; to be in constant readiness; to wait on constantly. Do we get it? Do we grasp the absolute necessity and importance of this? Do we understand that it will take a decision of our wills and a determination of our hearts to stay constant in prayer? As I get a sense of the word that Paul chooses through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit - devote - I begin to grasp that prayer is a decision, a choice, and will require my own determination to maintain. It is not a laundry list of my wants and desires. Nor is it an activity that I will choose to continue as long as I am getting my way. It is uniting my spirit and will with God Himself. I find it interesting that one of the phrases to describe this word, devote, is: to show one's self courageously for. Do you think it takes courage to be faithful in prayer? I can see that. So often our prayers consist of our heart's desires ... very often for good things ... and we do not see a resolution or a fulfillment of the heart's desire. That's when courage to continue kicks in - in hard times, in pleasant times, in dry times, in rich times.
Be watchful ... The New American Standard translation uses "keeping alert". The Greek word here is gragoreuo. It means vigilant, wakeful. This is no sleepy, indolent, tack on at the end of the day kind of thing. It is intentional, deliberate. I wonder if Paul is thinking about the Garden of Gethsemane when the apostles could not stay awake and pray as Jesus had asked them to do. Or perhaps he is thinking of the transfiguration when Jesus is seen in His glory on the mountain accompanied by Moses and Elijah. (Luke 9:28 - 36). Listen to verses 30 - 32:
Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men standing with Him.
Peter, James and John had to wake up to see the Lord's glory! I don't think Paul is condemning folks for falling asleep in prayer on occasion. I think he is reminding them of the necessity for planned times of prayer when you are at your best - fully awake! William Barclay comments, "Often there is in our prayers a kind of listlessness and tiredness. At such a time we should not try to be long in prayer: God will understand the single sentence, when we have to utter it like a child who is too tired to stay awake."
Next, the NASB translates the word, thankful, as - 'with an attitude of thanksgiving.' Our prayer lives, indeed our entire lives, need to be wrapped in the blanket of a thankful attitude. You are God's child ... secure in Him ... safe ... whole ... all because of Him and Jesus' finished work on the cross. Therefore, gratitude pours out. When you are not feeling very thankful, when life hammers in hard ... find something you can verbalize ... something to be grateful for ... something from the hand of God that you can thank Him for. And say it out loud.
Finally, as Paul asks these believers to pray for him, I am touched more by what he does not ask than by what he asks. He is in prison ... and he does not ask them to pray for his release. He does not ask them to pray for a favorable outcome at his trial. He does not ask for a time of ease and peace. It is all about Christ - the work - open doors for the message of Jesus - opportunities to proclaim the "mystery of Christ" (which we have learned is 'Christ in you, the hope of glory!')
I have much to learn about prayer. Mine still tend to be more self-centered than Christ centered, more Gail-focused than Kingdom-focused. So that will be my prayer today ...
Three little verses ... but verses that echo the heartbeat of Christianity! The subject?
Prayer ............. foundational, necessary, easy/difficult, misunderstood, comforting/disturbing, the anchor in the life of our Lord and in the life of the apostle Paul.
Prayer ............ communion with God, disclosing our own hearts to God, listening for God, aligning our will to the will of God.
And Paul tells these believers to "devote themselves to prayer." The Greek word translated "devote" is the word proskartereo. Listen to the nuances of that word as described in the Enhanced Strong's Lexicon: to adhere to; to be constant to; to be steadfastly attentive to; to give unremitting care to a thing; to persevere and not to faint; to show one's self courageously for; to be in constant readiness; to wait on constantly. Do we get it? Do we grasp the absolute necessity and importance of this? Do we understand that it will take a decision of our wills and a determination of our hearts to stay constant in prayer? As I get a sense of the word that Paul chooses through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit - devote - I begin to grasp that prayer is a decision, a choice, and will require my own determination to maintain. It is not a laundry list of my wants and desires. Nor is it an activity that I will choose to continue as long as I am getting my way. It is uniting my spirit and will with God Himself. I find it interesting that one of the phrases to describe this word, devote, is: to show one's self courageously for. Do you think it takes courage to be faithful in prayer? I can see that. So often our prayers consist of our heart's desires ... very often for good things ... and we do not see a resolution or a fulfillment of the heart's desire. That's when courage to continue kicks in - in hard times, in pleasant times, in dry times, in rich times.
Be watchful ... The New American Standard translation uses "keeping alert". The Greek word here is gragoreuo. It means vigilant, wakeful. This is no sleepy, indolent, tack on at the end of the day kind of thing. It is intentional, deliberate. I wonder if Paul is thinking about the Garden of Gethsemane when the apostles could not stay awake and pray as Jesus had asked them to do. Or perhaps he is thinking of the transfiguration when Jesus is seen in His glory on the mountain accompanied by Moses and Elijah. (Luke 9:28 - 36). Listen to verses 30 - 32:
Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men standing with Him.
Peter, James and John had to wake up to see the Lord's glory! I don't think Paul is condemning folks for falling asleep in prayer on occasion. I think he is reminding them of the necessity for planned times of prayer when you are at your best - fully awake! William Barclay comments, "Often there is in our prayers a kind of listlessness and tiredness. At such a time we should not try to be long in prayer: God will understand the single sentence, when we have to utter it like a child who is too tired to stay awake."
Next, the NASB translates the word, thankful, as - 'with an attitude of thanksgiving.' Our prayer lives, indeed our entire lives, need to be wrapped in the blanket of a thankful attitude. You are God's child ... secure in Him ... safe ... whole ... all because of Him and Jesus' finished work on the cross. Therefore, gratitude pours out. When you are not feeling very thankful, when life hammers in hard ... find something you can verbalize ... something to be grateful for ... something from the hand of God that you can thank Him for. And say it out loud.
Finally, as Paul asks these believers to pray for him, I am touched more by what he does not ask than by what he asks. He is in prison ... and he does not ask them to pray for his release. He does not ask them to pray for a favorable outcome at his trial. He does not ask for a time of ease and peace. It is all about Christ - the work - open doors for the message of Jesus - opportunities to proclaim the "mystery of Christ" (which we have learned is 'Christ in you, the hope of glory!')
I have much to learn about prayer. Mine still tend to be more self-centered than Christ centered, more Gail-focused than Kingdom-focused. So that will be my prayer today ...
Lord, help us, strengthen us, give us the courage to be more Christ centered in our prayer. We desire to be strong in prayer - super-heroes even - in the realm of prayer.
Forgive our carelessness with it. Grow us up in You ... and, indeed, teach us to pray.
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