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 ...

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

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 ...

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.

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!

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 ...

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.

Colossians: Week 5: Day 1

Colossians 3:18 - 4:1



There are two similar principles that form the framework for the verses we will consider today. Read again 3:17 and 3:23-24. Those principles establish the frame, the context, the reason behind the instructions that we find in this passage.



As you reflect on these instructions, always remember the culture that existed when Paul wrote. In the Jewish world at the time, a wife was the possession of her husband. He owned a house, material goods, perhaps flocks and a wife. He could initiate divorce, she could not. In the Greek society, respectable women lived in seclusion. They did not go out on the street alone. They lived in women's apartments and did not even eat meals with their men. They were expected to be chaste in behavior ... the husbands were not. There was no stigma for married men to enter into as many extra-marital liasons as they desired.



Children? There existed in the Roman world Patria Potestas which means the "law of the father's power". The father held all of the power and could do anything he liked with his child - even sell that child into slavery if so desired. He had the legal right to condemn his child to death and to carry out the execution.



And slavery? There is no question of who held the power in that relationship!



Into this scene enters Christianity! I thrill at the dualistic nature of the realtionships as described by Paul. There is responsibility on both sides of the relationship - that is revolutionary! Women, children and slaves - all in relationships in which they held no power, no control, no authority. However, they do hold authority over themselves. I hear Paul saying - wives, submit, not because you are forced to, but because you choose it - as unto the Lord. Children - obey your parent - not because he holds the power of life and death - but because it pleases the Lord . And slaves - work hard, work well - not because your master is watching and you don't want to be punished - but because you work for the Lord, so do your best. Revolutionary!!

Perhaps even more revolutionary is the fact that Paul also addresses the ones with the power, the control, the authority. Husbands - love and be gentle. Fathers - be an encourager, not a control-freak. And masters - provide for your slaves in a fair and right way. Remember that you have a master also - the Lord Himself.

Now for you and I ... would your marriage look any different if you took these instructions to heart? Wives - would your marriage look different if you chose a submissive spirit over things that are "fitting in the Lord"? Paul's words do not condone abuse of any kind - physical or emotional or mental! Remember ... "fitting in the Lord" is the umbrella. Husbands - would your marriage look any different if you truly took your wife's best interest to heart? If you chose love and gentleness?

Children - how would your family dynamics work if you decided to choose obedience (in the things that are pleasing to the Lord) over rebellion? Adult children - how would your family dynamics change if you chose respect and honor (even when parents perhaps were not honorable). Fathers, (parents) - how would your family look if you decided to be your children's strongest encourager, not enabler, but encourager? Encouraging them through the mistakes and failures rather than belittling, ridiculing, and calling them names?

Workers - what if you determined to give your very best - no cutting corners - no working only when watched - but your best? And employers - what if you determined to make sure your "people" received fair treatment - not what you can legally get away with - but what is fair and equitable?

Being a Christ follower requires us to take these instructions seriously. Some in our world (perhaps even in our families and churches) may call us "foolish" if we do - but remember, our Lord is our strength and our shade. It is His peace and His Word that dwell in us to be the "umpire" in these decisions! He gets to call the shots!

As you go about your day today (or tomorrow) ... remember ...

Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the

Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Colossians 3:17

Colossians: Week 4: Day 3

Colossians 3: 12 - 17



We have looked into the things that we, as Christ followers, must cut out of our lives. As you reflect on those things, please remember that this is the work of our lifetimes! It begins today - and continues at the dawn of each new day - but it is a lifetime endeavor. I repeat that because I know our tendency to see more of our failures than our successes. Today's reading is a beautiful breath of fresh air because of the positive nature of the instructions. Read slowly ... letting each of these graces fall gently on your spirit.



This list mirrors the fruit of the Spirit that Paul describes in Galatians 5:22-23. Paul tells us to "clothe ourselves" with them - to "put them on". I am touched by the intentionality of this instruction. Takes practice - but - "just do it"! The Greek word translated here means "to sink into, as into a garment." We have been instructed to "take off" ... and now the instruction is to "put on". Allow me to make a few observations:



1. Paul calls these believers "God's chosen people", "holy", "dearly loved". These have previously been the descriptors of the Jews only. They have been the precious heritage of God's chosen nation, the Jewish nation. It is more than remarkable that Paul uses these same phrases to address a Gentile audience! After the cross ... there is no longer a "most favored nation" status in the kingdom of God.



2. Compassion - the ancient world knew very little mercy. The aged, the infirm, the handicapped, the maimed - they were left to fend for themselves with very little recourse. Barclay says, "It is not too much to say that everything that has been done for the aged, the sick, the weak in body and in mind, the animal, the child, the woman has been done under the inspiration of Christianity." To whom do you need to show mercy? Not judgment, but compassion?



3. Humility - this is a revolutionary concept for the ancient Greek world. I have read that in classical Greek there is no word for humility that does not include some tinge of insignificance, or servility or grovelling. Christian humility is such a different thing! It is based on two realities: a) the recognition of the creatureliness of humanity and b) the recognition that all mankind is created in the image of God. Do you recognize these two realities? How do they act out in your own life?



In verses 15 - 16, translators have chosen to use the word, "let". Let the peace of Christ rule ... let the word of Christ dwell. That little word, let, implies - to allow, to permit. Allow the peace of Christ to rule in your hearts. The word translated, rule, is a word that means to umpire, to decide. Do you hear Paul? When contemplating a response or a decision, the peace of Christ gets to call the shots! It is the word, logos, that is used in verse 16. Christ is the logos of God - the word in flesh. So we are to allow the very person and presence of Christ, through His Spirit, to live in us. We received God's Spirit at our conversion ... but are we allowing that Spirit to "dwell" in us ... to set up "housekeeping" in us - or are we fighting that Spirit every inch of the way? It is only the logos of God, the person of Jesus, that seasons our teaching with godliness and makes it meaningful - that causes our singing to be more than just music - that stirs in us a spirit of thanksgiving in the midst of both good and hard circumstances.

So - Chirst-follower - everything you do today ... everything you think today ... every response you give today ... every interaction you have today, whether friend, family or stranger ... let it be covered and driven by the peace of Christ and the Word of Christ. And in that way - our life today will be a living sacrifice of praise to Jehovah God! May you know that blessing today.

Colossians: Week 4: Day 2

Colossians 3: 5 - 11

Paul has established so beautifully the reality that when one accepts Christ as Lord and experiences death with Him through baptism, that one now has a new life and is in fact a new person, reborn. Does that reality make a difference in the way a person lives everyday life? Absolutely!! And Paul now gets very specific in describing that change.

There are things we must begin to work to rid ourselves of. And it is work! Write down the list of things that must go. Then identify the ones with which you struggle. That gives us so much to talk to God about today. To wear the name of "Christian" requires the believer to do serious business with some of our natural tendencies. First, we must deal with our tendency to feed our lusts - our desires for "more" of all sorts of things - sexual and material. Jesus Himself talked about the seriousness of this in Matthew 5: 29 - 30. He said,

"If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell."

Jesus' words are not literal ... they are to impress upon God-followers the absolute necessity of conforming to the character and person of Christ. It matters how we respond, how we choose to live, how we relate to people and things - it matters because we wear the name "Christian" and we are to march to a different drum than the world. Paul calls our continual lust for "more" - our desire to always be "getting" - idolatry. Strong words.

Secondly, there is this anger business. There are two different words used in verse 8 - anger and rage. Rage indicates an explosion. It is likened to a fire in straw - quick to ignite and blaze, and then quick to subside. The other word, anger, indicates a slow burning, long lasting, simmering anger that refuses to be pacified. Some of us tend toward explosion ... and some of us tend toward simmering. Neither is acceptable for the Christ disciple. So, confess, repent, and keep going ... ever toward a greater surrender to the Spirit that lives in you.

Third, Paul includes several specifics that involve our tongues - the way we talk. The malice and slander of course deal with the way we talk about others. How carefully we must guard our tongues to keep from mirroring our world's delight in malicious talk about others. And we "southerners" have to be careful about our attempt at camouflage by using the words, "Oh, bless his/her heart, she is so ______." Also, we cannot lie to each other (or to ourselves). Our Lord is truth personified ... and we must mirror truthfulness, not deception and manipulation. In addition, there is no place for obscenity and foul language among us. This has become so commonplace that we often don't even recognize it. Ask God to show you when your language takes on an obscene flavor. To move past the negative focus, William Barclay lays out 3 laws for Christian speech. He identifies them as:

1. Christian speech must be KIND
2. Christian speech must be PURE
3. Christian speech must be TRUE

The final thing I want us to notice in this passage is in verse 11. Did you see it? The barriers are down in Christ - the things that divide us in this world. T. K. Abbott summarizes these things so beautifully. He said: "Christianity destroyed the barriers which come from birth and from nationality (Greek or Jew). Christianity destroyed the barriers which come from ceremonial and ritual (circumcised or uncircumcised). Christianity destroyed the barriers between the cultured and the uncultured (barbarian and Scythian). Christianity destroyed the barriers between class and class (slave and free)." The distinctions around which our world clusters and wars are to be irrelevant in Christ's Church! My friends - that is why the world so desperately needs the Church! We must model how you live together in love in the midst of all these differences! And how often we have failed at modeling that. We can see barriers and wars within and among congregations of God's people. This must not be. It is worldly ... not of Christ.

Our assignment? As you run your errands - as you are at work - as you walk into your church - as you see people (all kinds of people) - say to yourself Paul's words in verse 11 ...

Christ is all, and is in all

Colossians: Week 4: Day 1

Colossians 3: 1 - 4

We are halfway through this little letter. While the first two chapters were full of theological arguments and explanations, these last two will be packed with practical applications - the "so whats" of theology! To set the stage for his applications, Paul established certain truths in the first 4 verses. Read them several times.

I find it so easy to get completely caught up in the things and the business of this world. Paul encourages us to think on the things that are above this world - above the madness in which we live. Someone has said that Christians can be so "heavenly minded that they are no earthly good". I don't believe that is what Paul is advocating. He is about to launch into quite a discourse on how we should live in this world - not sequestered from it.

In verse 1 he tells us to set our hearts on things above. Our hearts are the seat of our emotions, our affections, our love. Can we center our hearts on our Lord more than on our earthly circumstances? In verse 2 he tells us to set our minds on things above. Our minds are the command centers of our lives - where our intellect, our decision-making, our thought processes come from. Can we center our minds on the Lord more than the business of our lives, the business (and lack of!) in our country, our world?

Barclay says, "Paul is certainly not pleading for an other-worldliness in which the Christian has withdrawn himself from all the work and all the activities of this world, and in which he does nothing but, as it were, contemplate eternity ... But there will be this difference - from now on the Christian will see everything in the light and against the background of eternity. He will no longer live as if this world was all that mattered; he will see this world against the background of the larger world of eternity. This will obviously give him a new set of values, a new way of judging things, a new sense of proportion." (Daily Study Bible, Colossians)

How can that be accomplished? Aahhh ... glad you asked! Paul tells us how it can happen and why it will happen in verse 3. You see, you died. I want to quote William Barclay again: "In baptism the Christian dies and rises again. As the waters close over him, it is as if he was buried in death; as he emerges from the waters, it is like being resurrected into a new life." This new life is now Christ's life in us - through the presence and person of the indwelling Holy Spirit of God. A mystery indeed ... but the mystery of God revealed to those who believe.

I, and you, can set our hearts on things above because Christ is there. And His Spirit is alive in us. I, and you, can set our minds on things above because we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16) through His Spirit indwelling in us. Again as Paul says in Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. the life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me."

How do I apply this truth? Be "deader" today than I was yesterday! My continual prayer is for less of self and more of Christ. Don't get discouraged. It is going to take a lifetime. But we can continually practice ... we can continually pray ... and we can grow in Christ focused living.

One of my teachers some years ago said to remember that when you become a Christian, you are given ALL of the Spirit. That God Spirit is available for each of us ... we just have to die to self! So much easier said (and typed) than done ... but never forget the promise of Philippians 1:6 - "Be confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Praise God!!

Colossians: Week 3: Day 3

Colossians 2: 8 - 23 (continued)



The second theme that we see in these verses is the theme of sanctification. God's people have been told in both the Old Testament ( ex: Leviticus 20:26) and in the New Testament ( ex: 1 Peter 1:16) to live holy lives because God is a holy God. So the question for the Christian is, "How in the world do we do that as flawed human beings?" There is God's answer and there is man's answer. Christian's are given God's answer when they accept Christ, buried with Him through baptism and risen to walk a "new life". A person receives the Holy Spirit at his/her conversion (Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 3:16). We also learn from Galatians 2:20 that being crucified with Christ through baptism means that the life we now live, as believers, is Christ's life living through us. So ... to answer the question ... how can I be holy? God says to accept Christ, surrender yourself to Him and live by the Spirit of God. Indeed, a lifelong project ... but an amazingly thrilling one!



Man's answer to the question? We see some of man's answers in this passage. Paul has to confront some of the misconceptions that are being taught by the false teachers to the Colossian Christians. See if you find parallels for us today. These Gentile believers were being told that they had to be circumcised to be fully acceptable to God. Paul rebuts with a "not so" ... the physical mark of circumcision is not the necessity ... but the circumcision of the heart was what God wanted ... the cutting away of our old sinful flesh.



Then there were those imposing certain requirements regarding food and drink. Paul says, "no". Well, there were religious festivals and feasts and celebration days that had to be observed to be acceptable to God. Paul says, "no". OK, to be really spiritual you need to also worship the angels, those heavenly hosts. Paul says, "no". Countless regulations were being proposed as necessities for the believers to be in right relationship with God - to be sanctified before God. Paul says, "no" and seems to be astounded that these Christians would be lured by these teachings because they led one back into bondage.



OK - time for a reality check. Where are you? Are there certain practices that you feel are a part of your lifestyle as a believer? I hope your answer is "YES"! Do you impose them on others? Do you feel that one cannot be a true Christian without practicing their faith exactly like you do and thinking exactly like you do? These are tough questions and require an honest wrestling with God and the text. However, what I know for certain is this ... my holiness, my sanctification comes from the Holy Spirit dwelling in me. That holiness works its way out in my life as I learn to surrender more fully to His life within me. There is no greater miracle ...

Colossians: Week 3: Day 2

Colossians 2: 8 - 23

We will consider the thoughts in these verses for two days. There is so much meat in them! Read the passage slowly and carefully. I suggest again, if possible, read them out loud to help keep your mind focused on the thoughts. Remember to look for descriptors of Jesus and instructions to disciples as you read. When finished ... come back.

Paul addresses two of the most fundamental theological principles of the Christian faith in these verses - the question of salvation (the reestablishment of relationship with God) and the question of sanctification (becoming holy - living out the life of God in this space and time). Evidently there were those in Colosse that were trying to complicate the matters ... and Paul writes passionately to counter the false teaching.

Today, we will consider what he says about the salvation issue. It seems clear that the false teachers wanted these Christians to add to the sufficiency of Christ. Jesus really wasn't quite enough. There were other things needed as well. They were presenting the argument that to truly be in relationship with God, to be fully saved one must have certain things. Look at verse 8. Certain human philosophies had to be added to the simple message of the "good news". And of course, only the truly intellectual had the capacity to grasp it. Too bad ... that would leave me out! Also in verse 8 Paul references "basic principles of this world". Some of the commentators think that this refers to a system of astrology. You had to understand the moon and the stars and their movement. Sound current? We mentioned earlier that the Gnostics had an extensive list of intermediaries between man and God - Jesus was one, but only one. Also the Jews of the day had an elaborate system of angels. So Paul makes it clear that Jesus is supreme over all of the "powers and authorities" (vs. 10 & 15) ... that in Jesus was the fullness of God (v. 9)

It seems to me that these Christians were trying to complicate the salvation issue ... make it harder ... moving more toward some sort of elitism. And how we need to guard ourselves against doing the very same thing! We can take the simple message of Jesus - the good news - and begin to complicate it with human philosophy and tradition. That leads to the very dangerous position that to trust in Jesus' perfectly finished work on our behalf is somehow not enough. You have to do things a certain way ... you have to worship with a particular form ... you have to belong to a certain group ... and on we go adding things. Paul would address us as passionately and as sternly about the sufficiency of Jesus Christ as he did these Colossian Christians! In Him alone is salvation ... placing my faith in the work He did on the cross ... placing my trust in Him alone. Have you done that? If no - why not? If yes - do you need to recommit to that beautifully simple "gospel"? Do you need to release other people (maybe some in your own family) from your "added on" things? Do you need to release yourself?

I love the image that Paul paints about Jesus being the fullness of Diety in bodily form. As you close your study today ... and before you go to prayer ... reflect in awe on verse 10 ...

"... and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head ..."

Lord, help me know more completely the "fullness" that I have in You. Forgive my bouts of self-pity when I wallow in my own ineptitude and insecurities. I believe ... I trust ... help me in the places of unbelief and lack of trust. I am yours ...

Colossians: Week 3: Day 1

Colossians 2: 1 - 7 As you read this passage today, make notes in list form of the things that Paul wants these Christians to realize and to do. After you have done so ... come on back.

Isn't that a beautiful list?! And it fuels so many applications for us. We find Paul's pastoral goal in verse 2 - he wants to encourage their hearts. Remember where Paul is writing? He is in prison ... waiting for a "trial" before Nero ... knowing it most likely will mean execution. And yet his own heart is "struggling" for these believers whom he has never seen face to face. The struggle was through prayer. The word translated "struggle" is the Greek word agon. This is the word from which we derive our English word agony. That helps us get a sense of the intensity of Paul's message. So, my question for us, for whom do you "struggle" before God? List them in you mind (or on your paper). The following verses give us splendid illustrations of just how to do that! Armed with the names of those people ... let's look ...

I want the people on my "list" to be united in love - to God and Christ first - to their fellow believers. Love does "cover a multitude of sins" as Peter tells us in 1 Peter 4:8. I also want to experience myself the unity that comes from love.

I want them to have wisdom and understanding ... not the kind the world offers ... but the wisdom that is from God and is revealed through Christ. Paul tells us that it is all in Christ. Remember that Paul is confronting Gnostic teaching ... the philosophy that wisdom is all carefully delineated in the few chosen wise ones ... and can only be disseminated through them. Paul loudly refutes that by telling the Colossians that all wisdom and understanding are found in Christ.

I struggle for those I love to know the mystery of God ... and that mystery is Christ.

I find these verses so helpful in knowing how to pray for the people I love ... use them ... I think you will find them helpful also ... especially when you feel that you run out of words!

Paul then encourages these folks to continue to live in Christ - rooted and built up in Him. (vs.6-7) In the Gulf Coast region of the country, we are moving into yet another hurricane season. So many residents of our area are still reeling and recovering from the blow that Hurricane Ike brought our way. The images are still fresh. When Paul uses the word "rooted", he is using a word that refers to a tree and the root system that holds it up. We had so many trees down during the last hurricane. Why? Their root systems could not withstand the winds. They broke - they fell. Be rooted in Christ. Only there can we withstand the howling winds that this old world rages against us. Then Paul uses the word picture of being "built up". This picture refers to the foundation of a house or building. Our life foundations must be "in Christ" for them to remain solid and firm - for them to be worthy of building our lives upon.

Do you need any "root stimulator"? God's Word is that very thing! As you read and meditate, your roots grow stronger and reach deeper in to soil of Christ Himself. Stay with it ... persevere ... start over when necessary! Examine your foundation. Are you trusting more in America than in Christ? Do you claim more security in economies and bank accounts than in the Lord? Talk to God about such things. Tell Him where you struggle. Pray for yourself and the people you love in regard to roots and foundations. "Struggle" over these things!

And then ... let your heart overflow with gratitude and thanksgiving to the One who will provide ... the wisdom, the strength, the security, the love.

In 1787 a few words were penned that have withstood the test of time and their relevance remains. I wonder if the author had Colossians 2: 1 - 7 in mind! Remind yourself of these truth today ...

"How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,

Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!

What more can He say than to you He has said,

You who unto Jesus for refuge have fled?

"Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed;

I, I am they God, and will still give thee aid;

I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,

Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand."

"The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,

I will not, I will not desert to his foes;

That soul, tho all hell should endeavor to shake,

I'll never, no never, no never forsake."

Colossians: Week 2: Day 3

Today read Colossians 1: 24 - 29



Four key points jump into my mind as I read these verses. You may have other thoughts that are prominent other than the ones that came to me. If you are willing ... post them for us so that our thinking on these verses can be more fully orbed.



First ... How do you feel about the word "servant"? Most of us in our culture are not comfortable with the word. Years ago when I was teaching school I made a comment about trying to figure out how to best "serve" one of my difficult students. A fellow teacher responded vehemently, "I'm not here to serve anybody!" I was reminded how distasteful that word is to many. I know women who have help with their house cleaning ... and they leave their homes on the day the help arrives because being "served" in that way makes them uncomfortable. And yet Paul describes himself as a "servant" to the church of our Lord. Serving the church is a good thing! So the question arises ... how are you serving the church ... your particular congregation of Christ's people? Or do you feel that the church's task is to serve you? I am so blessed to be allowed to serve my church in a vocational way for this season in my life. But never make the mistake of thinking that service to the church is reserved for those who "work" for the church! How are you serving? Very few find it their vocation ... many find it as their avocation. Definition: Avocation - something one does in addition to his/her work ... usually for pleasure. (New World Dictionary) Pleasurable - not easy.

Lord - make us better servants of your body!



Secondly, I am thrilled when I read that Paul is proclaiming the inclusion of the Gentiles! That is terribly important to me ... because I have no Jewish blood line. Paul addresses this in several of his letters. (examples: Galatians 3: 6 - 9, Romans 4; Ephesians 2: 11 - 22)

Thank you Lord for providing a way for my inclusion in your people!



One of my favorite verses in all of scripture is Colossians 1:27. Make it one of your "memory verses" from this summer study. The mystery of God ... Christ in me ... my hope of glory! As you write it in your notebook, insert your own name. And remind yourself of that truth often!

I can't understand it Lord ... but I accept it because I know you are Truth and in you is no lie or deception. Therefore, today, I say again ... Christ is in me, and that is my hope, my expectation of glory from Your hand and with Your Son! Praise be to God.



And lastly, in verse 29 Paul tells us how he is able to continue on in the face of struggles and trials and difficulties, as well as the joys of his work. It is by utilizing "all His energy". Whose energy? Not his own. The energy of God, through His Spirit. Remember the truth of verse 27? Christ in you ... that means His life, His energy, His mind, His strength is avaiable to you and I. Remarkable. That energy worked powerfully in Paul. My prayer?

Lord, help me know better how to utilize the energy that You have made avaiable to me. I tend to use only my own. And it is too puny and weak. I tire easily. I get discouraged easily. Today, may I do my service - to my family, my work, my church - with Your energy. May that be the fuel that empowers my day.

Colossians: Week 2: Day 2

Colossians 1: 15 - 23 (continued)

Reread these amazing verses today - slowly!

Let's consider today the supremacy of Christ. Paul wants there to be no doubt in our minds about that! Paul confronts any notion that Jesus was merely a fine, spiritual man and guide. He is supreme ... He is the visible image of The invisible God.

First, Christ is supreme over creation. Notice Paul's arguments ... 1) Christ was the firstborn over all creation. Our English use of the word firstborn does not apply here. Jesus was not the first being created! The Greek word is prototokos and was very commonly a title of honor. That is the use of the word here. 2) Creation was accomplished by Christ. (v 16) The Jews of the time had a very elaborate system of angels. The Gnostics had their own system of intermediaries between God and man. So Paul hammers home ... all these things: thrones, powers, rulers, authorities were created by Him. 3) Creation was accomplished for Christ. (16) Barclay says that Christ was not only the agent of creation but the goal as well. 4) Lastly, Paul says that Christ "holds it all together." Next time you are in your favorite place in nature - perhaps the beach this summer, or the mountains, or our East Texas pine forests - think about these things. Christ is the center, the creator, and the sustainer ...

Secondly, Christ is supreme over the church. Notice in verse 18 He is the head of the church. Imagine a body without a head ... that's the stuff of horror movies ... a body careening around without the direction, the guidance, the wisdom of a head! Do we, as Christ's church, sometimes function that way? Or, without a head, a body becomes lifeless and powerless. Christ is the head of His church. Also, Christ is the beginning of the church. The Greek word used here for beginning is arche. It includes both the sense of first but also the sense of originating power, the source from which something came. It is Christ. And Christ is the firstborn from the dead - the resurrection - the center of our faith - there can be life! There will be life! And you and I can participate!!

Third, Paul places an umbrella that sweeps over all the specifics ... he says that in everything Christ has supremacy. Worship your Christ in His supremacy - not only over these things that Paul lists - but also over you and your life and even your day today. Stop fighting for the supremacy over your own life.

Why did Christ come? Why did He leave the splendor of heaven to take on flesh and mortality? The answer to that monumental question is also revealed in these verses. His purpose was reconciliation for the whole universe. It was God's idea ... not man's. The initiative began with God ... not man. And the medium for that reconciliation was the blood of Christ on the cross. (verse 20) What is the goal of this reconciliation? Verse 22 tells us that the goal is holiness. Through Christ we can truly be free from accusation. I love that!! Have you ever been accused of anything? Remember how it feels - even when the accusation is true? In Revelation 12:10 we learn "Now has come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down." Satan is the accuser. I hate to admit that often his accusations against me are correct. Praise be to God through His Christ, for I (and you) can be free from accusation because of the reconciling work of this supreme Lord!

One of the definitions of the word reconcile is: to bring into harmony. That is what Christ's work has allowed ... you and I, back in harmony with Jehovah God. My heart bursts with the joy of it ... and my mind cannot find words to describe it. So ... bow in adoration and submission to this supreme Christ.

Colossians: Week 2: Day 1

Today, our reading is 1: 15 - 23.

If you can, read verses 15 - 20 out loud, as if you were reading the lyrics of your favorite hymn! These verses are written in a rhythm and poetic style of a hymn. Also, if you are keeping a notebook, begin your listing of the descriptors of Jesus. These verses are packed! I listed 12. You may find more or fewer depending on how you list the phrases. Anyway you divide them ... these are remarkable verses ... and will lead you to worship. Spend some time telling the Lord how amazing He is ... then come back.

I also started listing some things in my "The Life of a Disciple" section. Today, I wrote "continue in the faith" from 1:23. That provides subject for prayer, does it not? Reflect on what that means for you. How do you do that with consistency and perseverence, with steadfastness and purpose?

A little information about the Gnostics of Paul's day will help us understand some of his language. Very briefly (this summation is from William Barclay in his "Daily Study Bible on Colossians")

1. Gnostics were quite dissatisfied with the rude simplicity of the Gospel of Jesus. They contended that special knowledge and elaborate passwords were necessary to move toward God. Interestly, the gnostics were the ones who held the special knowledge and passwords! Man's task was to find his way to God.

2. All matter was evil ... all spirit was good. Creation had happened out of matter. Therefore, creation was not good. And the creating God was not the true God but a manifestation that was so far separated from the true God that the creating God was not good.

3. Jesus Christ was by no means unique. He was merely one of the intermediaries between God and man. Those who believed Him to be divine did not believe that he carried a real, flesh and blood, body. In their writings it says that "when Jesus walked, He left no footprints on the ground, because He had no real body of flesh and blood to leave such footprints".

Our purpose today is not to fully explore and understand the Gnostic philosophy and beliefs. We want to hear Paul ... and we want to apply to us. Do any of these philosophies and beliefs have a hearing in our world and culture? Many in our day think Jesus to be a fine man - perhaps one of the finest that has ever lived. He was a great spiritual guide and teacher. And they stop there. Many in our day think that it is up to man to find his way to God. We can do it if we try hard enough, know the right formulas, the right systems. Many believe creation to be a result of a series of random "accidents". Yes - these "gnostic" philosophies are well known to us today - even though we may use different names - which makes Paul's writings to these believers incredibly relevant!

As you read these verses again, notice how Paul confronts all of these thoughts. Paul presents the absolute supremacy of Jesus with carefully scripted phrases about Him. Go back to your list of descriptors that you compiled earlier from these verses ... and notice how they address the different claims of the gnostic philosophers. Close your day's study with worship ... this Jesus ... this "fullness of God" ... this image of the invisible ...

"Open our eyes Lord ... we want to see Jesus ..."

Colossians: Week 1: Day 3

Colossians 1: 12 - 14

Prayer continued ...

If you are using the NIV translation, it will appear that we stopped mid sentence yesterday. Paul's sentences can be quite complicated! I would certainly hate to have to diagram some of them - and this is one of those that would challenge the best English students among us, of which I am not one!

Remember, Paul has prayed that these believers have the strength from God to be able to endure circumstances in their lives and to be patient with the people in their lives. He then adds that they joyfully (not begrudgingly!) give thanks to God. Is your prayer salted with thanksgiving? Do you keep you eyes open for the hand of God in your life so that you can immediately offer thanksgiving to Him? It takes practice ... daily ... moment by moment. It takes practice especially when circumstances or people are particularly trying and difficult. The lesson for you and I? PRACTICE!!!

Paul offers two reasons why this thanksgiving is natural and appropriate. The first is that God has given us a share in the inheritance with His Son. Remember, inheritance is always reserved for close family members. Remember - "adopted into the royal family"! God qualifies you - not your family tree, not your good behavior, not your own righteousness, not your church affiliation, not your race, your nationality, your bank account, your talents, etc. God does it. Never miss that!

The second reason that thanksgiving is the natural overflow of the believers heart is that God has placed us somewhere ... Paul shows us where. The KJV of this passage uses this language: "God has translated us" ... This is an interesting Greek word. It means "to bring over" and is the verb methistemi. According to Barclay "In the ancient world, when one empire won a victory over another, it was the custom to take the population of the defeated country and to transfer them lock, stock and barrel to some other land." This is the concept that Paul uses to describe what God has done for us. He has taken us, "lock, stock and barrel" from one place to another.

Look carefully at the place God has taken us, as believers ... where He has translated us ...

1. From darkness to light - Are you still groping around in the dark? You don't have to be. Neither do I. We can live in the light because Jesus is "the light of the world". (John 8:12) Walk in Jesus and you walk in the light. We don't have to stumble our way through life. We can see!

2. From slavery to freedom - Paul talks about redemption which is the word used in the ancient world for the emancipation of a slave. Without God we are all slaves to our fears, to our sins, to our own helplessness and to our faults. Jesus comes as the quintessential liberator! Are you free? Do you experience the freedom Christ offers in day to day living?

3. From condemnation to forgiveness - what indescribable joy fills our hearts when we fully accept and "feel" the forgiveness of God, being loved and accepted in spite of our past, our failure, our rebellions. Paul says in Romans 8:1 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Paul, with his sordid history of self-righteousness, of persecution, of assent to murder, hammers this point home! God translate us from condemnation to forgiveness. Praise God!

4. From the power of Satan to the power of God - a new kingdom is present for the people of God. A new ruler. A new domain.

How can our hearts not overflow with thanksgiving to this God! Believer, remind yourself day by day, even moment by moment, that THIS is where you now live! This is where the God of heaven has placed you!

And REJOICE!

Colossians: Week 1: Day 2

Colossians 1: 9 - 11

Do you pray for your children? Do you pray for your spouse? Do you pray for friends? How do you pray? The verses we are meditating on today are part of a splendid example of prayer. It gives us a model for praying for those that we love. As we examine this passage, I want to make it my own pattern for praying for my daughters, my husband, and even for myself.

Paul begins with the words, "for this reason". For what reason? The reason is the faith in Christ and the love for their fellowman that Paul knows mark these Colossian Christians. Because of those splendid "pillars" in their lives ... Paul then carries them tirelessly in prayer.

So, for what does Paul ask? He asks the most critically important things for them. And one can't help but notice that it is not for their health and prosperity. Paul asks that they be filled with the knowledge of the will of God through spiritual wisdom and understanding. I fear that we often pray for God to understand our will and conform to our wishes. We must learn this lesson! Because living out the will of God for our lives is the "one thing". Do you remember Curly in the movie "City Slickers" when he talked about the essence of life was the "one thing"? Well, the "one thing" is understanding and doing the will of God in our lives.

Why does it matter so much? Paul then begins to enumerate "why" it matters. First he says that it allows us to live our lives worthy of the Name that we wear, worthy of wearing the Name of Christ. I desperately do not want to bring shame on the Name of Christ. So I must be filled with the knowledge of the will of God so that I can work it out in practical ways in my everyday living. Secondly, Paul says that this pleases God. I so want to please God - don't you? Not to earn anything ... can't be done. But because I love Him so! Thirdly, knowing and living out God's will allows me to bear fruit in my life - spiritual fruit - eternal fruit. Fruit-bearing is talked about alot in scripture, isn't it? It must matter - this maturing process - this growing into purpose. Fourth, it provides the power, the strength to live my life with endurance and patience. In English these two words seem very similar. When we check the Greek words, we find two different concepts. The first, the word translated "endurance" in the NIV, is the Greek word hopomone. This word has to do with the strenth to endure, to overcome circumstances. Life hits us hard through circumstance ... health, finances, loss, abandonment ... circumstances can be tough. We need the strength and power to live through, to overcome, the various circumstances that blow into our lives. The word translated "patience" in the NIV is the Greek word makrothumia. This word references people. Patience with the people in our lives. Do you have anyone in your life that requires patience from you? Stupid question isn't it!! We need the strength and power to live with patience with the people in our lives - those close to us and those we merely encounter.

These are the core needs in our lives. These are the core needs in our children's lives and our spouses lives and our fellow believers lives. Will you pray for them like this? Will I? In your notebook, write this prayer out - inserting the name/names that you want to include. Let it be your beginning place when you bring those loved ones before the throne of God.

Thank you, Lord, for giving Paul these words to instruct us in praying for those we love and for ourselves. Fill us with the knowledge of Your will through spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Colossians: Week 1: Day 1

Colossians 1: 1 - 8

I love the way Paul begins this letter. It is addressed to the "holy and faithful" in the city of Colosse. Paul's earlier letters were addressed to the "church" in _______. (1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians) But in these later letters, he shifts. (Romans, Colossians, Philippians and Ephesians) They are addressed to the faithful individuals in these churches. I am reminded of Jesus' parable of the Tares (Matthew 13:24 ff). The church is a collection of the faithful, the saints that are located in various locals - not necessarily the membership roster! Paul begins to focus his instructions and letters to the "church" as to the individuals who are holy and faithful. As you ask yourself the question, "Am I among that group?" Don't let the word "holy" make you nervous. Remember, when that word is applied to you and I it means the "set apart ones" - not the perfect ones - the ones that have accepted Christ as LORD. They have been made holy by God, not themselves. And their lives reflect that commitment and focus. That is what places you in that group.

Paul then goes on to give the essence of the Christian life - showing faith in Christ and love for your fellow man. (v 4) William Barclay calls these the "twin pillars of the Christian life." Faith is the full confidence, trust, belief that Jesus is the Son of God. It is demonstrated always by obedience. The love is agape - not the easier phileo (brotherly) love. It is the love that Christ demonstrated while He walked in the flesh. It is the love that we are to reflect to a fallen world. We must ask ourselves how these twin pillars are reflected in our own lives. That may be your focus for prayer today. Where do they come from? Paul tells us in verse 5 that they come from our hope - that complete confidence and expectation that God will do what He has promised.

Another lesson that speaks to me from this passage is in verse 6. The gospel (the Good News of the redemption available through Jesus) was growing and bearing fruit both around the world and among them. The gospel of Jesus Christ is truly "good news". And it is truth. It is universal. It is productive. It tells us of grace. Are you bearing fruit? Am I? Is your life different because of the gospel that lives in you? Are you growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord? Is the evidence of the life of the Spirit of God (fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22) reflected in your life as you are growing older? That is my prayer for myself ... and my prayer for you as we walk together in the Lord.

Paul begins this letter with the salutation - grace and peace

Grace = God's favor bestowed so that sinful humans may enjoy the blessing of God Himself

Peace = wholeness and well-being in all aspects of life

So, my friends, as we begin this study .......... grace and peace!

Colossians: Study Guide

Let's begin! Our study will cover 6 weeks and will contain 3 sections for study and meditation each week. I am excited about exploring this little letter from Paul to the faithful believers in Colosse. I think there is MUCH we will discover that applies to us in this time and in your place.

Outline:

Week 1: Section 1: Colossians 1: 1 - 8
Section 2: Col 1: 9 - 11
Section 3: Col 1: 12 - 14

Week 2: Section 1: Col 1: 15 - 23
Section 2: Col 1: 15 - 23 (too much here for 1 day!)
Section 3: Col 1: 24 - 29

Week 3: Section 1: Col 2: 1 - 7
Section 2: Col 2: 8 - 23
Section 3: Col 2: 8 - 23 (again, too much!)

Week 4: Section 1: Col 3: 1 - 4
Section 2: Col 3: 5 - 11
Section 3: Col 3: 12 - 17

Week 5: Section 1: Col 3: 18 - 4:1
Section 2: Col 4: 2 - 4
Section 3: Col 4: 5 - 6

Week 6: Section 1: Col 4: 7 - 9 and Philemon
Section 2: Col 4: 10 - 13 and Acts 13:13; 15: 36 - 41
Section 3: Col 4: 14 - 18

For this study, I think the following format will prove useful. Plan to use a journal or some form of notebook for taking your own notes and making observations. I plan to have 2 sections in my notebook. The first will be for notes to myself as I do the weekly study. As you read and reflect on each section, ask yourself these questions: 1) What do I learn from these verses? and 2) How do I apply that lesson in my life right now? The second will be for 2 lists. One list will carry the title: "What do I learn about my Lord Jesus Christ?" As you do your daily study, whenever you find a phrase or a descriptor of Jesus, add it to your list. The next list will carry the title: "What do I learn about eveyday living as a faithful disciple of Christ?" Add phrases or instructions from Paul to these believers when he tells them how to live as disciples. Bring those instructions into our time and into your own life.

My prayer for us as we begin: Our Lord, fill us with the knowledge of Your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding that we may live lives worthy of our LORD and that we may please Him. We desire to bear fruit and to grow in knowledge of You. (Col 1: 9 - 10)