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Barclay says, "Paul is certainly not pleading for an other-worldliness in which the Christian has withdrawn himself from all the work and all the activities of this world, and in which he does nothing but, as it were, contemplate eternity ...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!!
June 22, 2009
June 18, 2009
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
June 15, 2009
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 ...
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."
June 10, 2009
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.
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.
June 9, 2009
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.
June 8, 2009
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 ..."
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 ..."
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