In this lesson we will narrow our focus to Chapter 1. Read the chapter slowly and carefully. Make note of the phrase, "in Christ". What is your impression as you do that? What stands out to you? Write down your thoughts in your notebook. Do that before you continue reading my impressions. How I wish we could sit across a table and talk about what you heard!
For me ... I had a fresh sense that this first chapter is all about God. Yes, it speaks of disciples and the blessings that they can carry "in Christ" ... but I was overwhelmed by the "God-ness" of chapter 1. I dearly love and cherish the concepts so beautifully expressed in this chapter that relate to me ... the chosen-ness, the redemption, the abundance of spiritual blessing, etc. In fact, had you asked me prior to this particular reading, "what is the first chapter of Ephesians about?" my answer would have been that it is about disciples' spiritual blessings in Christ. And it is ... However, as I have reread, this chapter is all about God. Indeed, there is an abundance of spiritual blessing ... but it is all "in Christ". (1:3) Indeed, God has predestined and adopted those who would believe ... but it is because of His love and His kind intention. (1:5) Indeed, God offers redemption and forgiveness ... but it is because of the riches of His grace. (1:7) Indeed, God reveals things of Himself to us ... but it is again because of His kind intention. (1:9) Indeed, God gives an inheritance beyond anything we can even imagine to His adopted sons and daughters ... but it is because of His purposes. (1:11) Indeed, God gives hope and riches ... but it is because of His strength and might. (1:19) And my eyes are opened to see God a little clearer, a little better through this chapter.
I close out this day's work by praying for you ... all of you who are reading and studying and desiring to know God better ... and I want to pray Paul's prayer from 1: 18-19. Place your name where the pronouns are ... I am using the words as translated in "The Message" by Eugene Peterson:
"I can't stop thanking God for you - but I do more than thank.
I ask - ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory
- to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing Him personally,
your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is He
is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life
He has for Christians, oh, the utter extravagance of His work in us
who trust Him - endless energy, boundless strength!"
September 18, 2009
September 15, 2009
Ephesians: Lesson 1 - Day 3
Before we close out this overview of Ephesians, read the letter again in its entirety. As you read it again, think about purpose. Why do you think Paul wrote it? What was he wanting to communicate? If you had to identify one or two themes, what would they be? After you read, then come back.
I see this letter breaking into 3 sections.
The first is chapters 1 - 3. It is so full of language about spiritual riches and blessings that are found in Christ. It speaks eloquently of the position that Gentiles, as well as Jews, can have with the God of heaven. It references the amazing grace of God. It contains beautiful praise sentences - ones that you and I can claim from Paul and use ourselves as we worship God. It contains 2 of the most splendid prayers in all of scripture. They are 1:15 - 23 and 3: 14 - 21. These prayers also provide us with words to use when we pray for those who are dear to us. I have used them for my own words so many times! This first section is all about POSITION - where you SIT.
The second section to me is 4:1 - 6:9. This section is cram-packed with specific instructions. It is here that you find guidance on how to live life as a believer - how to treat people if you wear the name of Christ. It is intensely practical. And my guess is that we will sting a little when we begin to examine these phrases one by one! We can easily see our own humanity and flesh in the things that Paul tells us to "get rid of". But, thankfully, he continues by telling us what to put in the gap, what to fill ourselves with so that there is no void left. Remember, vacuums will be filled! So we must be intentional in deciding with what to fill the void. Paul is quite clear!
Section 2 is all about PURPOSE - how we WALK as disciples. You have heard often the phrase "If you are going to talk the talk, then you best walk the walk". Section 2 of this letter is about walking in ways that are congruent with our "talk".
The final section of this letter is about how to stand firm, 6:10 - 24. What is it that will allow us to stand firm, not to vaccilate and be bounced around like a pool ball as it careens from side to side, responding only to the things that it hits? I want to be more steadfast than that. Jesus tells a story about two men who both built houses. (Matthew 7: 24 - 27) One built on sand - it shifts, it moves. Things like hurricanes come and it falls down. Many of us Texas coast folks can relate! It cannot stand firm. And then one man built on rock. It was solid, strong. So when the hurricane blew around that structure, it held. That's where I want to be! You? This last section is all about my SECURITY, how to STAND.
Our overview is finished. In our next lesson, we will begin a more careful examination of Ephesians, Chapter 1. What a splendid little letter this is ... and how I look forward to exploring it with you.
I see this letter breaking into 3 sections.
The first is chapters 1 - 3. It is so full of language about spiritual riches and blessings that are found in Christ. It speaks eloquently of the position that Gentiles, as well as Jews, can have with the God of heaven. It references the amazing grace of God. It contains beautiful praise sentences - ones that you and I can claim from Paul and use ourselves as we worship God. It contains 2 of the most splendid prayers in all of scripture. They are 1:15 - 23 and 3: 14 - 21. These prayers also provide us with words to use when we pray for those who are dear to us. I have used them for my own words so many times! This first section is all about POSITION - where you SIT.
The second section to me is 4:1 - 6:9. This section is cram-packed with specific instructions. It is here that you find guidance on how to live life as a believer - how to treat people if you wear the name of Christ. It is intensely practical. And my guess is that we will sting a little when we begin to examine these phrases one by one! We can easily see our own humanity and flesh in the things that Paul tells us to "get rid of". But, thankfully, he continues by telling us what to put in the gap, what to fill ourselves with so that there is no void left. Remember, vacuums will be filled! So we must be intentional in deciding with what to fill the void. Paul is quite clear!
Section 2 is all about PURPOSE - how we WALK as disciples. You have heard often the phrase "If you are going to talk the talk, then you best walk the walk". Section 2 of this letter is about walking in ways that are congruent with our "talk".
The final section of this letter is about how to stand firm, 6:10 - 24. What is it that will allow us to stand firm, not to vaccilate and be bounced around like a pool ball as it careens from side to side, responding only to the things that it hits? I want to be more steadfast than that. Jesus tells a story about two men who both built houses. (Matthew 7: 24 - 27) One built on sand - it shifts, it moves. Things like hurricanes come and it falls down. Many of us Texas coast folks can relate! It cannot stand firm. And then one man built on rock. It was solid, strong. So when the hurricane blew around that structure, it held. That's where I want to be! You? This last section is all about my SECURITY, how to STAND.
Our overview is finished. In our next lesson, we will begin a more careful examination of Ephesians, Chapter 1. What a splendid little letter this is ... and how I look forward to exploring it with you.
September 14, 2009
Ephesians: Lesson 1 - Day 2
Before we begin to examine the verses of Ephesians in detail, there is a place in Acts where we get a bit of historical perspective.
Read Acts 19:1 - 20:2. These events take place during Paul's 3rd journey to establish churches. As you read, try and get a sense of the people and the culture in this magnificent city. Read this passage first ... then come back ...
I was amazed at the "spiritual"-ness of the Ephesians - they were very much into things of the supernatural world. The culture was immersed in sorcery and magicians arts ... and it was all part of the economic strength of Ephesus. The natural harbor that had been the economic strength of Ephesus had gradually receded due to silting. As a result, tourism became the major economic strength. People from all over came to Ephesus to visit the magnificent temples, the library, the theater. And, of course, souvenirs must be sold so that folks could tell of their adventure. Things haven't changed all that much have they!
As the message of Jesus Christ, and the power of His Holy Spirit, began to spread like a wildfire throughout the region, verse 19 tells us that many who practiced sorcery (magic arts) brought their books, their scrolls, into a public place and had a bonfire - burned them all - calculated to have a value of 50,000 pieces of silver. A piece of silver was considered a good day's wage. Do the math. It's staggering!! I can only fantacize about what that scene must have been like. Talk about "revival"! And it leads me to the question ... what will it take for me to experience revival in my own heart and mind? Do you need one, a revival? Don't let your mind go immediately to your spouse, or your kids, or your church ... let it rest on you, personally. Need a revival? I have loved the song, "Cleanse Me", and am always moved by the prayer in Verse 4 of that song: "O Holy Spirit, revival comes from Thee. Send a revival, start the work in me." That's where revival always begins ... in the hearts and minds of individuals who are moved by the grace of God and stirred by the invitation He offers to participate with Him in changing the world.
My world is the circle around me and yours is the circle around you; the places we go and the interactions we encounter on a daily basis. Do you want to be a difference-maker in your world? Identify the things that hold you back - the things that intefere with your surrender to the Lordship of Jesus - and have a figurative bonfire! Don't plan to store them away on a high shelf - burn them! I have read of young adults literally breaking up CDs they owned when they were convicted of ways that particular music was dulling their senses to the things of God. I have experienced the power of naming a sin that was holding me captive, writing it on a piece of paper, and literally burning it. We often pray for revival - in our homes, our churches and our country - never forget that revival always starts with the "one".
Need to have a bonfire?
Read Acts 19:1 - 20:2. These events take place during Paul's 3rd journey to establish churches. As you read, try and get a sense of the people and the culture in this magnificent city. Read this passage first ... then come back ...
I was amazed at the "spiritual"-ness of the Ephesians - they were very much into things of the supernatural world. The culture was immersed in sorcery and magicians arts ... and it was all part of the economic strength of Ephesus. The natural harbor that had been the economic strength of Ephesus had gradually receded due to silting. As a result, tourism became the major economic strength. People from all over came to Ephesus to visit the magnificent temples, the library, the theater. And, of course, souvenirs must be sold so that folks could tell of their adventure. Things haven't changed all that much have they!
As the message of Jesus Christ, and the power of His Holy Spirit, began to spread like a wildfire throughout the region, verse 19 tells us that many who practiced sorcery (magic arts) brought their books, their scrolls, into a public place and had a bonfire - burned them all - calculated to have a value of 50,000 pieces of silver. A piece of silver was considered a good day's wage. Do the math. It's staggering!! I can only fantacize about what that scene must have been like. Talk about "revival"! And it leads me to the question ... what will it take for me to experience revival in my own heart and mind? Do you need one, a revival? Don't let your mind go immediately to your spouse, or your kids, or your church ... let it rest on you, personally. Need a revival? I have loved the song, "Cleanse Me", and am always moved by the prayer in Verse 4 of that song: "O Holy Spirit, revival comes from Thee. Send a revival, start the work in me." That's where revival always begins ... in the hearts and minds of individuals who are moved by the grace of God and stirred by the invitation He offers to participate with Him in changing the world.
My world is the circle around me and yours is the circle around you; the places we go and the interactions we encounter on a daily basis. Do you want to be a difference-maker in your world? Identify the things that hold you back - the things that intefere with your surrender to the Lordship of Jesus - and have a figurative bonfire! Don't plan to store them away on a high shelf - burn them! I have read of young adults literally breaking up CDs they owned when they were convicted of ways that particular music was dulling their senses to the things of God. I have experienced the power of naming a sin that was holding me captive, writing it on a piece of paper, and literally burning it. We often pray for revival - in our homes, our churches and our country - never forget that revival always starts with the "one".
Need to have a bonfire?
September 8, 2009
Ephesians: Lesson 1 - Day 1
Welcome back! I hope your summer was good and that you had the opportunity to have something of a vacation ... even if it was in your own backyard! I find changing my routine to be invigorating. However, I am ready to get back into a regular Bible study with you and hope that you are too.
About format: This study will contain 10 weeks of lessons. Each lesson will have 3 days of study. We will conclude the week before Thanksgiving. I would suggest that you get a notebook (school has started, you know, and everyone needs a new notebook!) - a journal will be adequate - just someplace to make notes to yourself as you read and study.
This New Testament letter has remarkable descriptions by commentators. Some of them include: "the Queen of the Epistles", "the Switzerland of the New Testament"'; "the crown and climax of Pauline theology" and "one of the divinest compositions of man". WOW! That's quite a set up isn't it? When John Knox was near the end of his life, what he wanted read to him was John Calvin's "Sermons on the Letter to the Ephesians". That's it - not Psalms, not promises from Revelation - but things from Ephesians. My prayer for all of us is that by the end of these 10 weeks ... we are going to understand why!
This little letter tells us so much about our identity, who we REALLY are in Christ. (If you don't know for sure that you are "in Christ" ... email me and let's set up a time when we can talk. ) We are so susceptible to the world and culture around us telling us who we are ... and who we should be. It's wearying, no? Ephesians is going to be very clear about that. And I need that clarity!
This little letter is relational. It speaks to the relationship between God and man, God and you. But it also has much to say about our relationships with those around us, the you and me.
This little letter is transformational. It provides us with the opportunity to allow the Holy Spirit to transform us into the reflection and image of Christ - to the glory of God.
I am excited about our journey. So ... let's begin!
Your task today is to read the entire letter. Just read for content and flow. Don't stop at chapter headings - they are man-made anyway. Read it as if you just received it from a friend. In your notebook, write down who you find to be the author and to whom it seems to be written. Also, with this first run through, why do you think it was written?
Close your day's work by writing in your notebook the words of Ephesians 1:3. Or, write it on a card and put it where you will see it often throughout the day. How beautiful ...
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has
blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,
in Christ.
About format: This study will contain 10 weeks of lessons. Each lesson will have 3 days of study. We will conclude the week before Thanksgiving. I would suggest that you get a notebook (school has started, you know, and everyone needs a new notebook!) - a journal will be adequate - just someplace to make notes to yourself as you read and study.
This New Testament letter has remarkable descriptions by commentators. Some of them include: "the Queen of the Epistles", "the Switzerland of the New Testament"'; "the crown and climax of Pauline theology" and "one of the divinest compositions of man". WOW! That's quite a set up isn't it? When John Knox was near the end of his life, what he wanted read to him was John Calvin's "Sermons on the Letter to the Ephesians". That's it - not Psalms, not promises from Revelation - but things from Ephesians. My prayer for all of us is that by the end of these 10 weeks ... we are going to understand why!
This little letter tells us so much about our identity, who we REALLY are in Christ. (If you don't know for sure that you are "in Christ" ... email me and let's set up a time when we can talk. ) We are so susceptible to the world and culture around us telling us who we are ... and who we should be. It's wearying, no? Ephesians is going to be very clear about that. And I need that clarity!
This little letter is relational. It speaks to the relationship between God and man, God and you. But it also has much to say about our relationships with those around us, the you and me.
This little letter is transformational. It provides us with the opportunity to allow the Holy Spirit to transform us into the reflection and image of Christ - to the glory of God.
I am excited about our journey. So ... let's begin!
Your task today is to read the entire letter. Just read for content and flow. Don't stop at chapter headings - they are man-made anyway. Read it as if you just received it from a friend. In your notebook, write down who you find to be the author and to whom it seems to be written. Also, with this first run through, why do you think it was written?
Close your day's work by writing in your notebook the words of Ephesians 1:3. Or, write it on a card and put it where you will see it often throughout the day. How beautiful ...
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has
blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,
in Christ.
July 16, 2009
Ephesians: Preparation for Study
Our next study will be the book of Ephesians. We will be tracking alongside our Bammel Tuesday Morning Bible Study. We will begin the week of Labor Day, 2009. I hope you will join us on this journey. The material that is being used by those attending the Tuesday AM Class is: "Precept Upon Precept, Ephesians". You can order the study guide at http://www.precept.org/ or by calling 1-800-763-8280.
A couple of comments about this format:
1. If you choose to order the study guide and have never done a Precept study, the primary advice I would offer is ... do not be put off by the size of the guide! Plan to do what makes sense to you ... and bypass what does not. The guide is full of great cross-referencing and thoughtful questions to guide your study. Special markings and word studies enhance delving deeply into the book (but are not a necessity for beneficial study).
2. You can follow this blog study without the Precept workbook. I will be posting the verses to read for each day ... and then making some comment as in previous studies.
I am looking forward to studying this letter with you ... it is one of my all time favorite books in the entire Bible!
A couple of comments about this format:
1. If you choose to order the study guide and have never done a Precept study, the primary advice I would offer is ... do not be put off by the size of the guide! Plan to do what makes sense to you ... and bypass what does not. The guide is full of great cross-referencing and thoughtful questions to guide your study. Special markings and word studies enhance delving deeply into the book (but are not a necessity for beneficial study).
2. You can follow this blog study without the Precept workbook. I will be posting the verses to read for each day ... and then making some comment as in previous studies.
I am looking forward to studying this letter with you ... it is one of my all time favorite books in the entire Bible!
July 9, 2009
Colossians: Conclusion
Colossions 4: 18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
One commentator, Alford, states movingly, "When we read of his chains we should not forget that they moved over the paper as he wrote. His hand was chained to the soldier that kept him." As we secure that image in our minds, we must not think that Paul is crying for some kind of sympathy or pity. He is stating boldly his authority to write. This is a man who knows full well the costs of being a Christ - follower. He calls us to nothing that he has not been willing to carry himself. He carries the mark of the cross of Christ. And he does it willingly, even joyfully. He does it because he knows ... and passionately loves ... the Son of God. It is a love that changes your life ... the way you think, the way you interact, the way you live. And Paul's entreaty is to us as well.
Barclay says, "And so the letter comes to its inevitable end. The end of every letter of Paul is grace; for he always ended by commending others to that grace which he himself had found sufficient for all things."
Remember what Paul stated in 2 Corinthians 12:9: "But He (the Lord) said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." Paul fully realized the all sufficient quality of the grace of God. Think about that word, sufficient.
According to Mirriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, sufficient means: enough to meet the needs of a situation or a proposed end
The Greek word Paul used means: for, according to the abundance of; more than enough to meet one's needs.
Can we hear it? God's grace is sufficient for, enough for ...... you fill in anything you are facing in your life right now. God's grace is sufficient.
Paul closes this letter, indeed all of his letter, with the reminder to his readers ... that God's grace is enough. And we must remind each other of the same reality ... it has not changed ... it is as applicable to 21st century living as it was for 1st century living. So, we close this study with the same reminder. God's grace is sufficient for you, for me.
Grace be with you ...
One commentator, Alford, states movingly, "When we read of his chains we should not forget that they moved over the paper as he wrote. His hand was chained to the soldier that kept him." As we secure that image in our minds, we must not think that Paul is crying for some kind of sympathy or pity. He is stating boldly his authority to write. This is a man who knows full well the costs of being a Christ - follower. He calls us to nothing that he has not been willing to carry himself. He carries the mark of the cross of Christ. And he does it willingly, even joyfully. He does it because he knows ... and passionately loves ... the Son of God. It is a love that changes your life ... the way you think, the way you interact, the way you live. And Paul's entreaty is to us as well.
Barclay says, "And so the letter comes to its inevitable end. The end of every letter of Paul is grace; for he always ended by commending others to that grace which he himself had found sufficient for all things."
Remember what Paul stated in 2 Corinthians 12:9: "But He (the Lord) said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." Paul fully realized the all sufficient quality of the grace of God. Think about that word, sufficient.
According to Mirriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, sufficient means: enough to meet the needs of a situation or a proposed end
The Greek word Paul used means: for, according to the abundance of; more than enough to meet one's needs.
Can we hear it? God's grace is sufficient for, enough for ...... you fill in anything you are facing in your life right now. God's grace is sufficient.
Paul closes this letter, indeed all of his letter, with the reminder to his readers ... that God's grace is enough. And we must remind each other of the same reality ... it has not changed ... it is as applicable to 21st century living as it was for 1st century living. So, we close this study with the same reminder. God's grace is sufficient for you, for me.
Grace be with you ...
July 8, 2009
Colossians: Week 6: Day 3
Colossians 4: 14 - 18
We close our thoughts on this letter today with Paul's final "greetings" to fellow believers and coworkers. There will also be some warnings today that leap from these few verses!
Paul mentions Luke, whom he calls "our dear friend". Luke was a physician, a tireless worker for the church, the writer of the Gospel that bears his name and the writer of the book of Acts. Luke is with Paul. What a comfort he must have been for this beleaguered apostle! We also learn in 2 Timothy 4:11 that Luke remains with Paul when all others have left. Do you have anyone in your life that you would describe as "my dear friend"? Have you let them know? Remember, we only have today. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Perhaps today would be a good day to drop a note in the mail!
A disciple named Demas is also with Paul. We know almost nothing about this man ... except that he provides our first solemn warning today. In personal comments at the end of 2 Timothy, Paul asks Timothy to come to him as quickly as possible because "Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me ...". How is your staying power? The lure of our world and the things of this world is so strong. Do a mental check today of where your first love lies. Keeping your love relationship with the Lord in first place will guard your heart and mind from the seduction of our world. Don't be a Demas ... don't be a deserter.
Paul sends encouragement to Nympha who hosts one of the churches. The gracious gift of hospitality! This woman embodies that gift ... do you? If you are a hostess for a small group, a gathering of people who meet together because of Jesus, take Paul's encouragement personally! Remember the church in the first couple of centuries gathered together in homes. There were many women (and men) who were willing to provide the gathering place for Christ's followers. We still need such men and women - willing the share the resources and blessings that God has so generously poured out.
And then there is Archippus who needed some encouragement to finish a task that God had called him to. Here again is this reference to staying power - perseverance - finishing the course. It reminds me how important it is to finish well. I don't know about you, but I am a great "starter"! I get excited about new projects, new endeavors, new adventures. I have no problem starting. However, finishing well. Aahh ... that is a different story. We get tired, bored, distracted, etc. and leave things for something new. That is OK in some arenas. After all, an unfinished quilt project carries little importance compared to an unfinished task that my God has laid before me. A second warning from these verses ... when God calls you to a task ... carry it all the way to the end!
The final warning in these verses comes from the frequent mention of the church in Laodicea. This church was a neighboring church to Colosse. The reference to the letter from Laodicea is a mystery. We do not have a copy of that letter. Commentators have different opinions about that letter. Some believe that it is the letter we call, Ephesians. The letters written to the churches were encyclical, meant to be circulated among the churches in Asia. Others believe that the Laodicean letter was lost. Some think it is the letter to Philemon. However, the warning is not in lost letters ... the warning is in the mention of the church in Laodicea. You can read about what happened to that church in Revelation 3:14 - 22. It is a sad story. And a story that speaks boldly and loudly to the church in our day. We studied this passage in the study on "God Speaks to the Church". You can read about it in the archives of this blog. Go to that particular study and go to Lesson 5: Section 1.
As we close today, listen to the warnings in these verses and take them to prayer:
1. Don't be a deserter ... stay the course with God and God's people, even when it is hard
2. Finish God-given tasks ... even if it takes your lifetime ... stay the course
3. Keep your love relationship with God fresh and vital ... keep it first place
We close our thoughts on this letter today with Paul's final "greetings" to fellow believers and coworkers. There will also be some warnings today that leap from these few verses!
Paul mentions Luke, whom he calls "our dear friend". Luke was a physician, a tireless worker for the church, the writer of the Gospel that bears his name and the writer of the book of Acts. Luke is with Paul. What a comfort he must have been for this beleaguered apostle! We also learn in 2 Timothy 4:11 that Luke remains with Paul when all others have left. Do you have anyone in your life that you would describe as "my dear friend"? Have you let them know? Remember, we only have today. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Perhaps today would be a good day to drop a note in the mail!
A disciple named Demas is also with Paul. We know almost nothing about this man ... except that he provides our first solemn warning today. In personal comments at the end of 2 Timothy, Paul asks Timothy to come to him as quickly as possible because "Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me ...". How is your staying power? The lure of our world and the things of this world is so strong. Do a mental check today of where your first love lies. Keeping your love relationship with the Lord in first place will guard your heart and mind from the seduction of our world. Don't be a Demas ... don't be a deserter.
Paul sends encouragement to Nympha who hosts one of the churches. The gracious gift of hospitality! This woman embodies that gift ... do you? If you are a hostess for a small group, a gathering of people who meet together because of Jesus, take Paul's encouragement personally! Remember the church in the first couple of centuries gathered together in homes. There were many women (and men) who were willing to provide the gathering place for Christ's followers. We still need such men and women - willing the share the resources and blessings that God has so generously poured out.
And then there is Archippus who needed some encouragement to finish a task that God had called him to. Here again is this reference to staying power - perseverance - finishing the course. It reminds me how important it is to finish well. I don't know about you, but I am a great "starter"! I get excited about new projects, new endeavors, new adventures. I have no problem starting. However, finishing well. Aahh ... that is a different story. We get tired, bored, distracted, etc. and leave things for something new. That is OK in some arenas. After all, an unfinished quilt project carries little importance compared to an unfinished task that my God has laid before me. A second warning from these verses ... when God calls you to a task ... carry it all the way to the end!
The final warning in these verses comes from the frequent mention of the church in Laodicea. This church was a neighboring church to Colosse. The reference to the letter from Laodicea is a mystery. We do not have a copy of that letter. Commentators have different opinions about that letter. Some believe that it is the letter we call, Ephesians. The letters written to the churches were encyclical, meant to be circulated among the churches in Asia. Others believe that the Laodicean letter was lost. Some think it is the letter to Philemon. However, the warning is not in lost letters ... the warning is in the mention of the church in Laodicea. You can read about what happened to that church in Revelation 3:14 - 22. It is a sad story. And a story that speaks boldly and loudly to the church in our day. We studied this passage in the study on "God Speaks to the Church". You can read about it in the archives of this blog. Go to that particular study and go to Lesson 5: Section 1.
As we close today, listen to the warnings in these verses and take them to prayer:
1. Don't be a deserter ... stay the course with God and God's people, even when it is hard
2. Finish God-given tasks ... even if it takes your lifetime ... stay the course
3. Keep your love relationship with God fresh and vital ... keep it first place
Our Father, holy is Your Name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth even as it is in heaven. Give us the wisdom, the strength and the will to walk with You faithfully, to resist the seduction of this fallen world, and to love You with all our heart, mind, soul and strength - through Your Spirit who makes it possible.
We will close this study with one final posting in conclusion. Thank you for your faithfulness to read and study and meditate and contemplate these things. May God bless you this day ...
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