And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

Colossians 3:12-17

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:14

I continue my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today my focus is Colossians 3:12-17, where Paul continues his exhortation to "set your minds on things that are above," providing more affirmative examples.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V12: Just like Israel was God's chosen people in the Old Testament, believers are God's "chosen ones, holy and beloved" - those to whom He has revealed Himself and given them faith and eternal life.  This reinforces text where faith is a gift from God - not an earned gift - as well as how God chose us while still sinful and hostile to Him - see also Romans 5:10 and Ephesians 2:8-9. These are both reminders that should cause us to fall to the ground in worship and humility. V13: God forgives. V14: Love - a core attribute of God (see also 1 John 4:8 and 16) "binds" and holds everything together "in perfect harmony" - see also Colossians 1:17.
• What do we learn from the text about people?: V12: As a response (see use of "then") to how God has chosen and saved us and in response to how we are alive in Christ (reborn), Paul exhorts us to vv13-17 "put on then "compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience" - see also these same attributes of Godliness as "fruit of the Spirit" from Galatians 5:22. V13: We are to "bear with one another," and forgive just as God forgives us - unity in the church is very important, so we should not allow minor and petty disagreements and complaints to fester into conflict and strife.  Churches are full of sin just as the world is so we should - again - forgive our brothers and sisters in Christ just as God does. V14: We must love - both of God first and foremost and then others - reflecting the two most important commandments.  V15: The peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:6-7) - that which only comes from God - should "rule in our hearts" as Christ renews and transforms us into more of His image.  This peace of Christ calls us together as a church body - it also causes us to be thankful. V16: We must read and meditate on God's Word - the Bible - and allow it to "dwell in [us] richly," such that we can teach and admonish "in all wisdom" with a posture of worship and gratitude. V17: All of our very being, in actions and words, should reflect love and glory of the Lord (see also 1 Corinthians 10:31).      
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We are to avoid allowing complaints and sin among our brothers and sisters in Christ to fester into major disagreements and conflict.  We should claim the promise that God forgives and gives us a peace that surpasses understanding.  Follow the example of Christ who forgives us.  Put on love - of God, and of others.  

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for my salvation, for loving and choosing me while still hostile to You and in sin, and forgiving me with grace upon grace. I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

[P]ut on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.

Colossians 3:1-11

[P]ut on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Colossians 3:10

I continue my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today my focus is Colossians 3:1-11, where Paul builds on text from chapter 2:13 where he shares that believers are "alive in Christ," and as such we are to "seek the things that are above."  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V1: Christ is in Heaven, "seated at the right hand hand of God." See also Luke 24:50-51 and Acts 1:9-11 where scripture shares how Jesus ascended to Heaven 40 days after the resurrection.  This command repeated in v2 and in both the affirmative and the negative by sharing that we are not to set our minds "on things that are on the earth." V3 reminds us that our old self has died and we have been reborn (regeneration) - alive in Christ and our life is "hidden with Christ in God." The implication is that we cannot see this life hidden in Christ in God as it is above in Heaven - this could be the eternal life that awaits believers upon death or Jesus' second coming. V4 shares that what is hidden will appear and based on the doctrine of glorification our new self that is progressively becoming more like him (sanctification) will be complete and we will be in Heaven with Christ "in glory." Vv5,7-9 describe the sin that is to be put to death and v6 shares how "on account" of this sin God's wrath is coming - end times and judgement day when Christ's assured victory over sin and death will be complete.  This is a warning to be prepared for this day. V11 shares how Christ "is all and in all," encouraging us to share the gospel with all tribes and nations (Great Commission) and that we should acknowledge that sin is great equalizer among humanity - we all sin and fall short of the glory of God - see also Romans 3:23 and 1 John 1:8.      
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv5,8-9: Paul calls us various sins, including "sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry[,] anger, wrath, malice, slander, ...obscene talk from your mouth[, and] ly[ing]."  Vv9-10: These sins represent our old self and our new self (reborn and alive in Christ) "is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."  This renewal of our minds is further described in Romans 12:2 and Ephesians 4:23.
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We are to put to death sin in our lives, including but not limited to the sin described in the text today.  We should claim the promise described in the doctrine of glorification that all of us will be in Heaven with Christ again and the glorification process will be complete.  Follow the example of Christ who saw beyond the cross, set His mind on things above and endured the cross.   

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for my salvation, for giving me new life, renewal of the mind, and for making me more like You.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

[Jesus Christ is the] Head [of the church], from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

Colossians 2:16-23

[Jesus Christ is the] Head [of the church], from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. Colossians 2:19

I continue my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today my focus is Colossians 2:16-23, where Paul explicitly warns against false teaching that has "no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh." Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: Vv16-17: Old Testament ceremonial law was only a shadow of things to come - namely Jesus Christ and the New Covenant based on his shed blood.  He came to fulfill the law and to establish this covenant with all those who believe - see also Romans 10:11-13 and Hebrews 8:5-6. V19: Jesus Christ is the Head (God) of the global church and all members (churches and their members/believers) are "nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments...[and the church] grows with a growth that is from God."
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv16-18, 20-23: Harkening back to my first post on Colossians where I shared a brief overview of Paul's purpose on writing to the church at Colosse, we are warned to - just as the Bereans did - examine (and hold fast to via faith in) scripture closely such that we have discernment to identify and not fall victim to trusting/following false teaching.  See also this blog post for more on the Colossian Heresy.  One of the Colossians' false teachings included how Old Testament Jewish ceremonial law remained intact when we know that Jesus came to fulfill the law and to establish a new covenant based on faith not obedience to ceremonial law.  See also this post.  Paul explicitly and accurately describes these false teachings as things that may "puff" people up "without reason by [their] sensuous mind[s]," as having "an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity," and most damning of all, as having zero "value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh."  This indulgence of the flesh is Satan seeking to get between you and God by warping your understanding of who Jesus is such that you not follow the One True God Jesus Christ. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid falling prey to false teaching that is of "no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh."  Claim the promise that only Jesus saves and that He alone gives new life. Follow the example of Paul and the Bereans to seek God with all of your heart, soul, and mind, to test scripture, and to seek discernment such that you can identify truth vs false teaching.  Follow God alone and do not add to or subtract from scripture as it is God's perfect Word.

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for my salvation, for giving me Your Word, for revealing Yourself to me, and for helping me discern false teaching.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ..And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands.

Colossians 2:6-15

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ..And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. Colossians 2:8, 13-14 

I continue my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today my focus is Colossians 2:6-15, where Paul reminds believers of how Christ gave them rebirth (regeneration) in Him, and that they should continue to abide in Him, lest they are taken "captive" by "elemental spirits of the world." Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V9: The whole fullness of deity dwells in Christ and the church. V10: Christ is the head of all rule and authority - He reigns over all, including all governing authorities (see also Romans 13:1-2) and Satan.  Vv12-14: Through regeneration or rebirth in Christ, God raises believers from spiritual death to new life where we have victory over sin and death as He "cancelled the record of death that stood against us." V15: The rulers and authorities thought they killed Christ but He not only rose and was victorious over sin and death, He also "disarmed" them by taking away the very weapons they tried to use to stop the spread of the Gospel.  They used both physical and spiritual forces but He could not be stopped and gave us the same power that raised Him from the dead.      
• What do we learn from the text about people?: V8: There are unbelievers (scoffers) and believers alike that seek to take believers captive with false teaching or just wrong teaching that focuses on "elemental spirits of the world."  Be careful for these influences.  Do not become friends of the world or pollute your mind with false teaching.  Abide and remain in Him.  Seek encouragement and sharpening from brothers and sisters in Christ.  Vv12-13: Without God people are spiritually dead, enslaved to sin.  
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid becoming friends of the world by growing comfortable with worldly ways or by allowing false teaching to captivate or engage you.  Claim the promise that we have both the same power that raised Christ from the dead but also the power to triumph over the earthly forces that orchestrated Christ's crucifixion.  Follow the example of Paul who put on the "whole armor of God" - regardless of his persecution and imprisonment, He continued to advance the gospel.  Abide and remain in Him.    

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for my salvation, for giving me new life in Christ, for giving me the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and for giving me the assurance of victory over sin and death. I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

 

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.

 Colossians 1:24-2:5

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. Colossians 1:24-26

I continue my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today my focus is Colossians 1:24-2:5, where Paul moves from describing the preeminence of Christ to sharing the purpose of his ministry work.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V25: Paul's ministry is stewardship of both the Word and spiritual gifts given him from God to share and teach the Word.  Vv25-26: God's Word is made fully known through Christ and revealed to believers, implying that some will not see the gospel (not be saved) as believers do.  Vv2:2-3: Christ is the source of "all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" - see also Proverbs 1:7 and 9:10.        
• What do we learn from the text about people?: V14: Paul starts by sharing the first of his purposes of his ministry - that (according to interpretation by John Piper) his sufferings represent an extension of Christ's sufferings for those who were unable to personally witness His sufferings on the cross.  Vv25-27: Paul continues by sharing that his suffering furthers the effort to make the Gospel fully known to the Gentiles - that they comprehend and appreciate the riches of Christ glory.  V28: Paul then moves to further define what is meant by fully known and he does so by sharing that those who know and accept Jesus mature in Christ. Discipleship is key - we are called to not to just know Christ but to grow in Christ. V29: Paul emphasizes that he toils and struggles for this end....and Christ works powerfully in him to equip him.  This same equipping power is within all believers - the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. V2:1: Paul loves (and lays down his life in a manner similar to Christ) those whom he has not met at Laodicea - we are to love other believers as God loves us - see also John 13:34-35. Vv2:2: Paul seeks to encourage believers to appreciate that they are "knit together in love," and that they mature so that they comprehend the "full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery."  V2:4: Paul seeks these things so that believers may defend against false teaching. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We must avoid sinful influences that distract us and pollute God's Word. Claim the promise that Christ is the source of all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge - know and accept Him!  Follow Paul's example to allow sacrifice and suffering to extend the suffering of Christ to allow God's strength to shine through your weakness.  Know and mature in Christ.   

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for my salvation, for never leaving or forsaking me, and for working in me to equip and strengthen me to serve through sacrifice and struggle. I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

 Colossians 1:15-23

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:15-17

I return to my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today my focus is Colossians 1:15-23, where Paul, as part of broader effort to exhort the church at Colosse to defend itself against false teaching, shares how God reigns over all, and how believers are now reconciled to Him and justified in His eyes.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?: V15: He is the firstborn of Creation - meaning He existed before all other things. V16: All things were created by Him, through Him, and for Him - with the latter meaning that all visible (governing authorities) and invisible (Satan) things exist for His purpose and to manifest His glory.  V17: He is before all things - meaning that in timing/sequence and in authority (He is first), and He holds all things together - meaning that at His direction things can cease to exist and or function.  V18: He leads and is head of the church and He is preeminent. V19: The fullness of God exists in Christ the Son - tying back to v15 where Paul states that Christ is "[t]he image of the invisible God." V19: God is pleased to reside in Christ.  
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv20-21: God reconciles all things to Himself - without God people remain separated from Him, enslaved and living in sin, hostile to Him.  Vv22-23: Believers are justified, blameless, and not guilty in His eyes - above reproach (discredit, disgrace) IF we "continue in the faith" and avoid "shifting from the hope of the gospel." 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid shifting from the hope of the gospel, either by placing Your hope in things above God, or by allowing anxiety or discouragement to overcome you.  Claim the promise that - as a believer - you are holy, blameless and above reproach before God.  Follow the example of Paul to continue in the faith, and to be stable and steadfast in this faith.

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for my salvation, for reconciling me to You, and for justifying me as holy, blameless, and above approach before You.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.

John 17:26

I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them. John 17:26

Today, I pause my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon - to listen to DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion - which today looks at how we can experience the same love of Jesus the Son that God the Father loves Jesus the Son - an incredible concept!  The highlighted text is a prayer from Jesus where He prays the love of the Father to the Son be in us.  In the devotion, Piper challenges us to "imagine being able to enjoy what is most enjoyable with unbounded energy and passion forever."  He then shares three obstacles to such an endeavor while at the same time, reminds us that these obstacles will fall away if the prayer is answered....and one expects that it would be given Jesus is aligned with the Father in desires, will, etc.  Based on the promise of this prayer, and how this promise will come true, we then see the connection to the title of the devotion - Joy Unbound.  If the same love from the Father to the Son is in us and Jesus is in us (via the Holy Spirit), then we experience and inexhaustible joy and pleasure in God.  Let that sink in - Jesus is our greatest treasure, He is more than enough to "meet the deepest longings of our hearts," we have more than enough "strength to savor" Jesus completely as our treasure, and given our salvation, we get to experience this treasure forever.  Incredible indeed!

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You praying that I experience the same love from the Father to the Son, for living in me, for my salvation, and for the mercies that never cease and that are new every morning.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me daily.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.