I've been struggling to find a good book in the Bible to begin a study in. I didn't want one that was too deep that it would require a lot of Old testament research (like Romans or Hebrews) and I wanted to find a book that was a good introduction into the person we study the Bible to learn about...Jesus Christ. All scripture points toward Jesus, but some more clearly than others. Colossians is one of the clearer ones. So to begin with let me say that to study the Bible is more than reading the Bible. This is not like reading "Old Man and the Sea" or a John Grisham book. The Bible is deep enough to study over a lifetime and still not be able to tap into all it's depths. So, for me, to "study" means to read small sections of it slowly and then keep re-reading those same sections over and over. It sounds like over-kill, but many times the scripture will begin to open itself up after this type of "meditation". So let's get into Colossians.
This is a relatively short letter written by Paul to a church in Colossae. It seems to be a church that Paul didn't ever visit personally, but had an acquaintance (Epaphras) that apparently started the church. So it helps to read this as a letter written to encourage an early church, and read the zeal and passion Paul has for both this church and Jesus. I'm going to start with spending some time in chapter 1 and I'll use the comment section of this post to record some of my thoughts. And any one is welcome to contribute anyway they see fit. Chapter 1 has one of the most thorough descriptions of Jesus in all the Bible, and pretty much spells out the Gospel message perfectly. Check it out...and as you read it, check out how there is no selfish motive in Paul's intent behind this letter. Paul is actually in prison as he writes this, and his only desires seem to be for these people in Colossae and their (and his) God.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
18 comments:
Verse 1 tells us that Paul is writing this letter. If you check out all the letters Paul has written in the Bible you'll find that he starts each one by telling the reader who is writing the letter. Kinda opposite to how we do it now, with us signing the letter at the end. I kinda like the old way. Peter, James, and Jude all share this technique with Paul.
The 2nd verse of chapter 1 tells us who he's addressing: "The holy and faithful brothers in Christ". So these are people who already heard the Gospel and who already believe in Jesus. That seems obvious, but it is often helpful to understand who the writer is writing to, to best determine his intent.
We don't often describe people today who believe in Jesus as "holy" like Paul does in this verse. "Faithful" yes, but not "holy". Try and say that about yourself or another believer...does it sound weird? It does to me. But if we cheat and jump ahead to verse 22 you'll find out why Paul can describe these believers as "holy".
"But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation" (Col. 1:22)
So if we share in this same faith today, we can also share in that same description. "Holy"! So if you want to impress your friends or spouse, and you have a genuine faith in Jesus, you can go up and tell them you're holy in God's sight. Then they'll think you're cool!
COLOSSIANS 1:1-8
This starts out with "grace to you", and my goodness how amazing is that grace. Jesus came to minister to the house of Israel. (the Jews) Then sent Paul to us. We were not the chosen, yet JESUS chose us. We are not of the house of Israel, yet HIS love knows no bounds. GOD THE FATHER and GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT loves the SON so much that when HE came into the world HE was far too valuable to come just for the house of Israel..it was for the whole world. We are HIS because HIS grace abounds. What is grace but a beautiful gift from a loving FATHER. I am so thankful HE counted me worthy. That HIS salvation would reach me. Where would I be without HIM? In bondage carrying the cares of this world. But no, by grace through faith in the LORD JESUS, I am free. And who JESUS sets free is free indeed!!!
Isaiah 49:6 6 Indeed He says, ‘ It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Matthew 15:21 Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.” 23 But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.” 24 But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” 26 But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” 27 And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
The Gospel has taught us hope, and through hope we have faith and have learned to love others with a love and a peace that the world can not comprehend. All that we were we can longer be when we walk in the Spirit. Jesus has made us something new. I have a hope that one day I will see my LORD coming on the clouds calling for me. I have a hope of bowing at HIS feet, being surrounded by a cloud of witnesses. I have a hope of seeing my loved ones that have gone before me. I have a hope of glorious ceremony when I lay my crown at my Saviors feet. I have a hope of living on a new earth where JESUS shall shine as the sun and there will never be darkness again. What is hope? Something expected. I know all my hopes are more that dreams, because GOD said has said it, and GOD is not man so HE can not lie.
Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
It is cool that we are considered "Holy". It's actually unbelievable. I know you're in Col. but if you go over to 1 Peter 2: vs 5 and vs 9 we're also considered a royal priesthood and a peculiar people.
I've always loved that. Just think, we're considered a "royal priesthood", a CHILD of the King. Just how amazing is that????!!!!
It looks like we've got ourselves a Bible study! Even just a small group of people studying the Bible together helps create both accountability and interest. And those are two key ingredients to being "..filled with the knowledge of His will.."(verse 9 reference).
In case anyone is wondering, I keep changing the look of the Blog. I'm trying to find a format that is easier to post and read comments. The best thing I've found so far is to click on the Post title, "Book of Colossians" in this case, and the comments will appear at the bottom of the page. You can then click on "post a comment" and add to the list. It's not the most user friendly system, but I'll keep searching.
Paul is definitely praying for these people in Collose. He says so in verses 3 and 9. This is a good reminder of our responsibility toward prayer and it's power. If Paul found it necessary then so should we.
Paul's prayers were giving thanks and asking for these people to have "..the knowledge of God's will.." I think that's what we're after as well, the knowledge of God's will. But what does that knowledge bring us? Here's some key words Paul uses in verses 10-12 to answer this question:
LIVING A LIFE WORTHY OF THE LORD
PLEASING HIM IN EVERY WAY
BEARING FRUIT IN EVERY GOOD WORK
GROWING IN KNOWLEDGE
BEING STRENGTHENED
having ENDURANCE
having PATIENCE
having JOY
GIVING THANKS TO THE FATHER
All this (and more) are products of just searching for God's will for your life. And if we follow Paul's example, we will not only search for ourselves, but we'll pray that others find their way too.
really, really good stuff!!!!
Here are a couple more verses concerning GOD's will:
Romans 12:1&2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality;4 that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 5 not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
AND OF COURSE:
Matthew 6:10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.
Being in the Will of God can not be done on our own. It's by our Faith in Christ that we have been redeemed, bought with a price by His atoning blood, forgiven with spiritual blessings.
So, the Holy Spirit is the author of all this. The grace of God in our hearts is the power and glory. We all have been given a measure of Faith and it's thru our trials that help us grow and mature.
It's only with the grace of God, help of the H.S. that we are able to walk worthy of the Lord, to increase in knowledge as it is imparted or as revelation takes place in our hearts. We will bear fruit as we walk with the Lord.
I believe Paul was trying to remind them of where they were and not to be led astray. Same with us, it's thru our prayers for each other and holding each other accountable that will help keep us on track. And, it's our individual responsibility to learn and know how to "abide" in Christ.
Why does Paul use the words "love in the spirit" in verse 8? Why didn't he just say Epaphras declared your love for Christ? I might be reading too much into it but I find it odd that he used this term or that Epaphras used it to describe them to Paul. Then, he goes on to say that for this reason we do not cease to pray for you. Wow!
John 4:24 says "God is spirit..."
1 John 4:8 says "..God is love"
So Paul might be implying that the Love these people are showing is a love that can only originate from God. Having a love for something doesn't necessarily mean it's a love from God...if I love to beat my dog, that might be considered a love that's not in the Spirit (cat, maybe). But if I love to help feed the hungry and clothe the poor, then that is a love that would appear to be from God's Spirit, and I'll bet that's in line with what these believer's in Colossa actions were producing.
HE IS THE IMAGE OF THE INVISIBLE GOD (Col. 1:15)
That is a verse that can stretch your mind's imagination to it's max. Let me show you what I mean:
A common argument that an Atheist will through out is "Where did God come from ?" to which we can only answer "I don't know". But the question is not fair because the question is like asking someone to draw a four sided triangle..it can't be done in this reality we live in. As I stated above, the Bible says God is LOVE and SPIRIT. Can you show me Love or Spirit? We can not touch it, see it, hear it, or really even comprehend it. It is not of this world. It is not physical. It does not conform to the laws of time and space like all the things we experience. So God does not exist in the way we think things need to exist..God was not created, He has simply always been! I told you it's hard to comprehend.
So when verse 15 says "Jesus is the image of the invisible God", that's exactly what He is. All human senses could now experience this deity. He could be touched, seen, and heard...He was alive with us...The creator walking with His creation...
..and then persecuted and killed by His creation...
Try to wrap your brain around all that! It pretty much exemplifies the word "humility".
God is Love and until we ask Jesus in our heart and the Holy Spirit takes up residence in us I believe, we can only experience "Phileo" type love. (friendship type love) There's another type love "Agape" Love (unconditional/sacraficial) which comes thru the spirit. Take a look at this analysis:
After Peter denied Jesus 3 times prior to the crucifixion he asked Peter:
"Simon son of John, do you truly love (agape) me more than these?
"Yes Lord, he said, "you know that I love (phileo) you.
Jesus said, Feed my lambs.
Again Jesus said, Simon son of John, do you truly love (agape) me?
He answered, Yes, Lord, you know that I love (phileo) you.
Jesus said, Take care of my sheep.
The third time he said to him, Simon son of John, do you love (phileo) me?
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time. "Do you love (phileo) me?
He said, Lord, you know all things, that I love(phileo) you. Jesus said, Feed my sheep.
Peter, was ashamed of his unfaithfulness, couldn't bring himself to acknowedge agape love towards Jesus. However Jesus provided a way for him to show his love through obedience. One way our Agape love is revealed to the Lord is by our obedience.
John 14:21 - Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me.
Thru personal experience I recall the times I've been "filled" with the Holy Spirit and the love I felt was so truly awesome. It's hard to walk in the spirit all the time and that comes thru abiding in Jesus.
Okay, I'm weighing in here. Greg, thanks for simple act of initiating this forum. (I had not planned on contributing so much as tagging along for the ride.) I've discovered that my spirit is just as susceptible to good suggestion as my flesh is to bad, hence the idea of studying this book got it's hooks in me and I'm enjoying this thoroughly. Greg's Mom and sister: Hey. Thanks for the comments. Okay, here goes:
Paul was going along fine until about verse 23 and then all of a sudden I'm going, "What the...?"
"If" I continue in the faith? If?!Being raised mormon, this set off all sorts of legalistic bomb shells inside me. "So, it really is up to me to'stay saved." God's grace isn't enough. I've got to "work" out that salvation...etc.
So, I did what I never do. I started checking out some commentaries. What I read seemed like a lot of verbage trying to explain away a hard teaching. My head was spinning from the theological vertigo. So, I decided to dig into the greek a little. So much hinges on that one little word translated "If." Funny, but that little word can actually be translated: indeed, inasmuch, as or even since. Now, from what I've heard translation is notoriously difficult so I'm far from casting stones at the bible scholars but this one little word changes everything...everything. Try substituting any of the 4 words listed above and read the sentence again. I'm so quick do go into the default mode of sin, questioning that my Fathers heart toward me is good. "If" I could only take off these freaking "glasses" I view scripture and all of life through and instead let everything be filtered through my Abba's ridiculous, relentless love for me.
If...
That's an interesting verse Revonda just posted...the King James version has Eph 4:7 this way:
"But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ"
Paul seems to be addressing believers in Christ here...so I assume when he says "every one of us" he is referring to just believers, but maybe not. But he is definitely referring to two gifts, the gift of "grace" and the gift of "Christ". So what is the gift of Christ...salvation, maybe?
Paul continues on with what God's gifts are, and they all seem to be gifts that are to help strengthen people's faith. The gifts are:
"apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers" (Eph 4:11)
for the purpose of :
"For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Eph 4:12)
So God's "grace" here is the gifts that point people to Christ, which is God's biggest and best gift.
So God gives us gifts (through grace)that help to show us all (the world) God's true gift which is Jesus Christ.
I don't think I added anything to this discussion but maybe confusion, but it definitely got me thinking.
I'll end with this verse:
"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift" (2 Cor 9:15)
Alright, I told myself I'd leave this alone...besides, everyone's moved on to chapter 2 but here it is: What's up with verse 24? Paul is "filling up in his flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions"? I wasn't aware that anything was lacking. Thought He pretty much had it covered. Now, before you crack those commentaries take a long hard look at this, pray over it and lemme know what the Spirit who searches all things shows you. I know the textbook answer. I'm just not sure I'm convinced the textbook has it right this time. Interested in your insights.
I'm having blogspot issues so I'm posting as anonymous again. This is david l.
true study and revelation comes only from my TEACHER, HE reveals all things to me as HE wills. I will talk with HIM and see what HE has to tell me. I don't know when I can respond but this is a very interesting verse I have many times overlooked..
Very interesting verse. And I like the call to avoid the commentaries. I use to do all my studying in the commentaries and I found that it is much more rewarding and beneficial to learn it on my own. So he's my shot at it:
"Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you,..."(vs 24)
the suffering could be a reference to Christ's suffering on the cross. Just 2 verses earlier Paul says "he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death". There is the suffering (death) and the recipient of this suffering (you).
"...and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions" (vs. 24)
Paul is "filling" his own flesh...what? How about if we relate it to being filled with the Holy Spirit? We know Paul writes about that in Eph 5:18. "What is lacking" is a reference to what is lacking in his flesh, because we should all know (and all to well) that even though we follow Christ, we are still lacking because of our sinful nature, our flesh.
So Christ's afflictions gives us a holy standing in God's eyes, but it does not take away the sinful desires of our flesh. In Romans 7:15 Paul writes:
"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."
So Paul is struggling with his sinfulness because that is his part in his salvation...how big of a role is that in his salvation?..."I don't know".
That's my take on it.
Greg, good answer. Here's a post from a friend of mine in Greenwood. Her name is Teresa. I hope she will start posting some.
Amazing how many times I've read this and just passed right over it. I never knew Col. could be such a deep study.
Here goes:
Paul was such a mighty man of God. He had awesome revelations from God in so much that it became a thorn in his flesh. The enemy used this to buffet him in that men would try exalting him above measure; treating him as though he were a god or an angel (see 1Cor.12:6-10).Many say he was blind or sick in some way, but the scripture is self explanatory. In Colossians 1:24, Paul is referring to suffering. This is an issue many run from. They do not believe that we too must suffer for Christ's sake. Paul understood "process". The church at Colosse did not, or maybe refused to go through process which is equivalent to suffering. Therefore, Paul made up for what was lacking in the Body of Christ -the Church- in his body (the process- suffering they were not willing to go through) at that time so he could recieve revelation, knowledge, and understanding in the things of God that the Church would benefit (see Col. 1:25-28). There is an assignment (a call, a gift)on every life, but we first must go through PROCESS. People today will accept the Blood Attonment but will not give Jesus their heart- their life. There is no crown without a cross, Jesus said, "Unless a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abides alone; but if it dies it brings forth much fruit, He that loves his life shall lose it; he that hates his life in this world shall keep it unto eternal life. If any man serve me; let him follow me; and where I am there shall also be my servant; if any man serve me, him will my Father honour, Now my soul is troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour, but for this cause came I unto this hour" (John 12:24-27). Process is taking up our cross daily denying our will, our way, our wants and taking upon us His will, His way, His desires. Not everyone that calls Him LORD is truly a disciple (see Matt.7:19-23). Paul was beaten, ship wrecked, left for dead, some even say he did indeed die and was brought back to life; these are the things he took on to his physical body that the rest of the Body would benefit. The Church as she is today does not portray the REAL Jesus. We preach the gospel and offer the world Jesus, but the world says we have enough trouble here why do you offer us what you have; sorry we don't want it. When we go through process (suffering) we become overcomers. God gives us a voice over all that we overcome. Paul wrought miracles, worked wonders through the power of the Holy Spirit. We are to be no different. It's called earned authority. Read the book of Revelation, that's what it's all about, the enemy comes, He - Jesus conquers, we win!
Great comments! Keep'em coming. I'll mull these over. Definitely some perspectives I hadn't considered. Getting all "synoptic" wit you bad selves!
I gave my feed back on this verse (Col. 1:24) while breaking one of my key rules of Bible study. I only read the NIV version of the text. The KJV reads much different and required me to question my interpretation...along with my wife's (Angela) questioning of my interpretation. As I dug deeper into Paul's intent, I became more confused. So I turned to one of my favorites, Oswald Chambers. Those of you who have a copy, check out this verse in the reference section of "My Utmost for His Highest". If you don't have a copy, leave right know and go buy one. It's a must! But this is obviously one of Chamber's favorite verses because he references it so much. His also has some good insight. But even with his insight, the verse still has some mystery to me.
I'm looking forward to other people's take on this verse and it's meaning.
Colossians 1:24
Paul suffered; he was stoned, beaten, imprisoned and yet continued on. Paul stood out and took the affliction and the church as a whole was protected from the great suffering Paul suffered. Paul . Peter, Stephen and many others were martyred, yet the church could not be killed. The Church was protected because men like Paul stood out as the spokesmen of our LORD and took the brunt of the storm. We are the body of CHRIST. A time of great affliction will come for us, until then many bold men and women will be persecuted because they are on the front line. Today in America that affliction comes by words. The church as a whole is not condemned but many Evangelists and others are spoken against. The sad part of this is it is usually Christians who are willing to condemn them for what they don't understand.
Post a Comment