The Conversion Of The Colossians- Colossians 1:21-23
INTRODUCTION
1. We noticed in the previous lesson Paul describing “The Preeminent Christ” - Co 1:13-20
2. The last point made by Paul was that Jesus was “The Reconciler Of All Things” - Co 1:20
3. As a case in point, Paul reminds the Colossians they too had been “reconciled” to God through Jesus Christ - Co 1:21-23
[In this study we will examine “The Conversion Of The Colossians” as described in this passage, with a view towards understanding and appreciating our own reconciliation with God...]
I. THE CONVERSION OF THE COLOSSIANS (21-23)
A. BEFORE THEIR CONVERSION...
1. Paul said they were “alienated and enemies”
a. The word “alienated” comes from apallotrioo {ap-al-lot-ree-o’-o}, which means:
1) to alienate, estrange
2) to be shut out from one’s fellowship and intimacy
b. The word “enemies” is from echthros {ech-thros’}, and describes that which is:
1) hated, odious, hateful
2) hostile, hating, and opposing another;
3) used of men as at enmity with God by their sin
2. Why were they this way?
a. Because in both thought and deed they were sinners!
b. As Paul writes: “...enemies in your mind by wicked works”
B. BUT NOW THEY ARE RECONCILED...!
1. How so? Two things are mentioned in the context...
a. In vs. 20, Paul mentions “the blood of His cross”
b. In vs. 21-22, Paul says they were reconciled “in the body of His flesh through death” -- Both of these phrases emphasize that Jesus suffered in the flesh, something some people in those days denied - cf. 2 Jn 7; He 2:9,14
2. Through the offering of Jesus’ body and blood, they were now reconciled (brought back) to God; they are now presented to God as:
a. “holy” - sanctified, set apart for God’s use
b. “blameless” - without being guilty of anything worthy of blame
c. “irreproachable” - guilty of nothing that can be called into to account; unreproveable, unaccused, blameless
3. Note that this wonderful condition is how God views us (“in His sight”)!
C. THEIR RECONCILIATION TO GOD AND EXALTED CONDITION CONTINUES “IF”...
1. They “continue in the faith”
2. They remain “grounded and steadfast”
3. They “are not moved away from the hope of the gospel”
[In “The Conversion Of The Colossians,” we have seen...
1) That they had been grave sinners, enemies and alienated from God
2) Yet, they had been reconciled to God
a) Through Jesus’ death on the cross
b) Such so they were now “holy, blameless, and irreproachable in His sight”
3) But their reconciliation appears conditional, dependent upon their continued faithfulness and steadfast hope! Now let’s make some...]
II. OBSERVATIONS AND APPLICATIONS
A. THEIR CONDITION PRIOR TO RECONCILIATION NOT UNIQUE...
1. True, they had been wicked sinners, enemies, and alienated from God
2. But so were we all! - cf. Ep 2:1-3; Ti 3:3
3. Anyone who thinks otherwise is ignorant of:
a. The terribleness of sin
b. The awesome holiness and justice required of God’s character
4. To better understand how the opposition of sin and God’s holiness...
a. Consider what one sin will do: make us as guilty as though we have broken the entire law! - cf. Ja 2:10
b. Consider the price necessary to redeem us from sin - the death of God’s Beloved Son!
c. Contemplate the “words of anguish” uttered by Jesus as He bore our sins upon the
cross (“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”) - Mt 27:46
B. OUR RECONCILIATION WITH GOD IS MADE POSSIBLE ONLY THROUGH JESUS’ DEATH ON THE CROSS...
1. Good works cannot reconcile us back to God
a. Such as “churchgoing”, acts of mercy and kindness, etc.
b. If so, then Cornelius would have been saved by them
1) For he certainly was a “good man” - cf. Ac 10:1-2
2) But as recounted by Peter, the angel told Cornelius that he still needed to have
2. Though “good works” are essential as disciples of Jesus Christ (cf. Ti 2:14; 3:1,8,14), the bottom line is this:
a. We are “justified” (declared “not guilty”) by Christ’s blood - Ro 5:9
b. Only the “blood of His cross” can cleanse us from sin! - Ep 1:7; 1 Jn 1:7
3. Only in this way can we be “holy, blameless, and irreproachable” in God’s sight!
C. OUR RECONCILIATION IS CONDITIONAL...!
1. Notice again that Paul says “if indeed you continue...” - Co 1:23
a. Once saved (reconciled to God), we can still be lost!
b. What about “the security of the believer?”
1) Though the Bible does teach the security of the believer...
2) It also teaches the insecurity of the unbeliever
3) And it teaches that a believer, if not diligent, can become an unbeliever! - cf. He 3:12-15; 16-4:2,11
2. And so, Paul emphasizes that we must “continue in the faith”, which involves:
a. Being “grounded and steadfast” (thus the need for follow-up)
b. “not moved away from the hope of the gospel,” which can occur through:
1) Error or false doctrine - cf. 2 Pe 3:17
2) Temptations to sin - cf. 2 Pe 2:20-22
3) Trials and hardships in life - cf. Re 2:10
CONCLUSION
1. What have we learned from “The Conversion Of The Colossians?”
a. First, a reminder to those who are Christians...
1) Of where they once were
2) Of the blessings they now enjoy in Christ
3) Of the need to remain faithful to the end
b. But also, a lesson to those not Christians...
1) Pointing out where they are right now in their sins, as God views them
2) Revealing where they can be, if they will respond so as to benefit from the blessings of Jesus’ death on the cross
3) That being a Christian will require continued steadfastness and growth on their part
2. We close with an observation concerning Paul’s remark about the gospel, which even in his day “was preached to every creature under heaven” (1:23)...
a. In this lesson, I have shared the basics of the gospel to every person who receives this lesson
b. Have you obeyed the gospel? If not, why not now?
Remember it was Jesus who said:
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every
creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not
shall be damned. - Mk 16:15-16
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
The Preeminent Christ- Colossians 1:13-20
The Preeminent Christ- Colossians 1:13-20
INTRODUCTION
1. When Paul first met Jesus on the road to Damascus, he did not know at that time who Jesus really was (“Who are you, lord?” - Ac 9:3-5)
2. But when we come to Paul’s epistle to the Colossians, we learn that Paul had come to a much fuller understanding of exactly who Jesus was!
3. In this lesson, we shall look at Co 1:13-20, and notice Paul’s description of “The Preeminent Christ”
4. In so doing, I hope we will be impressed with the fact that Christ is certainly our all-sufficient and preeminent Savior, who is worthy of our love, adoration, and obedience
[Who is this Jesus called “Christ”? Our first point can be gleaned from a comment made in verse 13, where Paul was giving reasons why we ought to be giving thanks to the Father. That is, Jesus is...]
I. THE KING OVER HIS KINGDOM (13)
A. JESUS HIMSELF PROCLAIMED TO BE A KING...
1. He claimed to have a kingdom, and even came into this world to proclaim the truth that He is a king - Jn 18:36-37
2. After his resurrection, He claimed the extent of His rule: authority over all heaven and earth! - Mt 28:18; cf. Ep 1:20-23
B. HIS KINGSHIP AND KINGDOM PROCLAIMED IN REVELATION...
1. He is “the ruler over the kings of the earth” - Re 1:5
2. He has made His disciples “kings and priest” (or, “a kingdom of priests”) to His God and Father - Re 1:6
3. Those in Christ Jesus are in His kingdom - Re 1:9
4. Those who persevere to the end will rule with Him even as He now reigns! - Re 2:26-27; 3:21
5. He is truly “Lord of lords and King of kings!” - Re 17:14; 19:16
[“King of kings”...certainly an indication of “The Preeminent Christ”! But notice also that He is...]
II. THE SAVIOR FROM OUR SINS (14)
A. BY VIRTUE OF HIS BLOOD WE HAVE “REDEMPTION”...
1. The word “redemption” (Greek, apolutrosis) means “a releasing effected by payment of ransom”
2. I.e., we have been “released” from the bondage of sin through the payment of Jesus’ blood shed on the cross - cf. Mt 20:28
B. BY VIRTUE OF HIS BLOOD WE HAVE “FORGIVENESS”...
1. “Forgiveness” (Greek, aphesis) means “release from bondage or imprisonment”
2. In Christ, we have “forgiveness or pardon, of sins (letting them go as if they had never been committed), remission of the penalty”
[As pronounced by the Angel to Joseph, “you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Mt 1:21) A “king” capable of providing “redemption” and “forgiveness” from sins; truly indications of preeminence! But there is more, for He is also...]
III. THE IMAGE OF THE INVISIBLE GOD (15)
A. THE WORD “IMAGE”...
1. Comes from the Greek eikon {i-kone’}
2. Meaning “an image, figure, likeness”
B. JESUS IS THE “IMAGE” OF GOD WHO IS INVISIBLE...!
1. No man has ever seen God, but Jesus has “declared” (made manifest) Him - Jn 1:18
2. As Jesus Himself said, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” - Jn 14:7-9
3. As expressed by the writer to the Hebrews, Jesus is:
a. The brightness of God’s Glory
b. The express image of His Person - He 1:3
4. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians...
a. Jesus is the “image of God” - 2 Co 4:4
b. In the “face of Jesus Christ” is “the knowledge of the glory of God” - 2 Co 4:6
5. From these passages, we learn that Jesus accurately and fully expresses the being and perfection of God!
6. I.e., by looking at Jesus (as He is revealed in the Word of God), we can see and know the Father, who is invisible!
[The next description of “The Preeminent Christ” is one that confused many and caused some to draw erroneous conclusions. We observe that Jesus is also...]
IV. THE FIRSTBORN OVER ALL CREATION (15)
A. CONCERNING THE TERM “FIRSTBORN”...
1. It can mean “the first one born” (or created)
a. Some have therefore concluded from this passage that Jesus is a created being, the first of all God’s creations
b. For example, those led by the Watchtower Society (who call themselves “Jehovah’s
Witnesses”)
2. But it is also used in the Scriptures as a metaphor to describe one occupies the rank and privilege of being firstborn (without actually being “firstborn”)
a. Used by God in this way to refer to the nation of Israel - Exo 4:22
b. Used by God in this way to refer to David, who was the youngest of eight brothers
- Psa 89:20,27
3. Therefore, any interpretation of this term must be in harmony with what is taught about Christ elsewhere...
a. And Jesus is clearly proclaimed to be the creator of all things - Jn 1:1-3; Co 1:16
b. It could not be said He is the creator of all things if He Himself was a created being!
c. Which is why the JW’s try to get around these passages by inserting the modifier
“other” four times in their NWT translation of Co 1:16-17!
B. THE PURPOSE OF THE PHRASE “FIRSTBORN OVER ALL CREATION”...
1. To stress that Jesus is preeminent overall creation, He has all the rights of one as if He were a “firstborn”
2. Just as God...
a. Declared Israel to be His “firstborn” over the nations of the earth (though not the first nation to exist)
b. Declared David to be His “firstborn” over the kings of the earth (though not the
first king either) ...so God has declared Jesus to be the “firstborn” over all creation (though He Himself was not a created being!)
[As already touched upon above, we learn from Paul that Jesus is also...]
V. THE CREATOR OF ALL THINGS (16-17a)
A. THIS AMAZING TRUTH CONCERNING JESUS IS ALSO CONFIRMED BY...
1. John in his gospel - Jn 1:3
2. The writer of the epistle to the Hebrews - He 1:3
B. FROM THESE VERSES WE LEARN WHEN THE WORLD WAS CREATED...
1. Jesus was the creative agent by which everything came into being!
2. Everything was created for Him also!
C. AS THE CREATOR OF ALL THINGS...
1. It only follows that He existed before anything that was created
2. Which seems to be the idea of 17a (“He is before all things”)
[In addition to being the Creator of all things, in verse 17 we learn that Jesus is also...]
VI. THE SUSTAINER OF ALL THINGS (17b)
A. “IN HIM ALL THINGS CONSIST...”
1. That is, in Him all things are kept in their present state
2. Their existence, order, and arrangement are continued in the present form by His power!
B. WHAT IF JESUS CHOSE TO REMOVE HIS POWER...?
1. Every created thing would fall into disorder!
2. Or sink back into nothingness!
[Truly in regards to creation, Jesus is “The Preeminent Christ!” But His preeminence also extends to the realm of redemption, suggested earlier in vs. 13-14, and now developed further in vs. 18-20...]
VII. THE HEAD OF THE BODY, THE CHURCH (18a)
A. THE CHURCH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST...
1. The word “church” comes from ekklesia {ek-klay-see’-ah}, meaning a congregation
or assembly made up of people who have been “called out”
2. Those called out by the gospel of Christ into His kingdom form a great assembly or
congregation
3. The term “church” is used in two senses:
a. Universal - the body of saved believers throughout the world
b. Local - a congregation of saved believers in one locality
4. In the context of Co 1:18, Paul is speaking of the church “universal” (though what we are about to say in the next point would be true in a “local” church as well)
B. AS THE HEAD, JESUS IS OVER THE CHURCH...
1. As we have already seen, He has all authority in heaven and earth - Mt 28:18
2. How much more so, should He hold the rank of preeminence in His Church!
3. He is the One, therefore, who controls the destiny of those in His church! - cf. Re 2, 3
[Jesus is also...]
VIII. THE BEGINNING, THE FIRSTBORN FROM THE DEAD (18b)
A. THE WORD “BEGINNING”...
1. Comes from the Greek, arche {ar-khay’}
2. Various shades of meaning include...
a. Beginning, origin
b. The person or thing that commences, the first person or thing in a series, the leader
c. That by which anything begins to be, the origin, the active cause
d. The first place, principality, rule, magistracy
B. REMEMBER THE USE OF THE WORD “FIRSTBORN”...
1. It does not necessarily mean the first one, but can refer to the preeminent one
2. Jesus was not the first person to rise from the dead (cf. Jairus’ daughter, the son of the widow of Nain, and Lazarus)
3. But He is the first to rise, never to die again, and is declared elsewhere to be the “first fruits” of the resurrection - cf. 1 Co 15:20,23
4. The term “first fruits” suggests “the cream of the crop”, i.e., that which is preeminent
C. THUS, IN REGARDS TO THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD...
1. Jesus is both the “origin, active cause” (the beginning) and the “firstborn from the dead”
2. He is the “active cause” of the resurrection: “in Christ all shall be made alive” - 1 Co 15:22
3. By His own resurrection, never to die again, He is the “firstborn from the dead”, the “first fruits”, i.e., the preeminent one!
[Two more points are made by Paul in regards to “The Preeminent Christ” in this passage. The first is that in Jesus dwells...]
IX. THE FULLNESS OF ALL THINGS (19)
A. JESUS IS CLEARLY THE “FULLNESS” OF DEITY...
1. We have seen that He is “the image of the invisible God” - Co 1:15
2. Paul later declares that in Jesus “dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” - Co 2:9
B. JESUS IS ALSO OUR “FULLNESS”...
1. In Him we have “redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” - Co 1:14
2. In Him we have “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” - Co 2:3
3. Yes, we are “complete in Him” - Co 2:10
[Finally, we learn that Jesus is...]
X. THE RECONCILER OF ALL THINGS TO GOD (20)
A. THE FATHER’S DESIRE IS TO RECONCILE TO HIMSELF...
1. “things on earth”
a. Which includes sinful man - cf. 2 Co 5:18-20
b. Both Jews and Gentiles - cf. Ep 2:14-18
2. “things in heaven”
a. Admittedly, a difficult phrase
b. It would be easy to fall into vain speculation as to what this means (e.g., what things in heaven need reconciliation to God?)
c. Whatever Paul may be alluding to, the point is clear: Jesus is to be the reconciler of all things to God!
B. GOD IS ABLE TO RECONCILE ALL THINGS BY JESUS TO HIMSELF...
1. “having made peace through the blood of His cross”
2. Through the death of His Son, it is now possible for sinful man to be reconciled to God! - Ro 5:10; Co 1:21-22
CONCLUSION
1. Paul had certainly come a long way in his understanding of Jesus since that day he met Him on the road to Damascus!
a. From saying “Who are you, lord?”
b. To proclaiming Jesus to be:
1) The king over His kingdom
2) The savior from our sins
3) The image of the invisible God
4) The firstborn over all creation
5) The creator of all things
6) The sustainer of all things
7) The head of the body, the church
8) The beginning, the firstborn from the dead
9) The fullness of all things
10) The reconciler of all things to God
2. I trust that our own understanding and appreciation of Jesus has increased as a result of studying this passage!
3. Perhaps we can also appreciate why Jesus so much praise and adoration in heaven - cf. Re 5:11-12
4. What are we doing to show our appreciation to Jesus, our “preeminent and all-sufficient Savior?”
5. Consider the words of Jesus in Luke 6:46...implying that the best way we can praise Him is by obeying Him
Have you? Are you?
INTRODUCTION
1. When Paul first met Jesus on the road to Damascus, he did not know at that time who Jesus really was (“Who are you, lord?” - Ac 9:3-5)
2. But when we come to Paul’s epistle to the Colossians, we learn that Paul had come to a much fuller understanding of exactly who Jesus was!
3. In this lesson, we shall look at Co 1:13-20, and notice Paul’s description of “The Preeminent Christ”
4. In so doing, I hope we will be impressed with the fact that Christ is certainly our all-sufficient and preeminent Savior, who is worthy of our love, adoration, and obedience
[Who is this Jesus called “Christ”? Our first point can be gleaned from a comment made in verse 13, where Paul was giving reasons why we ought to be giving thanks to the Father. That is, Jesus is...]
I. THE KING OVER HIS KINGDOM (13)
A. JESUS HIMSELF PROCLAIMED TO BE A KING...
1. He claimed to have a kingdom, and even came into this world to proclaim the truth that He is a king - Jn 18:36-37
2. After his resurrection, He claimed the extent of His rule: authority over all heaven and earth! - Mt 28:18; cf. Ep 1:20-23
B. HIS KINGSHIP AND KINGDOM PROCLAIMED IN REVELATION...
1. He is “the ruler over the kings of the earth” - Re 1:5
2. He has made His disciples “kings and priest” (or, “a kingdom of priests”) to His God and Father - Re 1:6
3. Those in Christ Jesus are in His kingdom - Re 1:9
4. Those who persevere to the end will rule with Him even as He now reigns! - Re 2:26-27; 3:21
5. He is truly “Lord of lords and King of kings!” - Re 17:14; 19:16
[“King of kings”...certainly an indication of “The Preeminent Christ”! But notice also that He is...]
II. THE SAVIOR FROM OUR SINS (14)
A. BY VIRTUE OF HIS BLOOD WE HAVE “REDEMPTION”...
1. The word “redemption” (Greek, apolutrosis) means “a releasing effected by payment of ransom”
2. I.e., we have been “released” from the bondage of sin through the payment of Jesus’ blood shed on the cross - cf. Mt 20:28
B. BY VIRTUE OF HIS BLOOD WE HAVE “FORGIVENESS”...
1. “Forgiveness” (Greek, aphesis) means “release from bondage or imprisonment”
2. In Christ, we have “forgiveness or pardon, of sins (letting them go as if they had never been committed), remission of the penalty”
[As pronounced by the Angel to Joseph, “you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Mt 1:21) A “king” capable of providing “redemption” and “forgiveness” from sins; truly indications of preeminence! But there is more, for He is also...]
III. THE IMAGE OF THE INVISIBLE GOD (15)
A. THE WORD “IMAGE”...
1. Comes from the Greek eikon {i-kone’}
2. Meaning “an image, figure, likeness”
B. JESUS IS THE “IMAGE” OF GOD WHO IS INVISIBLE...!
1. No man has ever seen God, but Jesus has “declared” (made manifest) Him - Jn 1:18
2. As Jesus Himself said, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” - Jn 14:7-9
3. As expressed by the writer to the Hebrews, Jesus is:
a. The brightness of God’s Glory
b. The express image of His Person - He 1:3
4. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians...
a. Jesus is the “image of God” - 2 Co 4:4
b. In the “face of Jesus Christ” is “the knowledge of the glory of God” - 2 Co 4:6
5. From these passages, we learn that Jesus accurately and fully expresses the being and perfection of God!
6. I.e., by looking at Jesus (as He is revealed in the Word of God), we can see and know the Father, who is invisible!
[The next description of “The Preeminent Christ” is one that confused many and caused some to draw erroneous conclusions. We observe that Jesus is also...]
IV. THE FIRSTBORN OVER ALL CREATION (15)
A. CONCERNING THE TERM “FIRSTBORN”...
1. It can mean “the first one born” (or created)
a. Some have therefore concluded from this passage that Jesus is a created being, the first of all God’s creations
b. For example, those led by the Watchtower Society (who call themselves “Jehovah’s
Witnesses”)
2. But it is also used in the Scriptures as a metaphor to describe one occupies the rank and privilege of being firstborn (without actually being “firstborn”)
a. Used by God in this way to refer to the nation of Israel - Exo 4:22
b. Used by God in this way to refer to David, who was the youngest of eight brothers
- Psa 89:20,27
3. Therefore, any interpretation of this term must be in harmony with what is taught about Christ elsewhere...
a. And Jesus is clearly proclaimed to be the creator of all things - Jn 1:1-3; Co 1:16
b. It could not be said He is the creator of all things if He Himself was a created being!
c. Which is why the JW’s try to get around these passages by inserting the modifier
“other” four times in their NWT translation of Co 1:16-17!
B. THE PURPOSE OF THE PHRASE “FIRSTBORN OVER ALL CREATION”...
1. To stress that Jesus is preeminent overall creation, He has all the rights of one as if He were a “firstborn”
2. Just as God...
a. Declared Israel to be His “firstborn” over the nations of the earth (though not the first nation to exist)
b. Declared David to be His “firstborn” over the kings of the earth (though not the
first king either) ...so God has declared Jesus to be the “firstborn” over all creation (though He Himself was not a created being!)
[As already touched upon above, we learn from Paul that Jesus is also...]
V. THE CREATOR OF ALL THINGS (16-17a)
A. THIS AMAZING TRUTH CONCERNING JESUS IS ALSO CONFIRMED BY...
1. John in his gospel - Jn 1:3
2. The writer of the epistle to the Hebrews - He 1:3
B. FROM THESE VERSES WE LEARN WHEN THE WORLD WAS CREATED...
1. Jesus was the creative agent by which everything came into being!
2. Everything was created for Him also!
C. AS THE CREATOR OF ALL THINGS...
1. It only follows that He existed before anything that was created
2. Which seems to be the idea of 17a (“He is before all things”)
[In addition to being the Creator of all things, in verse 17 we learn that Jesus is also...]
VI. THE SUSTAINER OF ALL THINGS (17b)
A. “IN HIM ALL THINGS CONSIST...”
1. That is, in Him all things are kept in their present state
2. Their existence, order, and arrangement are continued in the present form by His power!
B. WHAT IF JESUS CHOSE TO REMOVE HIS POWER...?
1. Every created thing would fall into disorder!
2. Or sink back into nothingness!
[Truly in regards to creation, Jesus is “The Preeminent Christ!” But His preeminence also extends to the realm of redemption, suggested earlier in vs. 13-14, and now developed further in vs. 18-20...]
VII. THE HEAD OF THE BODY, THE CHURCH (18a)
A. THE CHURCH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST...
1. The word “church” comes from ekklesia {ek-klay-see’-ah}, meaning a congregation
or assembly made up of people who have been “called out”
2. Those called out by the gospel of Christ into His kingdom form a great assembly or
congregation
3. The term “church” is used in two senses:
a. Universal - the body of saved believers throughout the world
b. Local - a congregation of saved believers in one locality
4. In the context of Co 1:18, Paul is speaking of the church “universal” (though what we are about to say in the next point would be true in a “local” church as well)
B. AS THE HEAD, JESUS IS OVER THE CHURCH...
1. As we have already seen, He has all authority in heaven and earth - Mt 28:18
2. How much more so, should He hold the rank of preeminence in His Church!
3. He is the One, therefore, who controls the destiny of those in His church! - cf. Re 2, 3
[Jesus is also...]
VIII. THE BEGINNING, THE FIRSTBORN FROM THE DEAD (18b)
A. THE WORD “BEGINNING”...
1. Comes from the Greek, arche {ar-khay’}
2. Various shades of meaning include...
a. Beginning, origin
b. The person or thing that commences, the first person or thing in a series, the leader
c. That by which anything begins to be, the origin, the active cause
d. The first place, principality, rule, magistracy
B. REMEMBER THE USE OF THE WORD “FIRSTBORN”...
1. It does not necessarily mean the first one, but can refer to the preeminent one
2. Jesus was not the first person to rise from the dead (cf. Jairus’ daughter, the son of the widow of Nain, and Lazarus)
3. But He is the first to rise, never to die again, and is declared elsewhere to be the “first fruits” of the resurrection - cf. 1 Co 15:20,23
4. The term “first fruits” suggests “the cream of the crop”, i.e., that which is preeminent
C. THUS, IN REGARDS TO THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD...
1. Jesus is both the “origin, active cause” (the beginning) and the “firstborn from the dead”
2. He is the “active cause” of the resurrection: “in Christ all shall be made alive” - 1 Co 15:22
3. By His own resurrection, never to die again, He is the “firstborn from the dead”, the “first fruits”, i.e., the preeminent one!
[Two more points are made by Paul in regards to “The Preeminent Christ” in this passage. The first is that in Jesus dwells...]
IX. THE FULLNESS OF ALL THINGS (19)
A. JESUS IS CLEARLY THE “FULLNESS” OF DEITY...
1. We have seen that He is “the image of the invisible God” - Co 1:15
2. Paul later declares that in Jesus “dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” - Co 2:9
B. JESUS IS ALSO OUR “FULLNESS”...
1. In Him we have “redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” - Co 1:14
2. In Him we have “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” - Co 2:3
3. Yes, we are “complete in Him” - Co 2:10
[Finally, we learn that Jesus is...]
X. THE RECONCILER OF ALL THINGS TO GOD (20)
A. THE FATHER’S DESIRE IS TO RECONCILE TO HIMSELF...
1. “things on earth”
a. Which includes sinful man - cf. 2 Co 5:18-20
b. Both Jews and Gentiles - cf. Ep 2:14-18
2. “things in heaven”
a. Admittedly, a difficult phrase
b. It would be easy to fall into vain speculation as to what this means (e.g., what things in heaven need reconciliation to God?)
c. Whatever Paul may be alluding to, the point is clear: Jesus is to be the reconciler of all things to God!
B. GOD IS ABLE TO RECONCILE ALL THINGS BY JESUS TO HIMSELF...
1. “having made peace through the blood of His cross”
2. Through the death of His Son, it is now possible for sinful man to be reconciled to God! - Ro 5:10; Co 1:21-22
CONCLUSION
1. Paul had certainly come a long way in his understanding of Jesus since that day he met Him on the road to Damascus!
a. From saying “Who are you, lord?”
b. To proclaiming Jesus to be:
1) The king over His kingdom
2) The savior from our sins
3) The image of the invisible God
4) The firstborn over all creation
5) The creator of all things
6) The sustainer of all things
7) The head of the body, the church
8) The beginning, the firstborn from the dead
9) The fullness of all things
10) The reconciler of all things to God
2. I trust that our own understanding and appreciation of Jesus has increased as a result of studying this passage!
3. Perhaps we can also appreciate why Jesus so much praise and adoration in heaven - cf. Re 5:11-12
4. What are we doing to show our appreciation to Jesus, our “preeminent and all-sufficient Savior?”
5. Consider the words of Jesus in Luke 6:46...implying that the best way we can praise Him is by obeying Him
Have you? Are you?
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Paul's Prayer For The Colossians- Colossians 1:9-14
Paul's Prayer For The Colossians- Colossians 1:9-14
INTRODUCTION
1. In the epistles of Paul, we customarily find him telling his readers what he prayed for on their behalf
2. So it is in his epistle to the Colossians...
a. Though he had not met many of them personally, he had heard of their faith and love - Co 1:3-8
b. Which prompted him to pray unceasingly for them
3. For what did he pray? The answer is found in Co 1:9-14, and by closely studying this passage...
a. We can learn not only what Paul desired for the Colossians
b. But also what God would desire for ALL Christians, including us today!
[As we examine this prayer of Paul, let’s do so with this in mind: This is what God desires of us as well! First, God desires that we be...]
I. FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIS WILL IN ALL WISDOM AND SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING (9)
A. NOTICE SOME KEY WORDS...
1. “Filled”
a. Not just a small measure
b. But satiated, with a full measure
-- It is not God’s desire that we try to “just get by with as little as necessary”
2. “The knowledge of His Will”
a. This is what God desires us to be filled with
b. The Greek word for “knowledge” in this passage is epignosis
1) Knowledge which is the result of practical and personal experience
2) I.e., not just academic or intellectual knowledge
c. Thus, our knowledge of God’s will is to be something we have come by through
practice and application in our lives
3. “In all wisdom and spiritual understanding”
a. To possess a knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom requires prayer - Ja 1:5
b. To possess a knowledge of God’s will with spiritual understanding requires reading the Word - Ep 3:3-5
-- Therefore, prayer and Bible study are essential elements for the Christian!
B. WHY IS BEING FILLED WITH SUCH KNOWLEDGE SO IMPORTANT...?
1. Because God’s people have always been destroyed by a lack of knowledge - cf. Hos 4:6
2. It is essential to our renewal in becoming like Christ - Co 3:8-10
[Is this prayer being answered in OUR lives? Are we doing anything to assure that it is? Next, notice from Paul’s prayer that it is evidently God’s desire that we...]
II. HAVE A WALK WORTHY OF THE LORD, FULLY PLEASING HIM (10-14)
A. THIS IS THE OBJECTIVE OF BEING FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD’S WILL...
1. To conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Lord - cf. Ep 4:1
a. The Lord we serve, and the calling we have received, is certainly a “worthy” one!
b. Our conduct should be one to honor Christ, not shame Him!
2. To conduct ourselves in a manner fully pleasing Him
a. There is conduct which displeases Christ - Lk 6:46
b. But conduct coming from one who is first filled with the knowledge of God’s will is more like to fully please Him! (note the play on words)
B. CONDUCT WORTHY OF THE LORD, FULLY PLEASING HIM, IS ONE IN WHICH WE ARE...
1. “Being fruitful in every good work” (10)
a. Not just “one”, but “every” good work - cf. Ti 2:14; 3:1
b. For this we have been “created in Christ Jesus” - Ep 2:10
c. Why? So that God may be glorified - Mt 5:16
d. What sort of good works - cf. Mt 25:37-40; Ja 1:27
-- Are we being fruitful?
2. “Increasing in the knowledge of God” (10)
a. We need to grow in the knowledge of God Himself, not just His will - cf. Jer 9:23-24
b. How can one truly know God?
1) Through creation - Ps 19:1; Ro 1:18-20
2) Through inspired revelation (e.g., the Psalms and the Prophets)
3) But especially through Jesus - Jn 14:7-9; Co 2:9
-- Are we daily increasing in this knowledge of God?
3. “Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power” (11)
a. It is God’s desire that we be strong in our living for Him - 2 Ti 1:7-8
b. There is “glorious power” available to the Christian, of which Paul often wrote:
1) He experienced it in his own life - Ph 4:13
2) He wanted others to know about it - Ep 1:15-20
3) He identified it with the working of the Spirit in the inner man - Ep 3:16
4) He describes its greatness in Ep 3:20
c. What is the purpose of such power? Notice our text...
1) “for all patience and longsuffering with joy” (is this not the “fruit” the Spirit is supposed to produce? - cf. Ga 5:22-23)
2) I.e., so that even as we experience trials in this life, we may do so with joyful
perseverance!
-- Are we experiencing this strength which God gives to those who do His will?
4. “Giving thanks to the Father” (12-14)
a. Christians should always have the “attitude of gratitude” - 1 Th 5:18
b. In our text, Paul mentions several reasons to be thankful...
1) God has “qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light” - cf. 1 Pe 1:3-5
2) God has “delivered us from the power of darkness” - cf. Ep 2:1-5
3) God has “translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love”
a) In Whom we have “redemption through His blood”
b) In Whom we have “the forgiveness of sins” - cf. Re 1:5-6
-- Are we ever giving thanks to the Father for these wonderful blessings?
CONCLUSION
1. Such was the prayer of Paul for the Colossians; what can we learn from it?
a. What God desires of us as well!
b. What kind of conduct that is necessary to be fully pleasing to the Lord!
2. May this prayer of Paul be one...
a. That we ask for ourselves
b. That we ask for our brethren
c. Indeed, that we desire for all!
3. Have you been “qualified” to be a partaker of the inheritance of the saints?
a. Has God “delivered” you from the power of darkness?
b. Has He “translated” you into the kingdom of His Son?
-- Through an obedient faith (He 5:9) and baptism into Christ (Jn 3:5; Mk 16:16; Ac 2:38) on your part, God is willing to do so to you today!
INTRODUCTION
1. In the epistles of Paul, we customarily find him telling his readers what he prayed for on their behalf
2. So it is in his epistle to the Colossians...
a. Though he had not met many of them personally, he had heard of their faith and love - Co 1:3-8
b. Which prompted him to pray unceasingly for them
3. For what did he pray? The answer is found in Co 1:9-14, and by closely studying this passage...
a. We can learn not only what Paul desired for the Colossians
b. But also what God would desire for ALL Christians, including us today!
[As we examine this prayer of Paul, let’s do so with this in mind: This is what God desires of us as well! First, God desires that we be...]
I. FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF HIS WILL IN ALL WISDOM AND SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING (9)
A. NOTICE SOME KEY WORDS...
1. “Filled”
a. Not just a small measure
b. But satiated, with a full measure
-- It is not God’s desire that we try to “just get by with as little as necessary”
2. “The knowledge of His Will”
a. This is what God desires us to be filled with
b. The Greek word for “knowledge” in this passage is epignosis
1) Knowledge which is the result of practical and personal experience
2) I.e., not just academic or intellectual knowledge
c. Thus, our knowledge of God’s will is to be something we have come by through
practice and application in our lives
3. “In all wisdom and spiritual understanding”
a. To possess a knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom requires prayer - Ja 1:5
b. To possess a knowledge of God’s will with spiritual understanding requires reading the Word - Ep 3:3-5
-- Therefore, prayer and Bible study are essential elements for the Christian!
B. WHY IS BEING FILLED WITH SUCH KNOWLEDGE SO IMPORTANT...?
1. Because God’s people have always been destroyed by a lack of knowledge - cf. Hos 4:6
2. It is essential to our renewal in becoming like Christ - Co 3:8-10
[Is this prayer being answered in OUR lives? Are we doing anything to assure that it is? Next, notice from Paul’s prayer that it is evidently God’s desire that we...]
II. HAVE A WALK WORTHY OF THE LORD, FULLY PLEASING HIM (10-14)
A. THIS IS THE OBJECTIVE OF BEING FILLED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD’S WILL...
1. To conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Lord - cf. Ep 4:1
a. The Lord we serve, and the calling we have received, is certainly a “worthy” one!
b. Our conduct should be one to honor Christ, not shame Him!
2. To conduct ourselves in a manner fully pleasing Him
a. There is conduct which displeases Christ - Lk 6:46
b. But conduct coming from one who is first filled with the knowledge of God’s will is more like to fully please Him! (note the play on words)
B. CONDUCT WORTHY OF THE LORD, FULLY PLEASING HIM, IS ONE IN WHICH WE ARE...
1. “Being fruitful in every good work” (10)
a. Not just “one”, but “every” good work - cf. Ti 2:14; 3:1
b. For this we have been “created in Christ Jesus” - Ep 2:10
c. Why? So that God may be glorified - Mt 5:16
d. What sort of good works - cf. Mt 25:37-40; Ja 1:27
-- Are we being fruitful?
2. “Increasing in the knowledge of God” (10)
a. We need to grow in the knowledge of God Himself, not just His will - cf. Jer 9:23-24
b. How can one truly know God?
1) Through creation - Ps 19:1; Ro 1:18-20
2) Through inspired revelation (e.g., the Psalms and the Prophets)
3) But especially through Jesus - Jn 14:7-9; Co 2:9
-- Are we daily increasing in this knowledge of God?
3. “Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power” (11)
a. It is God’s desire that we be strong in our living for Him - 2 Ti 1:7-8
b. There is “glorious power” available to the Christian, of which Paul often wrote:
1) He experienced it in his own life - Ph 4:13
2) He wanted others to know about it - Ep 1:15-20
3) He identified it with the working of the Spirit in the inner man - Ep 3:16
4) He describes its greatness in Ep 3:20
c. What is the purpose of such power? Notice our text...
1) “for all patience and longsuffering with joy” (is this not the “fruit” the Spirit is supposed to produce? - cf. Ga 5:22-23)
2) I.e., so that even as we experience trials in this life, we may do so with joyful
perseverance!
-- Are we experiencing this strength which God gives to those who do His will?
4. “Giving thanks to the Father” (12-14)
a. Christians should always have the “attitude of gratitude” - 1 Th 5:18
b. In our text, Paul mentions several reasons to be thankful...
1) God has “qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light” - cf. 1 Pe 1:3-5
2) God has “delivered us from the power of darkness” - cf. Ep 2:1-5
3) God has “translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love”
a) In Whom we have “redemption through His blood”
b) In Whom we have “the forgiveness of sins” - cf. Re 1:5-6
-- Are we ever giving thanks to the Father for these wonderful blessings?
CONCLUSION
1. Such was the prayer of Paul for the Colossians; what can we learn from it?
a. What God desires of us as well!
b. What kind of conduct that is necessary to be fully pleasing to the Lord!
2. May this prayer of Paul be one...
a. That we ask for ourselves
b. That we ask for our brethren
c. Indeed, that we desire for all!
3. Have you been “qualified” to be a partaker of the inheritance of the saints?
a. Has God “delivered” you from the power of darkness?
b. Has He “translated” you into the kingdom of His Son?
-- Through an obedient faith (He 5:9) and baptism into Christ (Jn 3:5; Mk 16:16; Ac 2:38) on your part, God is willing to do so to you today!
Friday, November 26, 2010
The Church At Colosse- Colossians 1:3-8
The Church At Colosse- Colossians 1:3-8
INTRODUCTION
1. After introducing himself and greeting the brethren in verses 1-2, Paul expresses thanksgiving to God concerning some things about the church at Colosse (read 3-8)
2. As we consider what Paul wrote, we learn some encouraging things about the church at Colosse which are worthy of our emulation as a congregation of Christians
[For example, notice that as a church...]
I. THEY WERE KNOWN FOR THEIR FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS (1:4)
A. WHAT A WONDERFUL REPUTATION TO HAVE...!
1. Some churches are known for:
a. Being “dead on the vine”
b. Being “lukewarm” (cf. the Laodiceans, Re 3:15)
2. But here is a church so strong in its faith in Jesus, that word had made its way to Paul
3. In this, they were like the church at Thessalonica - 1 Th 1:2-3, 6-10; 2 Th 1:3
B. WHY DID THEY HAVE SUCH A REPUTATION...?
1. Because they really trusted in Jesus Christ (“trust” is a key element in the matter of faith)
2. Because their faith was a “steadfast” one - Co 2:5
a. They were not faithful one day, then unfaithful the next
b. Through “thick and thin”, they maintained their faith in Jesus and did His will!
C. WHAT KIND OF REPUTATION DO WE HAVE...?
1. Every church has one, whether it be good, mediocre, or bad
2. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if others could say of us, “We have heard of your faith in Jesus Christ”?
3. If we remain steadfast in our faith, in time they will!
[Notice also that as a church...]
II. THEY WERE KNOWN FOR THEIR LOVE FOR ALL THE SAINTS (1:4)
A. THEIR GOOD REPUTATION INCLUDED LOVE AS WELL AS FAITH...!
1. Toward Jesus, they showed faith; toward their brethren, they demonstrated love!
2. Not only love for each other, but love for ALL the saints, including those in other places
3. Again, in this they were like the church at Thessalonica - 1 Th 4:9-10
B. IF WE DESIRE A SIMILAR REPUTATION, WHAT CAN WE DO...?
1. We can be diligent in our love for one another, making efforts to become better acquainted and to serve one another
2. We can demonstrate our love for all the brethren, by taking advantage of meetings and singings to be together
3. We can ask the Lord to help us increase in this - cf. 1 Th 3:12
4. We can urge each other to increase in this virtue - cf. 1 Th 4:9-10
[A truly strong faith in Jesus and love for the brethren is such a rarity in many churches, that any church which excels in these virtues will soon be known for such! But as we continue in our examination of our text, we notice also that at the church at Colosse...]
III. THE GOSPEL WAS BRINGING FORTH FRUIT AMONG THEM (1:5-6)
A. THE GOSPEL, WHICH SPEAKS OF THE HOPE LAID UP IN HEAVEN, HAD
PRODUCED FRUIT IN THEIR LIVES...
1. Not only in their lives, but throughout the whole world (1:6) - cf. 1:23
2. We have seen the kind of fruit being born by the gospel:
a. Faith in Jesus
b. Love for the brethren
3. In bearing such fruit, they proved that they were truly disciples of Jesus! - Jn 15:8
B. WHAT WAS THE KEY TO BEARING SUCH FRUIT...?
1. Notice that they had been bearing fruit “since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth” (1:6)
2. By knowing (understanding, NAS) the grace of God, they were properly motivated to bear fruit
3. So it is today, those who truly understand the grace of God will more likely respond in grateful service to God!
C. WHAT IS “THE GRACE OF GOD” WHICH MOTIVATES ONE TO BEAR FRUIT...?
1. Simply put, it is the “unmerited favor” which God has shown us through Jesus Christ!
2. We can summarize this grace of God by defining several key terms:
a. Condemnation - Being guilty of sin, we stand condemned in the sight of God and in
danger of everlasting death - Ro 3:23; 6:23
b. Alienation - Being guilty of sin, we also find ourselves separated from God - Isa 59:1-2
c. Propitiation - but in love and mercy, God sent Jesus to be our sacrifice for sins to appease God’s just and righteous anger - 1 Jn 4:9-10
d. Justification - by responding in obedient faith, we can be justified (declared not guilty)by virtue of Jesus’ sacrifice in our stead - Ro 3:21-26
e. Reconciliation - Free from the guilt of sin, we can now be reconciled with God
through Christ Jesus our Lord - 2 Co 5:17-20
f. Sanctification - By virtue of Christ’s death, we may also be “set apart” in service to the glory of God - Ro 6:17-18,20-22
3. The more one understands these concepts and their implications, the more likely they will also bear fruit!
CONCLUSION
1. Through Epaphras, the church at Colosse had heard of this wonderful grace of God - 1:7
2. And through Epaphras, Paul had heard of their wonderful love which was the fruit of their responding to this grace - 1:8
3. Indeed, the church at Colosse had admirable qualities, which we do well to emulate...
a. Not for any glory for ourselves, but rather that God and His Son might be glorified
b. For it is only by His grace that we would be able to imitate the church at Colosse
4. Brethren...
a. Do we have faith in Jesus?
b. Do we love the brethren?
...Let’s be sure to allow the grace of God to have its desired effect in our lives!
If you have never responded to the grace of God, why not now?
INTRODUCTION
1. After introducing himself and greeting the brethren in verses 1-2, Paul expresses thanksgiving to God concerning some things about the church at Colosse (read 3-8)
2. As we consider what Paul wrote, we learn some encouraging things about the church at Colosse which are worthy of our emulation as a congregation of Christians
[For example, notice that as a church...]
I. THEY WERE KNOWN FOR THEIR FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS (1:4)
A. WHAT A WONDERFUL REPUTATION TO HAVE...!
1. Some churches are known for:
a. Being “dead on the vine”
b. Being “lukewarm” (cf. the Laodiceans, Re 3:15)
2. But here is a church so strong in its faith in Jesus, that word had made its way to Paul
3. In this, they were like the church at Thessalonica - 1 Th 1:2-3, 6-10; 2 Th 1:3
B. WHY DID THEY HAVE SUCH A REPUTATION...?
1. Because they really trusted in Jesus Christ (“trust” is a key element in the matter of faith)
2. Because their faith was a “steadfast” one - Co 2:5
a. They were not faithful one day, then unfaithful the next
b. Through “thick and thin”, they maintained their faith in Jesus and did His will!
C. WHAT KIND OF REPUTATION DO WE HAVE...?
1. Every church has one, whether it be good, mediocre, or bad
2. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if others could say of us, “We have heard of your faith in Jesus Christ”?
3. If we remain steadfast in our faith, in time they will!
[Notice also that as a church...]
II. THEY WERE KNOWN FOR THEIR LOVE FOR ALL THE SAINTS (1:4)
A. THEIR GOOD REPUTATION INCLUDED LOVE AS WELL AS FAITH...!
1. Toward Jesus, they showed faith; toward their brethren, they demonstrated love!
2. Not only love for each other, but love for ALL the saints, including those in other places
3. Again, in this they were like the church at Thessalonica - 1 Th 4:9-10
B. IF WE DESIRE A SIMILAR REPUTATION, WHAT CAN WE DO...?
1. We can be diligent in our love for one another, making efforts to become better acquainted and to serve one another
2. We can demonstrate our love for all the brethren, by taking advantage of meetings and singings to be together
3. We can ask the Lord to help us increase in this - cf. 1 Th 3:12
4. We can urge each other to increase in this virtue - cf. 1 Th 4:9-10
[A truly strong faith in Jesus and love for the brethren is such a rarity in many churches, that any church which excels in these virtues will soon be known for such! But as we continue in our examination of our text, we notice also that at the church at Colosse...]
III. THE GOSPEL WAS BRINGING FORTH FRUIT AMONG THEM (1:5-6)
A. THE GOSPEL, WHICH SPEAKS OF THE HOPE LAID UP IN HEAVEN, HAD
PRODUCED FRUIT IN THEIR LIVES...
1. Not only in their lives, but throughout the whole world (1:6) - cf. 1:23
2. We have seen the kind of fruit being born by the gospel:
a. Faith in Jesus
b. Love for the brethren
3. In bearing such fruit, they proved that they were truly disciples of Jesus! - Jn 15:8
B. WHAT WAS THE KEY TO BEARING SUCH FRUIT...?
1. Notice that they had been bearing fruit “since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth” (1:6)
2. By knowing (understanding, NAS) the grace of God, they were properly motivated to bear fruit
3. So it is today, those who truly understand the grace of God will more likely respond in grateful service to God!
C. WHAT IS “THE GRACE OF GOD” WHICH MOTIVATES ONE TO BEAR FRUIT...?
1. Simply put, it is the “unmerited favor” which God has shown us through Jesus Christ!
2. We can summarize this grace of God by defining several key terms:
a. Condemnation - Being guilty of sin, we stand condemned in the sight of God and in
danger of everlasting death - Ro 3:23; 6:23
b. Alienation - Being guilty of sin, we also find ourselves separated from God - Isa 59:1-2
c. Propitiation - but in love and mercy, God sent Jesus to be our sacrifice for sins to appease God’s just and righteous anger - 1 Jn 4:9-10
d. Justification - by responding in obedient faith, we can be justified (declared not guilty)by virtue of Jesus’ sacrifice in our stead - Ro 3:21-26
e. Reconciliation - Free from the guilt of sin, we can now be reconciled with God
through Christ Jesus our Lord - 2 Co 5:17-20
f. Sanctification - By virtue of Christ’s death, we may also be “set apart” in service to the glory of God - Ro 6:17-18,20-22
3. The more one understands these concepts and their implications, the more likely they will also bear fruit!
CONCLUSION
1. Through Epaphras, the church at Colosse had heard of this wonderful grace of God - 1:7
2. And through Epaphras, Paul had heard of their wonderful love which was the fruit of their responding to this grace - 1:8
3. Indeed, the church at Colosse had admirable qualities, which we do well to emulate...
a. Not for any glory for ourselves, but rather that God and His Son might be glorified
b. For it is only by His grace that we would be able to imitate the church at Colosse
4. Brethren...
a. Do we have faith in Jesus?
b. Do we love the brethren?
...Let’s be sure to allow the grace of God to have its desired effect in our lives!
If you have never responded to the grace of God, why not now?
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Introduction To The Epistle- Colossians 1:1-2
Introduction To The Epistle- Colossians 1:1-2
INTRODUCTION
1. Some questions to consider...
a. Do the heavenly bodies have any influence over our lives?
1) The millions of people who consult their horoscopes each day would say “Yes!”
2) In the U.S., there are about 1750 newspapers, and 1220 of them carry astrological data
b. Is there any relationship between diet and spiritual living?
c. Does God speak to us immediately, in our minds, or only through His Word, the Bible?
d. Do the “eastern religions” have something to offer those who are Christians?
2. These questions sound very contemporary, don’t they?
a. Yet they are the very issues Paul dealt with in his epistle to the Colossians
b. For this reason, we need this important letter today just as they needed it when Paul wrote it in 60 A. D.
[In Co 1:1-2, Paul addresses the brethren at Colosse. To help us appreciate more what we will study later, let’s consider some background information on this epistle...]
I. THE CITY OF COLOSSE
A. LOCATION...
1. 100 miles E of Ephesus in Asia Minor (consult map)
2. Very close to Hierapolis and Laodicea - cf. Co 4:13,16
B. DISTINCTION...
1. Hierapolis was a place known for health, pleasure, relaxation
2. Laodicea was known for commercial trade and politics
3. Colosse, however, was simply a small town
C. PEOPLE...
1. It was a pagan city, with a strong intermingling of Jews
2. In 62 B.C., there were 11,000 Jewish “freedmen” in the tri-city area
3. This helps us to understand the nature of some of the problems that arose within the church
(problems of both pagan and Jewish origin)
II. THE CHURCH AT COLOSSE
A. ESTABLISHMENT...
1. We are not sure when the church began, for the scriptures do not say
2. It is likely that Paul himself did not start it
a. He had not seen them in person - Co 2:1
b. Rather, he had simply heard of their faith - Co 1:4
3. It is possible that it was started by Epaphras
a. From what Paul writes in Co 1:4-8
b. Who evidently also had some contact with those in Hierapolis and Laodicea - Co 4:
12-13
B. MEMBERS...
1. Epaphras
a. Possibly the founder of the church (see above)
b. A native of Colosse - Co 4:12
c. Described as a servant of Christ (Co 4:12), fervent in praying for others (Co 4:12), and having great zeal for his brethren (Co 4:13)
d. A “fellow-prisoner” with Paul at this time - cf. Phile 23
2. Philemon, Apphia, and Archippus
a. By comparing Colossians and Philemon, we can conclude they were at Colosse
1) Concerning Archippus - cf. Co 4:17 with Phile 1-2
2) Concerning Onesimus - cf. Co 4:9 with Phile 10-17
3) Epaphras - cf. Co 4:12 with Phile 23
b. It is likely that the church met in their home - cf. Phile 2
c. Many think they may have been members of the same family
1) Philemon, the father
2) Apphia, the mother
3) Archippus, the son
d. It is possible that Archippus served as the preacher at Colosse - cf. Co 4:17
3. Onesimus
a. He was Philemon’s slave who had run away, found by Paul in Rome, and was
converted
b. He was being sent back to Philemon (cf. the epistle to Philemon), along with the letter to the Colossians - Co 4:7-9
III. THE CRISIS AT COLOSSE
A. THE REPORT...
1. Epaphras had brought news to Paul concerning the church at Colosse - Co 1:3-8
2. For the most part, it was very favorable - Co 1:3-4,8; 2:5
3. But from the content of the letter, Paul must have also been informed of a twofold “peril” affecting the church
B. THE PERIL...
1. There was the danger of their relapsing into paganism with its immorality (implied by comments such as Co 3:5-11)
2. There was the danger of accepting what some call the “Colossian Heresy”
a. Which denied the all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ...
1) For salvation
2) For overcoming the indulgences of the flesh
b. This “Colossian Heresy” involved...
1) False Philosophy, which denied the all-sufficiency and preeminence of Jesus Christ
- cf. Co 2:8
2) Judaistic Ceremonialism, which attached special significance to the rite of
circumcision, food regulations, and observance of special days - cf. Co 2:16-17
3) Angel Worship, which detracted from the uniqueness of Christ - cf. Co 2:18
4) Asceticism, which called for harsh treatment of the body to control its lusts - cf. Co 2:20-23
c. The “Colossian Heresy”, then, was a syncretism, that is, a mixture of Jewish and pagan elements
IV. THE CORRESPONDENCE TO COLOSSE
A. THE PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE...
1. To warn the brethren at Colosse
a. Against relapse - Co 1:21-23
b. Against the “solution” being urged upon them by those who denied that Jesus was all they needed - Co 2:8-10
2. To direct their attention to Jesus Christ
a. The “Beloved Son” - Co 1:13
b. The “all-sufficient” and “preeminent” Savior - Co 1:14-18
B. THE THEME OF THE EPISTLE: “Jesus Christ: The preeminent and all-sufficient
Savior” - Co 1:18
C. AN OUTLINE OF THE EPISTLE...
1. Doctrine: Christ’s Preeminence Declared (Chapter One)
a. In the gospel message (1:1-12)
b. In redemption (1:13-14)
c. In creation (1:15-17)
d. In the church (1:18-23)
e. In Paul’s own ministry (1:24-29)
2. Danger: Christ’s Preeminence Defended (Chapter Two)
a. Beware of empty philosophies (2:1-10)
b. Beware of Judaistic ceremonialism (2:11-17)
c. Beware of man-made disciplines (2:18-23)
3. Duty: Christ’s Preeminence Demonstrated (Chapters Three and Four)
a. In personal purity (3:1-11)
b. In brotherly relations (3:12-17)
c. In the home (3:18-21)
d. In daily work (3:22-4:1)
e. In sharing the gospel (4:2-6)
f. In serving one another (4:7-18)
CONCLUSION
1. The value of this letter to the Colossians is that it increases our understanding and appreciation of Jesus Christ
2. From this epistle, we learn that He truly is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” - Jn 14:6
3. Once we understand that He is indeed the “preeminent” and “all-sufficient” Savior and live our lives accordingly...
a. We will live victorious lives as Christians!
b. We will assure that we do not relapse, nor be carried away by false religions and philosophies of men
Future lessons in this series on Colossians will expand upon this theme, but for the time being, have you accepted and obeyed Jesus Christ as your all-sufficient savior?
INTRODUCTION
1. Some questions to consider...
a. Do the heavenly bodies have any influence over our lives?
1) The millions of people who consult their horoscopes each day would say “Yes!”
2) In the U.S., there are about 1750 newspapers, and 1220 of them carry astrological data
b. Is there any relationship between diet and spiritual living?
c. Does God speak to us immediately, in our minds, or only through His Word, the Bible?
d. Do the “eastern religions” have something to offer those who are Christians?
2. These questions sound very contemporary, don’t they?
a. Yet they are the very issues Paul dealt with in his epistle to the Colossians
b. For this reason, we need this important letter today just as they needed it when Paul wrote it in 60 A. D.
[In Co 1:1-2, Paul addresses the brethren at Colosse. To help us appreciate more what we will study later, let’s consider some background information on this epistle...]
I. THE CITY OF COLOSSE
A. LOCATION...
1. 100 miles E of Ephesus in Asia Minor (consult map)
2. Very close to Hierapolis and Laodicea - cf. Co 4:13,16
B. DISTINCTION...
1. Hierapolis was a place known for health, pleasure, relaxation
2. Laodicea was known for commercial trade and politics
3. Colosse, however, was simply a small town
C. PEOPLE...
1. It was a pagan city, with a strong intermingling of Jews
2. In 62 B.C., there were 11,000 Jewish “freedmen” in the tri-city area
3. This helps us to understand the nature of some of the problems that arose within the church
(problems of both pagan and Jewish origin)
II. THE CHURCH AT COLOSSE
A. ESTABLISHMENT...
1. We are not sure when the church began, for the scriptures do not say
2. It is likely that Paul himself did not start it
a. He had not seen them in person - Co 2:1
b. Rather, he had simply heard of their faith - Co 1:4
3. It is possible that it was started by Epaphras
a. From what Paul writes in Co 1:4-8
b. Who evidently also had some contact with those in Hierapolis and Laodicea - Co 4:
12-13
B. MEMBERS...
1. Epaphras
a. Possibly the founder of the church (see above)
b. A native of Colosse - Co 4:12
c. Described as a servant of Christ (Co 4:12), fervent in praying for others (Co 4:12), and having great zeal for his brethren (Co 4:13)
d. A “fellow-prisoner” with Paul at this time - cf. Phile 23
2. Philemon, Apphia, and Archippus
a. By comparing Colossians and Philemon, we can conclude they were at Colosse
1) Concerning Archippus - cf. Co 4:17 with Phile 1-2
2) Concerning Onesimus - cf. Co 4:9 with Phile 10-17
3) Epaphras - cf. Co 4:12 with Phile 23
b. It is likely that the church met in their home - cf. Phile 2
c. Many think they may have been members of the same family
1) Philemon, the father
2) Apphia, the mother
3) Archippus, the son
d. It is possible that Archippus served as the preacher at Colosse - cf. Co 4:17
3. Onesimus
a. He was Philemon’s slave who had run away, found by Paul in Rome, and was
converted
b. He was being sent back to Philemon (cf. the epistle to Philemon), along with the letter to the Colossians - Co 4:7-9
III. THE CRISIS AT COLOSSE
A. THE REPORT...
1. Epaphras had brought news to Paul concerning the church at Colosse - Co 1:3-8
2. For the most part, it was very favorable - Co 1:3-4,8; 2:5
3. But from the content of the letter, Paul must have also been informed of a twofold “peril” affecting the church
B. THE PERIL...
1. There was the danger of their relapsing into paganism with its immorality (implied by comments such as Co 3:5-11)
2. There was the danger of accepting what some call the “Colossian Heresy”
a. Which denied the all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ...
1) For salvation
2) For overcoming the indulgences of the flesh
b. This “Colossian Heresy” involved...
1) False Philosophy, which denied the all-sufficiency and preeminence of Jesus Christ
- cf. Co 2:8
2) Judaistic Ceremonialism, which attached special significance to the rite of
circumcision, food regulations, and observance of special days - cf. Co 2:16-17
3) Angel Worship, which detracted from the uniqueness of Christ - cf. Co 2:18
4) Asceticism, which called for harsh treatment of the body to control its lusts - cf. Co 2:20-23
c. The “Colossian Heresy”, then, was a syncretism, that is, a mixture of Jewish and pagan elements
IV. THE CORRESPONDENCE TO COLOSSE
A. THE PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE...
1. To warn the brethren at Colosse
a. Against relapse - Co 1:21-23
b. Against the “solution” being urged upon them by those who denied that Jesus was all they needed - Co 2:8-10
2. To direct their attention to Jesus Christ
a. The “Beloved Son” - Co 1:13
b. The “all-sufficient” and “preeminent” Savior - Co 1:14-18
B. THE THEME OF THE EPISTLE: “Jesus Christ: The preeminent and all-sufficient
Savior” - Co 1:18
C. AN OUTLINE OF THE EPISTLE...
1. Doctrine: Christ’s Preeminence Declared (Chapter One)
a. In the gospel message (1:1-12)
b. In redemption (1:13-14)
c. In creation (1:15-17)
d. In the church (1:18-23)
e. In Paul’s own ministry (1:24-29)
2. Danger: Christ’s Preeminence Defended (Chapter Two)
a. Beware of empty philosophies (2:1-10)
b. Beware of Judaistic ceremonialism (2:11-17)
c. Beware of man-made disciplines (2:18-23)
3. Duty: Christ’s Preeminence Demonstrated (Chapters Three and Four)
a. In personal purity (3:1-11)
b. In brotherly relations (3:12-17)
c. In the home (3:18-21)
d. In daily work (3:22-4:1)
e. In sharing the gospel (4:2-6)
f. In serving one another (4:7-18)
CONCLUSION
1. The value of this letter to the Colossians is that it increases our understanding and appreciation of Jesus Christ
2. From this epistle, we learn that He truly is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” - Jn 14:6
3. Once we understand that He is indeed the “preeminent” and “all-sufficient” Savior and live our lives accordingly...
a. We will live victorious lives as Christians!
b. We will assure that we do not relapse, nor be carried away by false religions and philosophies of men
Future lessons in this series on Colossians will expand upon this theme, but for the time being, have you accepted and obeyed Jesus Christ as your all-sufficient savior?
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
The Epistle To The Colossians- Chapter One study guide
The Epistle To The Colossians- Chapter One study guide
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To see the relationship between understanding the grace of God and bearing fruit
2) To examine Paul's prayer for the Colossians for the keys to successful Christian living
3) To appreciate the preeminence of Christ in creation and our redemption
SUMMARY
Paul begins with his customary salutation followed by an expression of thanksgiving and prayer. Hearing of their condition from Epaphras, he is thankful for their faith, love, and hope (1-8). His prayer is that they be filled with the knowledge of God's will, walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, strengthened by God's glorious power, and ever thankful that the Father has qualified them to be partakers of the saints' inheritance. Especially since they were delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son, where there is redemption and forgiveness of sins (9-14).
He then broaches the theme of this epistle, which is the preeminence and all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ our Savior. Paul first proclaims the preeminence of Christ in creation, and then His preeminence in redemption (15-20). The Colossians' own conversion is offered as a case in point in reference to the latter, and with a warning for them to remain steadfast (21-23).
The chapter ends with Paul's description of his ministry, in which he gladly suffered on behalf of Christ and His church. He views himself as a steward entrusted with a wonderful "mystery", which is being made known after having been hidden for ages. This "mystery" pertains to the Gentiles, and how Christ would be in them (24-27). Paul therefore worked diligently to preach Christ, with the goal of presenting every man perfect in Him (28-29).
OUTLINE
I. INTRODUCTION (1-14)
A. SALUTATION (1-2)
1. From Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God (1a)
2. And Timothy, "our brother" (1b)
3. To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ, who are in Colosse (2a)
4. Grace and peace from God and Jesus Christ (2b)
B. PAUL'S THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER (3-14)
1. His thanksgiving for them (3-8)
a. Given to God, with unceasing prayers in their behalf (3)
b. Given since he heard of:
1) Their faith in Christ Jesus (4a)
2) Their love for all the saints (4b)
c. Given because the hope laid up for them in heaven (5)
1) Which they had heard by way of the gospel
a) Which had come to them as to all the world, bringing forth fruit (6a)
b) Even in them, since the day they heard and knew the grace of God (6b)
2) Which they had heard by way of Epaphras
a) A dear fellow servant and faithful minister of Christ on their behalf (7)
b) Who declared to Paul their love in the Spirit (8)
2. His prayer for them (9-14)
a. Offered unceasingly since he heard of their progress (9a)
b. Asking that they might...
1) Be filled with the knowledge of God's will in wisdom and spiritual understanding
(9b)
2) Walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him (10a)
a) Being fruitful in every good work (10b)
b) Increasing in the knowledge of God (10c)
3) Be strengthened with all might (11a)
a) According to His glorious power (11b)
b) For all patience and longsuffering with joy (11c)
4) Give thanks to the Father (12a)
a) Who qualified us to be partakers of the saints' inheritance (12b)
b) Who has delivered us from the power of darkness (13a)
c) Who has translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son (13b)
1/ In whom we have redemption through His blood (14a)
2/ In whom we have forgiveness of sins (14b)
II. THE PREEMINENCE OF CHRIST (15-23)
A. IN CREATION (15-17)
1. He is the image of the invisible God (15a)
2. He is the firstborn over all creation (15b)
3. All things were created by Him (16)
4. He is before all things (17a)
5. In Him all things consist (17b)
B. IN REDEMPTION (18-23)
1. He is the head of the body, the church (18a)
2. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead (18b)
3. That He might have the preeminence in all things (18c)
4. It pleased the Father...
a. That in Him all the fullness should dwell (19)
b. That by Him all things were to be reconciled to Himself, making peace through the
blood of the cross (20)
5. The Colossians as a case in point (21-23)
a. They were once alienated and enemies in mind, through wicked works (21a)
b. Yet now reconciled...
1) In the body of His flesh through death (21b-22a)
2) To be presented holy, blameless, and irreproachable in His sight (22b)
3) If they continue in the faith...
a) Grounded and steadfast (23a)
b) Not moved away from the gospel
1/ Which they heard (23b)
2/ Which was preached to every creature under heaven (23c)
3/ Of which Paul became a minister (23d)
III.THE APOSTLE OF CHRIST (24-29)
A. HIS JOY (24)
1. In suffering for their sake (24a)
2. For in his flesh he fills up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ (24b)
3. All is done for the sake of His body, the church (24c)
B. HIS MINISTRY (25-29)
1. Made a minister according to the stewardship from God (25a)
a. Given to him for them (25b)
b. To fulfill the word of God (25c)
1) The mystery which has been hidden for ages and generations (26a)
2) But now has been revealed to His saints (26b)
a) To whom God willed to make known the riches of the glorious mystery among
the Gentiles (27a)
b) Which is Christ in them, the hope of glory (27b)
2. Proclaiming Christ (28-29)
a. By warning and teaching every man in all wisdom (28a)
b. That he might present every man perfect in Christ (28b)
1) Laboring toward this end (29a)
2) Striving according to His working which works in him mightily (29b)
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- Introduction (1-14)
- The Preeminence of Christ (15-23)
- The Apostle Of Christ (24-29)
2) Who joins Paul in the salutation of this epistle? (1)
- Timothy
3) What three things had Paul heard about the Colossians, for which he gave thanks? (3-5)
- Their faith in Christ Jesus; their love for all the saints; their hope laid for them in heaven
4) How long had the gospel been bringing forth fruit in their lives? (6)
- Since the day they heard and knew the grace of God in truth
5) Who had informed Paul of their condition? (8)
- Epaphras
6) List four things for which Paul prayed concerning the Colossians (9-11)
- To be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding
- To have a walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him
- To be strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power
- To give thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance
7) Into what have we been translated? (13)
- The kingdom of the Son of His love
8) What does one enjoy in Christ? (14)
- Redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins
9) List five things which illustrate Christ's preeminence in creation (15-17)
- He is the image of the invisible God (15a) - He is before all things (17a)
- He is the firstborn over all creation (15b) - In Him all things consist (17b)
- All things were created by Him (16)
10) List four things which illustrate Christ's preeminence in redemption (18-20)
- He is the head of the body, the church - In Him all the fullness dwells
- He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead - By Him all things are to be reconciled
11) What was the former condition of the Colossians? How were they changed? (21-22)
- Alienated and enemies in their mind by wicked works
- Reconciled in the body of Christ's flesh through death
12) Upon what condition would they be presented holy, blameless and irreproachable? (22-23)
- If they continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast
- If they are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which they heard
13) What is said about the "mystery" which has been hidden? (26)
- It has now been revealed to His saints
14) What is the glorious nature of this "mystery"? (27)
- Christ in you (i.e., the Gentiles), the hope of glory
15) What was Paul's goal in preaching Christ? (28)
- To present every many perfect in Christ Jesus
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To see the relationship between understanding the grace of God and bearing fruit
2) To examine Paul's prayer for the Colossians for the keys to successful Christian living
3) To appreciate the preeminence of Christ in creation and our redemption
SUMMARY
Paul begins with his customary salutation followed by an expression of thanksgiving and prayer. Hearing of their condition from Epaphras, he is thankful for their faith, love, and hope (1-8). His prayer is that they be filled with the knowledge of God's will, walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, strengthened by God's glorious power, and ever thankful that the Father has qualified them to be partakers of the saints' inheritance. Especially since they were delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son, where there is redemption and forgiveness of sins (9-14).
He then broaches the theme of this epistle, which is the preeminence and all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ our Savior. Paul first proclaims the preeminence of Christ in creation, and then His preeminence in redemption (15-20). The Colossians' own conversion is offered as a case in point in reference to the latter, and with a warning for them to remain steadfast (21-23).
The chapter ends with Paul's description of his ministry, in which he gladly suffered on behalf of Christ and His church. He views himself as a steward entrusted with a wonderful "mystery", which is being made known after having been hidden for ages. This "mystery" pertains to the Gentiles, and how Christ would be in them (24-27). Paul therefore worked diligently to preach Christ, with the goal of presenting every man perfect in Him (28-29).
OUTLINE
I. INTRODUCTION (1-14)
A. SALUTATION (1-2)
1. From Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God (1a)
2. And Timothy, "our brother" (1b)
3. To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ, who are in Colosse (2a)
4. Grace and peace from God and Jesus Christ (2b)
B. PAUL'S THANKSGIVING AND PRAYER (3-14)
1. His thanksgiving for them (3-8)
a. Given to God, with unceasing prayers in their behalf (3)
b. Given since he heard of:
1) Their faith in Christ Jesus (4a)
2) Their love for all the saints (4b)
c. Given because the hope laid up for them in heaven (5)
1) Which they had heard by way of the gospel
a) Which had come to them as to all the world, bringing forth fruit (6a)
b) Even in them, since the day they heard and knew the grace of God (6b)
2) Which they had heard by way of Epaphras
a) A dear fellow servant and faithful minister of Christ on their behalf (7)
b) Who declared to Paul their love in the Spirit (8)
2. His prayer for them (9-14)
a. Offered unceasingly since he heard of their progress (9a)
b. Asking that they might...
1) Be filled with the knowledge of God's will in wisdom and spiritual understanding
(9b)
2) Walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him (10a)
a) Being fruitful in every good work (10b)
b) Increasing in the knowledge of God (10c)
3) Be strengthened with all might (11a)
a) According to His glorious power (11b)
b) For all patience and longsuffering with joy (11c)
4) Give thanks to the Father (12a)
a) Who qualified us to be partakers of the saints' inheritance (12b)
b) Who has delivered us from the power of darkness (13a)
c) Who has translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son (13b)
1/ In whom we have redemption through His blood (14a)
2/ In whom we have forgiveness of sins (14b)
II. THE PREEMINENCE OF CHRIST (15-23)
A. IN CREATION (15-17)
1. He is the image of the invisible God (15a)
2. He is the firstborn over all creation (15b)
3. All things were created by Him (16)
4. He is before all things (17a)
5. In Him all things consist (17b)
B. IN REDEMPTION (18-23)
1. He is the head of the body, the church (18a)
2. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead (18b)
3. That He might have the preeminence in all things (18c)
4. It pleased the Father...
a. That in Him all the fullness should dwell (19)
b. That by Him all things were to be reconciled to Himself, making peace through the
blood of the cross (20)
5. The Colossians as a case in point (21-23)
a. They were once alienated and enemies in mind, through wicked works (21a)
b. Yet now reconciled...
1) In the body of His flesh through death (21b-22a)
2) To be presented holy, blameless, and irreproachable in His sight (22b)
3) If they continue in the faith...
a) Grounded and steadfast (23a)
b) Not moved away from the gospel
1/ Which they heard (23b)
2/ Which was preached to every creature under heaven (23c)
3/ Of which Paul became a minister (23d)
III.THE APOSTLE OF CHRIST (24-29)
A. HIS JOY (24)
1. In suffering for their sake (24a)
2. For in his flesh he fills up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ (24b)
3. All is done for the sake of His body, the church (24c)
B. HIS MINISTRY (25-29)
1. Made a minister according to the stewardship from God (25a)
a. Given to him for them (25b)
b. To fulfill the word of God (25c)
1) The mystery which has been hidden for ages and generations (26a)
2) But now has been revealed to His saints (26b)
a) To whom God willed to make known the riches of the glorious mystery among
the Gentiles (27a)
b) Which is Christ in them, the hope of glory (27b)
2. Proclaiming Christ (28-29)
a. By warning and teaching every man in all wisdom (28a)
b. That he might present every man perfect in Christ (28b)
1) Laboring toward this end (29a)
2) Striving according to His working which works in him mightily (29b)
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- Introduction (1-14)
- The Preeminence of Christ (15-23)
- The Apostle Of Christ (24-29)
2) Who joins Paul in the salutation of this epistle? (1)
- Timothy
3) What three things had Paul heard about the Colossians, for which he gave thanks? (3-5)
- Their faith in Christ Jesus; their love for all the saints; their hope laid for them in heaven
4) How long had the gospel been bringing forth fruit in their lives? (6)
- Since the day they heard and knew the grace of God in truth
5) Who had informed Paul of their condition? (8)
- Epaphras
6) List four things for which Paul prayed concerning the Colossians (9-11)
- To be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding
- To have a walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him
- To be strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power
- To give thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance
7) Into what have we been translated? (13)
- The kingdom of the Son of His love
8) What does one enjoy in Christ? (14)
- Redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins
9) List five things which illustrate Christ's preeminence in creation (15-17)
- He is the image of the invisible God (15a) - He is before all things (17a)
- He is the firstborn over all creation (15b) - In Him all things consist (17b)
- All things were created by Him (16)
10) List four things which illustrate Christ's preeminence in redemption (18-20)
- He is the head of the body, the church - In Him all the fullness dwells
- He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead - By Him all things are to be reconciled
11) What was the former condition of the Colossians? How were they changed? (21-22)
- Alienated and enemies in their mind by wicked works
- Reconciled in the body of Christ's flesh through death
12) Upon what condition would they be presented holy, blameless and irreproachable? (22-23)
- If they continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast
- If they are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which they heard
13) What is said about the "mystery" which has been hidden? (26)
- It has now been revealed to His saints
14) What is the glorious nature of this "mystery"? (27)
- Christ in you (i.e., the Gentiles), the hope of glory
15) What was Paul's goal in preaching Christ? (28)
- To present every many perfect in Christ Jesus
Saturday, November 13, 2010
The Epistle To The Colossians- Introduction
The Epistle To The Colossians- Introduction
AUTHOR
The apostle Paul, joined in his salutation by Timothy (1:1), and signed by Paul himself at the end of the letter (4:18). Early sources in church history that attribute this letter to Paul include: Eusebius (300 A.D.), Origen (250 A.D.), Clement of Alexandria (200 A.D.), Tertullian (200 A.D.), Irenaeus (200 A.D.), and the Muratorian Fragment (180 A.D.).
THE CITY OF COLOSSE
The city was located about 100 miles east of Ephesus in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). Together with Hieropolis (4:13) and Laodicea (2:1; 4:13-16; Re 3:14-22), Colosse made up a tri-city area. Each city had its own distinction:
* Hierapolis, a place for health, pleasure, and relaxation
* Laodicea, known for its commercial trade and politics
* Colosse, known simply as a small town
Colosse was mostly a pagan city, with a strong intermingling of Jews (in 62 B.C., there were 11,000 Jewish freemen in the tri-city area). This may explain the nature of some of the problems that arose among the church in Colosse (problems with both pagan and Jewish origin).
THE CHURCH AT COLOSSE
The establishment of the church is uncertain. At issue is whether Paul himself had ever been there. Some suggest that Paul may have done some work there during his third journey, on the way to Ephesus (cf. Ac 18:23; 19:1). Others point out that Paul's comments imply that he had not personally been in Colosse (cf. 2:1). One possibility is that the church was established during Paul's extended stay at Ephesus, where the effect of his work spread throughout Asia Minor (cf. Ac 19:8-10). It may not have been Paul himself, but one of his coworkers who went out to Colosse. Paul's remarks in the epistle indicate that Epaphras was the one who preached the gospel there (1:5-8) and in Hierapolis and Laodicea (4:12-13). Though he was with Paul at the time the epistle was written, Epaphras is identified as "one of you" (4:12), suggesting that he may have originally been from Colosse. Other members of the church at Colosse included Philemon, Apphia, and Archippus, who may have been father, mother, and son. By comparing the epistle to the Colossians with that written to Philemon, it is reasonable to suppose that the church at Colosse met in their home (cf. 4:17 with Phile 1-2, and the references to Archippus). If Philemon and his family were hosts of the church at Colosse, then Onesimus (Philemon's slave) would have also been a member there upon his return (cf. 4:7-9 with Phile 8-16).
TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING
Colossians is one of Paul's four "prison epistles" (4:18; cf. Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon). The general consensus is that these epistles were written during Paul's imprisonment at Rome (cf. Ac 28:16, 30-31). If such is truly the case, then Paul wrote Colossians around 61-63 A.D. from Rome. The indication is that the epistles to the Colossians, Philemon and the Ephesians were carried to their
destination by Tychicus and Onesimus (cf. 4:7-9; Phile 10-12; Ep 6:21-22).
PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE
Paul had received a report of the situation at Colosse by way of Epaphras (1:7-8). This report was for the most part favorable (2:5). But the subject matter in the epistle strongly suggests that the church was facing a twofold danger:
* The danger of relapse into paganism with its gross immorality (cf. 1:21-23; 2:6;
3:5-11)
* The danger of accepting what has been come to known as "The Colossian heresy". This heresy was a syncretism involving four elements of both pagan and Jewish origin:
* Philosophies of men - which denied the all sufficiency and preeminence of
Christ (2:8)
* Judaistic ceremonialism - which attached special significance to the rite of
circumcision, food regulations, and observance of special days (2:11,16-17)
* Angel worship - which detracted from the uniqueness of Christ (2:18)
* Asceticism - which called for harsh treatment of the body as the means to
control its lusts (2:20-23)
To guard against these dangers, Paul writes to:
* Warn the Colossians against relapse (1:21-23)
* Warn them against the "solution" being urged upon them by those denying the
all-sufficiency of Christ (2:8-23)
* Direct their attention to the "Beloved Son", the "All-Sufficient and Preeminent
Savior" (1:13-18; 2:8-10)
THEME OF THE EPISTLE
With the focus on Jesus Christ as the answer to "The Colossian heresy", the theme of this letter is clearly:
CHRIST - THE FULNESS OF GOD, AND THE PREEMINENT, ALL-SUFFICIENT SAVIOR
KEY VERSES: Colossians 2:9-10
"For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are
complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power."
OUTLINE
INTRODUCTION (1:1-14)
1. Salutation (1-2)
2. Thanksgiving and prayer (3-14)
I. THE PREEMINENCE OF CHRIST (1:15-23)
A. IN CREATION (1:15-17)
1. The image of the invisible God (1:15a)
2. The first-born over all creation (1:15b-17)
B. IN REDEMPTION (1:18-23)
1. The head of the body, the church (1:18a)
2. The beginning, the first-born from the dead (1:18b)
3. That He might have preeminence in all things (1:18c)
a. In Whom all the fullness dwells (1:19)
b. In Whom all things are to be reconciled to God (1:20)
c. The Colossians as a case in point (1:21-23)
II. THE APOSTLE OF CHRIST (1:24-2:7)
A. PAUL'S SERVICE (1:24-29)
1. His joy in suffering for them (1:24)
2. His ministry (1:25-29)
a. A stewardship to proclaim the mystery of God now revealed (1:25-27)
b. A labor to present every man perfect in Christ Jesus (1:28-29)
B. PAUL'S SOLICITUDE (2:1-7)
1. His great concern for them (2:1-3)
2. Reasons for this concern (2:4-5)
3. Exhortations to be firmly established in Christ (2:6-7)
III.WARNINGS AGAINST "THE COLOSSIAN HERESY" (2:8-23)
A. WARNING AGAINST PHILOSOPHY (2:8-10)
1. Beware of being cheated by philosophy and empty deceit (2:8)
2. In Christ dwells the fullness of God, and you are complete in Him (2:9-10)
B. WARNING AGAINST JUDAISTIC CEREMONIALISM (2:11-17)
1. In Christ you have a circumcision made without hands (2:11-12)
2. You are made alive in Christ, and the handwriting of requirements that was against us has been taken away at the cross (2:13-15)
3. Therefore don't let anyone judge you in regards to food, festivals, or Sabbath days (2:16-17)
C. WARNING AGAINST ANGEL WORSHIP (2:18-19)
1. Don't let anyone defraud you of your reward by appealing to angel worship and imagined visions of a fleshly mind (2:18)
2. Such people do not hold fast to Christ as the Head, and from whom true divine nourishment comes (2:19)
D. WARNING AGAINST ASCETICISM (2:20-23)
1. Having died with Christ to the world, there is no need to submit to human ordinances (2:20-22)
2. While having appearances of wisdom, such practices have no value in controlling the indulgences of the flesh (2:23)
IV. THE CHRISTIAN SOLUTION (3:1-4:6)
A. SET YOUR MIND ON THINGS ABOVE (3:1-4)
1. Since you were raised with Christ, seek those things above (3:1-2)
2. For you have died and your life is now hidden in Christ, to be revealed when He appears (3:3-4)
B. PUT OFF THE OLD MAN (3:5-9)
1. Put to death your members here on the earth, for the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience (3:5-7)
2. Put off the old man with his deeds (3:8-9)
C. PUT ON THE NEW MAN (3:10-17)
1. Put on the new man, renewed in the image of our Creator (3:10-11)
2. As God's elect, put on Christ-like qualities (3:12-14)
3. Let God's peace rule in your hearts, and be thankful (3:15)
4. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another with song and singing with grace in your hearts (3:16)
5. Do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus, with thanksgiving (3:17)
D. FAMILIAL RESPONSIBILITIES (3:18-4:1)
1. Wives toward their husbands (3:18)
2. Husbands toward their wives (3:19)
3. Children toward their parents (3:20)
4. Fathers toward their children (3:21)
5. Servants toward their masters (3:22-25)
6. Masters toward their servants (4:1)
E. EXHORTATIONS TO PRAYER AND PROPER CONDUCT (4:2-6)
1. Devote yourselves to prayer (4:2-4)
2. Walk in wisdom and let your speech be with grace (4:5-6)
V. PAUL'S COMPANIONS (4:7-14)
A. COMMENDATIONS OF HIS MESSENGERS (4:7-9)
1. Tychicus, a faithful servant who will inform them of Paul's circumstances (4:7-8)
2. Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother (4:9)
B. GREETINGS FROM HIS FRIENDS (4:10-14)
1. Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus, fellow workers for the kingdom of God (4:10-11)
2. Epaphras, one of them, and a servant of Christ (4:12-13)
3. Luke the beloved physician, and Demas (4:14)
CONCLUSION (4:15-18)
1. Greetings to those in Laodicea, and to Nymphas and the church in his house (4:15)
2. A command to read and exchange the epistles from Paul (4:16)
3. A personal exhortation to Archippus (4:17)
4. A personal signoff from the hand of Paul, with a request for remembrance and a prayer in their behalf (4:18)
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE INTRODUCTION
1) Who had taught the Colossians the truth concerning God's grace? (Co 1:6-7)
- Epaphras
2) From where and when did Paul write Colossians?
- From Rome, sometime around 61-63 A.D.
3) What three other epistles were written about this time? What are the four epistles
sometimes called?
- Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon
- The "prison epistles"
3) What two potential dangers prompted the writing of this epistle?
- The danger of relapse into paganism with its gross immorality
- The danger of accepting the "Colossian heresy"
4) What four elements make up the "Colossian Heresy"?
- Philosophies of men
- Judaistic ceremonialism
- Angel worship
- Asceticism
5) What is the "theme" of this epistle?
- "Christ - the fullness of God, and the preeminent, all-sufficient Savior"
6) What serves as the "key verses" of this epistle?
- Colossians 2:9-10
7) According to the outline above, what are the five main subject divisions in this epistle?
- The preeminence of Christ
- The apostle of Christ
- Warnings against the "Colossian Heresy"
- The Christian solution
- Paul's companions
AUTHOR
The apostle Paul, joined in his salutation by Timothy (1:1), and signed by Paul himself at the end of the letter (4:18). Early sources in church history that attribute this letter to Paul include: Eusebius (300 A.D.), Origen (250 A.D.), Clement of Alexandria (200 A.D.), Tertullian (200 A.D.), Irenaeus (200 A.D.), and the Muratorian Fragment (180 A.D.).
THE CITY OF COLOSSE
The city was located about 100 miles east of Ephesus in Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). Together with Hieropolis (4:13) and Laodicea (2:1; 4:13-16; Re 3:14-22), Colosse made up a tri-city area. Each city had its own distinction:
* Hierapolis, a place for health, pleasure, and relaxation
* Laodicea, known for its commercial trade and politics
* Colosse, known simply as a small town
Colosse was mostly a pagan city, with a strong intermingling of Jews (in 62 B.C., there were 11,000 Jewish freemen in the tri-city area). This may explain the nature of some of the problems that arose among the church in Colosse (problems with both pagan and Jewish origin).
THE CHURCH AT COLOSSE
The establishment of the church is uncertain. At issue is whether Paul himself had ever been there. Some suggest that Paul may have done some work there during his third journey, on the way to Ephesus (cf. Ac 18:23; 19:1). Others point out that Paul's comments imply that he had not personally been in Colosse (cf. 2:1). One possibility is that the church was established during Paul's extended stay at Ephesus, where the effect of his work spread throughout Asia Minor (cf. Ac 19:8-10). It may not have been Paul himself, but one of his coworkers who went out to Colosse. Paul's remarks in the epistle indicate that Epaphras was the one who preached the gospel there (1:5-8) and in Hierapolis and Laodicea (4:12-13). Though he was with Paul at the time the epistle was written, Epaphras is identified as "one of you" (4:12), suggesting that he may have originally been from Colosse. Other members of the church at Colosse included Philemon, Apphia, and Archippus, who may have been father, mother, and son. By comparing the epistle to the Colossians with that written to Philemon, it is reasonable to suppose that the church at Colosse met in their home (cf. 4:17 with Phile 1-2, and the references to Archippus). If Philemon and his family were hosts of the church at Colosse, then Onesimus (Philemon's slave) would have also been a member there upon his return (cf. 4:7-9 with Phile 8-16).
TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING
Colossians is one of Paul's four "prison epistles" (4:18; cf. Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon). The general consensus is that these epistles were written during Paul's imprisonment at Rome (cf. Ac 28:16, 30-31). If such is truly the case, then Paul wrote Colossians around 61-63 A.D. from Rome. The indication is that the epistles to the Colossians, Philemon and the Ephesians were carried to their
destination by Tychicus and Onesimus (cf. 4:7-9; Phile 10-12; Ep 6:21-22).
PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE
Paul had received a report of the situation at Colosse by way of Epaphras (1:7-8). This report was for the most part favorable (2:5). But the subject matter in the epistle strongly suggests that the church was facing a twofold danger:
* The danger of relapse into paganism with its gross immorality (cf. 1:21-23; 2:6;
3:5-11)
* The danger of accepting what has been come to known as "The Colossian heresy". This heresy was a syncretism involving four elements of both pagan and Jewish origin:
* Philosophies of men - which denied the all sufficiency and preeminence of
Christ (2:8)
* Judaistic ceremonialism - which attached special significance to the rite of
circumcision, food regulations, and observance of special days (2:11,16-17)
* Angel worship - which detracted from the uniqueness of Christ (2:18)
* Asceticism - which called for harsh treatment of the body as the means to
control its lusts (2:20-23)
To guard against these dangers, Paul writes to:
* Warn the Colossians against relapse (1:21-23)
* Warn them against the "solution" being urged upon them by those denying the
all-sufficiency of Christ (2:8-23)
* Direct their attention to the "Beloved Son", the "All-Sufficient and Preeminent
Savior" (1:13-18; 2:8-10)
THEME OF THE EPISTLE
With the focus on Jesus Christ as the answer to "The Colossian heresy", the theme of this letter is clearly:
CHRIST - THE FULNESS OF GOD, AND THE PREEMINENT, ALL-SUFFICIENT SAVIOR
KEY VERSES: Colossians 2:9-10
"For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are
complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power."
OUTLINE
INTRODUCTION (1:1-14)
1. Salutation (1-2)
2. Thanksgiving and prayer (3-14)
I. THE PREEMINENCE OF CHRIST (1:15-23)
A. IN CREATION (1:15-17)
1. The image of the invisible God (1:15a)
2. The first-born over all creation (1:15b-17)
B. IN REDEMPTION (1:18-23)
1. The head of the body, the church (1:18a)
2. The beginning, the first-born from the dead (1:18b)
3. That He might have preeminence in all things (1:18c)
a. In Whom all the fullness dwells (1:19)
b. In Whom all things are to be reconciled to God (1:20)
c. The Colossians as a case in point (1:21-23)
II. THE APOSTLE OF CHRIST (1:24-2:7)
A. PAUL'S SERVICE (1:24-29)
1. His joy in suffering for them (1:24)
2. His ministry (1:25-29)
a. A stewardship to proclaim the mystery of God now revealed (1:25-27)
b. A labor to present every man perfect in Christ Jesus (1:28-29)
B. PAUL'S SOLICITUDE (2:1-7)
1. His great concern for them (2:1-3)
2. Reasons for this concern (2:4-5)
3. Exhortations to be firmly established in Christ (2:6-7)
III.WARNINGS AGAINST "THE COLOSSIAN HERESY" (2:8-23)
A. WARNING AGAINST PHILOSOPHY (2:8-10)
1. Beware of being cheated by philosophy and empty deceit (2:8)
2. In Christ dwells the fullness of God, and you are complete in Him (2:9-10)
B. WARNING AGAINST JUDAISTIC CEREMONIALISM (2:11-17)
1. In Christ you have a circumcision made without hands (2:11-12)
2. You are made alive in Christ, and the handwriting of requirements that was against us has been taken away at the cross (2:13-15)
3. Therefore don't let anyone judge you in regards to food, festivals, or Sabbath days (2:16-17)
C. WARNING AGAINST ANGEL WORSHIP (2:18-19)
1. Don't let anyone defraud you of your reward by appealing to angel worship and imagined visions of a fleshly mind (2:18)
2. Such people do not hold fast to Christ as the Head, and from whom true divine nourishment comes (2:19)
D. WARNING AGAINST ASCETICISM (2:20-23)
1. Having died with Christ to the world, there is no need to submit to human ordinances (2:20-22)
2. While having appearances of wisdom, such practices have no value in controlling the indulgences of the flesh (2:23)
IV. THE CHRISTIAN SOLUTION (3:1-4:6)
A. SET YOUR MIND ON THINGS ABOVE (3:1-4)
1. Since you were raised with Christ, seek those things above (3:1-2)
2. For you have died and your life is now hidden in Christ, to be revealed when He appears (3:3-4)
B. PUT OFF THE OLD MAN (3:5-9)
1. Put to death your members here on the earth, for the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience (3:5-7)
2. Put off the old man with his deeds (3:8-9)
C. PUT ON THE NEW MAN (3:10-17)
1. Put on the new man, renewed in the image of our Creator (3:10-11)
2. As God's elect, put on Christ-like qualities (3:12-14)
3. Let God's peace rule in your hearts, and be thankful (3:15)
4. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another with song and singing with grace in your hearts (3:16)
5. Do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus, with thanksgiving (3:17)
D. FAMILIAL RESPONSIBILITIES (3:18-4:1)
1. Wives toward their husbands (3:18)
2. Husbands toward their wives (3:19)
3. Children toward their parents (3:20)
4. Fathers toward their children (3:21)
5. Servants toward their masters (3:22-25)
6. Masters toward their servants (4:1)
E. EXHORTATIONS TO PRAYER AND PROPER CONDUCT (4:2-6)
1. Devote yourselves to prayer (4:2-4)
2. Walk in wisdom and let your speech be with grace (4:5-6)
V. PAUL'S COMPANIONS (4:7-14)
A. COMMENDATIONS OF HIS MESSENGERS (4:7-9)
1. Tychicus, a faithful servant who will inform them of Paul's circumstances (4:7-8)
2. Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother (4:9)
B. GREETINGS FROM HIS FRIENDS (4:10-14)
1. Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus, fellow workers for the kingdom of God (4:10-11)
2. Epaphras, one of them, and a servant of Christ (4:12-13)
3. Luke the beloved physician, and Demas (4:14)
CONCLUSION (4:15-18)
1. Greetings to those in Laodicea, and to Nymphas and the church in his house (4:15)
2. A command to read and exchange the epistles from Paul (4:16)
3. A personal exhortation to Archippus (4:17)
4. A personal signoff from the hand of Paul, with a request for remembrance and a prayer in their behalf (4:18)
REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE INTRODUCTION
1) Who had taught the Colossians the truth concerning God's grace? (Co 1:6-7)
- Epaphras
2) From where and when did Paul write Colossians?
- From Rome, sometime around 61-63 A.D.
3) What three other epistles were written about this time? What are the four epistles
sometimes called?
- Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon
- The "prison epistles"
3) What two potential dangers prompted the writing of this epistle?
- The danger of relapse into paganism with its gross immorality
- The danger of accepting the "Colossian heresy"
4) What four elements make up the "Colossian Heresy"?
- Philosophies of men
- Judaistic ceremonialism
- Angel worship
- Asceticism
5) What is the "theme" of this epistle?
- "Christ - the fullness of God, and the preeminent, all-sufficient Savior"
6) What serves as the "key verses" of this epistle?
- Colossians 2:9-10
7) According to the outline above, what are the five main subject divisions in this epistle?
- The preeminence of Christ
- The apostle of Christ
- Warnings against the "Colossian Heresy"
- The Christian solution
- Paul's companions
Friday, November 5, 2010
Paul’s Thank-You Note- Philippians 4:10-23
Paul’s Thank-You Note- Philippians 4:10-23
INTRODUCTION
1) In our study of Philippians, we come to point where Paul mentions the occasion which prompted the writing of this epistle
2) In our text we find an expression of Paul’s gratitude, a “Thank-You Note” - Ph 4:10-23
[In these concluding verses, there are a number of notable things I would like to emphasize. [The first being...]
I. THE PHILIPPIANS’ GENEROSITY
A. AS DESCRIBED BY PAUL...
1. Notice especially verses 10, 14-18
2. Clearly they demonstrated an ongoing support and concern for the apostle
a. When Paul first departed from Macedonia, they shared with him
b. Before leaving Macedonia, while still in Thessalonica, they sent aid time and again
c. Now at last, while in Rome, they sent a gift by the hands of Epaphroditus
B. WHAT A WONDERFUL PICTURE OF FELLOWSHIP BETWEEN A CHURCH AND A PREACHER...!
1. The kind that ought to exist today!
2. Where churches and preachers continue to maintain their fellowship in the gospel of Christ as the need calls for it, long after the preacher has gone on to other works
3. How sad, that in many cases preachers leave a congregation in such a way that there is no desire on the part of the congregation to maintain such fellowship!
[Another notable thing in this passage is...]
II. PAUL’S CONTENTMENT
A. AS EXPRESSED BY PAUL...
1. His expression of thanks was not to hint that he was in great need - Ph 4:11a
2. For he was quite content with the “state” or condition he found himself in - Ph 4:11b
3. This “contentment” was something he had learned - Ph 4:11b-12
B. WHAT WAS THE “KEY” TO PAUL’S CONTENTMENT...?
1. As expressed in Ph 4:13, it involved strength given by the Lord
a. Who enabled him to be content whether full or hungry
b. Who enabled him to be content whether abounding or in need
2. Part of this strength from the Lord may have been the proper perspective which Paul likely received from the Lord
a. The proper perspective about life and death - cf. Ph 1:21-24
b. The proper perspective about the true necessities in life - cf. 1 Ti 6:6-8
[Having mentioned the strength given by the Lord, let’s look a little closer at...]
III. CHRIST’S POWER
A. THERE IS WONDERFUL POWER AVAILABLE FOR THE CHRISTIAN...!
1. As Paul indicates, this power enables one to do all things necessary in serving the Lord - Ph 4:13
2. We learn more about this wonderful power in Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians...
a. It is power about which Paul wanted them to know - Ep 1:18-19
b. It is power that is in accordance with the power used to raise Jesus from the dead, and to seat Him at the right hand of God! - Ep 1:19-21
c. Paul attributes such power to the Holy Spirit, dwelling in the Christian - cf. Ro 8:11-14
d. He prayed that God would strengthen the Ephesians with such power, which is
described as being able to accomplish great things - Ep 3:16, 20-21
3. In other words, with the Spirit as the instrumental agent, God and Christ enables the Christian to do all that he or she is required to do!
B. THE RAMIFICATION OF THIS POWER...
1. We are not alone in our efforts to “work out our own salvation” - cf. Ph 2:12-13
2. There is no excuse for not doing what God desires!
3. When we fall, it is usually a problem of the will, not the ability! (unlike those outside of Christ, where it is a problem of ability - cf. Ro 7:18,22-25)
4. For Christians who sin knowingly, it is not that they can’t do the will of God, but won’t!
a. and therefore are always in need of the cleansing blood of Jesus
b. But when we know the will of God, there are no excuses for not doing it!
[What a wonderful blessing for those who are in Christ, to have that power! But there is even a hint of more blessings in our text, as we notice what is said about...]
IV. GOD’S RICHES
A. AS DEFINED BY PAUL...
1. These are “riches in glory” which God supplies by Jesus Christ - Ph 4:19
a. I.e., one must be “in Christ” to enjoy these “riches”
b. Indeed, “in Christ” is the realm in which God provides every spiritual blessing - cf. Ep 1:3-13 (note the use of the phrase “in Christ”, or “in Him”)
2. But God provides not only spiritual needs, but “all your needs”
a. Which includes the necessities of life, like food and clothing
b. As Jesus Himself taught in Mt 6:30-33
B. WITH “RICHES” LIKE THESE...
1. How can we not be content?
2. We have an abundance of “spiritual” blessings, and an assurance “physical” needs,
how could we ever be less than satisfied?
[May God forgive us when we take these “riches” lightly and begin to feel discontent with what we have! Finally, we note...]
V. THE SAINT’S GREETINGS
A. AS READ HERE IN PHILIPPIANS...
1. Paul first sends his greetings - Ph 4:21a
2. The brethren with him (Luke? Timothy?) send their greetings - Ph 4:21b
3. Then “all the saints...especially those who are of Caesar’s household” send their greetings - Ph 4:22
B. THE SIMPLE ACT OF GREETING CAN SERVE AN IMPORTANT FUNCTION...
1. Clearly, Paul thought so - cf. Ro 16:3-16, 21-23
2. Some possible benefits of greeting one another:
a. Greeting one another expresses our love and appreciation for one another
b. Greeting one another frequently (in letter or in person) nourishes the relationship we have as brethren in Christ
3. Note that Paul desired to greet “every” saint in Christ Jesus; no room for favoritism here!
- Ph 4:21
4. How we greet (or fail to greet) each other in our assemblies reveals a lot about ourselves
a. Either that we are caring and loving without partiality
b. Or cold and insensitive, except to those in our “clique”!
CONCLUSION
1. Such are some the things we can glean from a simple “thank-you note”...
a. The Philippians’ generosity
b. Paul’s contentment
c. Christ’s power
d. God’s riches
e. The saints’ greetings
2. What this reveals is the high quality of life experienced by those in Christ!
a. Who despite the sort of circumstances faced by Paul...
b. Could still feel and write such a letter as the epistle to the Philippians!
3. As we close this study on this wonderful epistle, I leave with you two words: glory and grace...
a. “Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” - Ph 4:20
b. “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” - Ph 4:23
Have you received the wonderful grace of our Lord in your life, by obeying His gospel? Are you living so as to offer glory to God, both in word and deed?
May such portions of God’s Word like the Epistle to the Philippians inspire you to do both!
INTRODUCTION
1) In our study of Philippians, we come to point where Paul mentions the occasion which prompted the writing of this epistle
2) In our text we find an expression of Paul’s gratitude, a “Thank-You Note” - Ph 4:10-23
[In these concluding verses, there are a number of notable things I would like to emphasize. [The first being...]
I. THE PHILIPPIANS’ GENEROSITY
A. AS DESCRIBED BY PAUL...
1. Notice especially verses 10, 14-18
2. Clearly they demonstrated an ongoing support and concern for the apostle
a. When Paul first departed from Macedonia, they shared with him
b. Before leaving Macedonia, while still in Thessalonica, they sent aid time and again
c. Now at last, while in Rome, they sent a gift by the hands of Epaphroditus
B. WHAT A WONDERFUL PICTURE OF FELLOWSHIP BETWEEN A CHURCH AND A PREACHER...!
1. The kind that ought to exist today!
2. Where churches and preachers continue to maintain their fellowship in the gospel of Christ as the need calls for it, long after the preacher has gone on to other works
3. How sad, that in many cases preachers leave a congregation in such a way that there is no desire on the part of the congregation to maintain such fellowship!
[Another notable thing in this passage is...]
II. PAUL’S CONTENTMENT
A. AS EXPRESSED BY PAUL...
1. His expression of thanks was not to hint that he was in great need - Ph 4:11a
2. For he was quite content with the “state” or condition he found himself in - Ph 4:11b
3. This “contentment” was something he had learned - Ph 4:11b-12
B. WHAT WAS THE “KEY” TO PAUL’S CONTENTMENT...?
1. As expressed in Ph 4:13, it involved strength given by the Lord
a. Who enabled him to be content whether full or hungry
b. Who enabled him to be content whether abounding or in need
2. Part of this strength from the Lord may have been the proper perspective which Paul likely received from the Lord
a. The proper perspective about life and death - cf. Ph 1:21-24
b. The proper perspective about the true necessities in life - cf. 1 Ti 6:6-8
[Having mentioned the strength given by the Lord, let’s look a little closer at...]
III. CHRIST’S POWER
A. THERE IS WONDERFUL POWER AVAILABLE FOR THE CHRISTIAN...!
1. As Paul indicates, this power enables one to do all things necessary in serving the Lord - Ph 4:13
2. We learn more about this wonderful power in Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians...
a. It is power about which Paul wanted them to know - Ep 1:18-19
b. It is power that is in accordance with the power used to raise Jesus from the dead, and to seat Him at the right hand of God! - Ep 1:19-21
c. Paul attributes such power to the Holy Spirit, dwelling in the Christian - cf. Ro 8:11-14
d. He prayed that God would strengthen the Ephesians with such power, which is
described as being able to accomplish great things - Ep 3:16, 20-21
3. In other words, with the Spirit as the instrumental agent, God and Christ enables the Christian to do all that he or she is required to do!
B. THE RAMIFICATION OF THIS POWER...
1. We are not alone in our efforts to “work out our own salvation” - cf. Ph 2:12-13
2. There is no excuse for not doing what God desires!
3. When we fall, it is usually a problem of the will, not the ability! (unlike those outside of Christ, where it is a problem of ability - cf. Ro 7:18,22-25)
4. For Christians who sin knowingly, it is not that they can’t do the will of God, but won’t!
a. and therefore are always in need of the cleansing blood of Jesus
b. But when we know the will of God, there are no excuses for not doing it!
[What a wonderful blessing for those who are in Christ, to have that power! But there is even a hint of more blessings in our text, as we notice what is said about...]
IV. GOD’S RICHES
A. AS DEFINED BY PAUL...
1. These are “riches in glory” which God supplies by Jesus Christ - Ph 4:19
a. I.e., one must be “in Christ” to enjoy these “riches”
b. Indeed, “in Christ” is the realm in which God provides every spiritual blessing - cf. Ep 1:3-13 (note the use of the phrase “in Christ”, or “in Him”)
2. But God provides not only spiritual needs, but “all your needs”
a. Which includes the necessities of life, like food and clothing
b. As Jesus Himself taught in Mt 6:30-33
B. WITH “RICHES” LIKE THESE...
1. How can we not be content?
2. We have an abundance of “spiritual” blessings, and an assurance “physical” needs,
how could we ever be less than satisfied?
[May God forgive us when we take these “riches” lightly and begin to feel discontent with what we have! Finally, we note...]
V. THE SAINT’S GREETINGS
A. AS READ HERE IN PHILIPPIANS...
1. Paul first sends his greetings - Ph 4:21a
2. The brethren with him (Luke? Timothy?) send their greetings - Ph 4:21b
3. Then “all the saints...especially those who are of Caesar’s household” send their greetings - Ph 4:22
B. THE SIMPLE ACT OF GREETING CAN SERVE AN IMPORTANT FUNCTION...
1. Clearly, Paul thought so - cf. Ro 16:3-16, 21-23
2. Some possible benefits of greeting one another:
a. Greeting one another expresses our love and appreciation for one another
b. Greeting one another frequently (in letter or in person) nourishes the relationship we have as brethren in Christ
3. Note that Paul desired to greet “every” saint in Christ Jesus; no room for favoritism here!
- Ph 4:21
4. How we greet (or fail to greet) each other in our assemblies reveals a lot about ourselves
a. Either that we are caring and loving without partiality
b. Or cold and insensitive, except to those in our “clique”!
CONCLUSION
1. Such are some the things we can glean from a simple “thank-you note”...
a. The Philippians’ generosity
b. Paul’s contentment
c. Christ’s power
d. God’s riches
e. The saints’ greetings
2. What this reveals is the high quality of life experienced by those in Christ!
a. Who despite the sort of circumstances faced by Paul...
b. Could still feel and write such a letter as the epistle to the Philippians!
3. As we close this study on this wonderful epistle, I leave with you two words: glory and grace...
a. “Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.” - Ph 4:20
b. “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” - Ph 4:23
Have you received the wonderful grace of our Lord in your life, by obeying His gospel? Are you living so as to offer glory to God, both in word and deed?
May such portions of God’s Word like the Epistle to the Philippians inspire you to do both!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Things Seen In Paul- Philippians 4:9
Things Seen In Paul- Philippians 4:9
INTRODUCTION
1. A description of our Heavenly Father frequently used by Paul is “the God of Peace”...
a. “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen” - Ro 15:33
b. “And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly...” - Ro 16:20
c. “...and the God of love and peace will be with you.” - 2 Co 13:11
d. “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely...” - 1 Th 5:23
e. “Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead...” - He 13:20
-- In similar fashion does Paul refer to God in Ph 4:9 which serves as the text of our lesson
2. In our text, we learn from Paul the key to having the “God of peace” blessing us in our lives
3. It involves doing the “things”...
a. Learned from Paul
b. Received from Paul
c. Heard about Paul
d. Seen in Paul
4. What are some of “The Things Seen In Paul”, which if we do, will assure that the “God of peace” will be with us?
[The answer can be found both in his epistle to the Philippians and in his other letters. For example, we see...]
I. HIS CONCERN FOR HIS BRETHREN
A. AS EXPRESSED IN PHILIPPIANS...
1. With the case of Eudoia and Syntyche - Ph 4:1-3
2. Indeed, with all the brethren there at Philippi - Ph 1:8-11
B. ELSEWHERE, PAUL REVEALS HIS CONCERN...
1. For all the churches - 2 Co 11:28-29
2. For brethren who are weak in faith - cf. 1 Co 8:8-13; Ro 14:14-21; 15:1-3
[As seen in Ro 15:3, this concern for his brethren is simply a reflection of Christ’s concern for us, and therefore certainly worthy of our imitation. Another thing seen in Paul that is worthy of imitation is...]
II. HIS STRIVING FOR PERFECTION
A. TO THE PHILIPPIANS, PAUL WROTE...
1. Of his admission that he was not perfect - Ph 3:12a
2. Of his desire to press on, to reach forward, to press toward the goal - Ph 3:12b-14
B. TO THE CHURCH AT CORINTH, PAUL REVEALS...
1. That he viewed his Christian life as a “race”, a “boxing match” - 1 Co 9:24-26
2. Where there is always room for improvement, lest he become “disqualified” - 1 Co 9:27
[Why this desire for perfection? As revealed in Ph 3:8-11, it was part of his “magnificent obsession” to “gain Christ and be found in Him.” If we desire the same for us, then we need to have the same desire! Another thing seen in Paul that relates closely to this desire for perfection is...]
III. HIS EFFORTS TO SAVE THE LOST
A. AS EXPRESSED IN HIS EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS...
1. His efforts continued despite being under “house arrest” - Ph 1:1214
2. He would willingly offer himself as a martyr if it would help - Ph 2:17
B. THE DEGREE TO WHICH HE WOULD GO IS SEEN IN HIS EPISTLES TO THE
CORINTHIANS...
1. He made himself a servant to all - 1 Co 9:19-23
2. He endured much suffering as a minister of Christ and His gospel - 2 Co 11:23-27
[Even with so much suffering in his efforts to save others, we see yet another thing in Paul that is worthy of emulation...]
IV. HIS JOY IN SUFFERING
A. THIS “JOY” IS ESPECIALLY SEEN IN THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS...
1. Which we have seen time and again is an “epistle of joy”
2. For example, his joy in Christ being preached, despite his imprisonment and the efforts of false preachers - Ph 1:12-18 (note especially verse 18)
3. Even if it meant martyrdom, he viewed it as a reason to rejoice, and wanted them to rejoice with him! - Ph 2:17-18
B. TO THE ROMANS, HE EXPLAINED WHY HE WOULD “REJOICE IN
TRIBULATIONS”...
1. Such trials and sufferings would produce “perseverance” - Ro 5:3
2. Which in turn would produce “character” and “hope” - Ro 5:4
CONCLUSION
1. Such were some of the qualities seen in Paul, that we also learn from him if we take his epistles seriously
2. And we should, if we desire the “God of peace” to be with us and He clearly was with Paul throughout his life and service as a disciple of Jesus Christ!
3. Are the things seen in Paul, also seen in us? Are we living in such a way that we could say to others:
“The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and
the God of peace will be with you”?
4. In view of such passages as 1 Ti 4:12 and Ti 2:6-7, where we are called to be an example to others, we should!
May the “God of peace” help us to live in such a way that we can be an example as Paul was!
INTRODUCTION
1. A description of our Heavenly Father frequently used by Paul is “the God of Peace”...
a. “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen” - Ro 15:33
b. “And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly...” - Ro 16:20
c. “...and the God of love and peace will be with you.” - 2 Co 13:11
d. “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely...” - 1 Th 5:23
e. “Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead...” - He 13:20
-- In similar fashion does Paul refer to God in Ph 4:9 which serves as the text of our lesson
2. In our text, we learn from Paul the key to having the “God of peace” blessing us in our lives
3. It involves doing the “things”...
a. Learned from Paul
b. Received from Paul
c. Heard about Paul
d. Seen in Paul
4. What are some of “The Things Seen In Paul”, which if we do, will assure that the “God of peace” will be with us?
[The answer can be found both in his epistle to the Philippians and in his other letters. For example, we see...]
I. HIS CONCERN FOR HIS BRETHREN
A. AS EXPRESSED IN PHILIPPIANS...
1. With the case of Eudoia and Syntyche - Ph 4:1-3
2. Indeed, with all the brethren there at Philippi - Ph 1:8-11
B. ELSEWHERE, PAUL REVEALS HIS CONCERN...
1. For all the churches - 2 Co 11:28-29
2. For brethren who are weak in faith - cf. 1 Co 8:8-13; Ro 14:14-21; 15:1-3
[As seen in Ro 15:3, this concern for his brethren is simply a reflection of Christ’s concern for us, and therefore certainly worthy of our imitation. Another thing seen in Paul that is worthy of imitation is...]
II. HIS STRIVING FOR PERFECTION
A. TO THE PHILIPPIANS, PAUL WROTE...
1. Of his admission that he was not perfect - Ph 3:12a
2. Of his desire to press on, to reach forward, to press toward the goal - Ph 3:12b-14
B. TO THE CHURCH AT CORINTH, PAUL REVEALS...
1. That he viewed his Christian life as a “race”, a “boxing match” - 1 Co 9:24-26
2. Where there is always room for improvement, lest he become “disqualified” - 1 Co 9:27
[Why this desire for perfection? As revealed in Ph 3:8-11, it was part of his “magnificent obsession” to “gain Christ and be found in Him.” If we desire the same for us, then we need to have the same desire! Another thing seen in Paul that relates closely to this desire for perfection is...]
III. HIS EFFORTS TO SAVE THE LOST
A. AS EXPRESSED IN HIS EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS...
1. His efforts continued despite being under “house arrest” - Ph 1:1214
2. He would willingly offer himself as a martyr if it would help - Ph 2:17
B. THE DEGREE TO WHICH HE WOULD GO IS SEEN IN HIS EPISTLES TO THE
CORINTHIANS...
1. He made himself a servant to all - 1 Co 9:19-23
2. He endured much suffering as a minister of Christ and His gospel - 2 Co 11:23-27
[Even with so much suffering in his efforts to save others, we see yet another thing in Paul that is worthy of emulation...]
IV. HIS JOY IN SUFFERING
A. THIS “JOY” IS ESPECIALLY SEEN IN THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS...
1. Which we have seen time and again is an “epistle of joy”
2. For example, his joy in Christ being preached, despite his imprisonment and the efforts of false preachers - Ph 1:12-18 (note especially verse 18)
3. Even if it meant martyrdom, he viewed it as a reason to rejoice, and wanted them to rejoice with him! - Ph 2:17-18
B. TO THE ROMANS, HE EXPLAINED WHY HE WOULD “REJOICE IN
TRIBULATIONS”...
1. Such trials and sufferings would produce “perseverance” - Ro 5:3
2. Which in turn would produce “character” and “hope” - Ro 5:4
CONCLUSION
1. Such were some of the qualities seen in Paul, that we also learn from him if we take his epistles seriously
2. And we should, if we desire the “God of peace” to be with us and He clearly was with Paul throughout his life and service as a disciple of Jesus Christ!
3. Are the things seen in Paul, also seen in us? Are we living in such a way that we could say to others:
“The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and
the God of peace will be with you”?
4. In view of such passages as 1 Ti 4:12 and Ti 2:6-7, where we are called to be an example to others, we should!
May the “God of peace” help us to live in such a way that we can be an example as Paul was!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Christian Meditation- Philippians 4:8
Christian Meditation- Philippians 4:8
INTRODUCTION
1. Our text for this lesson enjoins upon Christians that they engage in a form of “meditation”:
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever
things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy -- meditate on these things.” (Ph 4:8)
2. The practice of “meditation” by Christians is not something you might hear frequently discussed...
a. It may be that some Christians are simply not aware that they are commanded to “meditate”
b. It may be that some believe meditation belongs solely to the Eastern religions like Hinduism or Buddhism
3. Yet Paul clearly teaches us to “meditate on these things”, and “meditation” is certainly a Biblical subject...
a. Isaac meditated in the field at eventide - Gen 24:63
b. Joshua was charged by God to mediate “day and night” - Josh 1:8
c. The “blessed man” in Psalms 1 is one who meditates - Psa 1:1-2
d. David became wiser than his teachers through meditation - Psa 119:99
e. Paul commanded Timothy to “meditate on these things” - 1 Ti 4:15
4. But some questions may come to mind...
a. What does meditation mean for the Christian?
b. Why should we be concerned about making time to meditate?
c. How should we meditate?
[This lesson will attempt to provide answers to these questions...]
I. WHAT MEDITATION IS IN THE BIBLE
A. WHAT MEDITATION IN THE BIBLE IS NOT...
1. The kind practiced by many Eastern religions
a. Like Hinduism, Buddhism, or Transcendental Meditation
b. Where the object is to experience truth, peace, or being, that is “inexpressible”
2. The kind practiced by “Christian mystics”
a. Such as Quakers, and others often found among Catholics and Protestants
b. These meditate in order to “experience” God, or to receive some revelation from God
3. Both Eastern and “Christian mystical” meditation usually attempts to empty the mind so as to find or receive truth within (i.e., a “subjective” form of meditation)
B. WHAT MEDITATION IN THE BIBLE IS...
1. To dwell or contemplate on some truth or reality already revealed (i.e., an “objective” form of meditation)
2. Specifically, the man “after God’s own heart” is one who meditates on such things as:
a. The Lord Himself - Psa 63:6
b. His wonderful Works - Psa 77:12
c. His revealed Word - Psa 119:15,23,48,97-99,148
3. To put it in the words of the apostle Paul, we are to meditate on “things”...
a. Things that are “true, noble, just pure, lovely, of good report”
b. Things that are of any “virtue”, and are “praiseworthy”
4. The purpose of such meditation is...
a. To nourish man with his understanding of God and His Revealed Will (not to seek for some previously unrevealed truth)
b. To give man spiritual joy and strength through such nourishment - cf. Ps 1:1-3; Isa 40: 28-31
[So there is a very real difference between “Biblical meditation” and that commonly practiced by many religions!
* Christian meditation dwells on that already revealed in creation or inspired revelation
*Whereas other forms of meditation are seeking some new truth to be revealed
Understanding the difference,
why is Biblical meditation so important?
II. WHY WE SHOULD MEDITATE
A. IT IS A SOURCE OF JOY AND STRENGTH...
1. This we have already seen from such passages like Psa 1:1-2; Isa 40:28-31
2. This alone should motivate us to meditate more often
B. IT IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR “TRANSFORMATION”...
1. The goal of the Christian is to become more like Christ - cf. Ro 8:29
2. This requires a “transformation” - Ro 12:1-2
3. But notice that this is possible only by “renewing the mind” - Ro 12:2
4. This “renewing” is possible only when we “set our minds” on proper things
a. On things above
b. Not on things on the earth - Co 3:1-2
5. Only then, when our minds are “set on things above”, will we be successful in completing the “transformation” which includes “putting off the old man” and “putting on the new man” - cf. Co 3:1-2 with Co 3:5-14
C. MANY FALL BECAUSE THEY MEDITATE ON THE WRONG THINGS...!
1. They “mind the things of the flesh”, which leads to “death” and “enmity with God”
- cf. Ro 8:5-8
2. Yet even those in the world understand that you cannot be a spiritual person if you “dwell” on carnal things
a. “Recent studies conducted by a Stanford University research team have revealed that ‘what we watch’ does have an effect on our imaginations, our learning patterns, and our behaviors. First we are exposed to new behaviors and characters. Next, we learn or acquire these new behaviors. The last and most crucial step is that we adopt these behaviors as our own. One of the most critical aspects of human development that we need to understand is the influence of ‘repeated viewing’ and ‘repeated verbalizing’ in shaping our future. The information goes in, ‘harmlessly, almost unnoticed,’ on a daily basis, but we don’t react to it until later, when we aren’t able to realize the basis for our reactions. In other words, our value system is being formed without any conscious awareness on our part of what is happening!” - Denis Waitley, Seeds Of Greatness, p. 47-48)
b. “You are what you watch and think.” (ibid., p. 45)
c. “If a sixty second commercial, by repeated viewing, can sell us a product, then isn’t it possible for a sixty minute soap opera or ‘smut-com’, by repeated viewing, to sell us a lifestyle?” (ibid., p. 47)
[If Christians are going to succeed, they must set their minds (or meditate) on “the things of the Spirit”, or on “things above, where Christ is”! Only then can they with God’s help “put off the old man” and “put on the new man”. Finally, a few thoughts on...]
III. HOW TO MEDITATE
A. REMEMBER, YOUR MIND IS AFFECTED BY EVEN CASUAL CONTEMPLATION...!
1. Cf. the Stanford studies
2. The first step to proper meditation is to be selective in what you watch and read
3. Fill your mind with positive and spiritual thoughts if you really want to:
a. “renew the mind”
b. “be transformed”
4. It doesn’t have to be restricted to the Bible, as Paul said: “Whatever things...”
a. There are novels, movies, television shows, etc., that fall into the category of possessing “virtue” and being “praiseworthy”
b. Seek the advice and counsel of other Christians as to what is “of good report”
5. So first let your “casual” contemplation be discriminatory!
B. TO REACH THE HEIGHTS OF SPIRITUAL MEDITATION, HEED THE
COUNSEL OF THE PSALMS...
1. Make the Bible your primary focus for meditation - Psa 1:2
2. Read it contemplatively every day - Psa 1:2; 119:15
3. Read it with a prayer in your heart - cf. Psa 119:18
4. As you read, occasionally read it aloud to yourself
a. The Hebrew word in Psa 1:2 means “to mutter”
b. Reading slowly and audibly helps to focus one’s mind on the words
5. As you read, you might ask yourself the following questions:
a. Is there some truth I should know from this verse?
b. How does this passage affect a previously held conviction?
c. Is there something I should stop doing in light of this verse?
d. Is there a practice I should change?
e. Is there a habit I ought to begin?
6. To put it another way: “Hold the Word of God in your heart until it has affected
every phase of your life...this is meditation.”
CONCLUSION
1. In Psa 19:14, we find David praying:
“Let the words of mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
“O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.”
2. What Paul commands us to do in our text (“meditate on these things”) is the means by which we can assure that our meditations will be acceptable in the sight of our Lord!
3. If you are not a Christian, or an erring one, then there are some things in particular upon which you ought to meditate:
a. What is your standing in God’s sight?
b. What would happen if you were to die today?
c. What do you need to do to be found in the grace of God?
d. Why delay any longer?
INTRODUCTION
1. Our text for this lesson enjoins upon Christians that they engage in a form of “meditation”:
“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever
things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy -- meditate on these things.” (Ph 4:8)
2. The practice of “meditation” by Christians is not something you might hear frequently discussed...
a. It may be that some Christians are simply not aware that they are commanded to “meditate”
b. It may be that some believe meditation belongs solely to the Eastern religions like Hinduism or Buddhism
3. Yet Paul clearly teaches us to “meditate on these things”, and “meditation” is certainly a Biblical subject...
a. Isaac meditated in the field at eventide - Gen 24:63
b. Joshua was charged by God to mediate “day and night” - Josh 1:8
c. The “blessed man” in Psalms 1 is one who meditates - Psa 1:1-2
d. David became wiser than his teachers through meditation - Psa 119:99
e. Paul commanded Timothy to “meditate on these things” - 1 Ti 4:15
4. But some questions may come to mind...
a. What does meditation mean for the Christian?
b. Why should we be concerned about making time to meditate?
c. How should we meditate?
[This lesson will attempt to provide answers to these questions...]
I. WHAT MEDITATION IS IN THE BIBLE
A. WHAT MEDITATION IN THE BIBLE IS NOT...
1. The kind practiced by many Eastern religions
a. Like Hinduism, Buddhism, or Transcendental Meditation
b. Where the object is to experience truth, peace, or being, that is “inexpressible”
2. The kind practiced by “Christian mystics”
a. Such as Quakers, and others often found among Catholics and Protestants
b. These meditate in order to “experience” God, or to receive some revelation from God
3. Both Eastern and “Christian mystical” meditation usually attempts to empty the mind so as to find or receive truth within (i.e., a “subjective” form of meditation)
B. WHAT MEDITATION IN THE BIBLE IS...
1. To dwell or contemplate on some truth or reality already revealed (i.e., an “objective” form of meditation)
2. Specifically, the man “after God’s own heart” is one who meditates on such things as:
a. The Lord Himself - Psa 63:6
b. His wonderful Works - Psa 77:12
c. His revealed Word - Psa 119:15,23,48,97-99,148
3. To put it in the words of the apostle Paul, we are to meditate on “things”...
a. Things that are “true, noble, just pure, lovely, of good report”
b. Things that are of any “virtue”, and are “praiseworthy”
4. The purpose of such meditation is...
a. To nourish man with his understanding of God and His Revealed Will (not to seek for some previously unrevealed truth)
b. To give man spiritual joy and strength through such nourishment - cf. Ps 1:1-3; Isa 40: 28-31
[So there is a very real difference between “Biblical meditation” and that commonly practiced by many religions!
* Christian meditation dwells on that already revealed in creation or inspired revelation
*Whereas other forms of meditation are seeking some new truth to be revealed
Understanding the difference,
why is Biblical meditation so important?
II. WHY WE SHOULD MEDITATE
A. IT IS A SOURCE OF JOY AND STRENGTH...
1. This we have already seen from such passages like Psa 1:1-2; Isa 40:28-31
2. This alone should motivate us to meditate more often
B. IT IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR “TRANSFORMATION”...
1. The goal of the Christian is to become more like Christ - cf. Ro 8:29
2. This requires a “transformation” - Ro 12:1-2
3. But notice that this is possible only by “renewing the mind” - Ro 12:2
4. This “renewing” is possible only when we “set our minds” on proper things
a. On things above
b. Not on things on the earth - Co 3:1-2
5. Only then, when our minds are “set on things above”, will we be successful in completing the “transformation” which includes “putting off the old man” and “putting on the new man” - cf. Co 3:1-2 with Co 3:5-14
C. MANY FALL BECAUSE THEY MEDITATE ON THE WRONG THINGS...!
1. They “mind the things of the flesh”, which leads to “death” and “enmity with God”
- cf. Ro 8:5-8
2. Yet even those in the world understand that you cannot be a spiritual person if you “dwell” on carnal things
a. “Recent studies conducted by a Stanford University research team have revealed that ‘what we watch’ does have an effect on our imaginations, our learning patterns, and our behaviors. First we are exposed to new behaviors and characters. Next, we learn or acquire these new behaviors. The last and most crucial step is that we adopt these behaviors as our own. One of the most critical aspects of human development that we need to understand is the influence of ‘repeated viewing’ and ‘repeated verbalizing’ in shaping our future. The information goes in, ‘harmlessly, almost unnoticed,’ on a daily basis, but we don’t react to it until later, when we aren’t able to realize the basis for our reactions. In other words, our value system is being formed without any conscious awareness on our part of what is happening!” - Denis Waitley, Seeds Of Greatness, p. 47-48)
b. “You are what you watch and think.” (ibid., p. 45)
c. “If a sixty second commercial, by repeated viewing, can sell us a product, then isn’t it possible for a sixty minute soap opera or ‘smut-com’, by repeated viewing, to sell us a lifestyle?” (ibid., p. 47)
[If Christians are going to succeed, they must set their minds (or meditate) on “the things of the Spirit”, or on “things above, where Christ is”! Only then can they with God’s help “put off the old man” and “put on the new man”. Finally, a few thoughts on...]
III. HOW TO MEDITATE
A. REMEMBER, YOUR MIND IS AFFECTED BY EVEN CASUAL CONTEMPLATION...!
1. Cf. the Stanford studies
2. The first step to proper meditation is to be selective in what you watch and read
3. Fill your mind with positive and spiritual thoughts if you really want to:
a. “renew the mind”
b. “be transformed”
4. It doesn’t have to be restricted to the Bible, as Paul said: “Whatever things...”
a. There are novels, movies, television shows, etc., that fall into the category of possessing “virtue” and being “praiseworthy”
b. Seek the advice and counsel of other Christians as to what is “of good report”
5. So first let your “casual” contemplation be discriminatory!
B. TO REACH THE HEIGHTS OF SPIRITUAL MEDITATION, HEED THE
COUNSEL OF THE PSALMS...
1. Make the Bible your primary focus for meditation - Psa 1:2
2. Read it contemplatively every day - Psa 1:2; 119:15
3. Read it with a prayer in your heart - cf. Psa 119:18
4. As you read, occasionally read it aloud to yourself
a. The Hebrew word in Psa 1:2 means “to mutter”
b. Reading slowly and audibly helps to focus one’s mind on the words
5. As you read, you might ask yourself the following questions:
a. Is there some truth I should know from this verse?
b. How does this passage affect a previously held conviction?
c. Is there something I should stop doing in light of this verse?
d. Is there a practice I should change?
e. Is there a habit I ought to begin?
6. To put it another way: “Hold the Word of God in your heart until it has affected
every phase of your life...this is meditation.”
CONCLUSION
1. In Psa 19:14, we find David praying:
“Let the words of mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
“O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.”
2. What Paul commands us to do in our text (“meditate on these things”) is the means by which we can assure that our meditations will be acceptable in the sight of our Lord!
3. If you are not a Christian, or an erring one, then there are some things in particular upon which you ought to meditate:
a. What is your standing in God’s sight?
b. What would happen if you were to die today?
c. What do you need to do to be found in the grace of God?
d. Why delay any longer?
Thursday, October 28, 2010
How To Be Free From Anxiety- Philippians 4:6-7
How To Be Free From Anxiety- Philippians 4:6-7
INTRODUCTION
1. If anyone had good reason to be anxious, it could have been the apostle Paul...
a. His beloved friends at Philippi were disagreeing with one another - Ph 4:1-3
b. There were preachers in Rome who were filled with envy and strife, and out to “get” Paul - Ph 1:15
c. To top it off, Paul himself was under house arrest, awaiting trial and his possible execution!
-- Yet we have seen that throughout this epistle the keynote repeated again and again is “rejoice!”
2. Evidently Paul had found the secret of overcoming anxiety, and fortunately for us, he shares that secret in Ph 4:6-7
[We shall examine what that secret is, but first, let’s take a closer look at “anxiety” itself...]
I. UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF ANXIETY
A. DEFINING THE WORD...
1. The word “anxious” (careful, KJV) is from “merimnao” {mer-im-nah’-o}
2. As defined by Thayer...
a. It means “to be pulled in different directions”
b. For example, our hopes pull us in one direction; our fears pull us in the opposite
direction
c. Thus, to be anxious is to be “pulled apart”!
3. The word “worry” (a synonym for anxiety) in its English origins presents a different, yet enlightening picture
a. It comes from a word meaning “to strangle”
b. If you have ever really worried, you know how it does indeed strangle a person!
1) In fact, worry (or anxiety) has definite physical side effects: headaches, neck pains, ulcers, even back pains
2) Worry affects our thinking, our digestion, and even our coordination
B. ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS ON ANXIETY...
1. From a spiritual perspective, anxiety is:
a. Wrong thinking and wrong feeling about circumstances, people and things
b. The greatest thief of joy
2. It is not enough for us to tell ourselves, “Quit being anxious”, in an effort to stop the thief from stealing our joy
a. Anxiety is “an inside job”
b. It takes more than good intentions to get the victory over anxiety
[The antidote to anxiety is revealed by Paul in our text, which we will now look at closely...]
II. WINNING THE VICTORY OVER ANXIETY
A. THE “ANTIDOTE” IS THE RIGHT KIND OF “PRAYING”...!
1. In which we pray about “everything”!
a. Like the hymn, Paul counsels us to “take everything to God in prayer”
b. To put it another way, “Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything!” is
Paul’s admonition
c. We are prone to pray about the “big things”, and forget to pray about the “little things”
1) But “little things” left unattended grow up to become “big things”
2) Therefore, God would have us talk to Him about “everything”
2. In which we pray by “prayer and supplication”
a. “Prayer” is the general word for making requests known to God
1) It carries the idea of adoration, devotion, and worship
2) Whenever we find ourselves filled with anxiety, our first action ought be to spend
time alone with God in prayerful adoration and worship
3) Adoration for God helps us to remember the greatness and majesty of God
a) We must remember that He is big enough to solve problems we cannot
b) Too often, we rush into His presence and hastily tell Him our needs
c) But freedom from anxiety comes when we spend more time on Who He is,
rather than on what our problems are!
4) Having spent time in prayerful adoration, we are now ready to move on...
b. “Supplication” is where we begin making our requests known to God
1) It involves an earnest sharing of our problems and needs
2) Freedom from anxiety does not come from halfhearted, insincere praying!
a) While we know that we are not heard for our “much speaking” - Mt 6:7-8
b) Still we should realize that our Father wants us to be earnest and persistent in
our asking - Mt 7:7-11
3) An example of this sort of praying is found in He 5:7
a) Jesus offered up “prayers and supplications”
b) He did so, “with vehement cries and tears”, suggesting true earnestness in
making His requests
3. In which we pray “with thanksgiving”
a. This implies appreciation on our part
1) Certainly the Father delights in hearing His children say “Thank you!”
2) Yet so many people are like the nine lepers healed by Jesus - cf. Lk 17:11-19
3) Are we eager to ask, but slow to appreciate?
b. Note that this thanksgiving is to be offered at the same time we make our requests!
1) Doing this serves to remind us of other things God has done and is doing for us
2) Which in turn helps to keep our problems in perspective
B. SUCH “PRAYING” WILL RESULT IN A FORTRESS GUARDING OUR MINDS
AND HEARTS...
1. God may not always remove the problems that were the initial cause of our anxiety, but He promises a “peace which surpasses all understanding”!
2. It is a peace that the world cannot provide, but He can! - cf. Jn 14:27; 16:33
3. It is a peace that “guards” (to guard, garrison like a fortress) our “hearts” and “minds”
a) Guarding the heart (which is susceptible to wrong feeling)
b) Guarding the mind (which is susceptible to wrong thinking)
4. This does not mean the absence of trials on the outside, but it does mean...
a) A quiet confidence within
b) Regardless of circumstances, people, or things that would otherwise steal our joy!
CONCLUSION
1. This wonderful peace, this freedom from anxiety, is the result of letting our requests be known to God through the right kind of praying...
a. Praying about everything
b. Praying with prayer and supplication
c. Praying with thanksgiving
2. But note well, all this is possible through Christ Jesus...! - Ph 4:7
a. He is the source of every spiritual blessing from God, including the peace that surpasses understanding - cf. Ep 1:3
b. And we must be in Christ if we desire this peace of which Paul writes in our text
3. Do you desire the “peace of God”?
a. Then you must be in Christ (to see how one gets into Christ, consider Ga 3:26-27)
b. And then you must commune with God frequently in the kind of praying taught by Paul
Are you in Christ? Do you commune with God as you should? If we can assist you in either way...
INTRODUCTION
1. If anyone had good reason to be anxious, it could have been the apostle Paul...
a. His beloved friends at Philippi were disagreeing with one another - Ph 4:1-3
b. There were preachers in Rome who were filled with envy and strife, and out to “get” Paul - Ph 1:15
c. To top it off, Paul himself was under house arrest, awaiting trial and his possible execution!
-- Yet we have seen that throughout this epistle the keynote repeated again and again is “rejoice!”
2. Evidently Paul had found the secret of overcoming anxiety, and fortunately for us, he shares that secret in Ph 4:6-7
[We shall examine what that secret is, but first, let’s take a closer look at “anxiety” itself...]
I. UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF ANXIETY
A. DEFINING THE WORD...
1. The word “anxious” (careful, KJV) is from “merimnao” {mer-im-nah’-o}
2. As defined by Thayer...
a. It means “to be pulled in different directions”
b. For example, our hopes pull us in one direction; our fears pull us in the opposite
direction
c. Thus, to be anxious is to be “pulled apart”!
3. The word “worry” (a synonym for anxiety) in its English origins presents a different, yet enlightening picture
a. It comes from a word meaning “to strangle”
b. If you have ever really worried, you know how it does indeed strangle a person!
1) In fact, worry (or anxiety) has definite physical side effects: headaches, neck pains, ulcers, even back pains
2) Worry affects our thinking, our digestion, and even our coordination
B. ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS ON ANXIETY...
1. From a spiritual perspective, anxiety is:
a. Wrong thinking and wrong feeling about circumstances, people and things
b. The greatest thief of joy
2. It is not enough for us to tell ourselves, “Quit being anxious”, in an effort to stop the thief from stealing our joy
a. Anxiety is “an inside job”
b. It takes more than good intentions to get the victory over anxiety
[The antidote to anxiety is revealed by Paul in our text, which we will now look at closely...]
II. WINNING THE VICTORY OVER ANXIETY
A. THE “ANTIDOTE” IS THE RIGHT KIND OF “PRAYING”...!
1. In which we pray about “everything”!
a. Like the hymn, Paul counsels us to “take everything to God in prayer”
b. To put it another way, “Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything!” is
Paul’s admonition
c. We are prone to pray about the “big things”, and forget to pray about the “little things”
1) But “little things” left unattended grow up to become “big things”
2) Therefore, God would have us talk to Him about “everything”
2. In which we pray by “prayer and supplication”
a. “Prayer” is the general word for making requests known to God
1) It carries the idea of adoration, devotion, and worship
2) Whenever we find ourselves filled with anxiety, our first action ought be to spend
time alone with God in prayerful adoration and worship
3) Adoration for God helps us to remember the greatness and majesty of God
a) We must remember that He is big enough to solve problems we cannot
b) Too often, we rush into His presence and hastily tell Him our needs
c) But freedom from anxiety comes when we spend more time on Who He is,
rather than on what our problems are!
4) Having spent time in prayerful adoration, we are now ready to move on...
b. “Supplication” is where we begin making our requests known to God
1) It involves an earnest sharing of our problems and needs
2) Freedom from anxiety does not come from halfhearted, insincere praying!
a) While we know that we are not heard for our “much speaking” - Mt 6:7-8
b) Still we should realize that our Father wants us to be earnest and persistent in
our asking - Mt 7:7-11
3) An example of this sort of praying is found in He 5:7
a) Jesus offered up “prayers and supplications”
b) He did so, “with vehement cries and tears”, suggesting true earnestness in
making His requests
3. In which we pray “with thanksgiving”
a. This implies appreciation on our part
1) Certainly the Father delights in hearing His children say “Thank you!”
2) Yet so many people are like the nine lepers healed by Jesus - cf. Lk 17:11-19
3) Are we eager to ask, but slow to appreciate?
b. Note that this thanksgiving is to be offered at the same time we make our requests!
1) Doing this serves to remind us of other things God has done and is doing for us
2) Which in turn helps to keep our problems in perspective
B. SUCH “PRAYING” WILL RESULT IN A FORTRESS GUARDING OUR MINDS
AND HEARTS...
1. God may not always remove the problems that were the initial cause of our anxiety, but He promises a “peace which surpasses all understanding”!
2. It is a peace that the world cannot provide, but He can! - cf. Jn 14:27; 16:33
3. It is a peace that “guards” (to guard, garrison like a fortress) our “hearts” and “minds”
a) Guarding the heart (which is susceptible to wrong feeling)
b) Guarding the mind (which is susceptible to wrong thinking)
4. This does not mean the absence of trials on the outside, but it does mean...
a) A quiet confidence within
b) Regardless of circumstances, people, or things that would otherwise steal our joy!
CONCLUSION
1. This wonderful peace, this freedom from anxiety, is the result of letting our requests be known to God through the right kind of praying...
a. Praying about everything
b. Praying with prayer and supplication
c. Praying with thanksgiving
2. But note well, all this is possible through Christ Jesus...! - Ph 4:7
a. He is the source of every spiritual blessing from God, including the peace that surpasses understanding - cf. Ep 1:3
b. And we must be in Christ if we desire this peace of which Paul writes in our text
3. Do you desire the “peace of God”?
a. Then you must be in Christ (to see how one gets into Christ, consider Ga 3:26-27)
b. And then you must commune with God frequently in the kind of praying taught by Paul
Are you in Christ? Do you commune with God as you should? If we can assist you in either way...
Monday, October 25, 2010
The Virtue Of Gentleness- Philippians 4:5
The Virtue Of Gentleness- Philippians 4:5
INTRODUCTION
1. Among several general exhortations which Paul includes in this last chapter of his epistle to the Philippians, we find the following admonition:
“Let your gentleness (moderation, KJV) be known be known to all men. The Lord is at
hand.” - Ph 4:5
2. The virtue referred to in this verse is a very important one, and well worth the time in this lesson taking a closer look at it.
[We begin by noticing...]
I. THE NATURE OF THIS VIRTUE
A. DEFINITION OF “GENTLENESS” (from Barclay)...
1. The word epi-ei-kei-a is one of the most untranslatable words in Greek
2. The difficulty can be seen by the various translations given it:
a. Patience (Wycliffe)
b. Softness (Tyndale, Cranmer)
c. The patient mind (Geneva Bible)
d. Modesty (Rheims Bible)
e. Forbearance (Revised Version)
f. Moderation (King James Version)
g. Sweet Reasonableness (Matthew Arnold)
B. DESCRIPTION OF “GENTLENESS” (from Erdmans)...
1. It describes that courtesy and graciousness which should characterize a Christian gentleman
2. The term indicates something of “the power of yielding”
a. The ability to give way to the wishes of others
b. The poise of soul which enables one to sacrifice his own rights, not by necessity, but out of generosity and sympathy
3. It is the opposite of stubbornness and thoughtlessness
4. It was embodied in the man Jesus Christ - cf. 2 Co 10:1
C. “GENTLENESS”, THEN... (as defined by Pulpit Commentary)
1. It is the opposite of contention, rigor and severity
2. It is the spirit that enables a man to bear injuries with patience, and not demand all that is rightly his due, for the sake of peace
3. A good example of where this virtue is to applied is seen in 1 Co 6:1-7 (note the willingness to be defrauded enjoined by the apostle Paul)
[Perhaps with a better grasp of the nature of this virtue, let’s now examine...]
II. THE DISPLAY OF THIS VIRTUE
A. IT IS TO BE A PERSONAL QUALITY OF ALL CHRISTIANS...
1. Notice that Paul says “Let your gentleness...”
2. Elders especially must display this virtue - 1 Ti 3:3
3. So also should teachers - 2 Ti 2:24-26 (not the same word used here, but the same idea)
4. Indeed, all Christians are to display this virtue - Ti 3:1-2
5. For good reason, for it is a part of that “heavenly wisdom” which comes from above - Ja 3:17
B. IT IS TO BE KNOWN TO ALL MEN...
1. This is the difficult part of the exhortation
a. It is easier to be considerate, kind, and gentle toward some persons
b. There are others, however, toward whom it is difficult to show a spirit of gentleness
2. The hard task, and the real test, is to display this “gentleness” or “sweet
reasonableness” toward...
a. The unkind
b. The thankless
c. The perverse
[But as we continue on with our text, there is good reason to do so...]
III. THE REASON AND MOTIVE FOR DISPLAYING THIS VIRTUE
A. “THE LORD IS AT HAND”...
1. This may possibly mean “the Lord is nearby”
2. Or it could refer to either meeting the Lord at death or at His final coming, both events are always imminent!
3. He who is our Judge is ever watchful, ever aware of our conduct and treatment of others
4. One day we will have to answer to this Judge!
B. THE DANGER OF NOT DISPLAYING “GENTLENESS”...
1. If we are not gentle in our treatment of others, do we expect Him to be gentle in His treatment of us?
2. Remember the “Parable Of The Unforgiving Servant”? - Mt 18:21-35
3. Also, James warning in Ja 2:13
CONCLUSION
1. The display of this virtue has great advantages...
a. It can contribute much to the comfort of life and the peace of society, by reducing friction between people - e.g., Pro 15:1
b. It can contribute to the usefulness of Christians in promoting the gospel of Christ (we demonstrate the “gentleness” found throughout the gospel message)
2. Are we a “gentle people”? May we ever be, for “the Lord is at hand!”
Speaking of the Lord being at hand, are you living a life pleasing to Him...?
INTRODUCTION
1. Among several general exhortations which Paul includes in this last chapter of his epistle to the Philippians, we find the following admonition:
“Let your gentleness (moderation, KJV) be known be known to all men. The Lord is at
hand.” - Ph 4:5
2. The virtue referred to in this verse is a very important one, and well worth the time in this lesson taking a closer look at it.
[We begin by noticing...]
I. THE NATURE OF THIS VIRTUE
A. DEFINITION OF “GENTLENESS” (from Barclay)...
1. The word epi-ei-kei-a is one of the most untranslatable words in Greek
2. The difficulty can be seen by the various translations given it:
a. Patience (Wycliffe)
b. Softness (Tyndale, Cranmer)
c. The patient mind (Geneva Bible)
d. Modesty (Rheims Bible)
e. Forbearance (Revised Version)
f. Moderation (King James Version)
g. Sweet Reasonableness (Matthew Arnold)
B. DESCRIPTION OF “GENTLENESS” (from Erdmans)...
1. It describes that courtesy and graciousness which should characterize a Christian gentleman
2. The term indicates something of “the power of yielding”
a. The ability to give way to the wishes of others
b. The poise of soul which enables one to sacrifice his own rights, not by necessity, but out of generosity and sympathy
3. It is the opposite of stubbornness and thoughtlessness
4. It was embodied in the man Jesus Christ - cf. 2 Co 10:1
C. “GENTLENESS”, THEN... (as defined by Pulpit Commentary)
1. It is the opposite of contention, rigor and severity
2. It is the spirit that enables a man to bear injuries with patience, and not demand all that is rightly his due, for the sake of peace
3. A good example of where this virtue is to applied is seen in 1 Co 6:1-7 (note the willingness to be defrauded enjoined by the apostle Paul)
[Perhaps with a better grasp of the nature of this virtue, let’s now examine...]
II. THE DISPLAY OF THIS VIRTUE
A. IT IS TO BE A PERSONAL QUALITY OF ALL CHRISTIANS...
1. Notice that Paul says “Let your gentleness...”
2. Elders especially must display this virtue - 1 Ti 3:3
3. So also should teachers - 2 Ti 2:24-26 (not the same word used here, but the same idea)
4. Indeed, all Christians are to display this virtue - Ti 3:1-2
5. For good reason, for it is a part of that “heavenly wisdom” which comes from above - Ja 3:17
B. IT IS TO BE KNOWN TO ALL MEN...
1. This is the difficult part of the exhortation
a. It is easier to be considerate, kind, and gentle toward some persons
b. There are others, however, toward whom it is difficult to show a spirit of gentleness
2. The hard task, and the real test, is to display this “gentleness” or “sweet
reasonableness” toward...
a. The unkind
b. The thankless
c. The perverse
[But as we continue on with our text, there is good reason to do so...]
III. THE REASON AND MOTIVE FOR DISPLAYING THIS VIRTUE
A. “THE LORD IS AT HAND”...
1. This may possibly mean “the Lord is nearby”
2. Or it could refer to either meeting the Lord at death or at His final coming, both events are always imminent!
3. He who is our Judge is ever watchful, ever aware of our conduct and treatment of others
4. One day we will have to answer to this Judge!
B. THE DANGER OF NOT DISPLAYING “GENTLENESS”...
1. If we are not gentle in our treatment of others, do we expect Him to be gentle in His treatment of us?
2. Remember the “Parable Of The Unforgiving Servant”? - Mt 18:21-35
3. Also, James warning in Ja 2:13
CONCLUSION
1. The display of this virtue has great advantages...
a. It can contribute much to the comfort of life and the peace of society, by reducing friction between people - e.g., Pro 15:1
b. It can contribute to the usefulness of Christians in promoting the gospel of Christ (we demonstrate the “gentleness” found throughout the gospel message)
2. Are we a “gentle people”? May we ever be, for “the Lord is at hand!”
Speaking of the Lord being at hand, are you living a life pleasing to Him...?
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
4.8. Fear and Worry
4.8. Fear and Worry
• Fear invades and underlies the whole of life's activities such as: fear of
failure, of change, of success, of rejection, of being abandoned, of
loneliness, of the future, of the unknown and the endless list of phobias.
( Gen. 3:9-10 ; 1 John 4:18 ) Fear is the first emotion expressed by man, and the first emotion dealt with by the Cross of Christ. Fear is replaced by love, faith works by love, love action destroys the feelings of fear.
( Heb. 3:12-13 ) Main causes of fear are self-concerns, self-interest and self-protection. Fear is really unbelief that Christ is not living within you.
• Fear, worry, anxiety along with anger, bitterness, resentment, guilt, envy,
and other sins are just feelings. It is faith acting on God's word by one's
will, an act of love, that supersedes feelings.
( Gen. 4:7 ; Gen. 15:1 ) When God commands us to "Fear Not!", He is addressing our
will and our mind, not our emotions. You work through fear by an act of your will because God is with you, willing you to love. Love casts out all fear ( 1 John 4:18).
( Gen. 1:26-28 ) God commands us to replenish and to subdue. Fear is a necessary part
of our design. Fear tells me something or someone who appears bigger than I am is
approaching and affecting my mind and my emotions. Fear is a red light that tells us
danger is about - to signal us to call upon God and in Him to face the fear - swallow it up and go on to the next thing. We are to replace the fear with a deliberate trust and rest in God who lives in us, drawing upon Him for wisdom, strength and ability. Thus, fear triggers one more way in which God is manifested and revealed in our behavior.
( Rom. 12:1-2 ) Most of us have a belief bank full of junk. We are to renew the mind,
get the junk out, and replace it with thoughts of God's Presence. He is my Light, my
Salvation, whom shall I fear: for He will give me all I need as I seek His righteousness.
( Ps. 42:1-11 ) Talk to self, tell self who God is, rehearse this reality and fear will properly disappear. For God can now be revealed in the situation.
( Ps. 23 ; Ps. 24 ; Ps. 27 ; Ps. 91 ; Deut. 28 ) Feelings only obey what I think. If
despair, then despair comes, if fearful then more of the same, etc. Truth in God must be learned, that I know within that He is my strength, my adequacy, my wisdom, that His angels are all about me! We control fear by believing the truth in God.
( Heb. 13:20-21 ) God is with me at all times, He will never leave or forsake me. God
loves me, accepts me and approves of me regardless of what others say or think.
( Matt. 5:43-44 ; 1 John 2:9-10 ) Regardless of what others do or not do, be always in a state of forgiving offenses, develop a permanent state of reconciliation. Choose to love, develop this disposition to love. It takes time for this idea to grow and develop into the image of Christ because it is what Jesus did. Our blueprint states that we were made to love, otherwise life does not work.
( 1 John 3:17 ) Love is an action, activated by compassion. We don't have to pray about it, just do it! Don't have to ask for God's help, Holy Spirit is already in us, and it is our choice to respond God's way allowing His love to be manifested.
( Phil. 4:13 ; 2 Cor. 12:7-9 ) Fear is part of living. We will always fear changes, new situations, and a sense of inadequacy will surround all situations. All this does is reveal the creatureness of my being and to remind me that I can't handle anything in my own strength and wisdom. Rejoice that you can't handle it because in each and every circumstance that you call upon the Lord Who is your strength, the more and more you grow into Him.
( 1 Cor. 1:30 ) By faith and not by feelings, call upon the Lord and ask Him that His
thoughts become your thoughts, His strengths your strengths, His adequacy your
adequacy. This is what is called a normal Christian life.
( Prov. 24:10 ; Prov. 21:22 ) With diligence and perseverance you can be victorious in all new situations and changes that life offers. The enemy will challenge your growth. Use the barriers he sets up as opportunities to strengthen your faith until you become perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
( John 14:21 ; John 16:33 ) He will guide us into the unknown, new territories, new
ideas, new situations, and new revelations. Look forward to great opportunities to reveal your potential in Christ. Areas that frighten, God has already given it to us in Christ. As with Moses with just a staff in hand, go with whatever you have in hand, and see miracles.
( 1 John 1:9 ; 1 Cor. 13:4-8a ; Col. 3:12-14 ; 2 Cor. 5:14-15 ; Phil. 4:6-9 ; 1 John
4:18 ) In order to deal biblically with fear, you must confess your self-centered fear to God and fulfill your responsibilities in Christlike love regardless of your feelings.
( Matt. 6:33 ; Matt. 25:26 ; Prov. 16:9 ; Eph. 5:15-17 ; Col. 3:23-24 ) Worry is
wickedness and laziness, reveals a lack of trust in God. To overcome worry, make a plan to accomplish today's task and do each task heartily as unto the Lord.
• Fear invades and underlies the whole of life's activities such as: fear of
failure, of change, of success, of rejection, of being abandoned, of
loneliness, of the future, of the unknown and the endless list of phobias.
( Gen. 3:9-10 ; 1 John 4:18 ) Fear is the first emotion expressed by man, and the first emotion dealt with by the Cross of Christ. Fear is replaced by love, faith works by love, love action destroys the feelings of fear.
( Heb. 3:12-13 ) Main causes of fear are self-concerns, self-interest and self-protection. Fear is really unbelief that Christ is not living within you.
• Fear, worry, anxiety along with anger, bitterness, resentment, guilt, envy,
and other sins are just feelings. It is faith acting on God's word by one's
will, an act of love, that supersedes feelings.
( Gen. 4:7 ; Gen. 15:1 ) When God commands us to "Fear Not!", He is addressing our
will and our mind, not our emotions. You work through fear by an act of your will because God is with you, willing you to love. Love casts out all fear ( 1 John 4:18).
( Gen. 1:26-28 ) God commands us to replenish and to subdue. Fear is a necessary part
of our design. Fear tells me something or someone who appears bigger than I am is
approaching and affecting my mind and my emotions. Fear is a red light that tells us
danger is about - to signal us to call upon God and in Him to face the fear - swallow it up and go on to the next thing. We are to replace the fear with a deliberate trust and rest in God who lives in us, drawing upon Him for wisdom, strength and ability. Thus, fear triggers one more way in which God is manifested and revealed in our behavior.
( Rom. 12:1-2 ) Most of us have a belief bank full of junk. We are to renew the mind,
get the junk out, and replace it with thoughts of God's Presence. He is my Light, my
Salvation, whom shall I fear: for He will give me all I need as I seek His righteousness.
( Ps. 42:1-11 ) Talk to self, tell self who God is, rehearse this reality and fear will properly disappear. For God can now be revealed in the situation.
( Ps. 23 ; Ps. 24 ; Ps. 27 ; Ps. 91 ; Deut. 28 ) Feelings only obey what I think. If
despair, then despair comes, if fearful then more of the same, etc. Truth in God must be learned, that I know within that He is my strength, my adequacy, my wisdom, that His angels are all about me! We control fear by believing the truth in God.
( Heb. 13:20-21 ) God is with me at all times, He will never leave or forsake me. God
loves me, accepts me and approves of me regardless of what others say or think.
( Matt. 5:43-44 ; 1 John 2:9-10 ) Regardless of what others do or not do, be always in a state of forgiving offenses, develop a permanent state of reconciliation. Choose to love, develop this disposition to love. It takes time for this idea to grow and develop into the image of Christ because it is what Jesus did. Our blueprint states that we were made to love, otherwise life does not work.
( 1 John 3:17 ) Love is an action, activated by compassion. We don't have to pray about it, just do it! Don't have to ask for God's help, Holy Spirit is already in us, and it is our choice to respond God's way allowing His love to be manifested.
( Phil. 4:13 ; 2 Cor. 12:7-9 ) Fear is part of living. We will always fear changes, new situations, and a sense of inadequacy will surround all situations. All this does is reveal the creatureness of my being and to remind me that I can't handle anything in my own strength and wisdom. Rejoice that you can't handle it because in each and every circumstance that you call upon the Lord Who is your strength, the more and more you grow into Him.
( 1 Cor. 1:30 ) By faith and not by feelings, call upon the Lord and ask Him that His
thoughts become your thoughts, His strengths your strengths, His adequacy your
adequacy. This is what is called a normal Christian life.
( Prov. 24:10 ; Prov. 21:22 ) With diligence and perseverance you can be victorious in all new situations and changes that life offers. The enemy will challenge your growth. Use the barriers he sets up as opportunities to strengthen your faith until you become perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
( John 14:21 ; John 16:33 ) He will guide us into the unknown, new territories, new
ideas, new situations, and new revelations. Look forward to great opportunities to reveal your potential in Christ. Areas that frighten, God has already given it to us in Christ. As with Moses with just a staff in hand, go with whatever you have in hand, and see miracles.
( 1 John 1:9 ; 1 Cor. 13:4-8a ; Col. 3:12-14 ; 2 Cor. 5:14-15 ; Phil. 4:6-9 ; 1 John
4:18 ) In order to deal biblically with fear, you must confess your self-centered fear to God and fulfill your responsibilities in Christlike love regardless of your feelings.
( Matt. 6:33 ; Matt. 25:26 ; Prov. 16:9 ; Eph. 5:15-17 ; Col. 3:23-24 ) Worry is
wickedness and laziness, reveals a lack of trust in God. To overcome worry, make a plan to accomplish today's task and do each task heartily as unto the Lord.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
4.7. Depression
4.7. Depression
Perspective
• Depression is essentially irresponsibility. There are some organic
malfunctions that may trigger feelings of depression. Most symptoms and
maladies defined as depression are the consequences of unbiblical habits
and/or sinful reactions to circumstances and other people. Depression
may be experienced by anyone and must be dealt with from God's
perspective and not from your own perspective or any other person's
philosophy.
( Gen. 4:3-7 ) God commands us by His word not to live by our feelings, but to decide
by my will to respond in a manner which is pleasing in His sight. To react to please self is to be mastered by the reactions which is sin.
( John 15:8-12 ; James 1:22-25 ) Depression is not to be used as an excuse for you to
live in an unbiblical manner. Even if you feel depressed, you are still to live biblically. Your thoughts, words, and actions are always to edify others and bring glory to God instead of just obeying God's word when you "feel like it".
( Ps. 32:3-5 ; Ps. 38:1-10 ; Col. 3:25 ) Symptoms defined as 'depression' are
sometimes precipitated by sin which means you are living to please yourself instead of living to please the Lord. If you do not repent, confess your self-centeredness and return to living in a biblical manner, you will experience even further difficulties.
( 1 Pet. 3:10-12 ; Rom. 8:11-14 ; Heb. 4:15-16 ) To love life and see good days, you
must turn from doing evil and be obedient to God's word. In spite of 'feeling' depressed,you can live biblically because of divine resources that God graciously provides for you. By faith be in the spirit, see self in the Throne room looking at life from God's perspective
( Gal. 5:16 ; Rom. 8:2 ). Pursue peace and harmony, run after it, flee from fear,
agitating passions, and immorality ( Ps. 23:1,6 ).
( Rom. 14:17-18 ; 1 John 4:18-21 ; Phil. 4:6-7 ) The way you feel and the way you
view yourself, your relationships, and your circumstances are often indications of whether you are living to please yourself or living to please the God. It is not the world or things of the world that should occupy our thoughts and time, but are you approaching life from God's perspective, living and thinking God's word. Fear, darkness, depression reveal an absence of loving God and my neighbor. It is our thinking which refuses to be taught by Christ or anyone else. This spirit exalts itself against God - the spirit of antichrist.
Hope
( John 16:33 ; Rom. 5:3-5 ; 1 Cor. 10:13 ) No matter how difficult any situation
appears, the Lord Jesus Christ has overcame it. God will not allow anything into your life that is beyond His control or beyond your ability to handle it without sinning. Trials are for your good, they will bring out the power of God in your life when you respond biblically.
( 1 Pet. 1:6-7 ; 2 Cor. 4:7-10 ) All the terrible things that are happening to you are but'light afflictions'. Look beyond the circumstances and see God in control, perfecting and maturing you for an eternal destiny.
Change
( 1 Tim. 4:7-11 ; Rom. 6:11,13,19 ) All that I am, my talents, my time belong to the
Lord. A good steward is one who starts with God and from God. He puts off disobedience to God's word, and puts on living a disciplined and obedient life out of a consistent desire to please the Lord instead of self. Persistency is the key, it takes sweat and tears to break lifelong habit patterns.
( Matt. 7:1-5 ; 2 Cor. 10:3-5 ; Col. 3:2,5-9 ) In order to put off sinful habits, you must first identify them by examining your life in light of God's word. Once you have identified sins, repent, confess, and immediately put these sins aside.
( Gal. 5:16 ; Eph. 3:16-21 ; 1 Pet. 4:11 ) As you put on righteous deeds in the power
of the Holy Spirit, you are to glorify God to demonstrate your love for Him and to please Him in all things. We are to do regardless of how we feel. Be conscious of and practice the Presence of Christ within at all times.
Practice
( Eph. 5:14-18 ; James 4:17 ; Col. 3:17,23-24 ) Establish a biblical schedule for
fulfilling your God given responsibilities, keeping the schedule regardless of feelings of depression you may experience. Do all your work heartily as unto the Lord for His glory.
( 2 Cor. 4:10-12 ; Matt. 20:26-28 ; Phil. 2:3-7 ) Stop living to please self by following God's commandments. Regard others as more important than yourself, be a servant to God and others.
( 2 Cor. 12:7-10 ; Eph. 5:20 ; Heb. 12:1-2 ; Rev. 12:11 ) Do not be bitter about your
conditions, thank God for your circumstances or physical condition that you cannot
correct. But correct all deficiencies in your life that hinder you from serving God and others. Share your sufferings with the Lord and deepen your faith.
( 1 Cor. 11:31 ; Eph. 4:29 ; Col. 4:6 ; 2 Cor. 10:5 ; James 1:25 ) Biblical selfevaluation is necessary in every area of your life which includes your actions, your relationships with others, your words and your thought life. As you obey God's word in all areas of your life, you will receive the Lord's blessings.
Perspective
• Depression is essentially irresponsibility. There are some organic
malfunctions that may trigger feelings of depression. Most symptoms and
maladies defined as depression are the consequences of unbiblical habits
and/or sinful reactions to circumstances and other people. Depression
may be experienced by anyone and must be dealt with from God's
perspective and not from your own perspective or any other person's
philosophy.
( Gen. 4:3-7 ) God commands us by His word not to live by our feelings, but to decide
by my will to respond in a manner which is pleasing in His sight. To react to please self is to be mastered by the reactions which is sin.
( John 15:8-12 ; James 1:22-25 ) Depression is not to be used as an excuse for you to
live in an unbiblical manner. Even if you feel depressed, you are still to live biblically. Your thoughts, words, and actions are always to edify others and bring glory to God instead of just obeying God's word when you "feel like it".
( Ps. 32:3-5 ; Ps. 38:1-10 ; Col. 3:25 ) Symptoms defined as 'depression' are
sometimes precipitated by sin which means you are living to please yourself instead of living to please the Lord. If you do not repent, confess your self-centeredness and return to living in a biblical manner, you will experience even further difficulties.
( 1 Pet. 3:10-12 ; Rom. 8:11-14 ; Heb. 4:15-16 ) To love life and see good days, you
must turn from doing evil and be obedient to God's word. In spite of 'feeling' depressed,you can live biblically because of divine resources that God graciously provides for you. By faith be in the spirit, see self in the Throne room looking at life from God's perspective
( Gal. 5:16 ; Rom. 8:2 ). Pursue peace and harmony, run after it, flee from fear,
agitating passions, and immorality ( Ps. 23:1,6 ).
( Rom. 14:17-18 ; 1 John 4:18-21 ; Phil. 4:6-7 ) The way you feel and the way you
view yourself, your relationships, and your circumstances are often indications of whether you are living to please yourself or living to please the God. It is not the world or things of the world that should occupy our thoughts and time, but are you approaching life from God's perspective, living and thinking God's word. Fear, darkness, depression reveal an absence of loving God and my neighbor. It is our thinking which refuses to be taught by Christ or anyone else. This spirit exalts itself against God - the spirit of antichrist.
Hope
( John 16:33 ; Rom. 5:3-5 ; 1 Cor. 10:13 ) No matter how difficult any situation
appears, the Lord Jesus Christ has overcame it. God will not allow anything into your life that is beyond His control or beyond your ability to handle it without sinning. Trials are for your good, they will bring out the power of God in your life when you respond biblically.
( 1 Pet. 1:6-7 ; 2 Cor. 4:7-10 ) All the terrible things that are happening to you are but'light afflictions'. Look beyond the circumstances and see God in control, perfecting and maturing you for an eternal destiny.
Change
( 1 Tim. 4:7-11 ; Rom. 6:11,13,19 ) All that I am, my talents, my time belong to the
Lord. A good steward is one who starts with God and from God. He puts off disobedience to God's word, and puts on living a disciplined and obedient life out of a consistent desire to please the Lord instead of self. Persistency is the key, it takes sweat and tears to break lifelong habit patterns.
( Matt. 7:1-5 ; 2 Cor. 10:3-5 ; Col. 3:2,5-9 ) In order to put off sinful habits, you must first identify them by examining your life in light of God's word. Once you have identified sins, repent, confess, and immediately put these sins aside.
( Gal. 5:16 ; Eph. 3:16-21 ; 1 Pet. 4:11 ) As you put on righteous deeds in the power
of the Holy Spirit, you are to glorify God to demonstrate your love for Him and to please Him in all things. We are to do regardless of how we feel. Be conscious of and practice the Presence of Christ within at all times.
Practice
( Eph. 5:14-18 ; James 4:17 ; Col. 3:17,23-24 ) Establish a biblical schedule for
fulfilling your God given responsibilities, keeping the schedule regardless of feelings of depression you may experience. Do all your work heartily as unto the Lord for His glory.
( 2 Cor. 4:10-12 ; Matt. 20:26-28 ; Phil. 2:3-7 ) Stop living to please self by following God's commandments. Regard others as more important than yourself, be a servant to God and others.
( 2 Cor. 12:7-10 ; Eph. 5:20 ; Heb. 12:1-2 ; Rev. 12:11 ) Do not be bitter about your
conditions, thank God for your circumstances or physical condition that you cannot
correct. But correct all deficiencies in your life that hinder you from serving God and others. Share your sufferings with the Lord and deepen your faith.
( 1 Cor. 11:31 ; Eph. 4:29 ; Col. 4:6 ; 2 Cor. 10:5 ; James 1:25 ) Biblical selfevaluation is necessary in every area of your life which includes your actions, your relationships with others, your words and your thought life. As you obey God's word in all areas of your life, you will receive the Lord's blessings.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Rejoice In The Lord Always!- Philippians 4:4
Rejoice In The Lord Always!- Philippians 4:4
INTRODUCTION
1. In the final chapter of Philippians, we find Paul giving exhortations that are both specific and general in nature...
a. We saw in vs. 1-3 where Paul gave specific exhortations to individuals there at Philippi
b. Now in vs. 4, we find the first of several exhortations which are certainly needful for all Christians: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!”
2. You may recall that “joy” is the keynote of this epistle
a. No less than sixteen times in this epistle, Paul uses the word or a derivation of it!
b. Cf. Ph 1:4,18 (twice) ,25; 2:2,17 (twice), 18 (twice) ,28,29; 3:1; 4:1,4 (twice), 10
[In this study, I will share a few observations about how we are to “Rejoice In The Lord Always!” First, notice that...]
I. THIS JOY IS TO BE EXPERIENCED “ALWAYS”
A. NOT JUST AN OCCASIONAL EXPERIENCE, FOR EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE...
1. But in darkness as well as in light; in trials as well as in triumphs - cf. Ja 1:2-3; Ro 5:3-4
2. Not just for apostles, but for all Christians - cf. Ja 1:2-3; 1 Pe 4:12-13
B. CONSIDER THE EXAMPLE OF PAUL, WHO FOUND JOY “ALWAYS”...
1. In his prayers - Ph 1:4
2. In the proclamation of the gospel under adverse circumstances - Ph 1:18
3. In the unity of the saints - Ph 2:2
4. In the prospect of being a martyr for Christ - Ph 2:17
5. In the love of the brethren - Ph 4:10
[Truly Paul rejoiced “always”! But what was his secret? What was the source of this abiding joy?]
II. THIS ABIDING JOY IS FOUND “IN THE LORD”
A. THERE MAY BE “TEMPORARY” JOY...
1. In drugs (including alcohol and tobacco)
2. In sexual pleasures (whether lawful or unlawful)
3. In material acquisitions
-- But these are at best like riches, which “make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven” (Pro 23:5); and at worst, are “the passing pleasures of sin”(He 11:25)
B. BUT THE JOY THAT “ABIDES” IS ONLY “IN THE LORD”...
1. I.e., that which comes from a personal, living and fruitful relationship with the Lord
2. For “in the Lord” we enjoy:
a. Peace with God - Ro 5:2
b. Help in temptations - 1 Co 10:13; Ph 4:13
c. Assurance of God’s companionship in time of trial - He 13:5-6
3. These are the sort of things which provide a true and lasting joy
[Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to experience this “abiding joy”? Well, why don’t we? Why do many of those who have a personal relationship with the Lord often find themselves lacking joy in all circumstances? Perhaps it is because...]
III. THERE ARE OFTEN HINDRANCES TO “ABIDING JOY”
A. MEMORIES OF PAST FAILURES; AWARENESS OF PRESENT FAULTS...
1. Such often leaves people in a state of discouragement or depression
2. Paul, however, provides the solution in Ph 3:12-14
a. Realize your imperfection, yet press on to better things!
b. Forget your past failures, reach forward to future successes!
B. NATURAL TEMPERAMENT OR DISPOSITION...
1. Many people are naturally “melancholy”
a. Through genetic predisposition toward such an attitude
b. Or through environmental influences as we were growing up
2. Yet in Christ, we can be transformed (Ro 12:1-2) and produce the “fruit of the Spirit” which includes “joy” - Ga 5:22
C. DEPRESSING CIRCUMSTANCES...
1. It is easy to be joyful when everything is going well, but when things wrong, well...
2. However, we see from the Scriptures that even those times can be a time for rejoicing if we have the right “perspective” - Ja 1:2-4
D. SYMPATHY WITH OTHERS...
1. Certainly, a compassionate heart cannot be untouched by the hardships of others - cf. Ro 12:15
2. And yet, properly spoken words of comfort and counsel can provide a joyful reprieve from the hardships others bear - cf. Pr 16:24
CONCLUSION
1. “Rejoice in the Lord always”...
a. Does not mean one is to be insensitive to the harsh realities of life
b. But it does mean that one does not let the dark realities of life blind him to the radiance of joy that is found in the Lord!
2. Have you found yourself going through life without the “abiding joy” discussed in our text, that joy which Peter himself defines as “inexpressible” (1 Pe 1:8)?
3. If so, then make your relationship with the Lord what it ought to be...
a. First by rendering complete obedience to His Will
b. And then by letting the counsel of His Spirit-given Word give you the perspectives necessary to “Rejoice In The Lord Always!”
INTRODUCTION
1. In the final chapter of Philippians, we find Paul giving exhortations that are both specific and general in nature...
a. We saw in vs. 1-3 where Paul gave specific exhortations to individuals there at Philippi
b. Now in vs. 4, we find the first of several exhortations which are certainly needful for all Christians: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!”
2. You may recall that “joy” is the keynote of this epistle
a. No less than sixteen times in this epistle, Paul uses the word or a derivation of it!
b. Cf. Ph 1:4,18 (twice) ,25; 2:2,17 (twice), 18 (twice) ,28,29; 3:1; 4:1,4 (twice), 10
[In this study, I will share a few observations about how we are to “Rejoice In The Lord Always!” First, notice that...]
I. THIS JOY IS TO BE EXPERIENCED “ALWAYS”
A. NOT JUST AN OCCASIONAL EXPERIENCE, FOR EXCEPTIONAL PEOPLE...
1. But in darkness as well as in light; in trials as well as in triumphs - cf. Ja 1:2-3; Ro 5:3-4
2. Not just for apostles, but for all Christians - cf. Ja 1:2-3; 1 Pe 4:12-13
B. CONSIDER THE EXAMPLE OF PAUL, WHO FOUND JOY “ALWAYS”...
1. In his prayers - Ph 1:4
2. In the proclamation of the gospel under adverse circumstances - Ph 1:18
3. In the unity of the saints - Ph 2:2
4. In the prospect of being a martyr for Christ - Ph 2:17
5. In the love of the brethren - Ph 4:10
[Truly Paul rejoiced “always”! But what was his secret? What was the source of this abiding joy?]
II. THIS ABIDING JOY IS FOUND “IN THE LORD”
A. THERE MAY BE “TEMPORARY” JOY...
1. In drugs (including alcohol and tobacco)
2. In sexual pleasures (whether lawful or unlawful)
3. In material acquisitions
-- But these are at best like riches, which “make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven” (Pro 23:5); and at worst, are “the passing pleasures of sin”(He 11:25)
B. BUT THE JOY THAT “ABIDES” IS ONLY “IN THE LORD”...
1. I.e., that which comes from a personal, living and fruitful relationship with the Lord
2. For “in the Lord” we enjoy:
a. Peace with God - Ro 5:2
b. Help in temptations - 1 Co 10:13; Ph 4:13
c. Assurance of God’s companionship in time of trial - He 13:5-6
3. These are the sort of things which provide a true and lasting joy
[Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to experience this “abiding joy”? Well, why don’t we? Why do many of those who have a personal relationship with the Lord often find themselves lacking joy in all circumstances? Perhaps it is because...]
III. THERE ARE OFTEN HINDRANCES TO “ABIDING JOY”
A. MEMORIES OF PAST FAILURES; AWARENESS OF PRESENT FAULTS...
1. Such often leaves people in a state of discouragement or depression
2. Paul, however, provides the solution in Ph 3:12-14
a. Realize your imperfection, yet press on to better things!
b. Forget your past failures, reach forward to future successes!
B. NATURAL TEMPERAMENT OR DISPOSITION...
1. Many people are naturally “melancholy”
a. Through genetic predisposition toward such an attitude
b. Or through environmental influences as we were growing up
2. Yet in Christ, we can be transformed (Ro 12:1-2) and produce the “fruit of the Spirit” which includes “joy” - Ga 5:22
C. DEPRESSING CIRCUMSTANCES...
1. It is easy to be joyful when everything is going well, but when things wrong, well...
2. However, we see from the Scriptures that even those times can be a time for rejoicing if we have the right “perspective” - Ja 1:2-4
D. SYMPATHY WITH OTHERS...
1. Certainly, a compassionate heart cannot be untouched by the hardships of others - cf. Ro 12:15
2. And yet, properly spoken words of comfort and counsel can provide a joyful reprieve from the hardships others bear - cf. Pr 16:24
CONCLUSION
1. “Rejoice in the Lord always”...
a. Does not mean one is to be insensitive to the harsh realities of life
b. But it does mean that one does not let the dark realities of life blind him to the radiance of joy that is found in the Lord!
2. Have you found yourself going through life without the “abiding joy” discussed in our text, that joy which Peter himself defines as “inexpressible” (1 Pe 1:8)?
3. If so, then make your relationship with the Lord what it ought to be...
a. First by rendering complete obedience to His Will
b. And then by letting the counsel of His Spirit-given Word give you the perspectives necessary to “Rejoice In The Lord Always!”
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