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?
Friday, November 26, 2010
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!
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