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!
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