Colossians 1
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Chapter 1
Chapter 1
The Church at Colossae
Where Located alongside the Lycus River in the Lycus Valley (2 Miles Wide)
— When King Xerxes (of Esther) attacked the Greeks, he stayed in Colossae on his way to Thermopylae (481 BC)
— The Persian King Cyrus the Younger marched his armies through the Lycus valley in 401 BC
— City destroyed by earthquakes in A.D. 17 during the reign of Tiberius
— Destroyed again in A.D. 60 during the reign of Nero
3r Missionary Founded during Paul’s 3rd Missionary Journey
— Paul stayed in Ephesus for 3 years (Acts 19:10)
10 And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
— Everyone heard the gospel
— During Paul’t time in Ephesus churches started at: Laodicea, Heirapolis and Colossae
Not by Paul But Paul did not start the church at Colossae
— In fact, he had never been to Laodicea or Colossae
— He is writing a letter to a church that he has never been to (2:1)
1 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh,
Epaphras Epaphras was a companion of Paul ( 1:7)
— Epaphras was a native of Colossae (4:12) and most likely started the church there
Written This epistle was written while Paul was in Prison in Rome
— Written at the same time as Philemon
— A.D. 60-62
Gnosticism The problem the Paul will address in the book is the problem of Gnosticism
— Attacked Christ; was he adequate and supreme (1:15)
— It attacked his role in the creation of the world (1:17)
— Gnosticism offered men human philosophy instead of faith (2:8)
The Gospel Truth (1:1-8)
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Q: What do we know about Paul?
Hebrew of Hebrews He was of Jewish ancestry (Phil 3:5)
5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;
A Pharisee He was a Pharisee, zealous for the Law
— Educated under Gamaliel a leading rabbi of the time and known as the “beauty of the law” (Acts 22:3)
3 “I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness of our fathers’ law, and was zealous toward God as you all are today.
Roman And a Roman Citizen (Acts 22:28)
28 The commander answered, “With a large sum I obtained this citizenship.” And Paul said, “But I was born a citizen.”
(1:1) an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God
Converted He was converted on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9)
— He was set apart for missionary service by the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:2)
2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Q: Why was he called Saul and Paul?
Saul His name was Saul named after the first king of Israel
— Saul is his Hebrew Name
— Paul is his Roman Name (Acts 13:9)
9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him
(1:2) To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse
His Readers Paul addresses those in Colossae as “saints and faithful brethren”
Q: Would we feel uncomfortable if someone called us a Saint? Why?
Saints ἅγιος (hagios). adj. holy, set apart, consecrated, dedicated, saints
AND καί (kai), and
— Not two distinct groups but one group
— The same group
7 Aspects of the Gospel (1:3-8)
The Gospel received by Faith (1:3-4a)
(1:3-4) We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints;
Thanks (1:3) We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ
— God is owed thanks
— All of our salvation is from him (Eph 2:8-9)
Q: What is Faith?
(1:4) since we heard of your faith
Faith πίστις (pistis) To be persuaded that something is true and trust in it
— Involves obedience
— Root is peitho (obey)
Faith tied to Obedience in the NT
— Faith is always tied to obedience in the NT
— John 3:36; Acts 6:7; Ro 1:5; Rom 15:18; 2 Thess 1:8; Heb 5:9; 1 Pet 4:17
36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.
18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ has not accomplished through me, in word and deed, to make the Gentiles obedient—
8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,
17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?
Basis of Faith Faith is grounded in fact and evidence (Heb 11:1)
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
— Faith is based on evidence; might sound shocking
Q: Do you have faith in restaurant food?
Yes, we do We have faith that the food that was prepared correctly
— The “A” in the window means that the facilities were inspected and it passed the health standards
Q: Do you have faith in Roads and Bridges?
— We have faith because the inspectors did their jobs
— The engineers were properly trained
— Good steel and concrete
Q: Is there faith that does not save?
— James 2:14-16 is an example of dead, non-saving faith
Q: What does saving faith look like?
— Saving faith has repentance and obedience
— metanoéō(repentance)
— meta (after)
— noéō (to understand)
—Lit. afterthought, change of mind, heart
— In the NT always speaks of a change of purpose, turning from sin
— Repudiation of the old life and turn to God (1 Thess 1:9)
9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,
Repentance involves
( 1) Turning to God
(2) Turning away from Evil
(3) An intent to serve God
Granted by God God grants repentance
— But I thought that repentance was my part in the equation
— No, even our repentance is a gift from God (Acts 11:18; 2 Tim 2:25)
18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”
25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,
All from God God grants all of saving Faith
— The Faith
— The Repentance
— The ability to obey
— (c.f. Eph 2:8-9; Phil 1:29)
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake,
Q: So what is our part in our salvation?
Nothing! About Good Works, Martin Luther said:
“Good works do not make a man good, but a good man does good works”
Received by Faith (1:3:-4a) > Results in Love (1:4b)
The Gospel Results in Love (1:4b)
(1:4) since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints;
Q: Does genuine love exist in a vacuum?
No! No, it results in a changed life
— Our fruit (visible) is love of other Christians
— (c.f. 1 John 2:9-11, 3:10, 3:14-15, 4:20)
— We are commanded to love one another (John 13:34-35)
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Received by Faith (1:3:-4a) > Results in Love (1:4b) > Rests in Hope (1:5)
The Gospel Rests in Hope
(1:5) because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel
Q: What is a virtue? What are some Christian virtues?
Virtue Opposite of a vice
— A quality deemed to be morally good
Hope Hope is a component of the triad of Christian virtues
— Faith, Hope and love (1 Cor 13:13)
13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Faith & Hope Faith and Hope are inseparable (1 Thess 1:3)
3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father,
Q: And where is this hope? (v5)
(1:5) the hope which is laid up
Laid Up ἀπόκειμαι (apokeimai) stored, Laid up, in reserve
— Laid up in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy (Matt 6:19)
— Peter speaks of an inheritance which is incorruptible (1 Pet 1:4)
4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
An Anchor This hope that is laid up in heaven should be an anchor for us (Heb 6:18-19)
18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. 19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,
Application We should sacrifice the present on the altar of the future
— The opposite of buy now and pay later (Ro 8:18)
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
The Truth of the Gospel
(1:5b) of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel
— truth of the gospel
Gospel εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion)(good news, glad tidings)
— In classic Greek, used to report victory
— Described in various ways
— Acts 20:24 The Gospel of the Grace of God
— Rom 1:9 The Gospel of the Son
— 1 Cor 9:12 The Gospel of Christ
— Rom 15:16 The Gospel of God
— 2 Cor 4:4 The Gospel of the Glory of Christ
— Eph 6:15 The Gospel of Peace
— Rev 14:6 The Eternal Gospel
Q: What is the Gospel?
Paul tells us Paul shares it with us
— Christ died in our place to provide complete forgiveness of our sins (1 Cor 15:1-4)
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,
(1) We should Proclaim the Gospel
— We should proclaim it (Matt 4:23)
23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.
(2) We should defend it
— We should defend the veracity of the gospel
— The gospel is under attack
— Paul tells the Philippians that he was appointed for the defense of the gospel (Phil 1:16)
— Peter said defend it (1 Peter 3:15b)
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
(3) Advance it We should work hard to advance the gospel
— Paul admonishes the Philippians to strive together for the gospel (Phil 1:27)
27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,
(4) Pursue fellowship with other believers
We should pursue fellowship with other believes of the gospel
— Early church gathered with other believers of the gospel for the breaking of Bread (Acts 2:42)
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
— Paul thanked God in his prayers for the Philippians fellowship in the Gospel (Phil 1:3-5)
3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now,
(5) Suffer for the Gospel
— Paul was no stranger to suffering for the Gospel
— Paul tells Timothy to be ready to suffer for the Gospel (2 Tim 1:8)
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,
(6) Do not hinder the Gospel
— We should live our lives in such a way so as not to hinder the Gospel
— Paul was willing to work for free rather than cheapen the Gospel (1 Cor 9:12)
12 If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ.
(7) Not ashamed of the Gospel
— We should never be ashamed of the Gospel (Ro 1:16)
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.
(8) Power comes with the Gospel Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians says that our gospel comes with Power (1 Thes 1:5)
5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.
Rejoice As Paul speaks of the Gospel in Colossians 1:3-8 he is rejoicing
— Seven Aspects of the Gospel
— (1) Received by Faith (1:3-4a)
— (2) Results in Love (1:4b)
— (3) It reaches the world (1:6)
— (4) Reproduces Fruit (1:6b)
— (5) Rooted in Grace (1:6c)
—(6) It rests in Hope (1:5)
— (7) It is reported by the People (1:7-8)
Received by Faith (1:3:-4a) > Results in Love (1:4b) > Rests in Hope (1:5) > It reaches the World (1:6)
(1:6) which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day
you heard and knew the grace of God in truth;
The World The Gospel was preached to the whole world
— The Roman world
— A pre AD 70 fulfilment of Matt 24:14; Rom 10:18
14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
18 But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: “Their sound has gone out to all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world.”
Universal — A people from all over the earth (Rev 7:9-10)
9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
Received by Faith (1:3:-4a) > Results in Love (1:4b) >Rests in Hope (1:5) > It reaches the World (1:6) > The Gospel reproduces Fruit (1:6b)
(1:6b) and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard
Not Stagnant The Gospel is not stagnant
— Not a book of ethic
Living The Gospel is living, moving, bearing fruit, transforming
— Like the illustration of the mustard seed, it grows (Matt 13:31-32)
31 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, 32 which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.”
Received by Faith (1:3:-4a) > Results in Love (1:4b) > Rests in Hope (1:5) > It reaches the World (1:6) > The Gospel reproduces Fruit (1:6b) > Rooted in Grace (1:6c)
(1:6c) and knew the grace of God in truth
Q: What is Grace? How would you define it?
Grace The free gift of God, forgiveness of sin and giving of eternal life, which we do not deserve and cannot earn
— God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense
All God Man cannot save himself (Eph 2:8-9); Is there a verse that you could quote that affirms that?
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
Peter Affirmed Peter affirmed that God is the one that grants us repentance unto salvation (Acts 11:18)
— “granted to the Gentiles repentance to life”
18 When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”
Lyda was an example Lyda was an example of God saving her (Acts 16:14)
— “ The Lord opened her heart”
14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.
In Truth (1:6c) and knew the grace of God in truth
— Truth; genuine, the real thing
Received by Faith (1:3:-4a) > Results in Love (1:4b) > Rests in Hope (1:5) > It reaches the World (1:6) > The Gospel reproduces Fruit (1:6b) > Rooted in Grace (1:6c) > Reported by the People (1:7-8)
(1:7) as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf,
(1:8) who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.
Q: What does it mean to love in the spirit?
Channel God uses us a channel of his grace to others (Ro 10:14)
14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
— Jesus said that we would be witnesses by the Power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8)
Paul Prays for the Colossians (9-14)
(1:9) For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled
with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
Without Ceasing “Do not cease to pray for you”
— We are to continually pray for each other
— “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thess 5:17)
— Paul knew the important role that prayers played in his ministry (Phil 1:19; Philemon 1:22)
19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
22 But, meanwhile, also prepare a guest room for me, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you.
The Petition (9-11)
(1:9) For this reason
— All the good news that was reported
— Their love for each other
— Their Faith
— The Fruit that was being produced
Paul Prayed He prayed because of these good things
— We often pray because of bad things
— We should not stop praying for others that are growing in their faith
(1:9) that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will
Q: Paul said be filled with the knowledge of His will. How? What is God’s will? Is it secret?
Not Secret God’s Will is not secret
(1) He desires that we are saved (1 Tim 2:4; 2 Pet 3:9)
(2) Be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:17-18)
(3) Sanctification (1 Thess 4:3)
(4) Submissive to Govt (1 Pet 2:13,15)
(5) Suffer (1 Pet 4:19)
(6) Give thanks (1 Thes 5:17)
MacArthur “Having the knowledge of God’s Word control our minds is the key to righteous living. What controls your thoughts will control your behavior.
…Knowledge of God’s Word will lead to all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” (Colossians and Philemon commentary)
The Results of Knowledge: A worthy Walk (1:10)
(1:10) that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Q: What does walk refer to?
Walk Your pattern of daily living, conduct (1 Thess 2:12)
12 that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
Q: Who lives your Christian life?
(1:10) that you may walk worthy of the Lord
Walk We are told to Walk Worthy in the Lord although it seems impossible!
— Paul encourage the Thessalonians (1 Thess 2:12)
— He exhorted the Ephesians (Eph 4:1)
— He told the Philippians (1:27) to “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ”
God God has not left us to our own resources (Gal 2:20)
20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
— Even when it comes to walking the Christian life in obedience God gets the credit
— But when we fail it is our fault not God’s
20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Paradox This sounds like a Paradox
— If it is all God then I become a Quietist (Let Go and let God)
— If it is all me then I become a Legalist
Hard This is not the only hard only hard to understand doctrine (appears paradoxical)
— How can Christ be 100% God and 100% man?
— Who wrote the book of Colossians? Paul or God?
— Predestination is taught throughout the bible (Eph 1:4-5); but man also has volition and responsibility (John 6:37)
4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.
Features of a Worthy Walk
— Humility (Eph 4:1-3)
— In purity (Rom 13:13)
— In Contentedness (1 Cor 7:17)
— by Faith (2 Cor 5:7)
— In Good Works (Eph 2:10)
— Different from the world (Eph 4:17-32)
— In Love (Eph 5:2)
— In Light (Eph 5:8)
— In Wisdom (Eph 5:15)
— In Truth (3 John 3-4)
The Results of Knowledge: A worthy Walk (1:10) > A Fruitful life (1:10b)
(1:10b) being fruitful in every good work
— A mind saturated with knowledge of God’s Word will lead to Godly practice and character (John 15:8; James 3:17)
8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
— Lack of spiritual fruit directly related to a lack of spiritual wisdom
The Results of Knowledge: A worthy Walk (1:10) > A Fruitful life (1:10b) > Growth (1:10c)
(1:10c) and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Q: So what is another sign of spiritual growth (1:10c)?
Growth Increasing in the knowledge of God (1 Pet 2:2)
2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,
Marks of Growth The marks of Spiritual growth are:
(1) A deeper love for God’s Word
— (Ps 119:97) Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.
(2) More perfect obedience
— (Col 1:10) that you may walk worthy of the Lord
— (1 John 2:3-5) Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments.
3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him.
(3) Enlarged faith
— (2 Thess 1:3) (cf. 2 Cor 10:15)
3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other,
(4) Greater Love
— (Phil 1:9) “This I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and discernment”
The Results of Knowledge: A worthy Walk (1:10) > A Fruitful life (1:10b) > Growth (1:10c) > Strength (1:11a)
(1:11a) strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power
Strength We are continuously strengthened
— All power, limitless
— God is not like a “rocket booster” that gives us a push and then we fly on our own; his strength is continuous
— And it is according to His glorious power
— Manifested through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8, Eph 3:16; Rom 15:13)
— Available to every believer who is filled with the knowledge of God’s Word (MacArthur)
The Results of Knowledge: A worthy Walk (1:10) > A Fruitful life (1:10b) > Growth (1:10c) > Strength (1:11a) > Endurance (11:b)
(1:11b) for all patience and longsuffering with joy
— Knowledge results in strength especially when we endure trials
— Paul could endure trials joyously
— He had endurance in suffering (Acts 16:25)
25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
Who Qualified us (12)
(1:12) giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.
— “Giving thanks” Being thankful is a consistent theme in Colossians (1:3; 1:12, 2:7; 3:15,16,17; 4:2)
— This is a model of prayer; our prayers should include praise as well as petitions
— The Philippians (Phil 4:6) “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God” (NASB)
— In 1Tim 2:1 he urged that “entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men” (NASB)
— Paul constantly was giving thanks in his prayers (cf. Acts 27:35; Rom 1:8; 1 Tim 1:12)
Second Place Giving thanks to God is usually low on our list when we pray
— We are quick to ask for something but slow to give thanks
— We are like the leech who who to daughters (Prov 30:15)
15 The leech has two daughters— Give and Give! There are three things that are never satisfied, Four never say, “Enough!”:
— The bible stresses the importance of giving thanks (Ps 50:14; Ps 107:23-22; Ps 92:1; Eph 5:20; Col 3:17; Heb 3:15; Matt 11:25; John 6:11; John 11:41)
— David (2 Sam 22:50; Ps 28:7); the Levites (1 Chron 16:4; Neh 12:24); Asaph and his relatives (1 Chron 16:7); Daniel (Dan 6:10) also gave thanks
— Failing to give thanks is a mark of the wicked (Rom 1:21; Luke 6:35; 2 Tim 3:2)
The Doctrine of Salvation
— Paul sums up the doctrine of salvation with 3 great truths:
— inheritance
— Deliverance
— Transference
Inheritance
(1:12) who has qualified us
— We are not qualified through our own efforts
— The only thing that we are qualified to receive is God’s wrath (Eph 2:1-3)
1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, 3 among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.
(1:12) partakers of the inheritance
Inheritance (1) Eternal life (Matt 19:29)
29 And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.
(2) inheritance of the earth (Matt 5:5) - “believers will inherit the earth”
5 Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth.
— Rule with Christ during the Millennial kingdom (Rev 20:6)
6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.
— This should free us from pursuing earthly possessions!
(3) inherit all the promises of God (Heb 6:12)
12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Q: How is the dominion of darkness different from the kingdom of Christ (1:13-14)? How does your experience compare with the experience of Col 1:13-14?
(1:13-14) He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,
14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
Spiritual Liberation New birth, instantly delivered out of Satan’s kingdom (2 Cor 5:17)
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Delivered! We are delivered. Now act like it! (Rom 6:2, 7)
2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
7 For he who has died has been freed from sin.
Q: What do we mean by redemption? What does emancipation mean?
(1:14) in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.
What we need Before being fit for his kingdom we need redemption
Redemption ἀπολύτρωσις (apolytrōsis) n. fem. redemption, release, deliverance
— to deliver by payment of a ransom
— Freeing slaves from bondage
— The English word is emancipation
Results The results of our redemption is the forgiveness of sins.
Forgiveness ἄφεσις (aphesis) n. fem. release, forgiveness, remission
— A composite of two words
— apo (from)
— hiemi (to send)
He has sent our send away from us (Ps 103:12; Micah 7:19)
12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
19 He will again have compassion on us, And will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins Into the depths of the sea.
The Pre-eminence of Jesus Christ (1:15-19)
(1:15) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
Image He is the image of God
— The exact image of God
— Phil 2:6 “the very form of God”
— John 14:9 “He who has seen me has seen the Father”
Q: Aren’t we also in the image of God?
Image εἰκών (eikōn) n. fem. image, likeness, manifestation
— The English word “icon”
We are/not Man is also the eikōn of God (1 Cor 11:7; cf. Gen 1:26-27)
— We posses intellect, rational personality
— We can think, feel and choose
— The fall marred our image
Morally Man is not morally like God
— We are not holy; we are sinful
Essence Man is not like God essentially
— We are not omniscience, omnipotent, omnipresence, or immutable
— We are human, we die; we are not divine
Jesus Jesus is the unknowable God made known
— The absolute, accurate image of God
— He did not become the image of God at his incarnation
— He has always been the image of God (Heb 1:3; Phil 2:6; John 14:9; John 1:14)
eikōn By using the word “icon” Paul is saying that Jesus is both the representation and manifestation of God
— He is God in human flesh
— That was Jesus’ claim (John 5:58; 10:30-33)
— Scripture’s claim (cf. John 1:1; 20:28; Rom 9:5; Phil 2:6; Col 2:9; Titus 2:13; Heb 1:8; 2 Pet 1:1)
— Blasphemy to say otherwise and evidence that you have been blinded by Satan (2 Cor 4:5)
Q: What does firstborn mean here? v15?
(1:15) the firstborn over all creation.
Firstborn The highest rank
— If Paul were teaching that Christ was created, he would be agreeing with the heresy that he is refuting
— Christ cannot be firstborn and only begotten
Rank The first born in terms of rank
— Not necessarily the first one born chronologically (Luke 2:7)
— Esau born first but Jacob received the inheritance
— In terms of “rank” Jacob was “firstborn”
— Jesus is the One with the right of inheritance of all creation (cf. Heb 1:2; Rev 5:1-7,13)
— Israel is God’s firstborn, first place in God’s sight (Ex 4;22, Jer 31:9)
— Jesus firstborn (Ps 80:27)
— Jesus firstborn of the dead (Rev 1:5) although not the first to be raised chronologically; but he is the preeminent one
— Jesus is firstborn in relation to the church (Ro 8:29); again about rank
Jesus primacy over creation (16-17)
16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.
Colossian Heresy #1 Christ was not divine; he was an angel (1:16)
(1:16) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible
(1) Jesus is Creator Jesus is creator (John 1:3; Heb 1:2)
3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds;
Q: Does science acknowledge an intelligent creation?
Max Planck According to noble prize winner Max Planck:
“According to everything taught by the exact sciences about the immense realm of nature a certain order prevails —
one independent of the human mind…this order can be formulated in terms of purposeful activity. There is evidence
of an intelligent order of the universe to which both man and nature are subservient.”
Albert Einstein Every one who is seriously involved in the pursuit of science becomes convinced that a spirit is manifest in the laws of the Universe-a spirit vastly
superior to that of man, and one in the face of which we with our modest powers must feel humble.
The scientists’ religious feeling takes the form of a rapturous amazement at the harmony of natural law, which reveals an intelligence
of such superiority that, compared with it, all the systematic thinking and acting of human beings is an utterly insignificant reflection.
Nature Nature testifies to a creator and only willful unbelief can reject it (Rom 1:20)
20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
(2) Jesus before all things Jesus said (John 8:58) Before Abraham was born, I am
— Referred to himself (Rev 22:13) as the Alpha and the Omega
— Michah 5:2 His goings forth are from long ago, from days of eternity
(3) He holds together Jesus as creator holds all things together
— He sustains the universe
— If He can do all that — he can deal with anything I’m dealing with!
(1:16b) whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers
Ranks Ranks of angels
— The Colossian error was that Christ was an Angel
— Jesus is above angels (1 Peter 3:22; Phil 2:10)
22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,
Colossian Heresy #2:Christ was not the creator of the universe (1:16-17)
(1:17) And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.
Colossian Heresy #3: Christ is not head of the church (1:18)
(1:18) And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
Q: Who is the head of the church? Is it the Pope?
Christ Not an angel who serves the church
— But Christ is the head of the church
(1:19) For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,
Fullness πλήρωμα (plērōma), fullness
— Another Colossian false teaching was that divine power was spread out among various emanations, appearances
— Paul says no! All fullness dwells win Christ
Gnosticism Superior-knowledge; had taken hold at the church at Colossae
— Reached its peak in the 2nd Century
Reasoning — Because God was good and Flesh was evil, God could not have created man
Therefore — Therefore, Jesus must have been a higher emanation; Satan a lower emanation
Angels — Demons were a barrier between God and man; angels could break that barrier and were to be worshipped
— Angels worshipped at Colossae (2:18)
Humanity They denied the humanity of Christ
— Paul teaches the Christ was man (1:22); God became man (2:9)
— Colossae heresy was that God could never become Man because Man was bad
Sufficiency They denied the sufficiency of Christ in Salvation
— Paul attacks this false teaching repeatedly
(1:28) To present every man complete in Christ
(2:3) It is in Christ that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden
(2:9) All the fullness of deity dwells in Christ in bodily form
(2:10) In Him we have been made complete
Reconciled to God (1:20-23)
Q: In Col 1:20-23 the text shows that our new lives are radically different in relation to God as well as our behaviour. How? Old vs New
20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. 21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.
Five (5) Keys to describe the richness of Salvation
(1:20) and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself,
— Reconcile is one of the richest words in the NT to describe salvation
— It is one of five (5) key words to describe our salvation:
— Justification, redemption, forgiveness, adoption
(1) Justification We stand before God as guilty and condemned but God has declared us righteous (Ro 8:33)
33 Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.
(2) Redemption We stand before God as a slave (to sin)
— But God pays the ransom and sets us free (Ro 6:18-22)
18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.
(3) Forgiveness We stand before God as a debtor and unable to pay the debt
— But the debt is paid in full and we are forgiven (Eph 1:7)
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace
(4) Adoption We stand before God as a stranger and become his child (Eph 1:5)
5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will,
(5) Reconciliation We stand before God as an enemy but now become his friend (2 Cor 5:18-20)
18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.
— We are now ambassadors
Change καταλλάσσω (katallassō) Means to change, exchange, reconcile. In the NT it speaks in terms of relationships
— People change from enemies to friends
— BUT that is not the word used here in Col 1:18
Reconcile ἀποκαταλλάσσω (apokatallassō) Totally, throughly, completely reconciled
— Not half-hearted reconciliation
— Total forgiveness (Ps 103:12) “As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.”
Colossian Error Because the false teachers at Colossae taught Christ was another spirit emanating from God
— They also were denying the possibility of being reconciled to God by Christ alone
— Christ possessed the fullness of deity (1:19; 2:9) and is able to fully reconcile us to God
Q: What was our relationship with God like before (v21)?
(1:21) And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled
Alienated ἀπαλλοτριόω (apallotrioō) alienate; estrange, cutoff , separated
Detached Non-Christians are detached from God because of Sin
— No such thing as an innocent heathen
Hostile Minds 1:21) enemies in your mind by wicked works
Hostile ἐχθρός (echthros) adj. hostile, enemy, hateful
— Our minds were echthros; hostile and therefore we were hostile towards God
— We were not only alienated but hateful towards God in our attitude
— We resented his Holy, high standards and commandments; “thou shall not”
— We were engage in wicked works
— And therefore, separated (Isa 59:2)
Q: Why?
Ignorance? The problem was not ignorance but a love of sin (John 3:19-20)
19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.
— men loved darkness rather than light
Q: Is man reconciled to God or is God reconciled to man?
Man’s side Man cannot be reconciled until man is transformed (Rom 8:7-8; 2 Cor 5:17-18)
— The “mind set on the flesh is hostile to God” (Ro 8:7)
God’s side His wrath against sin must be appeased
MacArthur “Far from being the harmless, tolerant grandfather that many today imagine Him to be, God
‘God takes vengeance on His adversaries, He reserves wrath for His enemies’ (Nah 1:2)”
— cf. Jer 10:10; Ps 7:11; John 3:36; Eph 5:6; Rom 5:9; 1 Thess 1:10; 2 Cor 5;21; 1 Peter 2:24
— Man and God could never be reconciled unless God’s wrath was appeased
Colossian Heresy #4: Denied the humanity of Christ (1:22)
(1:20) having made peace through the blood of His cross. ... He has reconciled (1:22) in the body of His flesh through death
Blood Symbolic of his sacrificial death once and forever
— Otherwise, we err like Catholics, transubstantiation (Christ’s literal blood kept in heaven in a bottle); wine turned to actual blood
— If it is literal than we have a problem with passages such as John 6:53-54; Matt 23:30-35; Matt 27:24-25; Acts 5:28
— Acts 18:6; Acts 20:26,28; 1 Cor 10:16
Atonement This is the specific way in which Christ effected our reconciliation with God
—He made peace with God through the blood of His cross.
— This is atonement and ties his death to the OT sacrificial system (cf. 1 Pet 1:18-19)
— It was a violent death; thousands of animals were violently killed
MacArthur “The writer of Hebrews informs us that ‘the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place
by the priest as an offering for sin, are buried outside the camp. Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the
people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate’ (Heb 13:11-12)”
Not the blood His blood did not save us; His death saved us (Catholics disagree)
— If Christ had bleed without dying He could not have purchased our salvation
Q: What does Holy, blameless and above reproach mean in v22?
(1:22b) to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—
Holy ἅγιος (hagios). adj. holy, set apart, consecrated, dedicated, saints
— Set apart fro God, separated from sin (cf. Eph 1:4)
Blameless ἄμωμος (amōmos). adj. unblemished, blameless, unblameable
— Without spot or blemish (Num 6:14; Heb 9:14)
Blameless ἀνέγκλητος (anenklētos), blameless; above reproach, unimpeachable
— Beyond blameless, no one can bring a charge against us (Rev 12:10)
(1:23) if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister
Perseverance is the mark of a true saint
Those who are saved will continue in the faith (Luke 8:13)
13 But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.
— By falling away they give evidence that they were never saved (John 2:19)
19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
(1:23c) which was preached to every creature under heaven,
— The whole Roman Empire
— The whole world (1:6) kosmos, whole world
— Nations (Ro 1:6; 16:26); fulfilment of Matt 24:14 would receive the message
Paul’s View of the Ministry (1:24-29)
24 I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, 26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 29 To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.
(1:24) I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church
Rejoice (1:24a) I now rejoice
— Serving the Lord in ministry should be a with an attitude of joy
— Christian joy is internal
Humility Joy and humility go together
— Self-centered people lose their joy because they think that they deserve better
(1:24b) in my sufferings for you
Independent Joy is independent of circumstances
— His suffering refers to his imprisonment
Suffering is a cause for Joy
(1) Brings us closer It brings us closer to Christ
— Paul prayed: “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death” (Phil 3:10)
(2) Assures us It assures us that we belong to Christ
— John 15:18; Matt 10:24; 2 Tim 3:12; 1 Pet 4:14
(3) Reward Suffering brings us a future reward (Ro 8:17-18; 2 Cor 4:17)
(4) Others Suffering can result in salvation for others
— Church history full of examples of people that came to Christ watching other Christians endure suffering
(5) Frustrates Suffering frustrates Satan
— God can use suffering for good
Purgatory (1:24b) and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church
— Catholics imagine this as proof of purgatory
— Christ’s suffering was not enough to purge us of our sins
— We must make it up after death by suffering in purgatory (and everyone must go there, even my mother)
Colossae Error Not just a “Colossae error” but a Colossus error!
— They taught human works were necessary for salvation
— Paul said that Christ’s death was sufficient to save us (1:20-23)
Lacking (1:24c) what is lacking in
— Paul received the persecution intended for Christ
— His enemies still had hatred fro Christ - but He had ascended to heaven
— Now, directing that hatred toward the minsters of Christ; true today
(1:25) I became a minister according to the stewardship from God
Minster Paul was a minister of the church; saw it as a stewardship
Stewardship οἰκονομία (oikonomia). n. fem. management, stewardship, administration
— Compound word (okios) house and (nemo) manage
(1:25b) … which was given to me for you
Given Given so that he could minister to others
— Not given for his own edification (1 Pet 4:10)
10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
(1:26) the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints.
Hidden OT mysteries were hidden and revealed in the NT; OT was a series of illustrations to elucidate our understanding of the glories of the new (1 Cor 10);
The OT was shadow the new is substance
(1) The incarnate God (Col 2:2-3, 9)
(2) Israel’s unbelief (Ro 11:25)
(3) Lawlessness (2 Thess 2:7; Rev 17:5,7)
(4) Jew and Gentile in the church (Eph 3:3-6)
(5) The rapture (1 Cor 15:51)
(6) (1:27) this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you; the OT Messiah would come ad live in you!
— The Holy Sprit takes up residence in all believers (cf Ro 89; 1 Cor 6:19,20; Eph 2:22)
(1:27) To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Riches We posses the surpassing riches of Christ in us (John 14:23; Ro 8:9-10; Gal 2:20; Eph 1:7,17-18; 3:8-10; 16-19; Phil 4:19)
— Our anchor of the promise of heaven
— It is the source of the hope of glory (cf. 2 Cor 5:1-5; Eph 1:13-14)
Colossian Heresy #5: Christ alone is not adequate for salvation (1:28)
(1:28) Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
Warning Admonishing; encouraging counsel in view of sin and ultimate punishment
— Not just pastors but we have the responsibility to admonish other believers to turn from sin
— Acts 20:31; 2 Thess 3:14-15; Col 3:16; Ro 15:14
Goal The goal of the ministry to is present every man perfect in Christ Jesus
MacArthur Our goal is to not only win people to Christ but to bring them to spiritual maturity
— So that they can bring others to Christ (2 Tim 2:2)
(1:29) To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.
Labor κοπιάω (kopiaō), toil; labor, to work to the point of exhaustion
— Success in serving the Lord requires max effort
Colossian Heresy (Review)
— (1) Christ was not divine; he was an angel (1:16)
— (2) Christ was not the creator of the universe (1:16-17)
— (3) Christ is not head of the church (1:18)
— (4) Denied the humanity of Christ (1:22)
— (5) Christ alone is not adequate for salvation (1:28); their visions told them they needed superior knowledge (2:18)
Additional Resources
Max Planck: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Planck
Einstein and intelligent design: https://stevengoddard.wordpress.com/2013/11/09/einstein-said-that-all-serious-scientists-believe-in-intelligent-design/