Aug 6
That we are shocked by the idea that we are saved from God reveals two crucial shortcomings in our understanding. We fail to understand who God is, and we fail to understand who we are. Our view of God is too low, and our view of mankind is too high
-R.C. Sproul, Saved From What?, p.27
Colossians 2:8-15
Here is the Word .doc for the following lesson. Colossians Study 8
Mastery
Thus far in the epistle, Paul has made only feigned references to the insidious nature of the heresies facing his readers. Let’s consider a few of them.
“asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. ” (Colossians 1:9, NIV)
“He is the image of the invisible God… all things were created by him and for him. ” (Colossians 1:15–16, NIV)
“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, ” (Colossians 1:19, NIV)
“God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. ” (Colossians 1:25–26, NIV)
“My purpose … that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ” (Colossians 2:2–3, NIV)
Each of these verses, singularly and as a whole build a big and beautiful picture of an all powerful and sufficient Saviour and Lord. And if the letter ended here, the Colossians would’ve been as blessed to receive it as we are to read it now. All that has been written thus far can stand on its own as the greatest and fullest descriptions of the supremacy of Christ in all of scripture. But there is more. And the more we read, the more we are given to understand that Paul’s choice of words are quite intentional with respect to the troubles that are being faced by his first century readers. The great truths that they have been instructed in are going to make an equally great difference as to how they react to their present difficulties. That which he has said so far, about the person and work of Christ, are going to have very practical repercussions as they face their trouble. Speaking of practical.
Aug 1
Colossians 2:1-7
Here is the Word .doc for the following lesson. Colossians Study 7
Walk
As we begin to step into the second chapter of this epistle to the Colossian believers, it would be a good idea to look back at where we’ve come. Sometimes in our diligence to thoroughly study a book of scripture, we end up losing the theme of it at the expense of its parts. It’s easy to find meaning in a verse or two that place it in conflict with the book in which it is found. This is why it’s important, when it’s possible, to read through the book you are studying in its entirety, repeatedly. It helps keep us from compartmentalizing the pieces and missing the forest for the trees. What has taken us 6 hours to cover in study would take us 3 minutes to read. And it is in those broad sweeps that we are able to return our eyes to the whole of a book. Which in the case of Colossians is the Supremacy of Christ.
To be sure, the entirety of scripture can be said to be all about Christ. But we do understand that themematically, different portions of the Bible have varying focuses. And Paul’s letter to Colossae would have to be considered one of the most, if not the most, Christ-centered book in the Bible. Consider what he has said thus far.
He opens his letter by greeting the “saints in Christ at Colossae”. Then proceeds to gush forth thanksgiving to God upon hearing that they have come to “faith in Christ Jesus”. And that the message of the good news of Christ that they heard and believed is also going out to the rest of the world. Paul then turns from thanksgiving to prayer as he asks that God would fill them with wisdom in order that they live worthily of the Lord Jesus Christ. Praising God that He has transferred them from a life of darkness to the Kingdom of His beloved Son. What follows next is one of the most comprehensive, superlative laden, all encompassing descriptions of the power and majesty of Jesus Christ found anywhere in the text of scripture. In fact it is vv.15-20 that makes up what I would consider to be the theme of Paul’s letter.
Jul 20
Colossians 1:24-29
Here is the Word .doc for the following lesson. Colossians Study 6
Mystery
There is something about a mystery that intrigues us. It has fueled worldwide exploration, sold millions of tickets at the box office and sadly driven many into bottomless pits of despair looking for spiritual rest. Such is the backdrop in the Colossian Church. A group of unregenerate snake-oil salesman are attempting to pawn off a system of spiritualism that is attained by mystical experiences. And as luck would have it, they were the only ones who knew the ceremonies that needed to be observed in order to reach the next level of enlightenment. A convenient system for the powerful elite that keeps its subjects continually under thumb looking for their next ecstatic experience. It is upon this stage that the Apostle Paul presents one of the great unsolved dramas “that has been kept hidden from ages and generations”, Col 1:26. Let’s read our text.
“Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. ” (Colossians 1:24–29, NIV)
Paul will continue his focus upon the Church, first spoken of in vs.18. The word Church has become synonymous with many things today. Some good, some bad. But for the purposes of this study, let’s use Paul’s metaphor of a body to derive our purpose as a church. Christ is our head and we as his body carry out His wishes.
Read the rest of this entry »