The Place to Be #91

 II Timothy 3:10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Having warned Timothy and the congregation at Ephesus against following after or getting entangled with arguing with false teachers, Paul now made the contrast.  Timothy had followed the sound teaching, godly living, Christlike character, and sacrificial service Paul had demonstrated and passed on to him.  Having mentioned persecution, Paul pauses to remind Timothy that believers should expect that, just as Christ had experienced it, and so had he.  Paul also reminds Timothy that these things are consistent with what he had been taught and seen demonstrated in his own family: a life of faith and practice, based upon scriptural truth.  Scripture, after all, is God's word and the most practical guidebook one can have for life.  

The Place to Be #90

 II Timothy 3:1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.

As Paul begins his final chapter of this letter, he wants to make sure Timothy does not get discouraged. His statement is not either extreme: heartless nor hopeless.  Times are going to be tough, because people are going to be hard-hearted towards God and others.  Some will claim to be godly (like the false teachers Timothy was dealing with), but will deny the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Rather than disturb the peace, he was to avoid them turn away from them.  Their sin was running away with them and those who followed after them; they were on a path that led to emptiness.  Paul's reminder was simple: "But they will not get very far." Eventually people would see their emptiness, their selfishness, and their ungodliness. When that happens, people will be wide open to the truth, to the love of God, and the power of the Gospel. 

The Place to Be #89

II Timothy 2:22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

We return here to Paul's biggest concern for the church at Ephesus and the challenges Timothy had before him: false teachers.   Timothy was to personally beware himself that he not fall into the same lifestyle as they led: a path of self-service and spiritual speculations.  His focus was to be on right relationships with God and His people, deeper faith in understanding God, His Word, and seeing how God works, and how to love those who were so challenging.  He was not expected to do this alone, but to join with others who were sincerely and humbly seeking God's will and glory.  This meant not getting caught up in divisive arguments, but speaking and preaching the truth.  The goal was not to destroy the false teachers, but to turn them back to the truth and see them join him and other true believers in doing God's will together. 

The Place to Be #88

 II Timothy 2:20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

As we read these words we are reminded that Paul is not only addressing Timothy and his responsibility as Pastor, but that this letter would be read out loud to the congregation so they would know how they were to respond to Timothy's leadership.  All the members and leaders were part of the household of God. Each had responsibilities in serving the master.  Here Paul illustrates the household by to vessels used for preparing and serving food.  There was a vast array of materials used for making these vessels, but all were necessary. You would not use a silver bowl for mixing bread dough. What was most important was for each and every vessel to be clean.  The same is true in the Household of God. He has called us all to a life of purity.  Once we are washed, we then can be "set apart" as holy, unique for the job God has for us. Once we are clean we are also useful; God can pick us up at any time for His work, because we are ready for the task He has for us to do.  These things are true only if we are first cleansed at salvation, and kept cleansed through daily sanctification.  What kind of vessels will we be today?

The Place to Be #87

II Timothy 2:14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19 But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

As Paul continues to give Timothy advice about leading the church at Ephesus, he points out that it is very easy to get sidetracked by disagreements over things that really don't matter; he is to keep the discussions focused on the Gospel.  Having repeatedly mentioning that the Gospel is not something to be ashamed of, he does remind Timothy there are many ways we can bring shame to ourselves in this regard; if we allow "babble" to take place - or worse yet, participate in it ourselves - it will lead people astray. There is this tendency for our fallen hearts and minds to gravitate to such things, and easily be led astray. This disturbs the peace in the congregation, and once our minds are lead astray from the truth, people tend toward ungodly living as well.  We need to keep our focus on the Gospel and godliness, and not be led astray.

The Place to Be #86

 II Timothy 2:8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 The saying is trustworthy, for:
If we have died with him, we will also live with him;
12 if we endure, we will also reign with him;
if we deny him, he also will deny us;
13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—
for he cannot deny himself.

Paul has repeatedly made the case that he is not ashamed: of the Gospel, nor of his being in prison. The two went hand in hand.  He wanted Timothy, and the church at Ephesus, to have the same perspective. The Gospel is all about Christ, risen and victorious, Who could not be held by the chains of death.  Therefore, the chains of Paul were inconsequential. Since Christ was not bound, the Gospel(here the word of God) was not bound.  Paul was therefore willing to do anything (even prison) to reach people with the Gospel. Paul then gives a strong statement for the assurance of salvation in Christ, which seems to be consistent all the way through until the last verse.  If we are faithless, he remains faithful. God will save even when we let Him down.  It would be inconsistent with His character to do otherwise.  God will be faithful! Will we?

The Place to Be #85

 

II Timothy 2:1You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

As we have seen, in chapter 1 Paul has called Timothy to follow his own example, and that of others, who have not been ashamed of the Gospel nor any struggles which might come with being Christ's servant - including imprisonment, in the case of Paul. He now gives him three exhortations. He was to be strengthened by the grace of God in Christ, share the truth of the gospel with other men who in turn would share it with others, and be willing to suffer for the sake of the Gospel.  Paul then gives Timothy three examples of other situations where workers needed strength and struggled to reach their goals: Soldiers trained hard and endured dangerous situations that took them away from home in terrible conditions; athletes also went through rigorous training and submitted themselves to "rules" in order to win the contest; farmers worked long, hard hours every day in order to accomplish a meaningful harvest. In the same way, the servant of God must work hard in difficult situations on a consistent basis to see the Gospel go forth and change lives.  

The Place to Be #84

 

II Timothy 1:15 You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17 but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— 18 may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.

Having reminded Timothy of his rich spiritual heritage, both on his mother's side and his spiritual father's side(Paul himself), Paul went on to challenge Timothy not to be ashamed that his spiritual father was in prison.  There were many, who out of fear, self-righteousness, and outright apostacy had "turned away" from both Paul and the gospel, wrongly interpreting his imprisonment as a reason for shame or to run away in fear from Christian life and service.  Paul now presented a living example for Timothy to follow: Onesiphorus - one who had been at the church at Ephesus where Timothy was now pastoring. Timothy was to follow his example of unashamed service, leadership, and faithfulness.  He had shown complete commitment and loyal love when he searched for Paul until he found him, demonstrating the mercy and grace God has shown us in Christ.  Timothy had real life examples of who to avoid and whom to mimic. We don't have to look far to find the same and follow their example. 

The Place to Be #83

 

II Timothy 1:8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

Having challenged Timothy to stand firm in his faith and ministry, Paul goes on to get more detailed about how and why to do so.  It would be very easy for Timothy to give in to shame: Jesus was died a criminal's death and Paul was in jail, but instead of shame, he was to choose the road of suffering as both had done. That road led to salvation and service in the plan and purpose of God.  This plan was much bigger than any man or empire; it was the eternal plan of Almighty God.  Paul invited Timothy to join him on this path. He was not ashamed, but convinced and confident in God's plan and protection on this path.  All Timothy had to do was stick with the plan, the "pattern of sound words", and the presence of God through His Holy Spirit, and his journey would lead exactly where God promised - into His loving arms of safety.

The Place to Be #82

 

II Timothy 1:3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

As usual, Paul began his letters with a word of thanksgiving about himself and/or his recipients. Here it is both: he was thankful for his own godly heritage and that of Timothy as well.  Paul looked back on his deep Jewish roots and on the influence Timothy had under his mother and grandmother.  Paul had many memories of his own family and his spiritual family, considering Timothy his spiritual son. As he looks back on their relationship, he reminds Timothy of one or two events which recognized his call to ministry, like his being ordained by spiritual men.  With those deep roots and recognized calling, Timothy was to hold fast to his faith and that calling, even when challenged.  All believers, and in a sense especially those called to ministry, have the powerful presence of the Spirit of God. He will provide strength, confidence, wisdom and enough love to lead and deal with the people God brings their way.  As we enter this week of thanksgiving, may we be thankful for the same things: godly ancestors and spiritual ancestors, and the ever-present Holy Spirit to stand firm in our faith, love those difficult relatives and neighbors, and live life to please and honor God, as  thank offering to Him.

The Place to Be #81

 

II Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

This letter is considered by many to be the last recorded words of the Apostle Paul.  He was writing to his young protege' Timothy, whom he had left at the church at Ephesus to address some serious issues of false teaching and disorder in their worship.  Paul knew who he was.  He was both called to salvation in Christ and called into His service as an apostle, an ambassador to take the Good News of the Gospel to the far reaches of the earth.  At present, he was in prison, but that is not what stuck out in his mind: he was in the will of God; he was living the life that God had ordained through the power of Christ.  He was also a spiritual father to Timothy, and he knew what Timothy needed to carry out his ministry. He needed grace - God-given ability to carry out his calling; he needed mercy - for God to reach down and do something when Timothy called for help; he needed peace - that sense that all will be well, which only God can give. Finally, Timothy needed to keep his heart and mind focused on Christ Jesus - the God-Man with a title.  Everything around him was working against recognizing Jesus as the Christ, and making Him much less.  We must always lift Him up to His exalted place as Savior and Lord. 

The Place to Be #80

 

Colossians 4:14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Paul had done everything he could to let the church at Colossae know how he was doing, and to encourage them to not view his being in prison as something for them to feel bad about for him, nor to cause them fear for their own safety.  He has mentioned several names of fellow servants who stood with him, and whom were praying for them as well. As he closes this letter he gets to some of the closest associates he had and they had.  Besides Timothy, his co-writer, Luke was with Paul, both tending to Paul's physical needs and serving as recorder.  On their side of things was Archippus, who had been called to Pastor. God had leaders there at the church to make up for Paul's absence.  They also had nearby churches, like at Laodicea.  These congregations could and should work together to encourage one another and keep each other accountable, just as individual believers should do.  As one last touch, Paul takes the pen in his own hand to confirm everything written above as coming from him as the Lord's servant, giving one last request for prayer, and to remind them that the grace of God in Christ was more than enough for any challenge. 

The Place to Be #79

Colossians 4:10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 

As Paul continues to wrap up his letter, it's like credits at the end of the movie, listing those who were ore "behind the scenes" in the ministry of the gospel.  In this case, Paul is sending greetings on their behalf.  This also would be a comfort to the Colossian Christians, reassuring them that Paul was not "all alone" in prison suffering.  The Lord was providing support and practical encouragement through these faithful fellow-workers.  It appears that Aristarchus was also in prison for the Gospel; John Mark had at this point been restored in fellowship with Paul and was one of the team; Jesus Justus was a fellow Jewish Christian who was possibly sent by the Jerusalem church.   Epaphras was more well known to them and therefore offered a more specific call to maturity; Paul also assures them that he had been working hard in furthering the Gospel. They may have sent Epaphras to Paul for that very purpose.  Each and every one of these men was meaningful in Paul's life and the ministry of the Gospel.  It takes a team, a body, a crew, just like any blockbuster would. 

The Place to Be #78

Colossians 4:7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.

Having developed his theological framework and then laying out specific applications, Paul began to wrap up his letter to this Church.  He was sending this letter to them with some mutual friends and fellow-servants.  Paul wanted them to have eyewitnesses that what he had said was true: Paul was doing fine, though in prison, and the gospel was going forth.  Having reminded them in the last chapter that in Christ there is neither bond nor free, he send this message with one of each, both of whom he describes and beloved brother and faithful. Paul's actions were consistent with His words.  Ours should be as well. 

The Place to Be #77

Colossians 4:2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Having given specific instructions for how to behave ourselves in our Church home and our family home, Paul gives two more overriding principles for living before a watching world. First, have a prayerful life.  A church needs to be praying, with thanksgiving, at all times - both for their ministry and members, and for others who are seeking to impact the world for Christ.  Paul made sure they knew (and we know) that he was just as much in the need of prayer as they were (and we are!). Secondly, we need to consider how our lifestyle and speech affects those around us. If they are watching (and they are), our lives can speak volumes about the power of Christ to save and change, and we never know when what we say will have an impact on them, positively or negatively.  We need the Holy Spirit's guidance, which again means prayer. 

The Place to Be #76

Colossians 3:18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. 22 Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

4:1 Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Paul now gets even more specific in his instructions on godly relationships, moving from the Church to the household.  Everyone within must turn away from selfishness to submissive, loving service of Christ and one another.  The goal is to please Christ and to do what is best for one another.  Everyone must behave knowing that God is watching. Christ is the true head of the home and must be reverenced before a watching world.  This does not, however, mean that we do it only when the world is watching, but sincerely before God, who is watching at all times. 

Colossians 3:12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

The further we get into this chapter, the more pointed and practical Paul gets.  Having told us what to "put to death," to get rid of, he now tells us what to "put on," to make our attitudes individually, and our atmosphere corporately.  Each one needs to be compassionate, kind, humble, meek, and patient, which will help create an atmosphere where forgiveness flows and love unites.  Each one must let the peace of Christ be our driving force, which will also contribute to our unity. Each one must learn gratitude and contentment, which leads to godliness.  Each one must be devoted to the Word of God and worship of God, which will bring praise and glory to Him, which truly is the purpose of the place of God's people, the Church. It will draw people to God and the place they want to be. 

The Place to Be #74

Colossians 3:5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.

Paul has presented us with a very high view of Who Christ is. He is so powerful and holy as God the Son that we need no other Savior or "work" of any kind for our salvation or sanctification. He is within us, and, as we saw yesterday, there is a part of us that is already with Him as He sits at the Father's right hand even now.  Based upon those things we are able to do what Paul commands above: clear out all the idols and sinful actions in our lives: both what we do with our bodies and with our mouths. Christ provides the power to do so, as well as providing the their replacement: a new self, which is able to think, and therefore act in godliness.  Christ can and will do this regardless of our religious and moral background, because He is all (powerful, wise, and gracious), and in all(indwelling the believer). 

The Place to BE #73

Colossians 3:1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Our passage yesterday began with "If you died with Christ...", indicating that our identifying with the crucified Christ means that we should no longer live in our old sinful ways nor should we rely on any self-righteousness activities for our godliness.  We are not to focus on any human method for salvation or sanctification.  In the same way, our union with the resurrected Christ has implications for how we live.  We are to live with our sights high - all the way to heaven, where Christ is now.  Our mindset is one focused on what He wants to do before coming back and taking us with Him.  In a very real sense, Christ has a part of us there with Him in God's presence.  We should live as if we are already there, seeking to glorify God, while having an assurance of where we stand in Christ - citizens of His Kingdom, part of His family.

The Place to Be #72

Colossians 2:20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

Having made his call for the centrality and sole-sufficiency of Christ in our salvation and sanctification, Paul is ready to confront his readers (and us) with a soul-searching question: Why?  Is there any way that we have chosen to trust someone or something else in addition to or instead of Christ alone?  The word "if" that begins our paragraph can be translated "if" or "since".  Paul is hopeful of the "since" (and as we have seen in his opening greetings had good reason to do so), but for the sake of self-examination it has to be "if."  If indeed we have turned our back on all forms of self-righteousness, be it asceticism, legalism, or any other "system" of justification and sanctification, might there be any way that we are living that way?  These are hollow, empty, and powerless ways to godliness.  They look "holy" but they are really "holey." When one comes up to temptation with these as a defense, they will prove powerless in spiritual battle. Therefore, put absolutely no trust in their power. Trust in Christ and Him alone for the power we need. 

The Place to Be #71

 Colossians 2:16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. 18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

As we mentioned yesterday, the core of Paul's concern was the turning away of some from trusting fully in Christ and Christ alone for their salvation and sanctification.  They were adding to, and worse yet, replacing Christ with self-made ways to godliness, be it rites and ceremonies, self-righteous asceticism, or the worship of spiritual beings instead of the One Who made them.  The root of all these things was pride and a heart and mind guided by the flesh.  When you have a whole group of people following these things, it is like a body running around without a head. It is in danger of self-harm and harming others as well. Rather than growing stronger and healthier, such a body would wither away to nothing.  Our only hope for spiritual growth - individually and corporately - is to stay attached to and dependent upon our head, Christ.

The Place to Be #70

 Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Havin called on this church to be deeply rooted in Christ, Paul gets to the core of his letter: Don't let anyone or anything pull you away from Him.  There are all sorts of "isms" out there - false doctrines - that Satan uses to draw people from full faith in Christ. The devil tries to deceive us into thinking we are not full, making us discontented. He wants us to add rites and ceremonies as requirements for salvation, instead of trusting in the resurrected Christ.  He wants us to doubt His power to forgive, and therefore live in doubt and shame, fearful of the very spiritual beings He has driven out and conquered on the cross.  Christ is more than enough, and when made to think otherwise, be sure Satan is not far away. 

The Place to Be #69

 Colossians 2:6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Every so often, as he wrote, Paul would pause to give a brief summary of what he had said so far. He and Timothy had heard of the great faith and love which had been demonstrated by this church. Now they wanted to hear that they were continuing to grow in and walk by that faith - that Christ would be exalted more and more in their worship and their lives.  Paul had laid a strong foundation in his ministry there, and others had invested in leading and teaching them.  Their church was like a tree well-planted and cared for; now it was time to see some maturity and fruit.  One of the most obvious signs of fruitfulness in our Christian walk is thanksgiving - an outward expression of the gratitude we have towards Christ for all He has done for us and given us.  When that thanksgiving is lacking, our love, gratitude, and adoration for Christ might be waning; we might actually be lowering Him from the exalted position of which He is worthy.  This summary stop is a place for self-examination, both individually and as a church body: Are we keeping Christ in the proper place for our faith, love, and worship? May our hearts sing: "More love to thee, O Christ." 

The Place to Be #68

 

Colossians 2:1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

Having shared his perspective that he was overjoyed with the news of how God was work in their church, and also that he understood he was perfectly in God's will regardless of being in jail, Paul still wants them to know that he does care about them and wants to be with them. He describes it as a great struggle. He wants to be able to be there with them to help strengthen their unity, understanding, and confidence in the faith.  As always, he wants to talk with them more about Christ, so they are able to stand strong in  Him when (not if) the false teachers come their way.  

The Place to Be #67

 

Colossians 1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

When Paul wrote letters to churches, after speaking works of encouragement and then prayer and praise, he would usually step back at some point to share an overview of how he saw God using him in His plan. After all, Paul wanted them to see the big plan of God and how they fit in, so he saw it necessary to use himself as an example.  At first glance verse 24 might sound like Paul saw Christ's suffering for our sin as insufficient in some way and that Paul thought He needed to do something to add to the work of Christ. Rather, Paul saw himself as a vessel to point and draw people - especially the Gentiles - to Christ and what He had done.  This statement is actually focusing everything on Christ. He is God's plan. He is the One in whom we find salvation, hope, and all we need for godliness.  Paul wanted them (and us) to find what he had: Christ within - in fellowship and at work to make us a part of God's plan. 

The Place to Be #66

 

Colossians 1:21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Having boasted of the greatness of Christ and His salvation on our behalf, Paul now goes on to remind his readers (and us) of the impact the work of Christ has in the lives of those who trust Him.  Our hearts had been alienated from God; our minds were at war with Him, and our bodies did all sorts of rebellious acts against Him. But now, in Christ, our hearts have been reconciled to God; we desire to please Him, not offend Him; we seek to live holy lives under His loving, watchful care.  With this reminder of everything we have been given in Christ is also a warning of what happens when we stop standing on Christ alone: the stability and strength we have been given will slip right out from under our feet.  If we step away from trusting in Christ alone, we move from the Solid Rock to the slippery slope that slides down to sinking sand. This happens both in our individual lives and our churches.  Paul's very mission was to represent Christ as His ambassador, telling unbelievers about Him, and reminding believers to keep trusting in Him. 

The Place to Be #65

 

Colossians 1:15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

In our passage yesterday, Paul had just shared that their prayer (his and Timothy's) was that these believers would experience the power and forgiveness of Christ in full measure.  Having mentioned Christ's name sets Paul off on a string of descriptive phrases over the person of Christ.  He has all the character of God the father, including His eternity and His creative power.  Not only was He there at creation, He holds it all together. Christ is also the Head of His body, the church, Who has gone before us in every way to pave the way. He lived sinlessly while hear on earth, gave His life and shed His blood for us, and then rose again to provide this forgiveness that got Paul going in the first place. He did all this to bring us back to God and His purposes for us - those very things Paul and Timothy were praying on their behalf. It is simply amazing Who Christ is and what He has done. 

The Place to Be #64

Colossians 1:9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Yesterday, we saw Paul's opening statement in this letter, commenting on how they - He, Timothy, and other fellow-workers - had heard of their faith, obedience, and love.  He continues now to let them know their prayer list for this church: first, that they would be filled with the knowledge and wisdom they would need to live as Christ-followers.  This would bring forth spiritual fruit in their lives which would please God, and, when invested, would bring even more spiritual growth.  They were also praying for God's strength to keep them going.  When they learned to tap into and rely on him, this would bring joy and thanksgiving as they saw God working in and through them.  What Paul and his team were praying for them was nothing less than a transformation not only of their individual lives, but at atmosphere and lifestyle where it is obvious Christ is King, and sin no longer rules and reigns.   

Colossians 1:3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

These opening thoughts in Paul's letter are more than mere fluff to try to attract the attention of his readers. They are deep truths and memories upon which to build the deeper discussion he is about to have with them.  He and Timothy, along with Epaphras and other believers, were indeed praying for them with thanksgiving and affection. They were thankful for their reception of the Gospel and for the reports they had heard about the resulting spiritual fruit in their lives, not the least of which was the love and unity the Holy Spirit was displaying in their body.  As well as being positive thoughts on which to meditate, these also serve as points to ponder for all believers and bodies of believers. Are they evident in our lives? How strong is the foundation upon which we can be built higher, stronger, and further?

The Place to Be #62

Colossians 1:1  Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

We can see the close connection in Paul's heart and mind between this letter and the two before it: Philippians and Colossians, as well as I Timothy, but some of the things we find here.  First, Timothy was with Paul at this writing, helping to keep communication going while Paul was in prison. Second, Paul uses the order of Christ Jesus, indicating he once again is going to focus on the deity of Christ. Thirdly, Paul has great affection, appreciation, and association towards this church. He identifies them as "saints" - those who have been redeemed and are having their lives changed, and "faithful" - they have not strayed away from the faith.  In typical form he wishes for them what he did for all true believers: Grace: the God-given ability to do in Christ what we cannot do on our own, and Peace: the God-given assurance that all will be well no matter the circumstance.  This salutation draws in the reader to see what important things Paul has to say - and they are very important.