The Church
CHAPTER 1
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, 5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
Greeting to saints and faithful brethren. Faithfulness stands out as a virtue worth praising and encouraging.
Hope in heaven: The importance of eternity in our present activities.
John 14:1-3
2 Corinthians 4:14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
We cannot lose sight of heaven and eternity. Without this understanding, much of what we believe loses its meaning.
6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: 7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; 8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.
Epaphras was probably the one responsible for founding the church in Colossae.
9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
Walk worthy . We have an obligation and an expectation to make our lives an authentic representation of the heart and mind of God.
We are dealing today with some distorted ideas of what Christianity is all about. It used to be that when someone left the church, they knew they were wrong and we knew they were wrong. Nowadays, people simply go out and find a church (so-called) that fits their idea of how they want to live their lives.
12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Partakers of the inheritance of the saints. We have treasures in heaven.
Delivered us from the power of darkness. The power and authority of Satan over us has been broken.
- This was a crucial episode that decided the fate of mankind. Adam and Eve represented mankind. At issue here was whether man would consent to obey God his Creator, or use his free will to rebel and submit to Satan. The tragic outcome is that when given a clear choice, man chose to obey Satan rather than God. And because authority hinges on obedience, when man obeyed Satan, he gave him a legal right to impose his evil influence on human life!
- Satan’s authority over mankind is not absolute. It is proportional to the degree to which man chooses to disobey God. Because of the depravity and rebelliousness of fallen man, the apostle John conceded that, “…the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19). Jesus also recognized the extent of Satan’s authority over fallen mankind, referring to him as “the ruler of this world” on at least three occasions (John 12:31 , 14:30 , 16:11 ).
- John 12:31 “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.”
- John 14:30 “Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.”
- John 16:11 “Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.”
- The Greek word for “prince” is archon, meaning one who is first in rank or power. The fact is that we are not just dealing with Satan as a deceiver, a liar, an evil spirit, etc. We are dealing with him as one who is in authority over this present world. The only way an individual can be delivered from the authority of Satan is to submit to an authority that is higher than Satan!
Translated us in the kingdom of his dear Son. We are now citizens of another kingdom.
- To illustrate, no one can travel to another country without a passport or an agreement between countries. All kinds of issues come up in this relationship, like “Do I have to obey the laws here? Can the authorities here steal my money and throw me in jail? Will my native country get me out if I get in trouble here?” No person is an authority unto themselves. Regardless of where we are, someone has authority over us, usually depending upon our citizenship . Either we are ruled by Christ or we are ruled be Satan.
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
The image of the invisible God. Image from Greek word eikon, or icon. Jesus Christ is the physical, human, literal representation or likeness of the invisible God. Taken another way, Jesus is God in a body.
By Him were all things created.
The “Firstborn” is not part of Creation because He created “all things.” One cannot create himself. Jesus already existed as the Almighty God. (Jehovah’s Witnesses wrongly add the word “other” six times in this passage in their New World Translation. Thus they suggest that Christ created all other things after He was created! But the word “other” is not in the Greek.
He is before all things and by him all things consist.
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 might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
Head of the body, the church. You cannot have a relationship with the church without Jesus Christ. Neither can you have a relationship with Christ without a relationship with the church.
Firstborn from the dead . “Firstborn” means two things:
Preeminence.
All the fullness dwells in Him. Greek is pleroma. It means “the sum total of all divine power and attributes.” This was a technical term used by ancient theologians. Paul boldly and unequivocally states that this term describes Christ himself.
The crowns:
19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 20 For ye are our glory and joy. 1 Thessalonians 2:19
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8
12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James 1:12
Euodias and Syntyche. Evidently a feud was going on between two women in the church. Unity is once again a primary theme of Paul’s epistles.
Help those women which labored with me in the gospel.
What is the role of women in the church? 34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.
35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. 1 Corinthians 14:34-35
Jesus’ view of women Mary of Bethany . Capable of spiritual worship and intellectual understanding. Woman at the well. Received some of Christ’s greatest teaching on the Holy Ghost. Woman accused of adultery. Spared her from punishment of the law and illustrated his grace in her.
Women in Acts Acts 1:14 . Inclusion of women. Acts 2 was promised to women as well as men. (Acts 2:17-18) This reference to women was deliberate. Acts 21:8-9. Daughters of Philip were used in prophecy.
Apostle Paul’s View of Women Romans 16 - Ten of twenty-nine names are of women. Four women, Mary, Tryphene, Tryphosa, and Persis “worked very hard” in the cause of the Gospel. Pricilla, along with her husband, Aquila, were called “fellow-helpers” (sunergos) with Paul, a term also used for men.
Women: New Testament Principles
- Speaking: No authoritative teaching
- Obedience: The context of the law
- Submission to husband
- Definitive roles:
- Teaching under submission
- Teaching young women
- Spiritual gifts
4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The Apostle Paul had every reason to worry. People, circumstances and the material things of life all created problems for him, but he did not give them power over his attitude!
Everything by prayer and supplication…let your requests be made known to God. This is our antidote to worry.
The peace of God which passeth all understanding… This is one instance where the Word of God and prayer can put you to sleep! Instead of reaching for the sleeping pills, rely on the peace of God to calm your nerves. How do we do this?
Colossians 3:15-17 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest , whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Think on these things. Just as food stimulates the digestive system into action, so input from the world stimulates the thought processes into action. The kind and quality of food determines the health of your body. The kind and quality of the input from the world determines the health of your mind.
Learned, received, heard, seen… There could be no better synopsis of a good example than this. Paul conducted himself beyond himself. He did not live for personal pleasure and fulfillment alone. He constantly had his followers in mind as he lived his life.
10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.
Be content. This does not mean a lack of ambition or drive to succeed. It does mean that we are wrong to envy or be covetous of more than is given to us. Many fights and feuds break out because people are dissatisfied with themselves—their looks, their natural gifts, their possessions or status in life.
1 Timothy 6:3-12 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
Socrates said as to who is wealthiest: “He that is content with least, for αὐταρκεια [ autarkeia ] is nature’s wealth.”
15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia , no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But I have all , and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
My God shall supply all your need… The promise is that God will supply our needs on two conditions.
1. Your unselfish giving to God.
2. What you need, not what you want.
The prosperity gospel is an abomination to the true gospel. It is based on words taken out of context and does not align itself with the spiritual purposes of God.
Deuteronomy 8:18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
Malachi 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it .
John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Besides being wrong, prosperity feeds on greed and self-gratification. It leads people to have false expectations of God and it abuses the practice of prayer.
James 4:1-3 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? 2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. 3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
20 Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 21 Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. 22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. To the Philippians written from Rome , by Epaphroditus.
The household of Caesar. These are probably not relatives of Caesar himself, but a reference to anyone in civil service for the Roman government. They may have included servants who had been converted while Paul was under house arrest.
The gospel knows no limits or exclusions. Rich or poor, bond or free, male or female, public servant or private citizen, black or white…the gospel is for all.
God cannot be a God of the majority or the minority or he would be fickle and biased. You may be in the majority in this country, but you would be in the minority in another country. Would that mean that God would reject you if you lived somewhere else? God pays special attention to two groups: The Jews and the Church. He has a word covenant with the Jews and a blood covenant with the Church. Other than that, God deals with us as individuals.
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Ephesians 6:8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
God created all. Jesus died for all. We must be careful not to draw lines where the scripture draws none. Whenever our culture conflicts with the principles of the Word of God, the Bible must always be the final authority.
]]>Genesis 1:26-27
2. We were created to glorify God.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Romans 12:1-2
3. Anything we do with, to or through our bodies that is destructive or perverts the purpose of God, is to be judged by the Word.
1 Cor 3:16-17
16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Lev 19:28
28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.
4. Sexual sins are expressly forbidden by the Bible as destructive to the body.
1 Cor 6:15-20
15 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid.
16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.
17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
One of the sins of fornication is that the the relationship between a man and a woman is extremely important and meaningful in the sight of God.
Our society believes that anything you do that doesn’t hurt anyone is totally private and nobody else’s business.
But that’s not what God says.
18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
Fornication is considered by too many people as a momentary sin, a little lapse in character, but otherwise harmless.
You shouldn’t do it, but if you do, you can just ask God to forgive you.
Prov 6:23-28
23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.
25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.
27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?
Proverbs 7.
Let’s see what really happens when people commit fornication:
You make yourself vulnerable to venereal disease.
You take risks to become the mother or father of another person.
Even if no pregnancy occurs, people who commit fornication are still not free and clear.
Anyone who doesn’t respect the marriage vows before they are married will not respect them after they are married. -Robert Trapani
Does God forgive fornication?
Prov 6:30-35
30 Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry; 31 But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house. 32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.
33 A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away. 34 For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. 35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.
But there is an even greater reason to keep yourself pure.
19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
Fornication is the commission of sacrilege against God because we defile his temple. We are where God dwells. (How many would come into this church and vandalize it? Throw paint, rip pews, kick holes in walls, etc.)
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
Review: Does God Care About the Physical Body?
Lev 21:16-21
16 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
17 “Speak to Aaron, saying: ‘No man of your descendants in succeeding generations, who has any defect, may approach to offer the bread of his God.
18 ‘For any man who has a defect shall not approach: a man blind or lame, who has a marred face or any limb too long,
19 ‘a man who has a broken foot or broken hand,
20 ‘or is a hunchback or a dwarf, or a man who has a defect in his eye, or eczema or scab, or is a eunuch.
21 ‘No man of the descendants of Aaron the priest, who has a defect, shall come near to offer the offerings made by fire to the LORD. He has a defect; he shall not come near to offer the bread of his God. (NKJ)
Rom 8:8-13
8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
Col 3:5-6
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
1 Tim 2:8-10
8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
5. Your mind and your spirit are also parts of your body.
Protect your mind from perverse and ungodly influences.
Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
The helmut protects the head, symbolic of keeping the mind protected against spiritual assaults.
Amos 6:5
“Woe to them that are at ease in Zion,” 5 “That chant to the sound of the viol, and invent to themselves instruments of musick, like David;”
Protect your spirit from evil spiritual influences.
Occultism
Lev 19:31
31 Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.
Lev 20:6
6 And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.
Deut 18:9-14
9 When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.
10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.
13 Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.
14 For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.
Hypnotism
Hypnotism is an induced sleep that puts one’s mind under the control of another. This opens the door for an evil spirit to come in.
Mind-altering drugs
These are not drugs that cause drowsiness or reduce alertness. These are drugs that manipulate the throught processes in bizarre, frightening or evil ways. LSD-type of drugs surrender the control of your mind to other influences.
Satanism
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Evil communications
Romans 12:1-2
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
6. How are we to regard our body?
Heb 12:14-17
14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:
15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.
17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. (KJV)
God’s plan is to pour His Spirit out on all flesh.
The Holy Ghost is a gift of God.
God will give the Holy Ghost to any individual.
The outpouring of the Holy Ghost is a major part of God’s plan.
Every individual is a potential vessel of the Holy Ghost.
John 7:37-39 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
The Holy Ghost may be received in a variety of places:
An individual may receive the Holy Ghost by doing certain things:
We can expect people to speak in tongues with the Holy Ghost infilling.
What should the continual mission of the church be?
The reasons we serve the Lord Jesus Christ are not all doctrinal and logical. We must have a tender heart and a true commitment to each other based on love for God and love for each other.
Here, Paul appeals to the Philippians to support him and to remain unified . This appeal must be seen as a response to the contention going on in the church.
14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: [1] Philippians 1:14-16.
There are five levels of unity:
Unity is one of the major themes of the New Testament. Anything that threatens our unity can neutralize the church or bring it down. We can learn something from the way cracks form in basement walls:
“As most homeowners with poured-in-place concrete foundations can attest: Cracks in basement walls are a fact of life. These cracks due to drying shrinkage, thermal movement, and other causes usually are minor and result in few problems. But over time, even minor cracks can grow larger and cause big headaches, such as loss of structural integrity or, more commonly, water leakage.
“Most basements eventually leak. “Even if a crack is not leaking now, eventually water will find it,” says Lou Cole, president of Emecole Inc., Romeoville, Ill., a manufacturer of epoxies and polyurethane foams for all types of foundation crack repair”
Cracks in basements, walls or pavement must be filled in as soon as they develop or else trouble will soon appear. They do not fix themselves. They cannot be painted over. They cannot be hidden behind a piece of furniture. Superficial repairs that don’t address the real problem will not last. The damaged area must be chipped away, the surface prepared and the right repair materials must be applied correctly. Even so, problems that cause fissures or fractures between people in the church, or between people and leadership, must be thoroughly removed, hearts prepared and the right ingredients of love and forgiveness applied correctly. Otherwise, the problem will reappear in time.
3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
- Incarnation
- Denial of reputation
- Servanthood
- Became a man in the true sense of the word
- Humility
- Obedient to death
- Acceptance of crucifixion
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
“Working” out your own salvation comes from the Greek word katergozomai, which literally means to accomplish or perform something thoroughly.
This is a problem verse for those who think we have nothing to do with our salvation. It is true that we cannot save ourselves. Jesus Christ supplied all the necessary components for each person’s salvation. The fact remains, however, that the application of salvation through obedience, faith and sincerity of heart will always be up to us. Why? Because that is in the realm of the human will. God will not violate the will of man to determine his own destiny. God provides everything we need for salvation. Whether or not we accept it is ours to decide.
14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless , the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
What if Paul does not make it out of prison? What if he is executed? He comforts the Philippians by saying that if he is put to death because of the sacrifice and service of their faith, it will be a cause for rejoicing .
19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. 20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. 22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. 23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants. 26 For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick. 27 For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: 30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
Paul shows great appreciation for Timotheus and Epaphroditus because of their care for him and their suffering for the gospel of Christ. It is right that we should honor those who have sacrificed and work for the furtherance of the gospel.
Can you name some great saints who have already gone on to their reward? Can you name some ministers of the gospel whom you esteem very highly? You need to talk about them and let others know what they did. If it were not for those who have gone before us, we would not enjoy the blessings and benefits that exist today.
[1] The Holy Bible : King James Version. 1995 (electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version.) (Php 1:14). Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
]]>The history of Philippi before the fourth century b.c. remains obscure, although there are reports of two older settlements on or near the site, Krenides and Datum. Philip II of Macedonia, particularly interested in the nearby gold and silver mines of Mount Pangaeus, annexed the entire region and in 356 b.c. formally established Philippi as a city bearing his own name. Although the extensive city wall which still survives perhaps originated at this time, Philippi remained insignificant until after the Roman conquest of Macedonia in 168-167 b.c. Included by Aemilius Paulus in the first of the four districts into which Macedonia was then divided (Livy, Roman History 45.29; see Acts 16:12), it became a major stopping place on the Via Egnatia, the newly constructed road connecting Byzantium with the Adriatic ports that led to Italy.
Foundation stones of the church at Philippi:
1 Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi , with the bishops and deacons: 2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, 5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; 6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: 7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. 8 For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. 9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment ; 10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
The Salutation:
Paul addresses individuals, saints, bishops and deacons. This shows unity of the body, transparency in his motive and desire to communicate with all.
“He which hath begun a good work in you…” We need confidence, not doubt about God’s ability and intention about our lives.
Fruits of righteousness Fruit implies results, rewards or proofs .
Hebrews 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;
God has the ability to turn things in the opposite direction. We often fret about negatives and reversals, thinking that God has something against us and is punishing us.
14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. 18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. 19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
What shall we do about un-Christian Christians?
20 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; 26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
Paul kept his Christianity at the highest level possible. He did not allow it to sink down to the level of:
Question: What is your bottom line ? At what point would you say, “Enough is enough!” When will it no longer be worth it for you to be a Christian?
Paul based his determination to continue on in his suffering and humiliation on the needs of others, not his own personal agenda .
27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; 30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
Only do those things that benefit the gospel of Christ.
That which others think is your destruction actually becomes your salvation .
Do we presently have the capacity to suffer for the sake of Christ?
[1] Achtemeier, P. J., Harper & Row, P., & Society of Biblical Literature. (1985). Harper’s Bible dictionary. Includes index. (1st ed.) (785). San Francisco: Harper & Row.
]]>Children are to obey parents in all things. (Colossians 3:20)
In the Lord does not mean to obey believing parents only. It only confirms the law.
Honoring parents. Regardless of individual cases, this command is fundamental to social stability. Dishonor would soon destroy the family unit.
There is never a good reason for dishonoring parents, even parents who are dishonorable.
Two reasons for obeying and honoring parents:
Your life may go well .
You will have long life . (Disobedient children were stoned in the Old Testament!)
Hophni and Phineas (1 Samuel 4:11)
Fathers are to treat their children with mutual respect .
This was a relatively new development in social and familial thinking. In the ancient world, children were considered to be chattel or possessions. They did not become persons in their own right until the father recognized them as such or they reached a certain age. Before that, a child’s life was literally in the hands of the father.
Jewish and Greco-Roman writers unanimously agreed that children needed to honor their parents, and, at least till they grew up, needed to obey them as well. The command to honor one’s parents was in the Old Testament (Ex 20:12; Deut 5:16) and included living in such a way as to bring honor on them in a godly society (Deut 21:18–21). Many Jewish writers believed that honoring one’s parents was the most important commandment.
At the same time, children were often taught through beating, which was standard in child rearing and education; fathers were considered responsible for their education. Paul is among the minority of ancient writers who seem to disapprove of excessive discipline (6:4). (Greek and Roman society was even harsher on newborn children; because an infant was accepted as a legal person only when the father officially recognized it, babies could be abandoned or, if deformed, killed. Early Christians and Jews unanimously opposed both abortion and abandonment. This text, however, addresses the discipline of minors in the household.) [1] Keener, C. S., & InterVarsity Press. (1993). The IVP Bible background commentary : New Testament (Eph 6:10 ). Downers Grove , Ill. : InterVarsity Press.
Fathers are also commanded to raise their children with:
Nurture - Greek - paidea, (Educate; further their development)
Admonition of the Lord – Greek - nouthesia, (teach, warn, instruct)
Every decision, every act of the parents should be taken with the children in mind. Will it be good for their spirituality? Will it be a good example? Can it be defended in the scripture?
5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: 8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. 9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.
This passage about servants and masters corresponds to employees and bosses or owners.
The greater principle is that the job you work at in this life becomes an illustration of your faith in Christ. You should do your job with:
Sincerity
Doing God’s will
Knowing that God rewards honest, hard work even if an employer does not
If you always work for God and not men, you will always have a good report.
Employers have spiritual principles to follow as well:
Do not threaten ( apeilē ) - threaten to do harm
Do not show respect of persons ( prosōpolēmpsia ) - show partiality
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Our strength is in the Lord and in the power of his might.
Do not place undue confidence in your own ability . Zechariah 4:6
1 Corinthians 1:19-31
Stand against the wiles of the devil. (We are in a spiritual warfare.)
Wrestling. (Grapple, hold, try to submit, overcome, contest of strength)
Our opponent is not flesh and blood.
Spouse, neighbor, boss, fellow worker, children, relative.
Physical armies, military powers
The real enemies of the church:
Daniel’s experience:
10 And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. 11 And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. 12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days. 15 And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.
This is why we ought to be keying on the spiritual mission of the church.
Romans 8:1-16.
The gift of the Holy Ghost is not only to complete our new birth experience .
The Spirit of God lives in us to help us fight our enemies.
If you are not fighting your enemies with the Spirit of God, you are losing !
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Equipment needed to fight the battle:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
We need to pray in the Holy Ghost.
Jude 20-25
21 But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: 22 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. 23 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity . Amen.
In sincerity. How easy it is to allow ourselves to drift into complacence and become preoccupied with the affairs of life.
The context of our walk .
Therefore: Forgiveness (Eph. 4:32)
Followers of God: Made a conscious decision to pattern after God
Dear Children: Greek root is agape.
Walk in love as Christ loved us: Not self-determined, but Christ-determined.
Given himself.
3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; 4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
Relationship Sins
Sexual sin brings the wrath of God on a person like no other class of sin. Why is sexual more wicked in the sight of God than other sins?
Communication sins.
Consequences.
No whoremonger…hath any inheritance. God will not reward sinful behavior.
Let no man deceive you. The context of these scriptures suggests that there was confusion about sin and forgiveness. Can a person live in sin and yet be saved? There are two perspectives here: The sinning person and the rest of the people.
The sinning person has no license to sin . He is in trouble with God.
The rest of the people have no license to withhold forgiveness . They are in trouble with God if they do.
The wrath of God may not mean the lake of fire, but it may mean chastisement, judgment and/or forfeiture of blessing . At no time will God add his blessing to sin.
Romans 6:1-23 gives the best explanation for the believer and sin.
7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them. 8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
These writings are very clear without further explanation. They are to be taken as the wisdom of a man of God who has our best interests at heart. The problem is not understanding but execution . Can we have close fellowship with evil? No.
(If you lay down with the dogs, you’ll get up with fleas!)
2 Corinthians 6:14-18
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Be not drunk with wine… Proverbs 23:30-32.
(Read attached article)
But be filled with the Spirit. Do not let drink or drugs control you. Let the Spirit of God control you.
Spirit control is more than speaking in tongues. It also involves psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, singing and giving thanks.
21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. 22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
Submitting. Greek (hypotasso) To obey; to put oneself under the control of another.
The sense here does not include anything improper or harmful. It means to act in accordance with one’s relational position. We expect an employee to do his boss’s bidding. We expect a servant to abide by the wishes of his master.
Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. This means that husbands and wives are to be submitted relationally to each other. Unilateral submission creates resentment and rebellion. Submitted wives are disadvantaged by unsubmitted husbands. The only way this works is for both to be submitted to each other and to God.
Remember, all of this is based on Ephesians 5:1-2.
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. This submission is not for wives to be degraded, demeaned or abused . An abusive husband gives up his privilege to have a submissive wife. A wife should expect the same care and concern from her husband as she does from the Lord himself.
What is abuse?
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
The organizational structure of the family. The husband has God-given authority to make decisions for his household. This authority, however, should be considered equal parts responsibility and privilege. I am a privileged man to have a wife like mine; therefore, I assume full responsibility for her care and for the welfare of my home.
As Christ is the head…as the church is subject unto Christ…so let the wives. The subjection of wives is relational, not absolute . Think of it like this: The light bulb does not work independently. As a light bulb is connected to the power supply, so let it burn. When the husband does not supply a reason for his wife to submit to him, he cuts off her willingness to do so. In other words, when the husband no longer submits to Christ’s authority, he can no longer demand submission from his wife.
So let the wives be… If a husband does submit himself to Christ, the wife must follow through with submission to him. If she does not, she is in rebellion and inexcusable disobedience .
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
How would a marriage work if husbands approached their marriages as a spiritual project of creating a loving and caring home?
28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. 29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: 30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.
Love their wives as their own bodies. Selfishness is anathema to a marriage. No husband should treat himself to a privilege or a possession without treating his wife to an equal or greater gift. He should take care of his family first, before attending to his own needs . He should do without rather than cause his family to do without.
These two shall be one flesh. Nothing is separate in each others’ hopes, dreams, sorrows, disappointments, futures.
This is a great mystery. The illustration of marriage serves as a type of relationship Christ has with his church. This makes marriage a spiritual institution and one worthy of total commitment on earth.
Let every one of you in particular… Even if marriage is a type of Christ and his church, the practical teachings still must apply on a day-to-day basis. Love and reverence form the basis of a truly happy home.
]]>The concept of the call .
Vocation (Greek: klesis); means “Calling.”
Calling: the definite impression, feeling, conviction that you are supposed to do something specific with your life. (1 Corinthians 7:20-22)
Sometimes audible, usually the “inner” voice .
Rejecting the call does not cancel the call. (Romans 11:29; Jonah)
We are all called to some level of service. (Romans 1:1; 1:7) Each level is increasingly more focused and restricting.
Are you doing what God called you to do?
Walking worthy of the call.
“Be all you can be.”
Diligent, serious, committed .
Excellent , high standards, visionary.
Attitude toward your call.
Lowly, meek, longsuffering.
Forbearing others.
Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
This is a prime example of truth within truth, or cocooned scriptures. While Paul is teaching us about the overall unity of our calling, he refers to the oneness of God. In so doing, he teaches both. (Eg: marriage (Eph. 5), hair, communion, (1 Cor. 11).
This also addresses the pagan ideas of diverse gods.
7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
We all have an unlimited supply of grace, given by the accomplishment of Calvary.
Christ’s ascension enabled him to give us gifts of our calling.
Psalm 68:18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them.
This is called a targum of the Scriptures. It is a paraphrase of the Hebrew scriptures in the Aramaic vernacular. Here, Paul likens Christ to Moses ascending Mt. Sinai and bring down the law to the Israelite nation.
Leading captivity captive means that he overtook Satan and spoiled him.
Colossians 2:15.
Jesus ascended and descended. The descension of Jesus is on two levels.
He descended from heaven to earth, from deity to humanity. (Phil. 2:7)
He descended from life to death. (Phil 2:8; Acts 2:27; Romans 10:7).
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Five -fold ministry:
Apostles: Sent ones, usually to regions, nations.
Prophets: Preachers, revivalists, special messengers.
Evangelists: Bearers of good news, preachers to the lost.
Pastors: Shepherds, guiding and caring for the needs of the flock.
Teachers: Those who help others to understand.
Some people are multi-gifted, some are single gifted; all are important for the advancement of the church.
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Perfecting: Completing, equipping , correcting all that is deficient.
Work of their ministry: Every person has an individual gift and calling.
He handed out gifts of apostle, prophet, evangelist, and pastor-teacher to train Christ’s followers in skilled servant work, working within Christ’s body, the church, (The Message)
Christ gave those gifts to prepare God’s holy people for the work of serving, to make the body of Christ stronger. (New Century Version)
To prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up. (New International Version.)
The sense of this scripture seems to be that God placed each person in the body of Christ for a specific reason and purpose .
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Every gift and every minister should have the unity of the faith as the common goal. We are not to strive, be jealous of each other or seek to advance our own agenda at the expense of the welfare of the church. Factions, cliques, parties and church splits violate the spirit of this scripture. (Surviving Church Storms).
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
This is an admonition to be mature , stable, anchored to the truth and not gullible.
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (New International Version).
17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
20 But ye have not so learned Christ; 21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
God has given us teachers who have taught us the truths of the Word. He expects us to honor their teachings and to continue in them. A word of caution here: Be very careful when you go out in search of various teachers and teachings, and forsake the teachers that God has put in your life. You will most likely seek out teachers who say what you want them to say.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timothy 4:3.
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
The “spirit” of your mind refers to the attitude , not to cognitive processes. Regardless of how true or thorough the pastor’s teaching is, if your attitude is not right, you will not receive it.
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. 25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil. 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
Live your faith. The greatest principles in the world are of no value if they cannot be translated into practical, literal actions of the body and mind.
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein , he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (James 1:22-25.)
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
There is no need to tell us to be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving if we were not challenged in these areas. You cannot demand that people treat you right. You can only demand right attitudes and righteous living of yourself.
]]>1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
The Mystery of the Gentiles :
25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. (Romans 11:25)(Also Ephesians 1:9-10).
The Mystery of the Resurrection :
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
The Mystery of Godliness :
16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
(Also, the mystery of iniquity, the mystery of the church, the mystery of Christ and the mysteries of Revelation.)
7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. 8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
The ministry was not a career choice . It was not under Paul’s control. He reverenced his calling and acknowledged that it was the result of the grace and the power of God.
One of the most dangerous concepts you can adopt is that you are your own person. This is where spiritual freedom conflicts with political freedom.
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. Matthew 16:24.
Paul also illustrates humility in his submission to God. When he says that he was less than the least of all saints, he was not saying that he was not as capable as others, but that— because of his history of persecuting the church—he had no right to be who he was.
6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. James 4:2.
9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
This is a profound overview of the entire drama of redemption . The salvation of the Jews and Gentiles was not an afterthought, but has been hidden in God since the beginning of the world. God intended for the church to
The church illustrates the abundant wisdom of God to the whole world. We are not secondary to the plan of God. We are the primary purpose of God.
11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 13 Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
The Ephesians were shaken by the imprisonment of Paul. “If God has this great plan for us, why is our leader in jail? It looks like God has no power at all.”
Do not become so immersed in your personal trials and tribulations that you become disconnected (feint) with the purpose of God.
Everything is for a purpose . Blessings, afflictions, prosperity, adversity, sickness, wellness, wealth, poverty, good things, bad things…put it all into the context of God’s purpose.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:26-28.
14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
The inner man is the focal point. Whether or not your inner man is affected by the circumstances of life is up to you. The more importance you place on the outer man, the less influence the inner man will have in your life.
How do you know whether you are paying too much attention to the outer man? Clothes, beauty, pleasure, possessions, prestige, status, comfort, ambition, ownership, wealth—-these are all objectives of the outer man.
The inner man desires the fruit of the Spirit , obedience to the will of God and the pleasure of God without regard to the wants of the outer man.
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
There is no greater ambition nor higher calling than to be in partnership with God.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. I Timothy 6:6-11
17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. I Timothy 6:17-19.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
The goals of a person usually conform to the ideals with which they associate in their formative years or in their environment. This scripture teaches us that God lifts us up out of our confines and turns our dreams into realities.
The Gentiles never considered themselves to be in the same league with the Jews. The Jews were God’s chosen people. This scripture removes the barriers of race, heritage, class, caste and any other artificial wall of separation between a believer and the promises of God.
11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:11-13.
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