Now, In Closing

 This is the seventh sermon in a series of messages through the New Testament book of Colossians. This message is based on Col. 4:2-18 and it speaks about the Apostle Paul's final instructions and final greetings to the believers in the church at Colossae. A video recording of the worship service in which this message was given can be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

As most of you know, I have been preaching a series of messages through the book of Colossians. This will be the final message in the series as we look at the fourth chapter. Maybe we could think of this chapter as the Apostle Paul wrapping up a sermon and giving his closing remarks. Because of the content of this chapter, I decided to title this message, “Now, In Closing.”

I remember when I was a child sitting in church, I was always anxious to hear the preacher say, “In closing…” or “In conclusion…” I also remember that what followed was usually much longer than I hoped!

A long time ago I heard someone ask, “Do you know what it means when a preacher takes off his watch and lays it on the pulpit?” Answer: “It means absolutely nothing!” Well, I have never had the practice of laying my watch on the pulpit. I know there have been a couple of times in this series that I went a little “overtime,” but we didn’t charge extra for it! So, I’ll do my best to finish up on time or even a little earlier today! (There’s no money-back guarantee about that though!!) 

I’ve heard of preachers who said they weren’t bothered by people looking at their watches when the sermon was a little long, but it was a little embarrassing if anyone took their watch off and shook it to make sure it was still running!

The passage we are studying today includes a few more instructions for the Christian believers followed by some general information and greetings. As we look at verses 2-18, we notice that it contains some final instructions for the readers, as well as some final greetings.

I.          Final Instructions (4:2-6, 16-17)

As we have been noticing throughout the letter, it is quite simple to identify his “instructions” because he uses imperative verbs to indicate things he wants them to do. The same holds true in this chapter as well.

There are 6 commands in this chapter. (v. 2, “continue earnestly;” v. 4, “walk;” v. 15, “greet;” v. 16, “see” [KJV “cause”]; v. 17, “say;” v. 18, “remember.”)

Here are the final instructions:

A. Pray (vv. 2-4)

1. Pray continuously (present tense verb). This is a general command regarding the absolute value and importance of prayer.

2. Pray prudently. Watch (present tense) [KJV], be vigilant [NKJV]. That is, be alert to the situations and conditions that are prevalent, so you know how to pray and what to pray.

3. Pray gratefully. “With thanksgiving.” We have studied many different passages of Scripture in the past that emphasize the need to express our gratitude to God.

Prayers cannot be restricted to our wants and wishes that we hope God will do for us. Gratitude is important. Gratitude and giving of thanks are ways to express our faith about the character of God – good, kind, generous, etc. Gratitude is also a way to express our faith about what God is going to do.

4. Pray purposefully. (vv. 3-4) Paul requests their specific prayers for him and those with him (“us”) to gain opportunities to spread the gospel (“mysteries of Christ”) more and more, even in his dire situation.

He doesn’t ask them to pray for his release, i.e., personal benefit, but for the advancement of the Kingdom. (John Knight, Beacon Bible Expositions) He also requests they specifically pray that God will give them the ability to “manifest” or reveal/ bring to light the mystery so any hearers will be able to understand and accept the message.

B. Practice (vv. 5-6)

Paul urges the believers at Colossae to pray, but he also urges them to practice their faith in everyday life.

1. Live consistently. (v. 5)

v. 5 “walk” – a figure of speech that means to live your life.

He urges the recipients to walk “wisely” toward those who are not already believers. We have often been reminded in the Bible regarding the need for our conduct to be in harmony with our message. People are watching how we conduct our lives and the attitudes we portray.

(Tyndale NT Commentary) To walk in wisdom includes living the kind of life that reflects and reveals the mystery of Christ that Paul desired to reveal as indicated in verse 4.

Walking “wisely” also includes taking / seizing the opportunities that we have. “Redeem (buy up) the time.”

2. Speak carefully. (v. 6)

To speak carefully means to speak with grace.

To speak carefully means to speak with “seasoning.” Seasoned with salt implies speech that has a positive effect like salt does.

Would be similar to the point Jesus made in the Sermon on the Mount when He said, “You are the salt of the earth.”

(A.T. Robertson, Paul and the Intellectuals) Speech that is pleasing, winsome, sparkling, even brilliant… containing antiseptic powers of pure salt and not be contaminated by a vile environment.

C. Promote (vv. 15-17)

1. Promote brotherhood.

v. 15 “Greet” – imperative verb.

Paul is admonishing them to give brotherly, Christian greetings to the believers in Laodicea and one person in particular there in whose home the church was gathering. It seems as though his point is to promote the bond of brotherhood between himself, the Christians in Colossae and the Christians in Laodicea. A reminder that we’re not in this spiritual journey / spiritual battle alone but we have faithful brothers and sisters who think of us and pray for us as we do for them.

It is imperative for Christians to make every effort to “greet,” encourage, support other believers. We get all caught up in our own struggles and burdens, we often forget to reach out to others who are struggling. (Not just in our local fellowship of believers, but even those far away.)

2. Promote truth.

v. 16 “see…” (KJV – “cause”) that this letter is read to the church in Laodicea, and make sure you read the letter from there.

Most commentaries indicate that he probably expected the recipients to make a copy of the letter and share it with the other church. This is also a command (imperative), so he is emphasizing the importance of passing the Word of truth to all those who need to hear/read it.

3. Promote encouragement.

v. 17 “say…” Make sure you tell Archippus to pay attention to the ministry to which he was called so he can fulfill his calling.

“pay attention” – (KJV, “take heed”), lit. see, look at.

Some writers (e.g., Tyndale NT Comm.) think that Archippus may have been assigned to a particular type of ministry within the church of Colossae. We’re not told any additional details about Archippus. It seems like he might have been slack or even discontinued his ministry. Perhaps it was through discouraging circumstances. That is all speculation, but in any case, Paul wanted them to encourage this brother to keep his focus on it and complete the task God entrusted to him.

II.        Final Greetings (4:7-14, 18)

These next several verses provide some personal greetings and information that involve people who were currently with the apostle.

A. The News Bearers (vv. 7-9)

Tychicus – a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord

“will tell you all the news about me” – KJV, “my state.” He would provide more specific details about what all had happened and was happening to the Apostle Paul.

v. 8 Tychicus will also seek to find out all he can about the church at Colossae in order to take news back to Paul. And he will seek to “comfort your hearts.”

Onesimus – He was originally from this city. He was the slave of a believer by the name of Philemon. In the book of Philemon, we learn that he had apparently stolen from Philemon and had run away.

Don’t know circumstances of his conversion, but Paul’s letter to Philemon urges him to receive Onesimus back, not as a slave, but as a brother in the Lord. He clearly indicates that Onesimus has come to know Christ and is currently walking in the truth and the faith. Here, Paul refers to Onesimus as “one of you,” and a “faithful, beloved brother.” Apparently had already proven by his life and assistance to Paul that there had been a change in his life.

Both of these men were to take news to the Colossians about Paul’s circumstances.

B. The Concerned Believers (vv. 10-14)

There are six men that Paul mentions in this section.

Aristarchus – “fellow prisoner”

Mark – KJV, nephew to Barnabas; commentators agree that the word here was not used to indicate nephew until years later in other literature. During this era, the word always meant cousin. In any case, he had deserted Paul and Barnabas in earlier missionary journey, but now, his life has gotten back on track and he has proven his usefulness to Paul. (2 Tim. – near his death, Paul is asking for Mark to come.) He his now urging the Colossians to receive him and welcome him. – A lesson in forgiveness and reconciliation.

Jesus/Justus – Nothing is said specifically about him, except that he, along with the two previous names, were all Jewish believers.

Epaphras – Col. 4:12 ^(NKJV) Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Luke – a well-loved physician. Accompanied Paul on missionary journeys. Wrote the books of Luke and Acts.

Demas – Nothing is said about Demas. In 2 Timothy, Paul states that Demas has forsaken him, having “loved this present world.”

All of these people send greetings and offer their concerns about the progress and status of the Colossian Christians.

C. Personal Touch (v. 18)

It was typical for letters like this to be dictated to a “secretary” or representative, but this closing statement written by him personally. Remember my imprisonment. i.e., pray for me and keep encouraged yourselves.

Grace to you. May God provide all you need!

Conclusion:

As we apply the author’s final instructions and greetings to our own lives, it is fitting to ask God, “Make Me a Blessing!”

Song: Make Me a Blessing

Dead or Alive - Part Two

This is the sixth sermon in a series of messages through the New Testament book of Colossians. This message is based on Col. 3:12-4:1 and continues discussing the attitudes and conduct that the believers were urged to follow after they have put aside the negative attitudes and behaviors mentioned in the earlier portion of chapter three. The author provides a number of general admonitions, as well as specific admonitions for various people and the life roles they fulfill. A video recording of the worship service in which this message was delivered can be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

As most of you know, we have been studying through the book of Colossians in the New Testament. This is a letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christian believers in the city of Colossae while he was a prisoner in Rome. The church was not started by Paul, but was probably started by one of Paul’s converts, Epaphras. Epaphras had brought word to Paul in Rome about the status of the Colossian church, which prompted Paul to write the letter.

Last week we covered verses 1-11 in chapter three as we learned how believers should apply the truth that they have died and risen with Christ. Because of the fact they have died and risen with Christ, their lives should reflect some noticeable changes.

I. The Rationale for the Transformed Life (3:1-4)

II. Negative Characteristics to Abandon (3:5-11)

They were commanded to “put to death” certain sins Paul named and to “put off” like old clothing certain attitudes that were related to the life before faith.

A. Put to Death Some Characteristics (5-7)

Fornication, Uncleanness, Passion,    Evil Desire, Covetousness

B. Put off Other Characteristics (8-11)

Anger, Wrath, Malice, Blasphemy, Filthy Language, Lying

III. Positive Characteristics to Embrace (3:12-4:1)

The next noticeable change Paul describes for them includes the “putting on” of new attitudes and behaviors, just as if they have put on new clothing. We didn’t have time to talk about these last week, so that is where we will begin today with verse 12. Often in the NT, Paul and other writers not only identified the wrong or bad qualities they urged believers to remove from their lives, but they also stressed the good / holy attitudes and behaviors that they must add into their lives.

Again today, just like last week, we will notice that Paul urges his readers to add these positive characteristics by issuing numerous imperative verbs (i.e., commands). (In these 15 verses there are 13 commands / imperatives.)

A. Positive qualities come from their spiritual inheritance. (3:12a)

Colossians 3:12a (NKJV) Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved…

Paul indicates there is an underlying reason why their character and behavior needs to change… it is because they are now the “chosen people of God.” They are the “new Israel” so they must reflect the character of God, just like the Israelites were supposed to do in the Old Covenant.

I have mentioned before: Dr. John Oswalt points out regarding the Exodus and the giving of the covenant the fact that Israel was chosen and saved/delivered by God’s grace alone. The law was not about how they could earn God’s salvation, but it was all about how they could live in relationship and covenant with a holy God. They were to take on the very nature of God himself. The same can be said regarding NT Christians. There is no character trait or conduct that can merit God’s salvation. However, now that we have been saved and have become God’s “chosen people” we are expected to reflect His character. In order to do that, we must “put on” Christ-like qualities.

B. Positive qualities include virtues of the heart & life. (3:12b-16)

Colossians 3:12b (NKJV) … put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

“tender mercies” – (KJV, bowels of mercy), ref. to the “seat of emotions” and refers to compassion, pity, etc. An attribute of God – several places in the Bible God is described as a God of compassion.

“kindness” – (Thayer) from a root word that implied “usefulness;” moral goodness and integrity.

“humility” – (Thayer) having a humble opinion of oneself; modesty.

“meekness” – (Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament) Its primary meaning is mild, gentle. It was applied to inanimate things, as light, wind, sound, sickness. It was used of a horse; gentle…. The Christian word, on the contrary, describes an inward quality, and that as related primarily to God. … The Christian meekness is based on humility, which is not a natural quality but an outgrowth of a renewed nature. … outgrowths of a spiritual relation to God.

“longsuffering” – (Thayer) While [patience] is the temper which does not easily succumb under suffering, [longsuffering] is the self-restraint which does not hastily retaliate a wrong.

These qualities will enable them to “bear continually” with one another and to “forgive continually” one another, mainly because they will remember that Christ has forgiven them. (present tense verbs)

Colossians 3:13 (NKJV) bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

Additional positive qualities mentioned in this section include:

Colossians 3:14 (NKJV) But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

“Put on” is in italics in some translations, meaning that the verb does not actually appear in the original text, but it is supplied from the previous use (12b). This trait (love) is the main principle for compassionate actions toward others. It is the “crown jewel” of everything else. It is action, not emotion.

Colossians 3:15 (NKJV) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

“let peace rule” – imperative; (Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament) Lit., be umpire. Only here in the New Testament…. The previous references to occasions for meekness, long-suffering, forbearance, forgiveness, etc., indicate a conflict of passions and motives in the heart. Christ is the one who adjusts all these, so that the metaphorical sense [i.e., umpire] is appropriate….

Colossians 3:16 (NKJV) 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.

“let Word of Christ dwell richly” – imperative; Open up your heart to allow Christ's word take up permanent residency. In other words, do not seek the least amount of His Word to “squeak by,” but immerse, get all you can, gain all the benefit possible.

“in all wisdom” – Probably goes with “teaching and admonishing.”

Cf. Colossians 1:28 (NKJV) Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

When the words and message of Christ lives in us abundantly, they will find expression in passing the message of truth to others (teaching and admonishing) and through worship with the singing of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.

C. Positive qualities include rules for relationships. (3:18-25; 4:1)

Wives, husbands, children, fathers, servants, & masters.

(C.S. Lewis, Essay “The Sermon and the Lunch”) If the home is to be a means of grace it must be a place of rules ... the alternative to rule is not freedom but the unconstitutional (and often unconscious) tyranny of the most selfish member.’ (quoted by N.T. Wright in Tyndale New Testament Commentaries)

(N.T. Wright, Tyndale NT Commentaries) – … balancing carefully the duties and responsibilities of the various family members so that the stronger parties have duties as well as rights, and those who are in a position of submission are treated as responsible human beings, with rights as well as duties…. Neither party is to be arrogant or domineering… The ‘submission’ here is not that of the slave, or the doormat. The equality of women and men before the Lord, of which Paul wrote in Galatians 3:28, has not been retracted: but neither does it mean identity of role or function.

What about status of women and slaves? Does Paul condone…? I have read repeatedly how the status of women and slaves was elevated everywhere the Christian faith flourished. Paul (and the Lord) addressed people with practical principles for the culture in which they lived. But there are enough mandates found in the Bible so that serious Christians sought to eliminate slavery and abuse of women wherever they lived.

D. Positive qualities include gratitude and purpose. (3:15b, 17, 23-25)

Colossians 3:15 (NKJV) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Colossians 3:17 (NKJV) And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

1. We should be grateful for what Christ has done for us and is doing in us.

If pausing to meditate on what Christ went through to save us and to refine us doesn’t inspire gratitude in our hearts, then there is something drastically wrong! But, he has done more than something FOR us. He is doing much more WITH us or in us. There is a saying that has been around a long time that hopefully most of us could apply to our own lives: “I’m not what I want / hope to be, but thank God, I’m not what I used to be!”

(That is not intended to be a “cop-out” or excuse to stop striving to be closer to the Lord.)

2. Our purpose for every attitude and action should be to glorify Christ.

v. 17 “… do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…”

(N.T. Wright, Tyndale NT Commentaries) – Acting ‘in someone’s name’ means both representing him and being empowered to do so. Paul’s exhortation is therefore a salutary [useful] check on behaviour (‘can I really do this, if I am representing the Lord Jesus?’) and an encouragement to persevere with difficult tasks undertaken for him, knowing that necessary strength will be provided.

vv. 23-25 should probably be understood in direct connection with the admonition to the slaves/servants. However, it is a valid principle that all people in all walks of life should use for daily life.

“Do whatever you do as if you’re doing it for the Lord. So, do it heartily.” Don’t focus on the immediate reward, because the Lord will give out rewards in His time. His day of judgment (rewards and punishment) will be done in absolute truth and justice, without favoritism or partiality.

Conclusion:

We have been talking about living a transformed life. Last Sunday we emphasized the traits that the Apostle commanded his readers to remove from their attitudes and conduct. This week we have emphasized the traits that we need to add and develop in our attitudes and conduct. The bottom line is: we need to continually change to reflect more and more the image of Christ and bring glory to Him.

Whatever our position or status in life, we should seek to model the attitudes and actions that glorify our Lord Jesus Christ.

Closing Song: Living for Jesus

Dead or Alive

This is the fifth sermon in a series of messages through the New Testament book of Colossians. This message covered verses 1-11 of chapter three. In these verses the Apostle speaks about the kind of transformation that takes place in a person who has spiritually died with Christ and has been raised with Christ. The video recording of the worship service in which this sermon was preached can be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

I felt that I should continue with our series of messages through the book of Colossians today, even though it is Mother’s Day. So, I want to begin by asking if you remember seeing some of the old “Wanted” posters typically used on old western shows where the wording at the bottom of the poster practically screams out, “Wanted: Dead or Alive!”? I actually think that phrase could be the connotation of a verse in Revelation chapter 3 in regard to the church in Laodicea.

Revelation 3:15-16 (NKJV) I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. ¹⁶ So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

The Apostle Paul writes to the Christians at Colossae and in chapter two he asks,

Colossians 2:20 (NKJV) … if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations—

Why are you feeling it necessary to be in bondage to the rules of the legalistic Jews or the body-denying Gnostics?

Now, in chapter three, Paul proposes new objectives based on the fact of being alive (raised) with Christ.

Colossians 3:1 ^(NKJV) If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

Those who died with Christ and have been raised with Christ are also described as “hidden with Christ.”

Colossians 3:3 (NKJV) For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Whether we speak of being dead with Christ or risen & alive with Christ, the result should be a transformed life in this world. It is not a life controlled and regulated by the rules of men, but a life that is controlled by the Holy Spirit.

As we look into this passage today, we will first of all consider the rationale for a transformed life, then we will define the characteristics that need to be removed from our lives because we are hidden in Christ.

I.          The Rationale for the Transformed Life (3:1-4)

A. We are raised with Christ. (vv. 1-2)

A “raised” life implies a life of supernatural power, and a new focus of mind and desire (seek things above). If we have been raised, then it should change the direction we look for fulfillment and direction.

B. We are dead and hidden with Christ. (v. 3)

To be dead/hidden with Christ implies a life that is not its own, but it is lived in the life of another – Jesus Christ. He is the one that shines out, not me. If I am “hidden” in Christ, then other people should be able to look at my life and see Him.

C. We are going to reign with Christ. (v.4)

We are saved and redeemed to be fitted and prepared to reign with Christ in glory. Some have described this life as the “dressing room” for eternity. We are currently getting transformed, prepared and equipped for greater things!

As we continue in chapter three, the Apostle describes several characteristics of a person that is “dead or alive” in Christ. All of these characteristics are either described negatively as something we need to remove from our lives or described positively as something that needs to be added to our lives. They are easily identified by the imperative verbs that are used. Remember, an imperative verb is the same thing as a command.

II.        Negative Characteristics to Abandon (3:5-11)

There are two different metaphors that the Apostle uses in these verses as he describes the characteristics we are to remove from our lives.

A. Put to death … (vv. 5-7)

Colossians 3:5-7 (NKJV) Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. ⁶ Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, ⁷ in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.

The first metaphor relates to the subject of warfare or conflict as he commands us to “put to death” (i.e., kill, slay, mortify) certain traits.

“members on earth” – body limbs. (Vincent, Word Studies in the NT) The physical members, so far as they are employed in the service of sin. … The organs of the earthly and sensuous life.

Romans 6:13 (NKJV) And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

earthly “members” exhibiting in:

Fornication – a word that represents all illicit sexual relationships including those prior to marriage as well as those that are extra-marital, such as adultery.

Greek word is the same word the English word “pornography” comes from.

Uncleanness – a word that refers to physical, religious, or moral impurity. (religious – in connection to “cultic” or sacrifices in the OT.) In this context it probably refers to the “contamination of character affected by immoral behavior.” (Tyndale Commentary)

Passion – (KJV, “inordinate affection”); πάθος; an affection of the mind, a passionate desire.

evil desire – (KJV, evil concupiscence) evil = what is contrary to law, either divine or human… concupiscence = craving, longing, or desire. (Thayer Greek-English Lexicon)

Covetousness, which is idolatry – greedy desire to have more (Thayer), which is nothing short of “idol worship,” i.e., seeking satisfaction in the grasping of material possessions rather than in God.

vv. 6, 7 – because of all these ungodly traits, God’s wrath / anger is coming on all those who are disobedient, which formerly included these Christian believers.

“you once walked” – it used to be a characteristic of their lives, but not anymore.

B. Put off … (vv. 8-11)

The second metaphor relates to the wearing of clothing as he commands us to “put off” certain traits.

Colossians 3:8-9 (NKJV) But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. ⁹ Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,

(N.T. Wright, Tyndale NT Commentaries) The list in verse 8 is another ugly one: anger, the continuous state of smoldering or seething hatred; rage, when this state breaks out in actual angry deeds or words; malice, a word which in the Greek can simply mean ‘evil’, but which here probably has the overtone of ‘evil intended to cause hurt’; slander, speech which puts malice into practical effect (the Greek is blasphēmia, speech which dishonours God himself—in this instance, by reviling a human being made in his image); and filthy language, words which, either by their foul association or their abusive intent, contaminate both speaker and hearers.

Lying – The person who has “died with Christ” and is “raised with Christ cannot be a person characterized by something that is completely contrary to the nature of Christ. God is a God of truth.

All of these traits represent the “old man” or the former life without God. They are to be removed like taking off an old garment.

Colossians 3:10-11 (NKJV) and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, ¹¹ where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

v. 10 And they are to be replaced by putting on new clothing (described later).

“have put on” – aorist middle participle.

“is renewed” – present passive participle.

According to the verb tenses Paul uses, the “putting on” is a decisive personal action, but the “renewing” is an ongoing process being done by God.

v. 11 – The commands and transformed lifestyle apply to all people regardless of ethnicity or status.

(N.T. Wright, Tyndale NT Commentaries) These intermingled distinctions of race, ancestral religion, class and caste provide the best soil for that mutual suspicion and distrust which turn into the vices listed in verse 8…. These distinctions, Paul declares with a breath-taking challenge, have become irrelevant in Christ.

III.       Positive Characteristics to Embrace (3:12 - 4:1)

The positive characteristics for the believer to embrace are described in the remaining verses of chapter three, as well as the first verse in chapter four.

Some of these positive commands pertain to personal attitudes and character traits, while other commands pertain to inter-personal relationships.

We do not have the time to examine this section today, so we will return to this next Sunday for a message we’ll brilliantly call: Dead or Alive (Part Two)!

Conclusion:

We have talked about a number of attitudes and actions that we are clearly informed have no part in the life of a believer who has died with Christ and been raised with Christ. This passage and many others in Scripture teach us that having a personal relationship with Christ will make a distinct difference in the way we live.

When we look at this sordid list of traits which do not belong in the life of a Christian, it ought to inspire a constant prayer in our hearts for God to make us whiter than snow in our attitudes and our character. After all, we cannot be the kind of person we ought to be without the cleansing and empowering of the Holy Spirit. Let’s sing such a prayer,

Closing Song: Whiter than Snow    

Fullness and Freedom in Christ

This is the fourth sermon in a series of messages in the New Testament book of Colossians. This sermon focuses on verses 6-23 of chapter two and discusses the fullness available to Christian believers in Christ, as well as freedom from bondage of sin and bondage to legalistic rules. A video recording of the worship service in which this sermon was delivered may be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

This is our fourth sermon in the series we have been doing in the book of Colossians.

The first sermon focused on the Apostle’s opening remarks to his readers in which he described the nature of his prayers for the Colossian believers. His prayers included gratitude for their faith in Christ and how the gospel had reached them and changed them. He also prayed that they would grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ.

In our second sermon, we talked about what Paul had to say regarding Jesus. He attacks the errors that were threatening the church by explaining who Jesus really is and what He had accomplished. The key phrase in those verses was “That in all things, He might have the preeminence.” (What a great life-motto to live by!)

Last week we finished chapter one and started chapter two as we discussed Paul’s commissioning by God to preach the gospel, and his commitment to follow God’s calling and do the work he was commissioned to do in spite of all the hardship and adversity.

Today, we are going to be looking at the rest of chapter two, as we focus on the benefits and blessings we have in Christ.

I.          We have fullness in Christ. (2:6-10)

Colossians 2:10 (NKJV)  and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

Colossians 2:10 (NIV2011)  and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.

A. Fullness in Christ is a progressive life of faith. (vv. 6-7)

Colossians 2:6-7 (NKJV) ⁶  As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, ⁷  rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

The progression of the Christian life is expressed in the words that Paul uses. Consider the development and conditions these word portray.

“received” – (Strong’s) a compound word literally meaning to “take over” or “take/receive near;” “to receive” Christian teachings…, but always with a close attachment in personal life and faith to Christ himself as their Author (cf. Gal. 1:12). – (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament)

“walk” – present indicative; i.e., continuously live what you have received.

“rooted” – (A.T. Robertson) Pres. Pass. Ptcpl.; Paul changes figure of speech from walking to a growing tree. (Thayer’s Lexicon) To cause to strike root or to strengthen with roots.

“built up” – (Knight, Beacon Bible Expositions) Metaphor changes from a walking man to a rooted tree, then to a building [in construction]. (A.T. Robertson) Pres. Pass. Ptcpl.; continually going up.

“established” – (A.T. Robertson) Pres. Pass. Ptcpl.; to make firm or stable. Note the passive voice for all three words [rooted, built up, and established] means the subject [the believer] is receiving the action. These were actions that God was doing with them and in them.

The first word, “walk” is not passive, but active. That is, we are to see to it that we keep walking in Christ, then the Holy Spirit will help us become rooted, built up and established.

“abounding” – Pres. Act. Ptcp. (Thayer) abound, to overflow, to excel.

The result of walking, being rooted, being built up and being established is they overflow and excel in the work and in the grace of God.

B. Fullness in Christ results from following the truth. (vv. 8-10)

1. Following the truth means rejecting popular ideas. (v. 8)

Colossians 2:8 (NKJV) Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.

“beware” – look, see, take heed. (Robertson) warning, look out.

“cheat” – (Robertson) to carry off as booty a captive, slave, maiden. Only here in N.T. Note the singular here. There was some one outstanding leader who was doing most of the damage in leading the people astray.

Whether we realize it or not, Satan is not deterred from his mission to destroy us even if we put our faith in Jesus. He will continue to use every tactic and scheme to get us off course and swallowing false ideas about Christ and our faith.

2. Following the truth includes right knowledge of Christ. (v.9)

Colossians 2:9 (NKJV) For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;

We noted this verse briefly two weeks ago when we were in chapter one and talking about Paul’s fight against the false Gnostic ideas about Jesus. Jesus is in every way the exact representation of God in human form. Jesus is not just like the Godhead in one or two qualities, but in every way – the fullness.

3. Following the truth brings fullness in Him. (v.10)

Colossians 2:10 (NKJV) and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

“complete” – it is the same root word as the word “fullness” in verse nine. Passive voice, i.e., made or brought to fullness.

(Robertson) Christ is our fulness of which we all partake… and our goal is to be made full of God in Christ… "In Christ they find the satisfaction of every spiritual want" (Peake).

John 1:16 (NKJV) And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.

II.        We have freedom in Christ. (2:11-23)

In the remainder of this chapter, Paul explains to his readers that they not only have fullness in Christ, but they also have freedom in Christ. They not only receive Christ, walk in Christ, get rooted and established in Christ and abound in Him, but they also find deliverance from two different kinds of bondage: bondage to sin and bondage to man-made rules.

A. Christ brings freedom from the power of sin. (vv. 11-13)

Colossians 2:11-13 (NKJV) ¹¹  In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, ¹²  buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. ¹³  And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,

(Lenski) Says in his commentary, that these Colossian Judaizers (legalistic believers emphasizing OT requirements) did not demand circumcision like the Galatians, but they probably boasted about it as if it made them superior.

But Paul takes something they emphasized literally and makes it a spiritual truth, which means a “putting off of the sins of the flesh.” The result is victory over sin. We were dead in trespasses but now we are alive and forgiven! We are no longer under the bondage of sin. It is belittling of all that Christ accomplished on the cross to insist that we cannot have victory over sin.

B. Christ brings freedom from condemnation. (vv. 14-15)

Colossians 2:14-15 (NKJV) ¹⁴  having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. ¹⁵  Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

(Todd D. Still, Expositor's Bible Commentary, Revised) [What does this handwriting] and its accompanying regulations actually refer? Some believe the Mosaic law is in view …. I am inclined, however, to take the term as a more general reference to the indebtedness incurred through human sinfulness (cf. O’Brien, 125; Garland, 151). Not only have believers’ transgressions been forgiven by God through Christ; their IOUs have been paid in full. Christians are forgiven for spiritual trespasses and set free from spiritual indebtedness.

C. Christ brings freedom from the rules of men. (vv. 16-23)

Colossians 2:16-23 (NKJV) ¹⁶  So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, ¹⁷  which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. ¹⁸  Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, ¹⁹  and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God. ²⁰  Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations-- ²¹  "Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle," ²²  which all concern things which perish with the using--according to the commandments and doctrines of men? ²³  These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

(Knight, BBE) [Paul] has just spoken profoundly of the person and work of Christ, and suddenly with one strategic word – therefore [NKJV, “So"] – brings his readers face-to-face with a pressing issue relating to the believer’s behavior…. [He] warns the Colossians against an “enslaving ritualism” and a “false mysticism” (Eerdman).

We have been told already that Paul is dealing with two tendencies toward error in Colossae. Judaism and Gnosticism. Both of these emphases stressed external issues rather than the core spiritual issues.

Jews – A righteous, holy life means legalistic bondage to all the special festivals, days and requirements of the Law.

Gnostics – Since “all matter is evil,” the way to righteous, holy living is ascetic avoidance of all things except what is absolutely essential to life.

Focusing our attention on the external rather than internal, inevitably leads to bondage and legalism. Focusing on what Christ has done and on our relationship with Him, leads to a life that is carefully lived in obedience because we love Him.

We know from comparing letters Paul wrote to other churches that he never promotes careless, sinful indulgence. He specifically states, Gal. 5:13 ^(NKJV) For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Conclusion:

I hope our hearts have been challenged this morning to experience all the spiritual fullness in Christ that He has provided for us by His sacrifice and by His grace. I hope we will never be contented to simply coast along spiritually until we’ve lived our lives and leave this world.

I also hope that we will understand our true freedom in Christ. A freedom from the bondage of sin and fleshly passions. A freedom from legalistic rituals and expectations of mere men.

Closing song about freedom: Glorious Freedom

Colossians: Commissioned and Committed

This is the third sermon in a series of messages through the New Testament book of Colossians. This message is based on Col. 1:24 - 2:5 and looks at the Apostle Paul's descriptions of his commitment to the ministry that was commissioned by God. The video recording of the worship service in which this sermon was given can be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

(sermonillustrations.com) Adoniram Judson sweated out Burma's heat for 18 years without a furlough, six years without a convert. Enduring torture and imprisonment, he admitted that he never saw a ship sail without wanting to jump on board and go home. When his wife's health broke and he put her on a homebound vessel in the knowledge he would not see her for two full years, he confided to his diary: "If we could find some quiet resting place on earth where we could spend the rest of our days in peace. . ." But he steadied himself with this remarkable postscript: "Life is short. Millions of Burmese are perishing. I am almost the only person on earth who has attained their language to communicate salvation..." Regions Beyond, Vol. 37, No. 1, p. 2.

Judson illustrates for us in more recent history what being under a commission from God and committed to the task really looks like. There are scores and scores of other fine examples of such dedication to the kingdom of God and the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

This morning we are continuing to look into the letter that Paul wrote to the church in Colossae and in the passage before us today we are learning about Paul’s commission from God and his commitment to that commission in relation to the people of Colossae as well as the other people in that general region.

I.          A Divine Commission

Colossians 1:25 (NKJV)  … I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God,

“minister” – deacon; servant, attendant, from obsolete GK word “to run errands.”

“the stewardship” – KJV, “dispensation;” NIV, “commission.” From “administration of a household or estate.”

The Apostle is reminding his readers (whom he has not met yet), that he has become a servant FOR God because he has been commissioned BY God. Damascus Road, etc. (God to Ananias, “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake” Acts 9:16).

A. He was commissioned for ministry to the church.

v. 25 – “of which I became a minister…”

The word, “which” refers back to the word “church” in the previous verse.

vv. 24 – 25 “… for the sake of his body, the church, ²⁵of which I became a minister… for you…”

Also, v. 25, “… according to the stewardship (commission) from God which was given to me for you…”

Paul feels a keen sense of responsibility to the church of Jesus. Those whom he previously persecuted, but now for several years has been faithfully devoting his time and energy to promote and serve. 

We’re living in a day when people feel less and less compelled to be a part of the church and to be involved in its growth.

B. He was commissioned to fulfill the word of God.

v. 25, “… to fulfill the word of God,”

(Lenski New Testament Commentary) The Word of God" is something to be transmitted and thus to fulfill it is to give it what it wants, what it is for, namely to transmit it to those for whom it is intended.

·         The word of God he was commissioned to “fulfill” (proclaim, teach, spread), was a “mystery.”

Colossians 1:26-27 (NKJV) ²⁶ the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. ²⁷ To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

For the false teachers (Gnostics), mystery meant that only the “spiritual elite” could understand because they have superior knowledge.

The mystery which was hidden for so long but now has been revealed is two-fold:

1) The Gentiles are to be included (and always were to be included) in God’s plan of redemption.

2) The mystical union between God and man – “Christ in you.”

This intimate union is a foretaste of coming glory.

“Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine!”

·         The fulfillment of the word of God included both warning and instruction.

Colossians 1:28 (NKJV)  Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

The goal is to help as many as possible to reach spiritual maturity and become what God intended them to be.

(Lenski New Testament Commentary) To present every man as such does not here refer to the Parousia but to the present time: each and every believer is to stand forth so that all may see him as one who is spiritually complete and mature….

II.        A Determined Commitment

A. Commitment to the commission requires deliberate effort.

Colossians 1:29 (NKJV)  To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.

Various commentary authors say that Paul uses words relating to two different kinds of effort.

“labor” – a word that refers to work, vocation, etc.

“striving” – a word that refers to athletic training and practice.

Paul seems to be saying, “I am putting all the effort into this ministry that a worker puts into his work or an athlete puts into his sport.” He specifically states that he does this so that he might accomplish the goal described in v. 28.

B. Commitment to the commission brings his focus on his readers.

Colossians 2:1 (NKJV)  For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh,

(Lenski) In v. 28 of ch. 1, Paul’s emphasis is on bringing every man into spiritual maturity. Now he is applying the same thought to his readers and to those in the neighboring city of Laodicea.

“conflict” – NASB “struggle;” Strong’s Concordance – the word comes from a root word that indicates a “place of assembly” and by implication, the contest that is held there.

·         He desires to lead them to “perfection” also. (see 1:28)

Colossians 2:2-3 (NKJV) ²  that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, ³  in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

This will involve them gaining knowledge and understanding of God’s mystery.

·       Gaining the right kind of knowledge, protects against false philosophies.

Colossians 2:4 (NKJV)  Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words.

If believers do not dig into the Word, and make every effort to hear the Word of God accurately proclaimed, they are vulnerable to all kinds of false ideas and philosophies.

You may remember that I referred to verse 4 during the series of messages I preached last year on the topic of having a Christian/ biblical worldview. There are all kinds of false ideas being promoted in churches today by pastors who apparently want to be considered “intelligent” and “up with the times.”

Big-name preachers and leaders are caving to the agendas of ungodly philosophies. (LGBT; Critical Race; etc.)

One example… (share article about a Dad in Canada sentenced to prison because he wouldn't stop referring to his daughter as a girl and using feminine pronouns for her.)

Conclusion:

This message today was primarily all about the Apostle Paul’s personal calling and commission from God, and about the effort he had exerted to accomplish that calling. But, Paul is letting his readers know that the reason for it all is really two-fold:

He wants them to truly experience genuine intimacy with Christ and the spiritual maturity that goes with such a relationship.

His passion and burning desire is for the gospel to reach all people everywhere, and he wants them to be a vital part of that mission.

I do not doubt that he desires for them to share in the commission, which was given by Christ Himself to all disciples. So, as we close today, I trust that each of us will be as committed in knowing and experiencing all that God intended for us to enjoy through the unique intimacy with Christ, and that we will make every effort to see that other people receive the same opportunity.

Colossians: The Preeminent Christ

This sermon is the second message in a series of messages through the New Testament book of Colossians. Based on Col. 1:15-23, the message focuses on the words of Paul as he describes various qualities and characteristics of Jesus, the Son of God. A video recording of the worship service in which this message was preached can be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

Last Sunday we started a new series of messages going through the book of Colossians. We looked at verses 1-14 of chapter one in which the author, the Apostle Paul, expressed his prayers for the recipients. His first mention of prayer was letting them know that He gives thanks to the Lord for all that God had done and was doing in their lives. Then he shares his prayer for God to help them to increase in knowledge, strength, and obedience.

When Jesus was speaking to His disciples one day, He asked, “Whom do men say that I am?” (Mark 8:27). After they responded with some of the things they had heard, He then asked, “Whom do you say that I am?” (v. 29). You may already know that Peter responded with these words, “You are the Christ.” The most crucial question every person must answer in their own minds and hearts is this, “Who do you say that Jesus is?” 

Long ago I learned the fact that false doctrines and false religions can be identified by their beliefs about Jesus. And apparently it was one of the concerns that Paul had about the believers in Colossae. Last week I mentioned that one of the up-and-coming problems in that region was the early stages of Gnosticism, which held very faulty views of Jesus. So he is explaining several key concepts about Jesus in this very first chapter.

What are the key elements in the accurate description or picture of Christ as presented by Paul? There are three mentioned here.

I.          Jesus Christ is the exact representation of God.

I previously explained that one of the doctrines of the Gnostics was all matter is evil. Jesus could not truly be God because he had a physical body, which means he partakes of evil. There were various theories or schools of thought that tried to explain Jesus in different terms than truly the divine Son of God. For example, one view stressed the belief that the “Christ” designation “Messiah” only came upon Jesus at his baptism and then left him prior to the crucifixion. There were other variations of explanations offered. But the Apostle Paul cuts through all of the speculative theories and boldly proclaims that He (i.e. the Son – v. 13) is the exact image of the God we cannot see.

Col. 1:15 (NKJV) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

Heb. 1:3 (NKJV) who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person…

“Image” has a stronger meaning than the word “likeness.” While likeness carries the idea of resemblance or similarity, “image” also includes the idea of derivation. (Lenski)

The Son, Jesus, is the exact stamp of the Father. And it is expressed in even higher terms in v. 19.

Col. 1:19 (NKJV) For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,

Jesus isn’t partially God or partially divine, but He is, in fact, the full representation of God in bodily form.

Col. 2:9 (NKJV) For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;

“firstborn over all creation” – a phrase that, on the surface, sounds like it is saying the Son of God was created.

It is a way of saying that He is the eternal Son, eternally “born” of the Father, but He is eternal none-the-less. It also expresses the fact that He existed prior to all creation in time and rank. (Tyndale Commentary)

Paul is proclaiming the deity of Christ and establishing the fact that He is the eternal Son of God providing the exact image and likeness of the Father for everyone to witness. Really, if you want to know who God is, look at Christ. If you want to know what God is like, look at Christ. If there is anything you want to know about God, look at Christ.

Power – look at walking on the water, calming the stormy sea, healing the sick, sight to the blind and coming out of the grave.

Love – listen to him say, “Neither do I condemn thee, go and sin no more;” look at him lying down on the cross and stretching out his arms for the whole world as he shed his blood and gave up life.

Purity/holiness – he was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin.

Anger – look at him go into the temple and throw over the tables and whip the religious crooks right out of the temple area.

Christ is God acting like God in the lowly raiment of human flesh. – A. W. Tozer (Draper's Book of Quotations for the Christian World)

II.        Jesus Christ is the agent of creation.

The Son is not only the “firstborn of all creation,” meaning that He existed before creation, which by the way, is what John says in John 1:1. “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” But, this Son is the agent of everything that is created.

cf. John 1:3 (NKJV) All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

The way Paul describes it, there is nothing left out. Everything that came into existence came because the Son of God made it. Look at what all is included (vv. 16-17)

Col. 1:16-17 (NKJV) ¹⁶ For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. ¹⁷ And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

“consist” – old verb, to place together and here to cohere, to hold together. (A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament)

He made it all. It all exists for His glory. It all holds together by His power. Rather that Jesus being some product of creation – several stages removed from the divine – He is the agent of all creation because He is divine. He existed before everything else, and He is the reason for everything else.

III.       Jesus Christ is the head of the church.

Col. 1:18 (NKJV) And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

The next element in this eloquent description of Christ by the Apostle has to do with His work in the world through His body, the church. Some have pointed out that the letter to the Ephesians and the letter to the Colossians both have a great deal to say about the church. While Ephesians emphasizes the church as the “body,” Colossians emphasizes Christ as the “head.”

As the head of the church, He gives it coherence, purpose guidance, and control. He is the “beginning” or cause/source of the church. He is the “firstborn from the dead” or the conqueror of death, through His own resurrection.

(Tyndale New Testament Commentaries – Colossians and Philemon) Firstborn’ here, particularly when taken ... in the sense of ‘beginning’, implies that Christ’s resurrection, though presently unique, will be acted out by a great company of others.

“that He might have the preeminence” – so that everything should all point to Him as source/creator/author, and everything should glorify Him. He is exalted!

Col. 1:19-23 (NKJV) ¹⁹ For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,

²⁰ and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. ²¹ And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled ²² in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight-- ²³ if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

All of these words and phrases emphasize different phases of the work that Christ has done in and for His church. He did it all and continues to do it all so that “He might have the preeminence!”

Conclusion:

I believe it was while I was still in Bible college that someone said, when people leave our churches after the worship service it should not be our goal for them to say, “what a great message,” or “what a great preacher,” but “What a great Christ!” I haven’t done an adequate job today describing Him as I’d like. What a great Christ we serve! What an awesome Lord and Savior!

There is a verse that will be coming up in our next message, but I want to mention a portion of it now.

Col. 1:27 (NKJV) … Christ in you, the hope of glory.

This wonderful Lord, Jesus the Christ, can live within each and every one of us through His Spirit!

Closing Song: Have You Any Room for Jesus?