Review of Lesson One, Chapter One: 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who areat Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. Paul makes it clear that his calling is from God and this claim is supported by his Apostolic gifting which is on display throughout his ministry. Principle:Any person claiming a call by God for a ministry must demonstrate the appropriate gifting(as well as the qualifications in Timothy with regard to disposition and comportment). 1
Paul views believers with the assumption that they not only are Christians but are maturing (faithful brethren). Principle:Believers who fail to spiritually mature fail, to do God s will. No matter what their success is in life, if they fail at this, they have failed God s overriding and ultimate objective for their life. 3 We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel 2
Paul is grateful for the Colossian Christians because their focus is on a future hope which causes them to live in the present, as faithful believers who love one another. Principle:When the world preoccupies the mind of the believer he or she will live with hope in the world and not hope in Christ. Their life will be arranged so as to reflect this. But the believer preoccupied with Christ, he or she will hope in Christ and the future reward of Christ and live accordingly. What is your hope? How is your life arranged? 6 which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doingin you also since the day you heard of itand understood the grace of God in truth; 3
Paul not only recognizes they have placed faith in Christ but that their faith has matured sufficiently to start bearing fruit. Principle:Last week I identified two main fruits of a healthy church. However, I believe I missed one. This list should show three. A health church which is absent of the fruits of ¹evangelization, ²discipleship and ³good works (the one I failed to list) it will become unhealthy. 7 just as you learned itfrom Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, 8 and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit. 4
Paul praises them for growing in understanding with regard to spiritual love vs. personal love. While personal love is quite valid and plays a proper role in our life, love in the Spirit is a form of love which is bound by divine principle and empowered by God s Spirit as we yield to his empowerment/filling. Principle: Personal love is never the basis for divine love. We legitimately may be attracted to people and form friendships and other relationships based on personal love. However, when it comes to our spiritual fellowship and interactions with believers as well as strangers with regard to the church of God and the work of God, we are to remove the personal and employ the impersonal love of God which is directed by principles from his Word and empowerment by his Spirit resulting in spiritual camaraderie, not necessarily social camaraderie. 5
9 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Himin all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. Gnosis(γνῶσις) generally referring to academic knowledge Epignosis(ἐπίγνωσις) generally referring to academic knowledge or truth which is not merely known but accepted as true and integrated into one s life, thus becoming experientially true resulting in wisdom and further enlightenment (i.e., believed which assumes application) 6
And the purpose of this epignosisor full knowledge is so that you are enabled to walk in a manner worth of the Lord and please him in everything. Principle:Any believer who claims to be living a life which is pleasing to God in all things, bearing true divine fruit and empowered by God which is not undergirded by a regular intake and application of God s Word is selfdeceived. Absence from learning God s Word is absence from learning God s way. Paul also concludes that spiritual maturity will result in our appreciation of God. Principle:Children are naturally selfish and unappreciative. The same is true spiritually. Until we mature spiritually, we generally live selfishly and with limited appreciation for God. But when our mind matures and begins to share the viewpoint of God, we will, by way of our thinking, be able to appreciate God s work in our lives in both benefitcial and difficult circumstances. 7
Why Spiritual Maturity is so Important: The Magnanimity of Christ, Colossians 1:13-29 With Respect to Christ: 13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created, bothin the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. 18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. 19 For it was the Father sgood pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, 20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. 8
21 And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engagedin evil deeds, 22 yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach 23 if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister. With Respect to Paul: 24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ s afflictions. 25 Of this churchi was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching ofthe word of God, 26 that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the pastages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, 9
27 to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. 29 For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. Conclusion:It takes a maturing heart and mind as well as an honest one to understand and appreciate all Christ has done. No human being, no matter how much we admire them, has done for us what Christ has. He is our template, he is our hero and he is the one who deserves our worship. The world offers immediate pleasures which distract us from Christ. That cannot be denied. We will face this all of our lives. But we must mature beyond the considerations of the immediate and our flesh and to that of what is most real, our sin, our redemption in Christ, God s calling us to spiritual maturity and our eternal rewards. 10
Paul s Appeal and Instructions Regarding Spiritual Edification and Guard against Doctrinal Deception Colossians 2:1-23 It begins with finding a True Shepherd (vs. 1-6) 1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attainingto all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resultingin a true knowledge of God s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument. 5 For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ. 11
Have you ever asked yourself what a true spiritual shepherd wants, ultimately, for those under his care? Here, the Apostle Paul lays out his greatest concern, though not his only concern since he addresses practical matters and lesser issues as well. What we see, here, is the fundamental ingredient to all of the rest of the Christian life, namely, not that we have great emotional experiences, a great social life, or a great vocation, rather that first and foremost our life needs to be filled with God s love and sound Bible doctrine, i.e. God s Word, his principles. Paul is burdened for the welfare of his sheep. So much so that he refers to it as a struggle (verse 1) Principle: A true Shepherd cares for his sheep. This cannot be produced in a Shepherd through paying him more money, through patronizing him or by demanding more of him. Either he cares as Paul demonstrates or he does not and this can only come from a life of constant and consistent maturity which will produce a Shepherd whose values are appropriately in line with God s viewpoint. 12
Desires to foster an environment of Biblical love (which means being Spirit filled or empowered) which knits hearts together(verse 2) Principle:The true Shepherd is not immature in his affections. His life revolves around Christ and his love, with regard to the church, is one that is spiritually empowered, not personally motivated. He encourages his sheep to be led by God s Spirit and not their personal wants. He knows and understands what being filled with God s Spirit is and knows this is the key to a healthy spiritually based affection among believers. Emphasizes doctrinal wealth, ie. full knowledge or true knowledge (epignosis that which is believed) which gives us wisdom and knowledge Principle:When anyone claiming to be a Shepherd from God, lowers God s emphasis on doctrinal wealth and accepts, instead, bad substitutes which may be experiences, feelings or entertainment so that we all feel good about ourselves, he is not a true Shepherd. They are offering you something other than food from heaven. 13
He knows that the number one means of your being protected or immunized from false teaching is a regular and consistent learning and believing sound doctrine. Principle:A Shepherd who does not have mastery over doctrinal matters and who does not promote and practice the necessity of regular discipleship by way of doctrinal epistemology cannot properly Shepherd your soul. And the believer who neglects this is not allow himself or herself to properly be shephered and protected by God. Spiritual discipline and stability of faith Principle:Spiritual maturity does not arrive in our lives casually or by chance. It is not anecdotal or incidental. Spiritual maturity is the plan of God for your life. It can only occur through a regulated intake (learning) and application (believing which means applying the principles you learn in your life situations). This is what is called spiritual discipline which results in your stability of faith. There are no substitutes. 14
What is absent here in Paul s establishment of what he considers his greatest concern? Gimmicks Ego satisfaction Entertainment Man-centered Doctrines (self-esteem, do-goodism, the brotherhood of man) Himself 15
Now, we move to a new section where Paul is going to deal with an issue that the church has dealt with from the beginning and one which all believers will face in their life time which is? Ideas and philosophies which attempt to compete with, overtake or spoil the truth of God s Word. As we enter into this I want to introduce a controlling principle in this whole matter. That is to say, at every point in the discussion of God s Word, this needs to remain forefront in your mind be Principle:Academic knowledge of God s Word does not equal spiritual understanding. Many non-christians and Christians have an expanded academic understanding of God s Word. This does not mean they have come to the right conclusions and/or mixed it with faith which is the only means of gaining spiritual understanding. When God s Word is treated like an academic object only and not divine truth in which faith is placed, games are played. It becomes an intellectual and human toy. God is formed into their liking and His Word manipulated to fit their schemes. Do not fall into this trap. 16
2 Timothy 3:7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Never be impressed with learning, instead, be impressed by the truth. A true shepherd does not play games with God s Word. It isn t a toy nor a fantasy land from which exotic doctrines may be extracted with which to entertain ourselves. As well, neither is it simply a companion to all other philosophies of life which simply may be adjusted as we accepted other ideology which comes from humanistic observations. The teacher of God s Word stays in context and bares out the substance of what is being communicated, regardless of what the world says. 17
Also, at this time a number of odd ideas existing in the New Testament world of the Apostle Paul. In the city of Colossae a number of mystical religions were practiced which borrowed from one another. When the Gospel of Christ came to people of Colossae and people were saved, there were others who were interested in the doctrines of Christ but not for the right reasons. As well, they liked that congregations existed who were eager to learn but were susceptible to being misled by strong personalities and new ideas. But Paul has a remedy for this. Next, we are to Continue Learning Doctrine and Mixing it with Faith (vs. 6-7) 6 Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 having been firmly rooted and nowbeing built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. Question:Paul tells the believers at Colossae that they must remember in maintaining stability in the Christian life and combatting false doctrine as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him. Exactly what does this mean? 18
The answer lies in how we received Christ which was by faith in his promise. The Bible says in Acts 16:30b-31: Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31 They said, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household. You did nothing to be saved but believed as the Philippian jailer did. This is the same thing you do to mature. You believe God s Word in all other areas of your life just like you did for salvation. Learning God s Word is not enough, it must be applied by faith or mixed with faith for it to have its results. Look at Hebrews 4:2: 2 For indeed we have had good news preached to us, just as they also; but the word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard. 19
Okay, now that I am saved, now that I am born again, what is next? What is next is the same thing you did to be saved exercise faithin the rest of the Word of God in all areas of your life. Thus, we will take some time to understand the mechanics of mixing God s Word with faith with some examples. Problem:I have committed a sin or several sins. I want to stay in fellowship with the Lord and return to pleasing him, what do I do? Solution from God s Word: I John 1:9: If we confess (name) our sins, he (God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 20
Problem:Someone I loved dearly has died. Solution from God s Word: 1 Thessalonians 4:13 (NIV): Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. Problem:I am in a position of weakness where someone more powerful than me is a threat to me. Solution from God s Word: Isaiah 40:29-31: 29 He gives strength to the weary, And to him wholacks might He increases power. 30 Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, 31 Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up withwings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. 21
Problem: I am very anxious about something in my life. Solution from God s Word: 1 Peter 5:7 7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. After we find a true Shepherd and decide to continue learning God s Word and mixing it with faith, Paul describes the next thing which occurs, growth and maturity: 7 having been firmly rooted and nowbeing built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. 22
Principle:Nothing in the Christian life will do more to combat destabilization of the Christian than maturity in Christ. When we have the mind of Christ, divine viewpoint, we automatically filter bad thinking and are able to approach various forms of testing, both positive and negative, without a divine frame of reference. Our steadfastness and patience in the faith is increased resulting in a mature appreciation for all God permits and does in our life and through our life. The 3-Pronged Divine Offensive Strategy to Combatting Doctrinal Deception, False Teachers and Various forms of Spiritual Destabilization: Finding a true Shepherd A life committed to learning sound Bible doctrine and mixing it with faith Attaining spiritual maturity which stabilizes us in every manner and results in our appreciation for God 23