Greetings,
This is one of those chapters I dread writing about. Colossians chapter 3 could be the subject of a whole series of blogs by itself, and I am limited to one summary entry. Were I to pick a 'life verse' (3:16) from a 'life chapter' (ch3), this would be it. I will do my best to do it justice.
The memory passage for this chapter is really, really hard to discern. I have already memorized most of it, so picking from those verses and certain other thematic verses was difficult. Based on the thematic outline of Life in Christ and Life in the Family, I would choose 1-4 and 18-21. But this leaves out an 'essential' memory section of 12-17 (not to mention 23-24). So, for the sake of this study I will have to make a compromise. If I were to limit the memory section to about 6 verses it would be
Colossians 3:3-4, 16-17, 18-21 (ESV)
3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
(I know, that's eight, but 18-21 is no longer than some single verses in Romans...)
The thematic outline, as stated above, is Life in Christ and Life in the Family.
Life in Christ
Chapter 3 begins by orienting our life in Christ; it is to be IN CHRIST. If we have been raised with Him (which we have) we should seek Him and His kingdom, not the things on earth. Since 'one who has died has been set free from sin' (Rom 6:7) we are now hidden (secure and safe) with Christ in God. And when He appears in glory, we will appear with Him (1 Cor 15:49).
So, if your life in Christ is oriented with Christ, here's what you also have to do: put to death the deeds of the flesh (not just 'not seek' them). What are those? Sexual immorality, impurity, passion (lust), evil desire, covetousness, idolatry, anger, wrath, malice, slander, obscene talk, lying. These are examples of the 'old self' and walking in the flesh. But we are to put off the old self (like dirty clothes, cf Gal 5:16-21) and are to put on the new self (like clean clothes, cf Eph 4:22ff). This new self comes from God and is made in His image. There is no distinction of race, appearance, or status in Christ; we all have sinned (Rom 3:23) and we all are redeemed (Rom 3:24) by the blood of Christ. And in Christ there is true unity and oneness with each other as we embrace unity and oneness with Him.
Verse 12 begins a section of Scripture that I have long memorized (and would highly recommend doing. Although I confess that I have not RE-memorized it in the ESV; it's still rattling around in my brain in the NIV). After telling us to set our mind and hearts on Christ, reminding us what walking apart from Christ looks like, and then reminding us of our unity in Christ, Paul tells us more of what we should do.
Put on (as a garment) compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. He adds forbearance (Gal 6:2), forgiveness, love, peace and thankfulness. These are all things that are unnatural and unattainable without Christ. They describe His very character. And as we put off the old self and the old practices, He has promised to fill us in Him (2:10) and give us His holy and righteous character (Eph 4:24). And our unity and peace comes from letting Him rule in all of our hearts.
I wrote an entire entry a while back on the next verse, so I will briefly summarize it here. The Word of Christ, the 'all that He commanded' us, is the place we must start. Not just reading, not just hearing, but letting it dwell richly in our hearts through memory and meditation. As an outpouring of the rich-dwelling of His Word, we must disciple each other with teaching and admonishment in the spiritual wisdom and understanding (1:9ff) He gives us. And as we grow in our apprenticeship to Jesus, we can join together in corporate worship by giving thanks to Him in a variety of ways. This is the core of the disciple; His Word, His wisdom, and His worship.
Verse 17 speaks for itself.
Colossians 3:17 (ESV)
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Life in the Family
Verse 18 begins a change in focus; Life in the family. Here we read a short version of what Paul writes in Ephesians 5:22ff. Wives are to submit to their husbands, who are to love their wives as Christ loves the church. Children are to obey their parents, and fathers are not to provoke their children to anger and discourage them. While we do not have a modern context (in this country) for slavery, the principle can apply to our work. We are to work as if the Lord is our boss; not just when someone is watching or only enough to please people. We should work for the reward that waits for us from the Lord, and leave the judgment of those who mistreat us in the hands of God.
How does this affect my worship?
I have found my worship to be truly enhanced as I let His Word dwell richly in my heart. It gives me a language for praise and an example for thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a critical element to true worship. After studying worship throughout the Bible, I find that thanksgiving seems to be always present, preceding, or following passages concerning worship. Thanksgiving re-orients us into a proper posture toward our God who sustains our very life. It aligns us in His kingdom and under His authority. It turns our face toward Him as we pray, worship, or commune with Him. And it can begin as simply as 'thank You'.
How does his affect my discipleship?
I see v16 as an expansion of how we are to 'teach (disciples) all that (Jesus) commanded'. We are to be grounded in His Word and filled with His wisdom (in order to teach and admonish effectively). I'm encouraged that He doesn't just give us a command and then say 'good luck with that'. He has given us access to all of His power and authority to fulfill His command.
May Christ and His Word dwell in you richly,
Ethan
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Colossians 2
Hello again,
This week we continue in the Chapter Memory System in the book of Colossians. I am going to ride this outline theme memory trick as long as I can. I'll probably have to write a separate entry to explain more fully. Basically, these outline points all start with 'O'. The outline points for chapter 1 all started with 'C'. I'm trying to use the acronym of 'Colo' (the first 4 letters in Colossians) to help remember what is in each chapter. So far, it has worked for Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians (to this point). I don't know if it will work for other books (especially the ones with a 'first' and a 'second', or ones who don't have enough letters to account for all of the chapters, ei Romans), but for now, it's working.
So, the outline theme for Colossians 2 is Order in the church, Overruling authority, Overriding legalism.
The memory passage is
Colossians 2:5, 9-10, 16-17 (ESV)
5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.
16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.
(I have also previously memorized 6-7, 13-14, and 18-19 during my sermon series. As always, there are no rules as to what verse/s to memorize in each chapter.)
Paul continues his thoughts that ended chapter 1 in verses 1-5; his ministry to the church. He struggles (likely in prayer) for them, encourages them, and blesses them in Christ. And while continuing to battle the false teachings that assailed the Colossian church, he states that Christ alone has all 'hidden knowledge and wisdom' (confronting the Gnostic belief that certain people were given certain revelations that elevated their spiritual standing) (3). He compliments their 'good order' (a military term describing disciplined, battle-ready lines) and their faith even though he has only heard of it (5). This is the core of the first outline point; he acknowledges the Order in the church.
The second section begins in verse 6 with a 'therefore'. Paul deals with the Overruling authority of Christ and our response to it. First of all, as believers and followers of Christ, we should continue to walk in Him, be rooted and built up in Him, be established in Him, and offer thanksgiving in Him. (6-7).
He then volleys a full assault on false philosophy, empty deceit, human tradition, and the elemental spirits who are not established in or submitted to Christ. Christ, he continues, is the Head of ALL rule and authority because in His very body (another confrontation of Gnosticism) dwells the whole fullness of deity (9-10). This verse, along with 1:19, offer a clear teaching of Christ being fully God and fully man; not just one or the other.
After stating Christ's role as Head, Paul addresses His role as Redeemer; He took our sin on Himself, while we were dead in sin and uncircumcised in the flesh, to the grave and then raised us again with Him. By this act, Christ gave us a spiritual circumcision (not by the hands of man), freedom from our debt(by canceling it on the cross), and victory over Satan and his rulers an authorities (11-15). This section (6-15) outlines and proclaims Christ's Overruling authority.
The third section of Chapter 2 deals with the issue of man's legalistic tendencies and the need for us to Override legalism. In verses 16-19, Paul lists a number of specific issues related to legalism. The main idea is that we should not give any other person the say or authority in our lives to pass judgment (16) or disqualify (18) us in regards to human standards of outward 'righteousness'. This includes food, drink, celebrations, Sabbath, asceticism, worship of angels, and visions. These are a 'shadow of the things to come, and they puff up the mind (17,18). The substance is in Christ, the Head, from Whom we get our nourishment, our unity, and our growth.
Verse 20 (echoed in Gal 4:9) confronts our human willingness to submit to a yoke of spiritual slavery even after we have been set free in Christ. Human rules and elemental spirits have no more authority over us even though they may have the appearance of wisdom and righteousness. The truth is, not only are they contrary to life in Christ, but they don't work. They have 'no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh' (23). Following rules and ordinances created by man in order to appear spiritual or righteous only washes the outside, but leave the inside corrupt (cf. Matt 23:25-28). In Christ, we are free from the oppression of Phariseeism because He has given us authority to Override legalism.
How does this affect my worship?
At least in practice, we are free from rules and orders imposed by others in reference to worship. Scripture is clear that God seeks worship 'in spirit and truth' (John 4:24) that comes from a humble and contrite heart (Ps 51:17). Whether I stand or sit, sing hymns or praise songs, play organ or drums, or whenever, wherever, however I worship, it must be 'from Him, through Him, and to Him' (Rom 11:36). In order for my sacrifice of praise to be holy and acceptable (Rom 12:1), it must begin and end with Him.
How does the affect my discipleship?
It is so easy to drift into some sort of legalistic program with new disciples. I have faced this many times myself. "Don't swear, stop smoking, use words like 'redeemed' and 'disciple', memorize scripture, clean up your thought life..." and then you're on the right track to becoming a REAL Christian. I must make disciples of Christ; He commanded it. But I must not at any point change the focus from what Holy Spirit is doing in their life to what I want them to do. That is making disciples of Ethan, not Christ. Lord, forgive me for trying to take over. As I follow You, please give me the wisdom to help them follow You.
Let's follow Him together,
Ethan
This week we continue in the Chapter Memory System in the book of Colossians. I am going to ride this outline theme memory trick as long as I can. I'll probably have to write a separate entry to explain more fully. Basically, these outline points all start with 'O'. The outline points for chapter 1 all started with 'C'. I'm trying to use the acronym of 'Colo' (the first 4 letters in Colossians) to help remember what is in each chapter. So far, it has worked for Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians (to this point). I don't know if it will work for other books (especially the ones with a 'first' and a 'second', or ones who don't have enough letters to account for all of the chapters, ei Romans), but for now, it's working.
So, the outline theme for Colossians 2 is Order in the church, Overruling authority, Overriding legalism.
The memory passage is
Colossians 2:5, 9-10, 16-17 (ESV)
5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.
16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.
(I have also previously memorized 6-7, 13-14, and 18-19 during my sermon series. As always, there are no rules as to what verse/s to memorize in each chapter.)
Paul continues his thoughts that ended chapter 1 in verses 1-5; his ministry to the church. He struggles (likely in prayer) for them, encourages them, and blesses them in Christ. And while continuing to battle the false teachings that assailed the Colossian church, he states that Christ alone has all 'hidden knowledge and wisdom' (confronting the Gnostic belief that certain people were given certain revelations that elevated their spiritual standing) (3). He compliments their 'good order' (a military term describing disciplined, battle-ready lines) and their faith even though he has only heard of it (5). This is the core of the first outline point; he acknowledges the Order in the church.
The second section begins in verse 6 with a 'therefore'. Paul deals with the Overruling authority of Christ and our response to it. First of all, as believers and followers of Christ, we should continue to walk in Him, be rooted and built up in Him, be established in Him, and offer thanksgiving in Him. (6-7).
He then volleys a full assault on false philosophy, empty deceit, human tradition, and the elemental spirits who are not established in or submitted to Christ. Christ, he continues, is the Head of ALL rule and authority because in His very body (another confrontation of Gnosticism) dwells the whole fullness of deity (9-10). This verse, along with 1:19, offer a clear teaching of Christ being fully God and fully man; not just one or the other.
After stating Christ's role as Head, Paul addresses His role as Redeemer; He took our sin on Himself, while we were dead in sin and uncircumcised in the flesh, to the grave and then raised us again with Him. By this act, Christ gave us a spiritual circumcision (not by the hands of man), freedom from our debt(by canceling it on the cross), and victory over Satan and his rulers an authorities (11-15). This section (6-15) outlines and proclaims Christ's Overruling authority.
The third section of Chapter 2 deals with the issue of man's legalistic tendencies and the need for us to Override legalism. In verses 16-19, Paul lists a number of specific issues related to legalism. The main idea is that we should not give any other person the say or authority in our lives to pass judgment (16) or disqualify (18) us in regards to human standards of outward 'righteousness'. This includes food, drink, celebrations, Sabbath, asceticism, worship of angels, and visions. These are a 'shadow of the things to come, and they puff up the mind (17,18). The substance is in Christ, the Head, from Whom we get our nourishment, our unity, and our growth.
Verse 20 (echoed in Gal 4:9) confronts our human willingness to submit to a yoke of spiritual slavery even after we have been set free in Christ. Human rules and elemental spirits have no more authority over us even though they may have the appearance of wisdom and righteousness. The truth is, not only are they contrary to life in Christ, but they don't work. They have 'no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh' (23). Following rules and ordinances created by man in order to appear spiritual or righteous only washes the outside, but leave the inside corrupt (cf. Matt 23:25-28). In Christ, we are free from the oppression of Phariseeism because He has given us authority to Override legalism.
How does this affect my worship?
At least in practice, we are free from rules and orders imposed by others in reference to worship. Scripture is clear that God seeks worship 'in spirit and truth' (John 4:24) that comes from a humble and contrite heart (Ps 51:17). Whether I stand or sit, sing hymns or praise songs, play organ or drums, or whenever, wherever, however I worship, it must be 'from Him, through Him, and to Him' (Rom 11:36). In order for my sacrifice of praise to be holy and acceptable (Rom 12:1), it must begin and end with Him.
How does the affect my discipleship?
It is so easy to drift into some sort of legalistic program with new disciples. I have faced this many times myself. "Don't swear, stop smoking, use words like 'redeemed' and 'disciple', memorize scripture, clean up your thought life..." and then you're on the right track to becoming a REAL Christian. I must make disciples of Christ; He commanded it. But I must not at any point change the focus from what Holy Spirit is doing in their life to what I want them to do. That is making disciples of Ethan, not Christ. Lord, forgive me for trying to take over. As I follow You, please give me the wisdom to help them follow You.
Let's follow Him together,
Ethan
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