Colossians 1:9-14
This passage contains Paul's prayer requests for the church at Colossae. The idea of continually praying, without stopping is key to this passage. I see it in the verb tense that Paul uses as well. He is informing the Colossians that he has been, still is and will not stop praying for them.
This passage is immediately connected to the previous paragraphs. Paul indicates that there is a reason that he is praying for them: because of the reports he has heard about their faith, the spread of the gospel in their community and their love.
The structure of Paul's prayer is a bit confusing:
Main Request: God would fill them with the knowledge of his will
Sub requests: live a life worthy of the Lord, bear fruit, grow in knowledge of God, be strengthened by his glorious might (with the result of having great endurance and patience) and give thanks to the Father.
The main request is clear - that they would know what God wants them to do and they would be obedient to that knowledge. Everything else, including being strengthened, flows from being obedient to what they know of God's will.
So, for me going down to LA, I need to pray this same prayer: God, make it clear to me what you want me to do and then let me be obedient to do that. In other places in Scripture this is referred to as faithfulness and it is the greatest and highest compliment Christ will bestow on his servants: "Well done, good and faithful servant." May I be found faithful to the will of God.
Showing posts with label Colossians 1. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Colossians 1. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, May 12, 2008
another mystery "solved"
Colossians 1:24-29
The word servant seems to show up a few times in this letter. Paul, in the previous section, has called himself a servant of the gospel and in this passage he calls himself the servant of the Church. This indicates Paul's deep humility - the purpose of Christ takes precendent over his own purpose and he will put aside his own agenda in order to make sure that the message of Jesus is given to whoever needs it whenever they need it and to make sure that the Church is operating how Christ intended it to operate.
There is so much in this short passage that could be unpacked and some of those things are very difficult statements (for example, v. 24 seems to indicate that Christ's suffering somehow was lacking and needed Paul's suffering to make it complete but what Paul is actually saying is that Christ's suffering was enough for our redemption and fully satisfied the justice of God but Paul had to suffer in order to take that message to the Gentiles. So, in order for the work of Christ to be complete in the Gentile's life, Paul had to suffer as well). However, the main point of the passage is the mystery that Paul reveals: Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Paul continues that thought when he says that he labours with all his (Christ's) energy which so powerfully works in Paul. The hope that Paul has to see everyone perfected in Christ is Christ at work in him and Christ at work in them. So Paul can labour with confidence knowing that the results do not depend on him but on Christ.
Sometimes I take too much responsibility for the work that Christ has given to me. I don't mean that I should be lazy or work less but that I should labour with all Christ's energy, remembering that my hope for my own sanctification is Christ in me and my hope for the continued growth and maturity of my students is Christ in them. Paul was so clear in his purpose and calling and I feel like mine has become a bit distracted or broad. I need Christ to refine my focus and to remind me that it is not by my strength or power but by the Spirit of God and Christ that the work and will of God will be done.
The word servant seems to show up a few times in this letter. Paul, in the previous section, has called himself a servant of the gospel and in this passage he calls himself the servant of the Church. This indicates Paul's deep humility - the purpose of Christ takes precendent over his own purpose and he will put aside his own agenda in order to make sure that the message of Jesus is given to whoever needs it whenever they need it and to make sure that the Church is operating how Christ intended it to operate.
There is so much in this short passage that could be unpacked and some of those things are very difficult statements (for example, v. 24 seems to indicate that Christ's suffering somehow was lacking and needed Paul's suffering to make it complete but what Paul is actually saying is that Christ's suffering was enough for our redemption and fully satisfied the justice of God but Paul had to suffer in order to take that message to the Gentiles. So, in order for the work of Christ to be complete in the Gentile's life, Paul had to suffer as well). However, the main point of the passage is the mystery that Paul reveals: Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Paul continues that thought when he says that he labours with all his (Christ's) energy which so powerfully works in Paul. The hope that Paul has to see everyone perfected in Christ is Christ at work in him and Christ at work in them. So Paul can labour with confidence knowing that the results do not depend on him but on Christ.
Sometimes I take too much responsibility for the work that Christ has given to me. I don't mean that I should be lazy or work less but that I should labour with all Christ's energy, remembering that my hope for my own sanctification is Christ in me and my hope for the continued growth and maturity of my students is Christ in them. Paul was so clear in his purpose and calling and I feel like mine has become a bit distracted or broad. I need Christ to refine my focus and to remind me that it is not by my strength or power but by the Spirit of God and Christ that the work and will of God will be done.
Friday, May 9, 2008
preaching to every creature
Colossians 1:21-23
Paul expands on that it means for Christ to make peace between us and God by his death on the cross: we were alienated from God and enemies of God but through the body of Christ we are now reconciled to God and seen as holy in his sight. The physical body of Christ is subtly emphasized again (in the previous passage it was the blood of Christ). I wonder if Paul is laying the ground work for a defense of Christ's humanity or physicality.
The fullness of the gospel message is contained in these few verses: we were alienated from God because of our actions and in full rebellion against God because of our nature but we have been completely reconciled to God by the death and resurrection of Christ so that not even an accusation can be brought against us that would condemn us in the eyes of God. The death and resurrection of Christ has fully satisfied the justice of God.
I believe that Paul recognized the grace of God in his life in ways that I have never and that this is what motivated him to be so fervent for the gospel. In some ways it was easier for him because he surrendered to Christ as an adult and so he saw how evil he really was before he met Christ (even though he thought he was fulfilling God's will). But coming to Christ as a child and being brought up in a Christian home and Christian culture is no excuse for me to fail to recognize how great the grace of God is. I know my heart and as much as I might try to say that I have never done anything "that bad" I know that my desires still tend towards evil and rebellion. If it was not for the restraining and protecting grace of God, I know that I would be in deep trouble.
One last thought from this passage: Paul says that the gospel has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven. This is an interesting phrase and not one that I would usually associate with the gospel. I think it connects to the previous passage: through Christ God reconciling all things to himself. Humanity's rebellion against God did not just affect humanity's relationship with God but echoed through the spiritual world and had devestating effects on all of creation. The good news message of Jesus means that humans can be reconciled to God but also that all of creation will one day fulfill the ultimate purpose for which it was created and that is good news for creation as well as us.
Paul expands on that it means for Christ to make peace between us and God by his death on the cross: we were alienated from God and enemies of God but through the body of Christ we are now reconciled to God and seen as holy in his sight. The physical body of Christ is subtly emphasized again (in the previous passage it was the blood of Christ). I wonder if Paul is laying the ground work for a defense of Christ's humanity or physicality.
The fullness of the gospel message is contained in these few verses: we were alienated from God because of our actions and in full rebellion against God because of our nature but we have been completely reconciled to God by the death and resurrection of Christ so that not even an accusation can be brought against us that would condemn us in the eyes of God. The death and resurrection of Christ has fully satisfied the justice of God.
I believe that Paul recognized the grace of God in his life in ways that I have never and that this is what motivated him to be so fervent for the gospel. In some ways it was easier for him because he surrendered to Christ as an adult and so he saw how evil he really was before he met Christ (even though he thought he was fulfilling God's will). But coming to Christ as a child and being brought up in a Christian home and Christian culture is no excuse for me to fail to recognize how great the grace of God is. I know my heart and as much as I might try to say that I have never done anything "that bad" I know that my desires still tend towards evil and rebellion. If it was not for the restraining and protecting grace of God, I know that I would be in deep trouble.
One last thought from this passage: Paul says that the gospel has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven. This is an interesting phrase and not one that I would usually associate with the gospel. I think it connects to the previous passage: through Christ God reconciling all things to himself. Humanity's rebellion against God did not just affect humanity's relationship with God but echoed through the spiritual world and had devestating effects on all of creation. The good news message of Jesus means that humans can be reconciled to God but also that all of creation will one day fulfill the ultimate purpose for which it was created and that is good news for creation as well as us.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
the supreme ruler
Colossians 1:15-20
The overall image and theme is that Jesus is the supreme ruler: the firstborn of all creation (not in the sense that Jesus was the first creation but that he is the "heir", the favoured one), the head of the church and the firstborn from the dead.
Paul also indicates that Christ was very intimately involved in creation - not just of the visible realm but also of the spiritual and invisible realm. The spiritual and invisible realm plays an important part in this passage - Paul indicates that Christ did not just die to reconcile humans to God but that there was more to that reconciliation involving things in heaven. I'm not sure what that means but it is a good reminder to me that I (not humans) are the center of the universe and that there is more to God's plan and redemption than just me - that somehow the blood of Christ brings peace (or will bring it) in the spiritual dimension.
It also good for me to be reminded of the supreme power of my King. I think sometimes I am too familiar with him (and at other times not familiar enough) but I know that I very often forget his supremacy, his power and his ability to rule. No wonder Paul says that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord when we finally see him in all his glory. What a mix of awesomeness and terror that day will be!
The overall image and theme is that Jesus is the supreme ruler: the firstborn of all creation (not in the sense that Jesus was the first creation but that he is the "heir", the favoured one), the head of the church and the firstborn from the dead.
Paul also indicates that Christ was very intimately involved in creation - not just of the visible realm but also of the spiritual and invisible realm. The spiritual and invisible realm plays an important part in this passage - Paul indicates that Christ did not just die to reconcile humans to God but that there was more to that reconciliation involving things in heaven. I'm not sure what that means but it is a good reminder to me that I (not humans) are the center of the universe and that there is more to God's plan and redemption than just me - that somehow the blood of Christ brings peace (or will bring it) in the spiritual dimension.
It also good for me to be reminded of the supreme power of my King. I think sometimes I am too familiar with him (and at other times not familiar enough) but I know that I very often forget his supremacy, his power and his ability to rule. No wonder Paul says that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord when we finally see him in all his glory. What a mix of awesomeness and terror that day will be!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
rescue
Colossians 1:9-14
Paul is concerned that the Christians at Colossae would continue to grow in their understanding of God's will and in their obedience to that will. I'm don't think that this concern comes from any short-comings or any emergencies in the Colossian church but that Paul's desire is for the continued discipleship of the church. The key words are fruit (this seems to be a bit of a theme so far) and the idea of the kingdom (aka dominion).
This passage connects back to the previous section with the words "for this reason". I think Paul prays for this church because he has heard of their love in the Spirit. Paul put energy and concern into his prayer because there is something happening there - he is responding to their growth.
The prayer itself is another one of Paul's wonderful prayers with some great requests: that they would be filled with the knowledge of God's will, all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, etc. If I has someone praying this for me on a consistent basis I would be so blessed! On the flip side, I should be praying this for the people in my life, especially my leaders.
Paul is concerned that the Christians at Colossae would continue to grow in their understanding of God's will and in their obedience to that will. I'm don't think that this concern comes from any short-comings or any emergencies in the Colossian church but that Paul's desire is for the continued discipleship of the church. The key words are fruit (this seems to be a bit of a theme so far) and the idea of the kingdom (aka dominion).
This passage connects back to the previous section with the words "for this reason". I think Paul prays for this church because he has heard of their love in the Spirit. Paul put energy and concern into his prayer because there is something happening there - he is responding to their growth.
The prayer itself is another one of Paul's wonderful prayers with some great requests: that they would be filled with the knowledge of God's will, all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, etc. If I has someone praying this for me on a consistent basis I would be so blessed! On the flip side, I should be praying this for the people in my life, especially my leaders.
Monday, May 5, 2008
the source of faith
Colossians 1:3-8
Paul is encouraged by the reports he has heard regarding the faith and love of the church at Colossae. Faith and love would be the key words of this passage as well as hope and gospel. The theme of this passage is that the good news message of Jesus Christ is the source of faith and love.
This burst of praise is typical of Paul's letters - he almost always found some way to encourage the people he was writing to, even when he had to address serioulsy wrong theology or theopraxy. He also usually finds a way to remind the church that he is praying for them, which he also does in this letter. In this case, Paul is thankful for the faith this church has in Christ and the love they have for the people of Christ. Paul says that the source of this faith and love is the hope that they have discovered from hearing the gospel from Epaphrus (the one who preached to them and who brought the report back to Paul).
The part of this passage that challenges me is the part about the gospel bearing fruit. I desperately want the gospel to be fruitful in my life and I think that it is. However, my heart yearns to see the Church of Christ in this area of the world be fruitful. I don't mean that no one is coming to Christ and maturing in faith in Southern Alberta but there are so many who have not yet heard the good news message of Jesus and who aren't likely to attend a worship service so are dependent on someone showing them Christ's love and telling them about the cross. I am not pointing fingers because I know that I am in the same boat as many of the church goers in this area. I think the problem is that, unlike the Colossians, we (I) have never truly understood God's grace. I think that because so many of us grew up in the culture of Christianity that we have become numb to our sinfulness and the great work of Christ to forgive our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I think we have taken for granted the fact that we are God's children even though we truly were his enemies. My fear is that the very fact that we take this for granted may be the evidence that we are not truly made new and made alive in Christ. If we are dead to this great grace, how can we be alive to anything?
Paul is encouraged by the reports he has heard regarding the faith and love of the church at Colossae. Faith and love would be the key words of this passage as well as hope and gospel. The theme of this passage is that the good news message of Jesus Christ is the source of faith and love.
This burst of praise is typical of Paul's letters - he almost always found some way to encourage the people he was writing to, even when he had to address serioulsy wrong theology or theopraxy. He also usually finds a way to remind the church that he is praying for them, which he also does in this letter. In this case, Paul is thankful for the faith this church has in Christ and the love they have for the people of Christ. Paul says that the source of this faith and love is the hope that they have discovered from hearing the gospel from Epaphrus (the one who preached to them and who brought the report back to Paul).
The part of this passage that challenges me is the part about the gospel bearing fruit. I desperately want the gospel to be fruitful in my life and I think that it is. However, my heart yearns to see the Church of Christ in this area of the world be fruitful. I don't mean that no one is coming to Christ and maturing in faith in Southern Alberta but there are so many who have not yet heard the good news message of Jesus and who aren't likely to attend a worship service so are dependent on someone showing them Christ's love and telling them about the cross. I am not pointing fingers because I know that I am in the same boat as many of the church goers in this area. I think the problem is that, unlike the Colossians, we (I) have never truly understood God's grace. I think that because so many of us grew up in the culture of Christianity that we have become numb to our sinfulness and the great work of Christ to forgive our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I think we have taken for granted the fact that we are God's children even though we truly were his enemies. My fear is that the very fact that we take this for granted may be the evidence that we are not truly made new and made alive in Christ. If we are dead to this great grace, how can we be alive to anything?
Thursday, May 1, 2008
a great reputation
Colossians 1:1-2
Paul is the main writer (along with Timothy) of this letter to the church in Colossae. The letter starts in pretty much the same way that Paul begins all his letters: identifying the writer (Paul and Timothy) along with his authority (Paul - apostle of Christ; Timothy - brother), identifying the audience (the church in Colossae) and greeting them with grace and peace from God.
The description of the audience is what captures my attention in these verses: God's holy people, the faithful brothers and sisters. That is quite the commendation from Paul. I recognize, of course, that all who have placed their hope in Jesus Christ are declared holy by God and are therefore God's holy people but in conjuction with the commendation for being faithful, this has more than just the legal declaration of holiness - it gives the impression that the Colossian Christians hadn't just been made holy by God but that they were living holy lives.
I wonder if my life could be summed up in that way? Am I one of God's holy people? Would Paul be able to commend me as being a faithful brother? I mean, I work hard in the church but I also know what my private life is like and what my motivations often are. I want to be holy. Even more than Paul's commendation, would I be able to earn Christ's commendation: "well done, good and faithful servant." Pretty much the same thing (good=holy and faithful=faithful - brilliant, aren't I?) but so much more significant coming from Christ (I think I could possibly fool Paul but I know that I couldn't fool Jesus).
I also wonder if the fruit of my ministry indicates my own holiness and faithfulness. I know that I am not entirely responsible for the choices all my students will make but I also believe that at some level I have been entrusted to teach them well and to model holiness and faithfulness for them and if I am doing that well, I should see it in their lives. There are some of my students who are living holy and faithful lives but i really think that holiness and faithfulness are not much in fashion these days. I hope, by the grace of God, that my life can be a counter-cultural expample of holiness and faith.
Paul is the main writer (along with Timothy) of this letter to the church in Colossae. The letter starts in pretty much the same way that Paul begins all his letters: identifying the writer (Paul and Timothy) along with his authority (Paul - apostle of Christ; Timothy - brother), identifying the audience (the church in Colossae) and greeting them with grace and peace from God.
The description of the audience is what captures my attention in these verses: God's holy people, the faithful brothers and sisters. That is quite the commendation from Paul. I recognize, of course, that all who have placed their hope in Jesus Christ are declared holy by God and are therefore God's holy people but in conjuction with the commendation for being faithful, this has more than just the legal declaration of holiness - it gives the impression that the Colossian Christians hadn't just been made holy by God but that they were living holy lives.
I wonder if my life could be summed up in that way? Am I one of God's holy people? Would Paul be able to commend me as being a faithful brother? I mean, I work hard in the church but I also know what my private life is like and what my motivations often are. I want to be holy. Even more than Paul's commendation, would I be able to earn Christ's commendation: "well done, good and faithful servant." Pretty much the same thing (good=holy and faithful=faithful - brilliant, aren't I?) but so much more significant coming from Christ (I think I could possibly fool Paul but I know that I couldn't fool Jesus).
I also wonder if the fruit of my ministry indicates my own holiness and faithfulness. I know that I am not entirely responsible for the choices all my students will make but I also believe that at some level I have been entrusted to teach them well and to model holiness and faithfulness for them and if I am doing that well, I should see it in their lives. There are some of my students who are living holy and faithful lives but i really think that holiness and faithfulness are not much in fashion these days. I hope, by the grace of God, that my life can be a counter-cultural expample of holiness and faith.
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