Ephesians 1:5

he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,

-Ephesians 1:5

I figure I'd do two today, but I guess this is kinda cheating.  I simply left one thought out and now we're on the second post.  Either way, let's look at it...

The end of the verse says, "according to the purpose of his will".  This means that all that stuff that Paul is talking about here is what is being done according to God's plan and desire.  Actually, looking at the different translations helps us get a better idea of what that means.  In NLT, it says "This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure" and in AMP it says "in accordance with the kind intention and good pleasure of His will—".  With regards to our adoption, God wanted to do it and he desired to do it.  It's not as if he was forced or obligated to do it against his will.  Perhaps some people take on responsibilities or try to do the right thing while they're dragging their heels.  If someone is treating you nice or trying to serve you in some way and you know that they don't want to do it, it can be a bit of a turn off.  I know when I'm trying to do things for those I love and they can tell that I am grumbling about doing it then it's not good.  Doing such a thing is not the same kind of kind gesture and it arguable has a negative effect instead of a positive one.  Here we read that God is not like that and desires to do such a wonderful thing as adopt us.  Even more than that is that God is glad and it bring him pleasure to adopt us.  It really is amazing to think that the God of this universe takes pleasure in the adoption of one such as me.  All praise be to God.

Ephesians 1:4-5

even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,

-Ephesians 1:4-5

As mentioned earlier, God "has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places".  Here in this paragraph we get to see what Paul is referring to regarding these spiritual blessings.  Though, it could also be said that this is simply Paul going on about his praise to God.

Verse 4 has been included in this post, though this is really just focusing on verse 5.  The reason for adding verse 4 is because "in love" is at the end of verse 4, but I think it's supposed to be associated to what is said in verse 5.

Here in verse 5, we read that God predestined us for adoption as sons.  This is very much related to what is said in verse 4, how "he chose us in him before the foundation of the world".  Aside from the wording, there are a few differences here.  One main difference is that the predestination is of adoption.  In the last verse it talked about chosen to be "holy and blameless before him".  Verse 4 is about a right standing before God, but verse 5 is about being taken into the family from outside the family.  I guess it is just a different aspect or a different viewpoint or a different picture with regards to God's actions upon us with regards to salvation.  In this picture of adoption, it is said that the predestination is being done "in love".  We were lovingly brought into this family, though we were not part of this family in the first place.  When I think of adoption I picture a young, helpless, vulnerable child in need of saving who is rescued by being brought into a family and claimed as their own.  This is not an act done by the child but an act done by the family (or better to say father or mother or parents?).  We are not adopted as sons by any effort on our part.  Instead, we are rescued by an amazing act on the part of God.  This is done "through Jesus Christ".  How is it done "through Jesus Christ"?  Perhaps that is a silly question, but you only need to read further to find "in him we have redemption through his blood".  Jesus came and died and rose again.  All praise be to him.  Christ is so essential and that is why when talking about the spiritual blessings, Paul says "who has blessed us IN CHRIST with every spiritual blessing".  When we talk about spiritual blessings here, it has to do with Christ.  We have been adopted as sons, it is done in love and it is most definitely through Christ.

Ephesians 1:4

even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love

-Ephesians 1:4

At this point, I don't think Paul quite gets into what these spiritual blessings are.  Instead, he starts with the words "even as" to mean a somewhat concurrency with the current idea.  "Even as" we have been blessed in Christ as Paul says in verse 3, what Paul says in verse 4 happens as well.  God has blessed us and he has already chosen us long before he made the world.  So, we have already been blessed, but it goes even further back than that because we were chosen even before he created the world.  Take a step back and think about how amazing that is.  Before the world, God had already picked you out.  So, this begs the question, "chosen for what?".  We are chosen "that we should be holy and blameless before him".  We have already been set aside to be the holy and blameless ones.  Now, that by itself doesn't really mean much I guess.  However, it probably should be said that even though God knew we would be dead in our trespasses and sins, he still decided to pick us out to be holy and blameless before him.  This means that he already decided to make us holy and blameless before him, because we can't make ourselves holy and blameless.  How amazing is that?  Way before God created it all, he decided to pick you out and make you holy, even knowing you'd be dead in your sins and against him.  It is hard to fathom such a thing, yet it is what our loving heavenly father has done for us.  "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ".

Ephesians 1:3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,

-Ephesians 1:3

We have been blessed by God the father in Christ.  He is talking to saints as we saw earlier in verse 1.  Paul even specified by saying that they are ones who are "faithful in Christ Jesus".  These are ones who have been blessed by God the father in Christ.  What have we been blessed with?  We have been blessed "with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places".  To be clear, this doesn't mean that everyone is guaranteed financial gain and/or health and/or good relationships.  Some may interpret it differently, but I think Paul goes on in the next few verses to talk about what these spiritual blessings are and I don't think it's financial blessings or other kinds of things that you may think.  In addition, Paul uses the word "has" to mean that this has already taken place.  These believers have already been blessed by this blessing that Paul is talking about.  Not all of them are financially rich or physically healthy at the moment, so it can't be referring to that, otherwise they would have already received it.  What's really interesting is what NLT adds to the end, "because we are united with Christ".  They seem to interpret this to mean that the unity with Christ is the reason why we are receiving every spiritual blessing.  In any case, we should be reminded that we have already received every spiritual blessing, which we'll be learning more about in the next few verses.

Ephesians 1:1-2

I took a quick look at what I've posted about in the past and I noticed that I don't always finish books.  I've only gotten through the first 2 chapters of Colossians this time and I'm already jumping to another book.  I don't think I'll leave Colossians entirely, but for today I am moving to Ephesians.  I guess they're quite similar, so it's not really that fair... In any case, this is where we're at and we'll see what happens...

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

-Ephesians 1:1-2

So this is pretty simple for the most part.  This is written by Paul to "the saints who are in Ephesus.  Paul also gives a typical greeting as well, "Grace to you and peace from God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ".  I guess it should also be mentioned that these saints who Paul is writing to are also ones who "are faithful in Christ Jesus".  I guess Paul thought it was important to specify that his readers are not only saints but are faithful in Christ.  Can you be a saint and not be faithful in Christ?  I would think that both go together and can't really be separated.  Perhaps certain people would consider themselves saints but don't have a proper understanding that they should also be faithful in Christ.

There is another interesting thing that I noticed in this introduction.  Paul describes himself as being "an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God".  First of all, he is an apostle, which is pretty special.  I remember learning about how they had to see and be appointed by Jesus himself, meaning that there aren't anymore apostles nowadays (though some would argue against that).  In any case, what's interesting is that Paul says "by the will of God".  If you don't know Paul's story, he certainly wasn't anyone's first pick to be a forerunner of the gospel.  He was persecuting Christians until he was miraculously saved.  It wasn't Paul's decision or path he was on, but God had another plan.  It was God's will to choose Paul to be an apostle.  This makes me think about God and his will.  By his grace he picks his Pauls in their opposition to him.  Some may argue their "okay" current standing or standing before being saved ("I was a good person, didn't lie, cuss or steal"), but that's ridiculous.  Though perhaps not out to kill Christians, we were all in direct opposition to God in one way or another.  As we read through Ephesians we'll see the truth.  It is by him and his grace, not me, that I am saved.  It is by the will of God that we are where we are and that Paul was an apostle.

Colossians 2

I think I'd like to take a moment to reflect on chapter 2 as a whole.  In particular, I'm intrigued by the different warnings Paul gives and what I think to be the heart matter of them all.  To me, being "rooted and built up in him" seems to be very important in this chapter (and probably all of Colossians).

The first warning is in verse 4 where Paul explains why he is saying what he is saying: "I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments".  Paul is talking about his struggle and intent for his readers.  Closer in proximity to verse 4 is where Paul is talking about God's mystery, which is Christ.  I think that telling them about how the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Christ is related to helping his readers not be deluded with plausible arguments.

The second warning is found in verse 8: "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ".  This warning against being taken captive is followed by many verses talking the believer and his or her relation to Christ.  The believer has been filled in him, has been circumcised in him, has been buried with him, has been raised with him and has been made alive together with him.  These all tell us about how we are rooted in him.  We shouldn't be taken captive because we should be rooted in him.

The third warning is in verse 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".  Judgment is the warning, but they are just a shadow.  Instead, the importance is what Paul tell us in the next verse: "the substance belongs to Christ".  These things aren't substantial, but are a shadow.  More importantly, Christ is where the substance is.

The fourth warning is in verse 18 and 19: "Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God".  The warning is against one disqualifying you.  We read in those verses the error of the disqualifier, which is that they are not holding fast to the head.  These kinds of people are not receiving growth from God and their accusation and teaching is the same.  One who is receiving nourishment from him by being rooted in him should not be phased by things from a person who is not.

The fifth warning is found in verse 20 to 22: "If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings".  This warning is against the submission to regulations.  The relation to Christ for this warning is found right at the beginning: "If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world".  We have died with Christ; therefore, it doesn't make sense that we would submit to these regulations.

With regards to all these warnings, we need to remember what Paul says in verses 6 and 7: "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving".  Walking in him and being rooted in him should mean that we are not falling prey to what Paul is warning against.  If we are falling prey, it begs one to ask whether or not we are still rooted in him.  Let us walk in him and get our nourishment from him.  Whatever else we plug ourselves into is not where we get our nourishment and isn't substantial.  Walk in him.

Colossians 2:20-23

If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

-Colossians 2:20-23

There are still a few more things to look at in these few verses.  With regards to submitting to regulations, to do such a thing is to act as "if you were still alive in the world".  We are alive in Christ and people who are alive in Christ do not submit to regulations.  To submit to regulations in the way that Paul is talking about is something people do who are "still alive in the world".

Another thing Paul points out is that "These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body".  So, the submitting to regulations only appears wise.  These things that are ultimately from humans (not God) and are with regard to temporal things (instead of eternal things) aren't actually wise but wise in appearance.  They are also things that have to do with more outward religious discipline-like things.

I think the key is what Paul leaves to the end: "but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh".  Perhaps "stopping the indulgence of the flesh" is the initial goal in these things (submitting to regulations).  It might be easy to think that certain rules (worldly ones, of course) are extremely beneficial.  I can fall victim to it, thinking I'll try harder to be more and more godly.  Unfortunately, as much as I keep falling victim to it, it never works.

Paul begins these few verses by saying, "If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world".  We have died with Christ and so we shouldn't be submitting to regulations.  People who die with Christ (and are alive with Christ) are ones who do not submit to these regulations.  Once again, we are brought back to the idea of being rooted in Christ and walking in him.  There are some different specifics to watch out for, but the heart of the matter is for us to remain in him and walk in him.

Colossians 2:20-23

If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

-Colossians 2:20-23

Paul is asking his readers why "do you submit to regulations".  NLT puts it this way: "So why do you keep on following the rules of the world".  So, it's not simply any rules that he's referring to, but he is referring to "rules of the world".  Rules aren't necessarily bad, but as we read this more and more, we'll find out what Paul really means.  Paul goes on to give examples of these rules that he is talking about: " 'Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch' (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings".  We must notice the keys to what Paul is saying about these rules here.  These rules are about things that perish, which means that it's probably not heavenly or kingdom minded.  The focus of these rules are temporal things and not eternal things.  The other thing Paul says about these rules is that they are "according to human precepts and teachings".  So, not only is it about temporal things, but it's according to human precepts and teachings.  This means that the origin or the initiator of these rules are humans and not God.  We must beware of rules that are from humans (not from God) and are about temporal things (not eternal things).  Now, I don't think this means that we should disregard all rules that Paul is warning against.  We should obviously follow some or certain rules that are from humans and are about temporary things.  However, I think he's warning against making these rules the primary rules we're following and the things that help us with regards to our life and walk with God.  No, for that we should ensure that we are heavenly focused on things that come from God.  Once again, we need to be rooted in him and walk in him.

Colossians 2:19

and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

-Colossians 2:19

Once again we come back to Christ with regards to these warnings Paul has.  These who might "disqualify you" are ones who are "not holding fast to the Head".  I think that perhaps this is the key.  Sure, with regards to specifics, asceticism and worship of angels are bad for many reasons.  However, to boil it all down to the heart of the matter is to recognize that these people are "not holding fast to the Head".  Perhaps to recognize error and falsehood is to discern whether what a person is saying or if they themselves are "holding fast to the head".  Paul goes on to tell us about the Head, "from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God".  This brings back the idea Paul brought up earlier about being "rooted and built up in him".  I get the idea of a tree and how each branch and leaf gets its nourishment from what the tree is rooted into.  From the head (Christ), the whole body (the church) is "nourished and knit together".  If you're not rooted, you're not growing and being nourished.  If you're not rooted, perhaps you're not even part of the tree.

It reminds me where I get my nourishment.  There are times in my life that I don't feel great and one of the reasons is because I'm not getting my nourishment.  Sometimes I feel like taking a break and resting and relaxing by doing all sorts of different things.  However, in the end I think it's best to find my nourishment in him and be rooted in him.

Colossians 2:18

Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind,

-Colossians 2:18

Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels, saying they have had visions about these things. Their sinful minds have made them proud,

-Colossians 2:18 (NLT)

Let no one defraud you of your prize [your freedom in Christ and your salvation] by insisting on mock humility and the worship of angels, going into detail about visions [he claims] he has seen [to justify his authority], puffed up [in conceit] by his unspiritual mind,

-Colossians 2:18 (AMP)

These people who insist on "asceticism and worship of angels" are apparently "going on in detail about visions".  At first reading, this seems a bit weird.  However, after thinking about it, it's not that weird.  People go on about visions all the time, especially in the Charismatic circle.  Now, I'm not saying that they're all wrong and I don't think that Paul says that either.  In fact, isn't it Paul who goes on about a man who is caught up into paradise in 2 Corinthians 12?  Yes, he says "I know a man in Christ", but others have concluded that he is actually talking about himself, so I'll go with that for now.  Looking back at our passage, we see a little more explained about these people and their visions.  First of all, NLT says "saying they have had visions about these things".  This implies that they are using these visions to justify what they are saying.  It's like people who tell you that God told them in a dream that you should always raise your hands in worship and if you don't then you're not a real Christian.  Okay, that was a bit extreme, but these kinds of things happen.  In fact, AMP doesn't necessarily acknowledge these visions, saying "he claims" with regards to the visions.  Also, AMP also specifies the reason for these visions "to justify his authority".  The last mark that we read about here is their pride.  We need to beware of proud people who use these visions that disqualify you, insisting on things that steal our freedom in Christ and salvation by things like worship of angels.  These few things may be the specifics, but the heart may be the part about defrauding of our prize.  If something is against our freedom in Christ and salvation, it is not of God, even if they claim to be a vision from God.  Beware.  More importantly, be rooted in him and walk in him.

Colossians 2:18

Darn, I'm really annoyed because I accidentally deleted my entire post... So sad...

Well, here's my shot at it again...

Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind,

-Colossians 2:18

I feel as if this passage is very juice.  A friend of mine used to always say that about the bible or specific passages in the bible.  In any case, that's what I'm thinking of now...

Let no one disqualify you
Don’t let anyone condemn you (NLT)
Let no one defraud you of your prize [your freedom in Christ and your salvation] (AMP)

I don't really know what this part means, but looking at the different translations helps.  In particular, I like how detailed AMP is.  I guess this means someone who is taking away "your prize", which is "your freedom in Christ and your salvation".  How does one do this?  Well, looking a bit further we see.

insisting on asceticism and worship of angels
by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels (NLT)
by insisting on mock humility and the worship of angels (AMP)

I don't really know what the first one means.  Talking about it a bit and looking up some definitions helps.  I think it's referring to some kind of outwardly religious behavior, but only outwardly.  I don't think that Paul is referring to this in a good light.  Asceticism or pious self-denial or mock humility don't necessarily have to be bad things, but they are probably spoken of negatively here.

The other one is worship of angles, which is translated the same in the three translations above.  Perhaps we know this by thinking of more traditional Christians or churches.  Catholics pray to Mary, who I know isn't an angel, but I mean to point towards something closer to the worship of angels.  I also heard of a worship song sung to praise Pope John Paul II.  It isn't as if this is something ridiculous that was referred to the bible and we're immune from it.  Worship of angels and similar things is still possible in our day and age and we should beware.  Worship is owing only to God.

These two examples are things that will defraud us of our prize, "your freedom in Christ and your salvation".  Asceticism seems like a rule placed upon someone as a requirement for salvation.  A rule is removing freedom and the requirement affects our salvation.  Salvation is by grace, through faith and not of works (Ephesians 2:8-9).  We must beware of people who enforce rules upon us, making it a requirement of salvation.  Perhaps this is what Paul meant when he was warning against this.  These rules in general can be many different things.  Perhaps the asceticism is the requirement of lifting up hands in worship.  It can even be the requirement of cutting your hair short.  I think I've heard of that kind of culture within the Jehovah's Witnesses, though perhaps not spoken of openly.  Salvation is a gift and it is free from works.  Now, rebuking or encouraging is different.  I think it's perfectly fine to encourage a brother or sister in Christ towards things like certain practices of worship.  The danger is in insisting on these things as mandatory for salvation.  It doesn't even have to be as strong as that for it to be bad.  It can be a subtle implication that one who does not brush his or her teeth is not a strong Christian.  We can encourage or rebuke, but not insist on these things for salvation.  Here's another example: Advent.  We just started reading a book for Advent and the introduction does a good job in explaining that Advent can be helpful or of value to certain believers, but it is not a requirement.

Thinking more about this makes me think of ways that I am prone to overstep in certain areas.  I feel very strongly about the bible.  I believe that it is important for everyone read and study the bible.  There's even a quote that I read recently: "I’ve never met a strong Christian who does not meditate every day on the words of God. I’ve never met a weak Christian who does" - Ben Stuart.  I believe that to be true, but this can also lead me to sin.  I may begin to start enforcing this on others as a requirement.  I may judge other Christians in wrong ways with regards to this that I believe about the bible and the study and read of it.  We are told to judge other believers (1 Colossians 5), but perhaps not in the way I am.  Instead, I should be encouraging others.

In any case, I should stop there.  Let's beware of people who may defraud us of our prize (freedom in Christ and salvation).  Instead, let us continue to be rooted in him and walk in him.

Colossians 2:16-17

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. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.

-Colossians 2:16-17

Since this verse begins with "Therefore", we need to figure out what that means.  I'm assuming that it's referring to the believer's relation to Christ in the last few verses.  Those verses were talking about how we are filled in him, circumcised in him, buried with him, raised with him and made alive together with him.  Because we are so rooted and connected to Christ, "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".  I don't think that Paul means to say that these things (food or drink, festival, new moon, or Sabbath) are bad things.  But he's saying that these things shouldn't be a point of judgment.  So, you shouldn't let anyone accuse you of erring because you "sinned" by not obeying the Sabbath.  It can also go the other way.  You shouldn't let anyone accuse you of "sinning" by attending and participating in a particular festival.  I think the judgment can go either way, judging you for adhering to something or not adhering to something.  Regardless, you shouldn't let that happen.  Now, I realize that the way I put it was wrong too.  I don't think you can keep it from happening and that's not what Paul means.  People are going to judge you or they're not going to judge you.  Instead, I think Paul means that you shouldn't take those kinds of accusations seriously.  Or rather, you shouldn't think that their judgement of you is correct when they judge you regarding these things (food and drink, festival, new moon, or Sabbath).  Why?  Well, Paul explains in verse 17.

These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.

For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality. (NLT)

Such things are only a shadow of what is to come and they have only symbolic value; but the substance [the reality of what is foreshadowed] belongs to Christ. (AMP)

We shouldn't let others judge us with regards to these things because they are just a shadow and the real substance to them belongs to Christ.  I think that this means that people are judging you on the surface level with regards to these things.  They are judging you because of the Sabbath or a new moon, but not because of the heart issue of Christ.  Sure, these things can be good and can point us to Christ (I assume).  In NLT we see it say "these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come".  First of all, they're just rules.  Secondly, it's a shadow of the reality.  I guess they're meant to point us towards Christ, but they themselves are just shadows and not the reality (Christ).  AMP tells us "they only have symbolic value".  This is why I don't think that they're necessarily bad.  They do have value, and it's symbolic.  But that also means that they're not the end all be all.  Most importantly, "the substance belongs to Christ".  You are in Christ, rooted in him and walking in him, and that is what matters.  Perhaps a new moon or a Sabbath is good and helpful because it does have symbolic value, or perhaps it is not helpful.  Most importantly is that the substance belongs to Christ.

Things like the Sabbath can be a touchy subject.  I know some people make it a point not to do any work on the Sabbath and many others are less strict.  I'm not sure, but maybe this is even like people attending church every Sunday or not.  Some may be more strict or some may be less strict about this.  This is probably the reason why I'm not quick to judge someone who doesn't go to Church every week, or someone who does work on the Sabbath.  To be fair, these things may be something of a concern, but not enough to judge.  Instead, perhaps something to encourage or talk about to our brothers and sisters in Christ.  I think another one may be pork or certain diets.  I've heard some speak strongly against eating Pork or some strongly promoting the Daniel Diet.  Sure, you can or you don't have to, it's not a big deal I guess.  More importantly, the substance belongs to Christ.  It's all about Christ.  Be rooted in him and walk in him.

Colossians 2:15

He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

-Colossians 2:15

In this way, he disarmed[d] the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.

-Colossians 2:15 (NLT)

When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities [those supernatural forces of evil operating against us], He made a public example of them [exhibiting them as captives in His triumphal procession], having triumphed over them through the cross.

-Colossians 2:15 (AMP)

I find it very interesting that not only does it say "He disarmed the rulers and authorities", but it also says "and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him".  They have been disarmed, but they have also been put to open shame.  How are they shamed?  "By victory over them on the cross" (NLT).  AMP even goes on to say "He made a public example of them [exhibiting them as captives in His triumphal procession]".  That's quite a statement to make.  So they were defeated and are shamed by their defeat (and for all to see).  I guess that means that for those who have been made alive with Christ do not need to be ashamed.  We are alive with him who has triumphed over them.  Walk in him.

Colossians 2:13-14

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

-Colossians 2:13-14

To his readers, Paul reminds them of how God made them alive together with Jesus.  To be made alive means that they were previously dead, which is why Paul says, "And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh".  What's interesting is that what Paul says seems to mean that God making them alive with Christ is very much connected to forgiving all their trespasses.  Perhaps to be made alive with Christ means (or means in part) having your trespasses forgiven.  I guess this goes along with what Paul says in Ephesians 2:1 (NLT), "Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins".  Your deadness is because of or due to your sins.  Therefore, to be forgiven of those sins would make you alive, would it not?  Paul tells us more by explaining how this happened.  The forgiveness of trespasses happens "by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands".  This means that the deadness caused by sin is because of a legal debt.  As sinners, a payment is required because of our sin.  However, the debt is removed by the cross, "This he set aside, nailing it to the cross".  This is a great way to end this section that Paul is talking about.  We are to walk in him and not be taken captive by "philosophy and empty deceit".  These things are not of Christ, but Paul goes on to tell his readers about how they are very much connected to Christ.  We have been filled in him.  In him we were circumcised, being buried with him and being raised with him.  How did this all happen or start?  The forgiveness of all our trespasses by the cancellation of our sin debt, nailing it to the cross.

Colossians 2:12-13

having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,

-Colossians 2:12-13

Paul goes on to tell his readers about how they were "buried with him(Christ) in baptism".  Not only were they buried with him, but they "were also raised with him".  There's a lot that Paul gets to in this passage about the believer and their salvation and how Christ relates to that.  Perhaps the reason why Paul goes into detail about such things in this particular place is to show how much the believer is rooted in Christ.  A believer has been buried with Christ and has been raised with Christ.  He goes on to tell his readers in the next verse that for them, "God made alive together with him".  Believers are buried with Christ, they are raised with Christ and they are made alive with Christ.  Believers are connected with Christ.  To be separated from Christ would perhaps suggest that such things (buried, risen, alive) never took place.  We are told to walk in him and be rooted in him.  We need to be on guard against "philosophy and empty deceit" this is "not according to Christ".

Colossians 2:11

In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,

-Colossians 2:11

Why should we not be taken "captive by philosophy and empty deceit"?  Verse 9 and 10 tell us about the "fullness of deity" in Christ and how we have been "filled in him".  We also are told that he is "the head of all rule and authority".  The next link in the chain has to do with circumcision.  Why should we not be taken "captive by philosophy and empty deceit"?  Another reason is because we were circumcised by the circumcision of Christ.  NLT puts it this way:

When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature.

-Colossians 2:11 (NLT)

We are connected to him in something as intimate as circumcision.  Obviously, we're not talking about physical circumcision.  Paul describes what he means, "by putting off the body of the flesh".  Being connected with him in such a way would make it ridiculous for us to also be taken captive by something that is not of Christ.  Walk in him.

Colossians 2:9-10

For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

-Colossians 2:9-10

Paul warns his readers against being taken "captive by philosophy and empty deceit".  These kinds of things are "not according to Christ".  Paul goes on to say what he says in verse 9 and 10.  Paul points to the fullness of deity in Christ and how they have been "filled in him".  I'm not entirely sure of what Paul's logic is, but I'll try to take a stab at it.  He seems to be pointing them towards who Christ is and has always been to them.  With regard these things Paul is saying about Christ, they should remember them.  These are probably reasons why walking in him and being rooted in him will keep them from being taken "captive by philosophy and empty deceit".  It says, "in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him".  If we have been filled in him and the whole fullness of deity is in him, why would we be taken captive by what is empty?  He is "the head of all rule and authority".  So, he rules over that which might take you captive.  But you have been filled in him, so why would you be taken captive by anything?  If he is the head of all, he cannot be under or taken captive by anything.  He who cannot be taken captive is who you have been filled in.  Why would you be taken captive?  Perhaps that's a bit circular or redundant or repetitive.  Unfortunately, I can get that way sometimes.  Regardless, let us remember who he is and who we are filled in as to not be taken captive and to walk in him.

Colossians 2:8

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

Colossians 2:8

Paul moves on to give a warning to his readers.  The warning is against being taken captive by "philosophy and empty deceit".  However, I'm not quite sure what Paul means by "philosophy and empty deceit".  NLT translates it, "empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense" and AMP translates it, "philosophy and empty deception [pseudo-intellectual babble]".  I'm still not entire sure what Paul is talking about, but he helps us out by giving is a bit more on what these things are.  Whatever he means by "philosophy and empty deceit", they are "according to human tradition" and "according to the elemental spirits of the world".  I think that the NLT and AMP translations are somewhat helpful as well: "that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world", "according to the tradition [and musings] of mere men, following the elementary principles of this world".  Looking into all of these things is helpful, but I think that Paul gives us the most important thing last.  The last thing that Paul tells us about these things is that they are "not according to Christ".  I think that sometimes we can easily get caught up in what Paul is warning us against.  This is actually very clear in the way that Paul describes it at the beginning, "See to it that no one takes you captive".  This is so dangerous that is something that can take you captive.  The worst is probably when people don't realize that they are captive to these things.  I think that the worst things that people are taken captive by are the things that people think are Christian but are really not.  It may seem like something "according to Christ" but it really isn't.  I want to warn you (and myself as well, since I am not immune) to beware of being taken captive by these things.  Perhaps the best way to be on guard of this or to ensure it doesn't happen to you is to "walk in him" as it says in verse 6.  How can you be taken captive by something that is not according to Christ if you are walking in him?  Let us walk in him and be rooted and built up in him.

Colossians 2:7

rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

-Colossians 2:7

having been deeply rooted [in Him] and now being continually built up in Him and [becoming increasingly more] established [a]in your faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing in it with gratitude.

-Colossians 2:7 (AMP)

Paul tells us more about what it means to "walk in him".  It means to be "rooted and built up in him".  It means to be "established in the faith".  It means to be "abounding in thanksgiving".  The more I read Colossians the more I am amazed by the centrality of Christ in this book.  We are to be "deeply rooted [in Him] and now being continually built up in Him".  We are given a picture of a plant or tree that has its roots in the ground or soil.  We are to be like that, like a tree with its roots deeply planted into the ground.  We must be deeply rooted in Christ.  From those deep roots into the ground a tree absorbs vital nutrients and grows.  In the same way, we grow from those roots that are gathering vital nutrients from Christ.  The sermon series we're doing at church is called "Rooted" and it's a sermon serious through the book of Colossians.  We are to be rooted in him.  To be rooted in him is what it means to walk in him.

Colossians 2:6

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,

-Colossians 2:6

So far, Paul has began with a number of different things.  Paul greets them, then tells them of his thankfulness and prayer for them.  He goes on to talk about Christ, followed by Paul's own sufferings and desires for them.  Now Paul moves on to encourage them to "walk in him".  Paul reminds them that they are to "walk in him" "as you received Christ".  NLT puts it this way: "just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord".  This is in direct opposition to the idea that after accepting Christ there is a decrease in the efforts or emotions in following him.  Perhaps I didn't word that very well... Paul is saying that the way in which you walk in him is similar to the way in which you first "received Christ".  Unfortunately, many people are deceived into thinking otherwise.  They may go on their lives in a different way or a different direction.  If you think about it, it's actually pretty strange.  I heard one friend give an analogy of a person who claims to be on a sports teams, but in actuality never shows up to practices, never plays the sport and never even sees the coach or other players.  Yet, in spite of this, the person will maintain that he or she is still on the team and part of the team.  Perhaps this is like someone who does not walk in Christ in the same way as he or she received Christ.  Perhaps I am stretching here a bit, so someone will have to come rebuke me if that is the case.  However, this reminds me of something similar that Paul addresses in Galatians.

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?

-Galatians 3:1-3

The Galatians are doing something wrong here.  They should know that the way one receives the Spirit is by hearing with faith.  However, they are continuing by being perfected by the flesh and not the Spirit.  There is a disconnect and somewhere along the way they have been deceived.

Let us walk in him as we have received Christ.  Continue in that way on that path.  There is no waning or diminishing.  Keep on going and walk in him.

Colossians 2:5

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.

-Colossians 2:5

Take notice to Paul's words here in this verse.  At first I was a bit confused as to the exact connection between this verse and the previous.  Since it begins with the word "for", it begs the question: "what is the connection with what came before?".  Looking into it, it seems fairly simple.  This seems like it is merely Paul's personal encouragement towards them.  He is not there, but he is encouraging them in this manner.  He doesn't want them to be deceived and is showing his earnestness and desires for them.  He is with them in spirit and wants to see them and their faith in Jesus.  There is probably more to it than that, but I don't know...

Thinking about it some more, it makes me think of the joy we should have with regards to seeing how people are doing.  Specifically, I'm talking about seeing how their faith is progressing.  As I ponder this, it makes me think of some brothers who I haven't seen in a long time because they're far away.  I do look forward to seeing them again and seeing their progression in the faith.  It's nice to see how the rest of their life is doing, things like their family or how their jobs are doing.  However, it's more exciting (and encouraging) to see the growth in their faith in Christ.

Colossians 2:4

"in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

-Colossians 2:4

I feel as if I wrote about this earlier and perhaps got it wrong.  I think I read a similar passage and thought it was talking about Paul defending himself.  Well, maybe that passage was talking about Paul defending himself; however, I think he's talking about something different in this place.  I think people are trying to deceive the readers of this letter from following Christ and Paul is warning them about that here.  He doesn't want them to be deceived.  In the last verse, Paul says "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge".  They are being deceived into thinking otherwise.  They are being drawn away from believing that they can find wisdom and knowledge elsewhere.  This is a sad thing and I'm sure it comes it many forms.  I'm not sure what the specific deception is, but let us be wary of being deceived.  In Christ "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge".  How awesome is that?  How sad is it how often I am deceived into thinking otherwise.  Let us not be deceived.

Colossians 2:1-3

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

-Colossians 2:1-3

Paul wants them to know that he has struggled quite a lot for them and those at Laodicea and those who haven't seen him face to face.  What is the purpose of Paul telling them this?  The goal is for their encouragement.  He wants them to be encouraged by the fact that he has struggled a lot for them.  He also hopes that it will help grow their love for one another.  Another thing is that they may grow in understanding and knowledge of God's mystery.  Here again we see that the mystery is equated with Christ.  It is slightly different, since it was earlier equated to "Christ in you".  In any case, we see in general that Paul is doing things for the brothers.  What's also interesting is that it isn't for help in their temporal circumstances that Paul hopes for them.  Paul's hope for them goes beyond those things.  His hope is for their encouragement, love and understanding.  Thinking in this way changes how we pray and serve one another.  It doesn't mean we neglect the difficult circumstances we find ourselves in.  However, we should focus more on looking forward to the kinds of things that Paul cares about.  We are not to be nearsighted, but looking ahead to Christ, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge".

Colossians 1:24-29

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

-Colossians 1:24-29

Paul is telling them that he is suffering for them.  He is suffering for them in the specific sense of the word, but he is also suffering for the church in a more general sense.  With regards to the church, Paul tell us of his God given duty.  God has given him the task of serving the church by proclaiming God's word.  This word of God that Paul is proclaiming is also known as "the mystery".  There definitely is a purpose for Paul calling it this, as he does in a few other letters.

As I continue through this passage, I feel that Paul's logic is both interesting and difficult to follow.   If I were to take a step back for a moment, let's try to map this out.  Paul is happy for his sufferings for their sake.  His sufferings are for the body.  The body is also known as the church.  The church is what God instructed Paul to serve.  Paul serves the church by proclaiming the word.  The word is the mystery.  The mystery was hidden, but now is being revealed to the saints.  This revealing is to show the gentiles as well.  The mystery is Christ in you, which is also the hope of glory.  It is Christ who is proclaimed.  This is for the purpose of their perfect presentation.  AND it is all for this that Paul does what he does.

I guess I jumped ahead a bit and zoomed out quite a bit, but it's interesting to see.  Paul is explaining all of this and it seems a bit confusing while I'm in the middle of it.  However, I see in the end that Paul makes a point that it is for this that he does what he does.  It is for the end result that Paul struggles hard as he does.  It reminds me to have the end in sight.  Let us look ahead and not be so near sighted.  Actually, that makes me think of the following two passages I will end with.

For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins.

-2 Peter 1:9

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

-Hebrews 12:1-3

Colossians 1:24

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church,

-Colossians 1:24

I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church.

-Colossians 1:24 (NLT)

Whenever I read this verse in my bible, I find it hard to understand.  That's why I wrote in the margins: "NLT, AMP".  That's a note to tell myself to go read the NLT or the AMP versions.  Those versions help me to understand this verse a bit better.  The first part is easy where Paul is basically saying that he's happy for his sufferings for their sake.  It is a weird thing to say since it's weird to be happy for sufferings.  Usually, sufferings are bad things.  Perhaps it's important to note that the sufferings are for their sake.  So, he's not suffering for no reason or for a stupid reason.  The other part is the more confusing part, but I guess it's not that confusing.  What confuses me is that Paul is somehow "filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions", which is a weird thing for me to understand.  It's easier for me to understand that it says in NLT, that he is participating in Christ's sufferings.  Now, the NLT version probably misses a bit out of the understanding of this verse, but that is at least something to help me understand what Paul is saying here.  He is suffering for them and his sufferings are in some nature the sufferings of Christ.  How he is "filling up" in Christ's afflictions, I don't understand.  More importantly, I don't understand how it can be lacking in any way.  Perhaps since Jesus has died and been raised, Jesus can't suffer in the same way that Paul is currently suffering for them.  I'm not to saying that what Jesus did wasn't sufficient.  However, perhaps the "lacking" would be referring to the current task and work at hand which Paul is taking up.  It is still because of Christ that Paul suffers and Jesus is preeminent, so Paul is really doing Christ's work of suffering in the current things in some sense.  So, maybe that's why NLT just said "participating".  In any case, Paul is glad for his sufferings that he experiences for them and it is also Christ's sufferings too, which probably also makes Paul happy.

Colossians 1:23

if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.

-Colossians 1:23

[and He will do this] if you continue in the faith, well-grounded and steadfast, and not shifting away from the [confident] hope [that is a result] of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which [gospel] I, Paul, was made a minister.

-Colossians 1:23 (AMP)

We know that it is not according to works that we are saved, but by grace through faith.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

-Ephesians 2:8-9

So, when we come to passages like this one in Colossians, it may seem like salvation by works.  It does say that Jesus' reconciling and presenting us blameless hinges on whether or not we continue in the faith.  It sounds like a work we need to do in order to be saved.  So, how do we reconcile these two opposite things?  On one hand, salvation is by grace through faith.  On the other hand, it seems as if we will only be saved if we continue in faith.  I've been listening to a lot of music lately, so some of the words are fresh in my mind:

"But I thought salvation's through faith alone?
Yes, but this faith is shown by those who make it home
Because Christ words are clear
Those who are saved endure to the end and persevere"

-Pressing Into the Kingdom, Timothy Brindle

"Killing Sin is not a prescription of how to be forgiven.It’s a description of the Christian who is forgiven by trusting in the risen Christ who took our wrath and affliction.
Killing Sin is not a prescription of how to be forgiven but it’s a description of the Christian who is forgiven and the Spirit now convicts them to put off and kill their sick sin"

-Fruit Inspection, Timothy Brindle

If you are saved, you are one who will persevere.  The endurance is not how to be saved, but it's what saved people do.  Saved people persevere to the end.  Let's be reminded of the hope of the gospel and endure to the end.

Colossians 1:22

he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,

-Colossians 1:22

What's interesting is that in NLT and AMP this verse begins with the word "yet".  In spite or in contrast of what was said in verse 21, "he has now reconciled".  I find that pretty cool.

Looking further in this verse, we see why or the reason: "in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him".  The reason for this reconciling is a spotless presentation before him.  This reminds me of the illustration of Christ and the Church through husbands and wives in Ephesians 5:

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

-Ephesians 5:25-33

This describes how Christ lived the church.  He sanctifies her and cleanses her.  Verse 27 is very similar to our verse in Colossians, "so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish".  The purpose is a spotless presentation to himself.

I noticed another interesting thing.  Here in Ephesians, the church is being presented to himself (Christ).  However, if you look at Colossians, the Amplified version takes the liberty to say that we are being presented to the Father.  I find that very interesting.

In any case, we are being sanctified and reconciled in order to be presented spotless before him.  His sacrifice shows he loves and cares for us.  For his purpose of presenting us reminds me of his preeminence and how great he is.  It also makes me think about how much he delights in us.  For the purpose to focus on God (presenting us to himself) might sound like a bad thing, but I find great comfort in it.

Colossians 1:21-22

And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,

-Colossians 1:21-22

We have just read how God has reconciled all things to himself through Jesus.  Now, Paul focuses on the reader by addressing them directly "and you".  Not only has God reconciled all things, but you have been reconciled too.  To paint a bigger picture of the gravity of that, we (the reader and believer) are reminded of what we once were.  We "once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds".  I am reminded of Ephesians 2:

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

-Ephesians 2:1-3

We have been reconciled.  We needed to be reconciled.  Thank God that we were.

Colossians 1:19-20

For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
-Colossians 1:19-20

For God in all his fullness
    was pleased to live in Christ,
and through him God reconciled
    everything to himself.
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth
    by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
-Colossians 1:19-20 (NLT)

For it pleased the Father for all the fullness [of deity—the sum total of His essence, all His perfection, powers, and attributes] to dwell [permanently] in Him (the Son), and through [the intervention of] the Son to reconcile all things to Himself, making peace [with believers] through the blood of His cross; through Him, [I say,] whether things on earth or things in heaven.
-Colossians 1:19-20 (AMP)

Since this verse begins with the word "For", there is some sort of link or connection.  I believe it is directly related to the previous verse.  It's either that or it is connected to the beginning of a larger idea in verse 18.  I guess you could say that's also true in some sense, but it's probably more closely and directly related to the previous verse.  So, Jesus being "the beginning, the firstborn from the dead", which leads to the idea "that in everything he might be preeminent" is connected to the next set of ideas.  There are actually two ideas in verse 19 and verse 20.  The first is "in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" and the second is "through him to reconcile to himself all things".

Thinking about it some more, I think it's actually linked to "the firstborn from the dead".  God dwelling in Jesus and reconciling all things hinges on Jesus' death and resurrection.  Him being the firstborn from the dead is how all things are reconciled.  The reconciling is happening through Jesus and I guess that's why God dwelling in Jesus is important too.  In any case, Jesus is the firstborn from the dead and is first in everything.  Jesus, who created all things and exists before all things, is now the reconcile-er of all things.  Or rather, you might argue that God is the reconcile-er of all things and it is done through Jesus.  It still leaves Jesus ad first in everything.  Taking a step back, this shows the centrality of Jesus (duh) and leads me to praise him all the more (as most of this passage does).

Colossians 1:18

And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

-Colossians 1:18

Christ is also the head of the church,
    which is his body.
He is the beginning,
    supreme over all who rise from the dead.
    So he is first in everything.

-Colossians 1:18 (NLT)

Earlier, Paul said that Jesus is "the firstborn of all creation".  Now, Paul says that he is "the firstborn from the dead".  How are these two different?  What does it mean?

"The firstborn of all creation" doesn't mean that Jesus was the first created being/thing.  Though I don't know fully, I know it relates to the fact that Jesus created all things, existed before all things and hold all things together.  Now, moving on to "the firstborn from the dead", we can look ahead and see that it relates to, "that in everything he might be preeminent".  Jesus being "the firstborn from the dead" (and perhaps also the fact that Jesus "is the beginning") logically leads to or results that "in everything he might be preeminent".  I get that from the word "that" in the verse.  So, whatever "firstborn from the dead" means, it is linked to Jesus being preeminent in everything.

NLT easily shows where they stand on the meaning of the phrase by putting it plainly: "supreme over all who rise from the dead".  Why was Jesus supreme over all who rise from the dead?  That question has so much depth to it and as I think about the answer, I am overwhelmed by Jesus and his death and resurrection.  I'm afraid to do the question injustice by my answer.  Maybe I'll just say that Jesus is awesome and I don't have to think hard to see why he should be preeminent in everything.

Colossians 1:18

And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

-Colossians 1:18

In this verse begins a slight break in the idea of the passage.  Not all bible translations have it here and its location is actually still up for debate.  But, I will place my vote that "He is the beginning..." is the start of this slight break.

More importantly, what does it mean and why is it being said?  Earlier, Paul says that he is "the firstborn of all creation" and "he is before all things".  How does this statement relate to what Paul has already said?  How is it any different than what Paul has already said?  Is it the same thing to say that Jesus is "before all things" and "he is the beginning"?  If they are the same, why say it?  Well, it probably doesn't mean quite the same thing.  Everything has a purpose and is placed there for a reason.  "before all things" probably makes reference to Jesus' existence before all things.  However, to say that Jesus is the beginning is a little bit different.

What's interesting is the word in Greek is also translated as "principalities" or "authorities".  If we look back a few verses, we find that it's the same word used in verse 16: "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him."  So, Jesus created authorities, and he IS the authority.  I just thought that was a neat little connection.

This interesting phrase is found in Revelation 22:13: "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end".  This is another place where Jesus is being referred to as "the beginning".  In this case, he is also being called "the Alpha" and "the Omega" and "the last".  I guess saying that Jesus "is the beginning" is something great and it leaves me in awe of him.

Colossians 1:18

And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

-Colossians 1:18

He is also the head [the life-source and leader] of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will occupy the first place [He will stand supreme and be preeminent] in everything.

-Colossians 1:18 (AMP)

I guess this one isn't too complicated.  Jesus "is the head of the body, the church".  The body is the same thing as the church, so it is saying that Jesus is the head of the church.  In what way is he the head, or what does it mean to be the head?  I like how the Amplified version gives its opinion: "the life-source and leader".  I guess it's also no coincidence that the idea of a head with respect to a body is placed here.  Maybe the simplest way I'd put it is to say that what Jesus is to the church is what a head is to a body.  Does a body live without a head?  What does the head do for the body?  The head has eyes, ears, mouth and nose.  So, most senses are taken from the head.  More importantly, a head has a brain.  We are the church, are we not?  Jesus is our head and it is important that we value and treat him as such.

Colossians 1:17

And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

-Colossians 1:17

He existed before anything else,
    and he holds all creation together.

-Colossians 1:17 (NLT)

And He Himself existed and is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. [His is the controlling, cohesive force of the universe.]

-Colossians 1:17 (AMP)

How is it that "in him all things hold together"?  What does that even mean?  We see the term "all things" again, but now it's being applied to whatever "hold together" means.  Obviously, Jesus is still the primary actor in this, since it begins with "in him".  Jesus created "all things", existed before "all things" and now it says that he holds "all things" together.  Perhaps it means that he keeps things in order and motion, like keeping the earth spinning and the sun shining.  That certainly isn't impossible and I wouldn't put it past him since he did created it all.  If that's the case (or something like it), I guess it somewhat points to his current action in the state of all things.  Not only does he create all things, but he steps into the current existence of all things instead of stepping aside and leaving it alone.  The Amplified version would point in that direction in any case since it adds "[His is the controlling, cohesive force of the universe.]".  It comforts me to know that Jesus isn't just taking a back seat in his creation.  Perhaps it also implies that if Jesus were to stop holding together all things, it would all collapse or explode.  In any case, I will put my trust in him.

Colossians 1:17

And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

-Colossians 1:17

What does it mean that Jesus is before all things?  Once again, we see the words "all things" being used, so maybe the word "before" should deserve our focus.  I'm not exactly sure what "before" means in this verse, but I found some of the other translations to help see what their point of view was.

He existed before anything else,

-Colossians 1:17a (NLT)

And He Himself existed and is before all things

-Colossians 1:17a (AMP)

According to those translations, they tend to lean towards having the word "before" be used in reference to Jesus' existence.  To say that Jesus is "before all things" is to say that he existed before all things.  I guess that makes sense if he created everything.  However, my question is: why did Paul say that Jesus existed before everything if he has just finished saying that Jesus created everything?  Perhaps to me, Paul didn't need to add that Jesus existed before everything since he just said that Jesus created everything.  However, the inspired word of God was not written by me, but each and every word has been placed there by God.  Even if I think it's redundant and not necessary, God obviously thought it important to be included.  Though, it's possible that it means something more than just that Jesus existed before all things.

I'm not an expert in Greek, but the word "before" is used also in 1 Peter 4:8

Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.

-1 Peter 4:8

The word "Above" in 1 Peter 4:8 is the same word as "before" in Colossians 1:17.  Perhaps, could this be more in reference to the fact that Jesus is above all things?

I'm not quite sure, though I'd probably lean towards Jesus existing before all things.  Regardless, I will still stand in awe and amazement of Jesus, our Lord.

Colossians 1:16

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.

Colossians 1:16

What's really interesting to me is how in this verse it is said that all things were created by, through and for Jesus.  There's even a footnote in both ESV and AMP that says the first "by" can be "in" instead.  So, all things were created by, in, through and for Jesus.  Jesus seems to be the creator or the initiator in this creation process of all things.  What's most interesting to me is that all things were created for him.  Not only does he create all things, but the creation purpose or the purpose of these things are ultimately for Jesus himself.  I am a created thing and the reason why I was created was for Jesus.  Many people go about their lives living for themselves.  It's a common mentality to have.  Some may deny it, but secretly they may still live this way.  You can argue that some people live for other things if you want.  Unfortunately, most do not live for Jesus, even professing Christians.  Let us live for what we were created for and fulfill our purpose.

I guess some people might argue that living for Jesus is ridiculous or stupid.  They might think that Jesus is selfish or wrong to claim or determine our purpose.  Some might think that living for Jesus is boring and an unfulfilling way to live.  Even though they may not agree, I will still have a few things to say to them:

"What is the cheif end of man?  The cheif end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever."

-Westminister Catechism, Question and Answer #1

"God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him."

-Desiring God

I find it to be true that the more I follow Jesus, the more joy I have.  Conversely, the more I disobey and turn away from Jesus, the less joy my life has in the end.  He made me and he made me for a purpose.  When I aim to fulfill that purpose, it ends better for me, and that's the way he made me.

Colossians 1:16

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.

-Colossians 1:16

So, what does it mean for Jesus to be "the image of the invisible God" and for him to be "the firstborn of all creation"?  It means that all things were created by him, through him and for him.  Paul even goes on to start listing some categories that fall within "all things".  Just in case you thought "all things" was limited to earth or heaven, he lists both.  "All things" also includes things you can see and things you can't see.  I don't know if it would've been helpful for Paul to be more specific about what he meant by "all things", because he helps to describe that "all things" really does mean all things.  Now I understand that some will say that it's implied that Jesus himself is excluded from the definition of "all things" by way to mean that Jesus was created before "all things" were created.  I don't think that Jesus was created and I do believe that Jesus is God.  By him and through him and for him were all things created.  This little verse is a small window into helping us understand what Paul meant by saying that he is the "image of the invisible God" and that he is "the firstborn of all creation".  Part of that means that he created everything.  I don't think it means that he was the first created being, which some may think "the firstborn of all creation" means.  I don't see how saying that Jesus was the first created thing is supported by the fact that Jesus created everything (or everything else, if that's the case).

Colossians 1:15

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

-Colossians 1:15 (ESV)

What does it mean that Jesus is "the image of the invisible God" and what does it mean that he is "the firstborn of all creation"?  I think these two are linked somehow.  I take that from the way the verse is structured with the comma in the middle of it.  Yes, I know that when it was originally written, it wasn't written in the English language.  However, this is my limitation and from my understanding and careful study of the verse, that is my conclusion.  I think that these two things are somewhat linked and somewhat describing similar, if not, the same thing.  More importantly, we must ask what they mean.  What does it mean to be "the image of the invisible God" and what does it mean to be "the firstborn of all creation"?  Lucky for us, there is the word "for" at the beginning of the next verse.  This link shows us that immediately following verse 15, Paul goes on to help us understand what he means by saying that Jesus is "the image of the invisible God" and "the firstborn of all creation".  Unfortunately, some people are too quick to see verse 15 and conclude that Jesus is not God since he is merely "the image" of God.  Perhaps some might conclude that Jesus was created or separate from God because he is described here as "the firstborn of all creation".  Let's hold on to our hats and look deeper into what Paul is saying here about Jesus.  Though I am no expert in any sense of the word, I do like the Amplified version and perhaps a read over of this might help us in our understanding of this passage.  It doesn't hold all the answers, but it's still enjoyable for me to read.  The word is so rich and beautiful, but it still holds many mysteries.  We will read it for a lifetime and still find God's truth surprising us again and again.

He is the exact living image [the essential manifestation] of the unseen God [the visible representation of the invisible], the firstborn [the preeminent one, the sovereign, and the originator] of all creation.

-Colossians 1:15 (AMP)

Colossians 1:15-20

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

-Colossians 1:15-20

This is a really cool passage of scripture.  Jesus, "his beloved Son", is the one "in whome we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins".  Paul now goes in some great and beautiful detail about Jesus.  I think it's silly for people who deny the deity of Christ to look at this passage and think it supports their case.  Unfortunately, they will continue to do so and it's sad.  Regardless, let us see him for who he truly is and glorify him all the more.  I really do enjoy this passage and thank God for him and his word.  I'll continue on next time going into detail about the different parts of this passage.

Colossians 1:13-14

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

-Colossians 1:13-14

The first "He" in these verses is, of course, still referring to God the Father.  He qualifies us and has delivered us and has transferred us.  At the end, the focus shifts towards the Son.  First of all, the kingdom we're being transferred to is the kingdom of the Son.  Paul then focuses us on the fact that we have redemption and forgiveness in him.  It's very interesting that Paul makes it clear that God the Father qualifies, delivers and transfers us, but we're also told that we have redemption and forgiveness in the Son.  I'm not always sure and often get confused about specific roles between the Father, the Son and the Spirit, but here we see some distinction.  Unfortunately, it's still not all that clear to me.  Though I may not be all that smart or clear about these different roles, I know that I can still be thankful to the Son who has purchased my freedom.  I am forgiven, and to him I give my praise.  Paul will next go on to this really great section about Christ, but we'll save that for next time.

Colossians 1:11-14

May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

-Colossians 1:11-14

In light of this strengthening for the purpose of endurance and patience, we are to have joy and thankfulness.  The thankfulness we are to have is toward God.  The reason is because of what he has done.  God has saved us.  I like the way Paul puts it, "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son".  We were really in need of saving and not in the best of places before God saved us.  I also like the beginning of Ephesians 2, "And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind."  God has taken us out of a really bad place and we are brought into the kingdom.  We also get to share in an inheritance.  This is what we have to be thankful for.  We should be thankful for he great, saving work.  Unfortunately, I don't think the reality of this truth hits me as hard as it should each and every day.  May I be more and more thankful each and every day for what God has done for me.  He is good.

Colossians 1:11

May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,

-Colossians 1:11

Paul begins a slightly separate line of thinking in his prayers.  He began by praying for them to "be filled with the knowledge of his will", but now he begins to pray for other things.  He prays for strength for them.  Why does he pray for strength?  The purpose is so that they will have endurance and patience.  I guess this means that the type of strength that Paul is referring to has to do with helping them endure and have patience.  If Paul is asking for these purposes, then it makes me wonder what they need it for.  Perhaps they were up against a lot of persecution and hardships, which would require endurance and patience.  It also reminds me, yet again, about how interesting it is to notice what Paul asks for them in prayer.  He prays for their knowledge and wisdom and understanding, not for a change in their circumstances.  Even here in these few verses, he asks for their patience and endurance, which would help in light of their circumstances.  I guess they wouldn't need patience and endurance if they didn't have circumstances to face, but I guess that's not the way Paul thinks.  Perhaps this should help develop the way we pray and think too.  All too often I am praying for a change in circumstances, when maybe I should be praying for help in the midst of circumstances.

Colossians 1:10

so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

-Colossians 1:10

Here in verse 10, we get to see why Paul is "asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding".  He explains that the purpose is for them "to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."  I guess this means that to know God better is helpful for living in a way that is worthy and pleasing to God.  It is also helpful for bearing fruit and increasing in the knowledge of God.  This shows what is important to Paul, namely living in a way that honours and pleases God.  It's all for God, and living for him is should be at the forefront of our lives.

Colossians 1:9

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

-Colossians 1:9

Paul tells them that they haven't stopped praying for them.  That's pretty cool, knowing someone's praying for you and so fervently.  It says "from the day we heard", which is pretty interesting.  Since hearing of their faith and love, which is a result of their hearing of the gospel, Paul hasn't stopped praying for them.

What's probably more important is what Paul prays for them.  He prays, "asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding".  I've been reading Prayer by Tim Keller and he comments on this in the beginning of the second chapter.  Tim Keller points out how interesting it is to see what Paul prays for in the beginning of some of his letters.  Instead of asking for a change in circumstances, which were probably very bleak for his readers,  Paul is essentially praying that they may know God better.  Not that a change in circumstances is wrong to ask for, but it seems to tell us what is important to Paul in his prayers for others.  Maybe with this in mind, it will change our perspective and what we pray for. as Paul asks, "that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding".

Colossians 1:3-8

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

-Colossians 1:3-8

Midway through this passage, Paul starts talking about the gospel.  He gets to talking about the gospel through a few connected steps.  First he's talking about the faith and love of the believers at Colossae, which has produced in them because of their hope in heaven.  They heard about the hope in heaven through their hearing of the gospel.

Now that he's talking about the gospel, he takes a moment to say that the gospel has been spreading through the whole world.  We also learn here that the believers at Colossae first heard the gospel from Epaphras.  Epaphras is the one who has told Paul about the believers at Colossae.

So I guess at first glance, there isn't too much here.  Sure, he's talking about the gospel and about Epaphras, but it doesn't seem substantial to me.  Perhaps it should remind me about the gospel and it should excite me.  To hear about how it's moving around the world and how people like Paul get excited should be cool and it should get me excited.  Perhaps I don't see it that much.  Perhaps I'm just not working hard or putting at the forefront of my life.  But it should be...

Colossians 1:3-8

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.

-Colossians 1:3-8

Paul begins (after the introduction) by telling his readers that he is thankful to God for them.  I don't think he's ever met them before, so this may be weird news to them.  That's probably why Paul explains his reasons.  He's thankful because he has heard about their faith in Jesus and their love for the saints.  Next, Paul goes on to talk about the gospel.  But maybe I'll stop there.  This was meant to be brief and maybe I'll look at this passage some more next time.

What's cool to me is what excites Paul.  Paul hasn't met these people, but has only heard about their faith and love.  It is something that Paul thanks God for.  It's probably something that I should be thankful for.  So, why am I not more excited about these kinds of things?  I should care about it more than some of the silly worldly things that often occupy my mind.

Colossians 1:1-2

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father.

-Colossians 1:1-2

The beginning of this letter is pretty simple and straightforward.  The authors of this letter are Paul and Timothy.  It's being written to the believers at Colossae.  He ends this introduction with "grace" and "peace", which I think was fairly common for Paul's letters.

One thing that caught my attention about this was how Paul says "by the will of God".  He first describes himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus, which is important.  But what does that mean to be "by the will of God"?  Sure, maybe it seems silly to even think that there's much to it.  You might know what it means and think I'm ridiculous for stopping to think about it.  However, this is the word of God and every word is there for a reason.  I may not get to everything, but maybe I can take a look into at least some of the minor details.  In any case, let's get back to what this means.  I think Paul is saying that the reason he is "an apostle of Christ Jesus" is mainly or solely because of God.  The NLT puts it this way: "chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus".  If you were to think about the way Paul got saved and how he was before, it's hard to make a case that Paul was heading towards following Jesus.  He was probably the one who was the furthest from doing so.

In any case, this is just the intro and that's that.  We'll see how far we get...

It's been a long time and I think this was a good practice for me to do.  We'll give it a shot and see how it goes.  Looking back, I didn't get very far in Colossians last time.  Also, it may be a bit unfair since we're going through a sermon serious for Colossians at church.  In any case... ya... next time.