Matthew 3:13-17

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Matthew 3:13-17

Here we read how Jesus gets baptized by John.  John had just spoken about the one who comes after him who is greater, and Jesus is this person.  How is it that John would baptize the one who comes after and is greater than John himself?  Well, John would've opposed this idea, but he ended up doing it after Jesus tells him that is "to fulfill all righteousness".  I don't quite understand it, but it is part of what Jesus had to do.  This was kinda like his initiation to his ministry.

We see afterwards an amazing thing that happens.  God is not void of this whole thing, but is in a sense confirming Jesus and his ministry.  It makes me wonder about those who witnessed this event.  It must've been quite a sight to see and an obvious sign that Jesus was the real deal.

Matthew 3:1-12

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said,
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
    make his paths straight.’”
Now John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Matthew 3:1-12

The story changes scenes and focuses on a new character.  John the Baptist is a weird guy.  He is in the wilderness and he dresses funny.  I don't think the latest style in those days was to wear camel's hair and a leather belt.  He also had a different diet, which consisted of locusts and wild honey.  As weird as he was, he definitely holds some significance.  He bring a message of repentance.  This is important because it is yet another fulfillment of prophecy.  He is this one whom the prophecy speaks of, preparing the way of the Lord.  His message wasn't fruitless either, having many people going out to him, being baptized and confessing their sins.

Now, we get to see yet another character (or set of characters) enter the scene.  The Pharisees and Sadducees come to be baptized as well, but John will have none of it.  He immediately launches a verbal assault on them.  John sees their hypocrisy and challenges them to be truly repentant, since this was a baptism of repentance.  He warns that they are destined for destruction otherwise.

John brings to light the one who is mightier than he.  He may have shown that he could stand up to these Pharisees and Sadducees, but there is one who is coming who is much greater than even John.  He is the one who will "gather his wheat into the barn" and burn the chaff that remains.  Perhaps a scary thought for hypocritical Pharisees and Sadducees, if they were listening of course.

Matthew 2:16-23

Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:
“A voice was heard in Ramah,
    weeping and loud lamentation,
Rachel weeping for her children;
    she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.”
But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead.” And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a Nazarene.

Matthew 2:16-23

Herod's plan has been foiled.  He realized that he had been tricked by the wise men.  I guess being tricked by wise men shows that Herod is unwise.  In any case, he decides to order the killing of all male children in Bethlehem and that region two years and under.  Fortunately, Joseph took Mary and Jesus with him and escaped to Egypt.  Unfortunately, Herod still caused the mass murder of infants.  This was even in fulfillment of prophecy, interestingly enough.  Is it really possible to foil God's plans?  Not even the great Herod is capable of such a thing.

So, Herod dies and an angel tells Joseph to go back to Israel since Herod is now dead.  In a bit of a turn of events, they end up settling in Nazareth.  This is because Joseph is afraid of the current ruler, Archelaus.  In addition, he gets warned about this in a dream.  In any case, their settling in Nazareth is the fulfillment of yet another prophecy.

We see that these interesting turn of events are fulfillment of prophecy.  It's not as if these events are typical or expected.  Who would expect the mass murder of infants, or the specific place of Jesus' growing up.  Why would someone be born in Bethlehem, flee to Egypt, then grow up in Nazareth?  This was all part of God's plan.

Matthew 2:13-15

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

-Matthew 2:13-15

So, Jesus has been born and has been visited by the wise men.  The wise men were warned not to return to Herod, so they went home another way to avoid Herod.  Having been foiled, it's not as if Herod's just going to sit by and do nothing.  So, Joseph is warned in a dream to flee to Egypt to avoid what Herod is about to do.  So, Joseph obviously obeys and they go to Egypt until Herod dies.

What is the significance of this?  Obviously this is part of the story and it makes sense that they'd have to avoid Herod since he's pretty serious about others who may threaten him.  Well, we are told that this is in fulfillment of prophecy.  I was also learning a bit and part of what the book of Matthew goes about showing is how Jesus is a new Moses.  Part of the link to Moses here in the story is this connection to Egypt.  So yeah, that's pretty cool, and it's something I didn't think of and would've missed.

Matthew 2:1-12

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:
“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Matthew 2:1-12

Now that we come to chapter 2, we pass the birth of Jesus.  Jesus has already been born and there are these wise men who come into the story.  They are currently searching for the king of the Jews (Jesus).  How did they know?  They knew because they were wise (haha).  They studied the stars and perhaps new of the signs they were to expect.  Unfortunately, Herod, the current king, hears of this news.  Herod was troubled at this, probably because he didn't want the rise of another king.  He wanted to be king and didn't want anyone else to get in his way.  Apparently, he had taken many matters into his own hands with regards to ensuring nobody else would stand in his way (including his family).  This is perhaps expected of someone like Herod.  However, I am interested in what is mentioned afterwards, "and all Jerusalem with him".  Apparently, Herod wasn't the only one who was troubled by this news.  I would've thought that all of Jerusalem would have been happy to hear of a new king.  But, for some reason they were content with the current king and didn't want someone else.  This is quite sad because Jesus is awesome.

So, Herod goes about to confirm where the Christ would be born.  He assembles the chief priests and scribes to find out, and they tell him that the Christ is to be born in Bethlehem.  Now that he knows where, he decides to send the wise men to find out for him.  This is done in secret, since Herod probably doesn't want anyone else knowing or anyone catching wind of his intentions.  He sends the wise men and lies to them about his intentions, "that I too may come and worship him".

The wise men go and they find Jesus and worship him.  They also present gifts to Jesus: gold, frankincense and myrrh.  By this time, Jesus is born and is most likely 1 or 2 years old (I'm guessing).  If this is the case, they are probably no longer in the stable with Jesus lying in a manger.  So, for all those nativity scenes, they portray it wrong if the wise men are present.  Anyway, afterwards, the wise men are warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, so they return home through a different route.

Another thing about the wise men could be mentioned.  It never says here that there were three wise men.  Yes, there are three gifts given, but that doesn't mean that there were three of them.  In any case, these men came and worshiped Jesus.  They were apparently Gentiles, since they came "from the east".  Though we know of the shepherds from the account of Luke, it seems as though this story only shows a bunch of Gentiles who are honoring Jesus.  This is in contrast to all of Jerusalem being troubled at the news.  In any case, the king has arrived and though everyone should've been overjoyed, it is only these foreigners who are paying their respects.

Matthew 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall call his name Immanuel”
(which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

Matthew 1:18-25

Now we get to the part of the story where they begin to tell how Jesus was born.  If you've ever heard the story of the birth of Jesus told around Christmas time, this is not that one.  Typically, they read from Luke, since it's the "nicer" sounding story.  In any case, here we still get the story of the birth of Jesus.

So, Mary and Joseph are going to get married.  I'm guessing that this was an arranged marriage.  Well, a big surprise twist shows up that could tear everything apart, and that is that Mary is pregnant.  Now, we are told here that "she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit".  The bible makes clear here and further on that Mary was not unfaithful to Joseph, but this was of God.

The question is, what will Joseph do?  One would expect Joseph to be upset and that would be understandable.  However, this Joseph is unlike what one would expect.  Instead, we are told that he is a just man.  I wonder what Joseph was justified to do.  I'm not sure, but perhaps Joseph would've been perfectly justified in not marrying her after finding her pregnant.  However, a different translation uses the word righteous and the right thing to do is perhaps what Joseph did.  Instead of what may have been understandable in the sight of others, Joseph decided to do what was best for Mary, and that was to divorce her quietly.  By doing so, Joseph would help her avoid the shame of being revealed as someone who was unfaithful.  However, God steps in and sends an angel to appear in Joseph's dream.  In the dream, Joseph is told to "not fear to take Mary as your wife".  He is also told that the baby is from the Holy Spirit and he is to be named Jesus and "he will save his people from their sins".  Joseph wakes up and obeys.  I find this weird because I think I would have a difficult time obeying such a thing.  However, Joseph did that and we are shown the merit of his character and obedience to God.  He even "knew her not until she had given birth to a son", which is another way of saying that he didn't sleep with her until Jesus was born.  Joseph was a just man.

Now, what is also found in this chapter is the fulfillment of prophecy.  The prophecy tells of a virgin birth and the child to be named Immanuel.  Mary is a virgin, but his name is Jesus, not Immanuel.  However, with regards to his name, it has more to do with who he is and what he does instead of his actual name.  In fulfillment of this prophecy, Jesus is in fact God with us, because he is God and he comes down to be a human with us.  In this way the prophecy is fulfilled, not in his actual name.  In any case, this is a pretty big thing and something exciting has just taken place and more is yet to come.

Matthew 1:1-17

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of David the king.
And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph, and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.
And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.
So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.

Matthew 1:1-17

Matthew is relatively long when it comes to the gospels.  I say that because I'm more familiar with Mark and Mark is short.  So, to me, all of the gospels except for Mark seem long.  In any case, what differentiates Matthew?  I've always thought that Matthew was the book that was directed towards the Jews.  It references the Old Testament quite a bit, showing how Jesus is the fulfillment of these prophecies.  The Jews were waiting for the messiah and Jesus is that messiah they were waiting for.

To start the book, Matthew begins with a genealogy.  Starting with Abraham, it traces the line all the way to Jesus.  What's interesting is how it highlights Abraham, David and Jesus.  Jesus is a descendant of Abraham and he's a descendant of David, both of which are very important.  By Abraham came the promise from God.  With regards to David, many of the prophecies tell of the seed of David as the one to expect.  Though many of us may look at a genealogy as boring, it is actually very important.

There's some other interesting things about this genealogy.  One thing is the number of people in this genealogy who are not the firstborn.  Being the firstborn was very important, but oddly enough, there are many in this list who are not the firstborn.  Just at a initial glance, we can see that the first few: Isaac, Jacob, and Judah.  Actually, maybe a better question would be to find how many are the firstborn.  I think Obed was the firstborn of Boaz and Ruth.  In any case, for some reason, God has chosen to utilize a line of people who are not what one would suspect.  People would suspect the firstborn to be the one to carry on the line to Jesus, but that is simply not always the case.

Another interesting thing about this genealogy is the presence of women.  Not many genealogies (I don't think) would mention or highlight the women, but this one does in many cases.  The women in this list (that I can see at least) are Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, the wife of Uriah, and Mary.  It was definitely a male dominated society back then, but surprisingly, there are some women who still are mentioned in this genealogy.  This is yet another weird thing that we find, seeing how God would highlight the role of certain women in the line leading to Jesus.  Yes, obviously women are needed since you can't have babies without a woman.  However, their mention is still something to take note of.

1 Peter 1:3-4

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,
1 Peter 1:3-4

Peter begins this section with a word of praise towards God.  This praise is not unfounded, but is based on "his great mercy".  It is by this mercy that "he has caused us to be born again".  We remind ourselves that Peter is addressing this letter to Christians living as exiles in particular places that he lists at the beginning of the letter.  So, to him and these Christians, praise be to God for his merciful causing of them to be born again.  I'm assuming that this would apply to all Christians.

In any case, this isn't some ordinary birthing that is happening again.  Instead, it is being born to a living hope.  There certainly is hope and it is alive (not dead).  This of course is a hope "through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead".  Jesus, our Lord and savior has conquered death.  What more is there to say?  In this we find hope and it is hope that is not dead but alive (as Jesus is alive).

What else are "we" being born to?  Another thing Peter describes as "us" being born into is "an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading".  This is in contrast to earthly things that do perish or diminish with time.  Things rust and break down and do not last.  Even if you think they last, you can't take it with you when you die.  Unlike an earthly inheritance, this inheritance that Peter is talking about is one that will last.  So, where is it?  Can we even see it?  In case you were wondering, Peter explains that it is "kept in heaven for you".

Certainly, praise be to God.  He has done great things and it is by his mercy that he has caused us to be born again.

1 Peter 1:1-2

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:
May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

1 Peter 1:1-2

I looked and realized that I've never gone through 1 Peter on this blog.  Now that I've chosen this book, I find it a bit daunting.  There are many things that I don't know (which I guess is the same for all books of the bible) and this will require a lot of study to ensure I am not understanding it wrong.  There is a lot of reference to the Old Testament and background knowledge that I just don't have.  In any case, may God grant me wisdom and discernment when reading and studying his Word.

The author of this letter is Peter.  This Peter is the same Peter found in the gospels and in Acts.  He was an apostle and is known for denying Jesus three times.  However, he was a prominent leader in the early church as we read about in the book of Acts.  In any case, yes, this same Peter is the one who writes this letter.

He writes it to "elect exiles of the Dispersion".  These are Christians living in a foreign land.  These places mentioned are not usual hometowns for Jews, so they would naturally be foreigners where they were living.

About these people he is writing to, Peter refers to God's choosing of them.  It is by God's choosing of them long ago that they have been saved.  Specifically, he refers to "the sanctification of the Spirit", "obedience to Jesus Christ" and "sprinkling with his blood".  Believers are sanctified by the Spirit, who is the helper.  The purpose of sanctification is for obedience to the one we follow (Jesus).  The sprinkling of his blood refers to inclusion to the new covenant.  It is by his blood that we are saved and through which we are atoned for our sins.  All these are part of was done according to the foreknowledge of God.  Praise be to God all he has done for his people.

This introduction is concluded with "May grace and peace be multiplied to you".  This is not necessarily a weird or unheard of things to say.  In any case, we come to the end of the introduction and move toward the next part of this letter.

Colossians 4:7-18

Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.
Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”
I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Colossians 4:7-18

Now we get to the end of the book of Colossians.  In the close of this letter, we hear about many different people.  Tychicus is sent with the letter to tell them about the well being of Paul and those with him.  Onesimus is also being sent with Tychicus for this very purpose.  I'm guessing that this is the same Onesimus found in Philemon.  Perhaps Onesimus' journey is part of Paul sending him back to Philemon.

There's a couple of other people there as well: Aristarchus, Mark and Jesus who is called Justus.  They have been a comfort to Paul.  We are again reminded that Paul is currently in jail along with Aristarchus.

I particularly like Epaphras.  I remember an encouragement I was given relating to this very character.  One thing about him is that he is "always struggling on your behalf in his prayers".  He prays and that is a good thing about him.

Luke and Demas are also mentioned.  Paul specifically addresses "the brothers at Laodicea" and "Nympha and the church in her house", asking to send his greetings to them.

Further instructions are given to have this letter read to the church of the Laodiceans after it has been read to them (the church at Colossae I'd assume).

Yes, I didn't get to all of it and I'll admit that I often skim over final greetings in these letters.  They do provide interesting information about people and where they are.  This allows people to piece together who was where at what time.  In any case, we are at the end of this letter and I pray it was encouraging.

Colossians 4:2-6

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Colossians 4:2-6

Prayer is important.  We are told that we are to "continue steadfastly in prayer" or "devote yourselves to prayer" (NLT).  What's more is that we are told to be "watchful in it with thanksgiving" or do it "with an alert mind and a thankful heart" (NLT).  There seems to be a degree of focus Paul is calling attention to when he instructs watchfulness or an alert mind.  In addition, thankfulness is important.  I remember that thanksgiving is an important part of prayer and this reminds me of that.

Continuing with prayer, Paul asks for prayers for "us".  This letter is addressed from Paul and Timothy at the very beginning.  Also, as we will continue to read later on in this chapter, there are other people who also send their greetings to the recipients of this letter.  In any case, Paul and who he's with requests prayers on their behalf.  Specifically, they desire prayers regarding help in spreading the gospel.  We also learn here that Paul is currently in prison because he is sharing the gospel.

Before the final greetings, Paul talks about a believers' interactions with non-believers.  One is to be wise and make the best use of their time.  I guess this means that there are ways in which one can fall victim of misusing time with regards to non-believers.  Perhaps one way we can waste time is that we can spend too much time belaboring the gospel to a single person who simply will not hear it.  Though our desire is for them to be saved, there is a point to moving on and knowing God is the one who saves, not our work in arguing with others.

Our speech towards non-believers should be gracious.  It should be filled with grace, showing undeserved kindness and it should not be harsh.  We are also told that our speech is to be "seasoned with salt".  I always find this phrase to be fascinating.  Christians are told to be salt of the earth.  Our speech should be flavorful and different.  Speech that is gracious and seasoned with salt will help us to know how to answer each person.  I know that I can easily be turned to answer in anger or with harshness.  Instead, my speech should be grace filled.  In addition, it should be different.  It shouldn't be the typical response people would expect.  If that was the case, what would differentiate followers of Christ?  We should be different.  This is what we are called to do.

Colossians 3:18-4:1

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.
Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Colossians 3:18-4:1

Moving on in chapter 3, Paul addresses ways in which different people are to relate or interact with one another.  First, wives are to submit to their husbands.  Not much else is given except that wives are to do this "as is fitting in the Lord".  This doesn't tell us much, but at the very least it doesn't mean that wives are to submit to their husbands in an outrageous sort of way.

Husbands are to love their wives and not be harsh with them.  Though it may seem like a weird thing to instruct, it's obviously given for a reason.  Wouldn't husbands naturally love their wives?  I'm not too sure about this, but perhaps marriages weren't quite the same as they are nowadays.  Arranged marraiges were more common and some marriages were done for business relations.  The king of one country may give his daughter in marriage to the king of another country to help create a bond between nations.  Even nowadays, I can understand that it may not always be easy to love your wife.  People are sinful (both husbands and wives) and this can make it hard for one to be loving or one to be the object of love.  In any case, this is something husbands are to do, regardless of how easy or hard it is.

Children are to obey their parents.  In case people want a way out of this one or an exception, none is given.  Instead, it is qualified with "in everything".  Nothing it put outside of this statement and "everything" is included among the things parents are to obey their parents in.  This is particularly hard for me because I have trouble obeying my parents.  I'd like to think that there's an exception now that I am an adult and my own person.  However, it is still something I should do or strive towards.  Sure, if it conflicts with obeying God, then let's obey God rather than obey our parents.  However, this is something that pleases him, so we should try to do it.

Father are not to provoke or aggravate their kids.  Perhaps it was easy to treat them poorly.  Children are weaker and in some ways at the mercy of their father.  Being given such power can make it easy to abuse.  Fathers are instructed not to abuse this power.

Similar to children's instruction to obey their parents, slaves are told to obey their earthly masters.  Being in a position of bondage may lead to an attitude unfitting of a good worker (and that's understandable in some ways).  However, contrary to what one may expect, slaves are told to be obedient to their masters.  What's even more is that they are told to do this with sincerity of heart.  A slave may do what the master orders while dragging his or her feet, but this alone is not enough.  To work hard with sincerity of heart is much harder, but is the instruction given here.

An interesting thing here is at the end where Paul adds "fearing the Lord".  A slave is to obey his or her master with sincerity of heart "fearing the Lord".  It is because one fears the Lord that a slave is to obey his or her master with sincerity of heart.  It is an instruction from God that you are obey, so do it ultimately because of your obedience to God.

This next part may be mentioned with regards to a slave relating to his or her master.  However, it may also be applying to everyone.  One is to work hard at whatever he or she does.  This is to be done as if working for God, not men.  A Christian may be a slave to men, but he or she is ultimately a servant of God.  So, in all things, work hard for God and it is from God that one receives a reward in the end.  In contrast, one who does what is evil or wrong will be paid back for the evil done.  God doesn't make exceptions or play favorites, he is impartial.

Lastly, masters are told to be just and fair to their slaves.  Once again, a place of power can be tempting to misuse this power.  Being fair is important, especially because masters have a master in heaven, God.  Dealing well with what is entrusted to masters is seen by God in heaven.  As what was just mentioned, God is impartial and will pay back wrongdoing.

There are many different ways to relate to different people.  Ultimately, one is to work hard as if working for God.  Work hard, treat others fairly and don't abuse power.  God is your master, obey him.

Colossians 3:12-17

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:12-17

Having put off the old self, what are we to put on?  Actually, very briefly before telling us, Paul adds in "as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved".  The readers are reminded who they are, God's chosen ones.  In any case, there's a bunch of things said about this "putting on" that is being instructed.  What is to be put on?  "compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience".  Once again, lists are given that are not exhaustive.  More is told, but slightly differently than the previous list given.  In particular, readers are told to bear with one another and forgive one another.  Putting on the new self involves bearing and forgiving.  Why are these things so?  It is precisely because the Lord has forgiven you that you must forgive.  It only makes sense that the forgiven is forgiving.  Otherwise, we are drawn to the parable given by Jesus of the unforgiving servant.

Even more is said about this "putting on" of the new self.  Now we get to love, which is specifically highlighted.  Love is to be put on "above all".  I am reminded of 1 Corinthians 13, where being without love is equated with having nothing in a sense.  Love is very important and it is important that love be put on as part of the new self.  We are told that love binds everything together.

Next we get to peace.  This isn't just any peace, but the peace of Christ.  This peace is to rule in your hearts.  This is probably contrasted to rage, anger and disorder ruling our hearts.  More importantly, we are to live peacefully with one another, and not in constant conflict.  Bearing with one another and forgiving one another probably plays an important role in this.  I am also reminded of how Christ broke down the dividing wall, as described in Ephesians 2.  As we were called in one body, not separate bodies, we are to live peacefully together.

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly".  It is his word, his message that should fill our lives.  His story and his saving grace is what matters, and so it should be at the forefront of our minds.  This is tied together with teaching and admonishing one another.  His word is what should fill our lives and so it should be what we teach others about.  We are also told to sing to God, which is part of putting on the new self and allowing his word to dwell richly in us.  If it makes it home in us, it only makes sense that it pours out in praise to God.  His message brings us to praise him and be thankful to him.

In this last verse, we are reminded about how all encompassing God is.  It doesn't matter what you are doing, it should be done in his name and giving thanks to him.  Putting on the new self cannot be compartmentalized.  Instead, it is all encompassing and applies to every single aspect of our lives.  All we do matters, so let's do it all for him, putting on the new self and taking off the old self.

Colossians 3:5-11

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.

Colossians 3:5-11

So, ones raised with Christ are to seek heavenly things and set their minds on heavenly things.  These people have died and their life is hidden with Christ in God.  So, being focused on heaven, they are now told to put to death what is earthly within themselves.  If they are to be seeking the things of heaven and setting their minds on the things of heaven, it would make sense to do away with earthly things.  A list is given of earthly things that are to be put to death: "sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry".  These things are earthly and are to be done away with.

What's interesting about these things is that it brings the wrath of God.  These earthly, sinful things are what causes the wrath of God to be upon us.  Fortunately, those raised with Christ have been saved from this wrath Jesus' substitutionary atonement.  Paul points out that these earthly things are what a believer once walked in, living in them.  Ephesians 2 also describes this "walking in" that believers once did.  However, having once done or previously walked in is different from the "now" and moving forward.  Paul tells his readers that they must now "put them all away".  Another list is given: "anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth".  Having another different list seems to suggest that both lists are not all encompassing.  It's not as if Paul's list described every single thing that is earthly and needs to be put to death.  His lists are probably each just a handful of items to take note of.

Moving on, the reader is told not to lie to one another.  I don't know why lying is singled out here, especially as it seems to be connected to the old self.  Perhaps Paul is just moving along in his thought to the different things one is to put away and there isn't a particular significance with lying above the others.  In any case, one is not to lie (and I'd think this applies to all sins) because the old self has been put off.  You are no longer that old person who does those earthly things.  Instead, you have put on the new self.

There is an interesting thing mentioned about the new self.  Paul describes the new self as "being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator", or "be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him" (NLT).  The new self has to do with learning about God and becoming more like him.

Most importantly, what matters is Christ.  Race or status doesn't matter, but only Christ.  It's not as if only men are saved or only Australians are saved or only wealthy are saved.  It is by Him that we are saved, so he is the one who matters.  So, let us put off the old self and put on the new self.

Colossians 3:1-4

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Colossians 3:1-4

Chapter 3 begins with "if then", or "since" (NLT).  The "if then" refers to having "been raised with Christ".  The instruction follows, which is to "seek the things that are above".  So, on the basis of having been raised with Christ, you are to seek the things that are above.  If you have really and truly been raised (previously dead), then it should follow that you seek heavenly things.  The one who has been raised to life is one who should naturally seek heavenly things, since that is his eternal destination (having been raised to life of course).  "the things that are above" are referring to heavenly things because it is also described as "where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God".  Where is Christ, you ask?  Christ is in heaven.  He's seated at the right hand of God, which is in heaven.  The one who has been raised with Christ is to seek heavenly things.  I guess it would also make sense because being raised with Christ would tend one towards the things of Christ and if he is in heaven, then heavenward is where he should be looking.

In any case, Paul goes on to give his readers more information about this.  Not only are those raised with Christ to seek the things of heaven, but he is to set his mind on heavenly things (things that are above).  This is in contrast to the things of earth.  So, why are they to set their minds on heavenly things and not on earthly things?  Well, Paul tells his readers, explaining that they have died.  One who is raised with Christ has died and his real life is hidden with Christ in God.  Their life is in actually (hidden) with Christ in heaven, so that is where their minds should be too.  It is not until Christ appears that the one who is raised with him will "appear with him in glory".  It makes me think of how Paul explains elsewhere that our citizenship is not of this world, but of heaven.  We are foreigners while we live on Earth, knowing our true home is in heaven.  He also describes it elsewhere as just pitching a tent here on Earth.  But our real permanent dwelling is in heaven.  Let us seek heavenly things and set our minds on heavenly things.  That is what those who are raised with Christ are to do.

Ephesians 1:1-14 - Predestination

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.
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, 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, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee[d] of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 1:1-14

I should jump to something new; however, it's probably best to remain where my thoughts have been lately.  I have recently heard someone tell me that when Ephesians 1 refers to predestination, it means a kind of predestination that is for all people.  Though, I may have misinterpreted what they meant, this has still been stuck in my mind.  This post is not meant to be exhaustive, but simply a few thoughts I have been mulling over with regards to this...

So, what is Ephesians 1 referring to with regards to this?

The word "predestination" occurs twice here in Ephesians 1, in verse 5 and verse 11.

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

Ephesians 1:5

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,

Ephesians 1:11

I thought it might also be helpful to quickly look at a few definitions I found online for "predestination".

(as a doctrine in Christian theology) the divine foreordaining of all that will happen, especially with regard to the salvation of some and not others. It has been particularly associated with the teachings of St. Augustine of Hippo and of Calvin.

the doctrine that God in consequence of his foreknowledge of all events infallibly guides those who are destined for salvation

1.
First of all, the definitions are closely tied with salvation, and I think that is rightly so.  So, if predestination is referring to all people, then either it doesn't refer to salvation, or God "fails" in what he predestines.

It certainly refers to salvation.  Looking back at verse 5, it says "he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ".  When talking about adoption here, it is referring to salvation.  In case you weren't sure, you can take a quick look over at Galatians 4

I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

Galatians 4:1-7

Here in Galatians, redemption (through Christ) is done "so that" you could be adopted.  I think it's clearly showing a close relation between adoption and salvation.  Though it is a different book, it is still a letter by Paul, so I don't think it's straying too far away.

2.
The second option is that God "fails".  Another way of looking at this is that people can lose their salvation.  If predestination refers to salvation and if predestination refers to all people here in Ephesians 1, then how can it be true if not all are saved?  In case you weren't convinced that not all are saved, the first that comes to my mind is how the gate is wide.  I'm sure that there are better passages, but this one works I think.

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

Matthew 7:13-14

Moving on, we have to deal with whether or not people can lose their salvation.  I don't think that this is the case.  First of all, if that were true, then wouldn't God's word not come to pass?  As in, something God has foreordained didn't come true in the end.  This does not represent the character of God since none can stay his hand.  But even putting that aside, a verse comes to mind with regards to people not losing their salvation.

They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.

1 John 2:19

Some may argue that they have friends or family who used to be on fire for God, but they walked away.  They point to this as a clear example of how one can lose their salvation.  However, looking to the book of 1 John, we see that this example is a case of someone who never truly was saved.

Turning our attention back to Ephesians 1, I think it is plain to see that it is simply directed towards believers.  It is addressed "to the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus" (v1).  His intended audience are also those who have been "sealed with the promised Holy Spirit" (v13).  Paul sometimes writes using the "us" or "we", of whom he says "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses," (v7).  It is fairly clear that he is talking to believers and thus I think his intention for talking about predestination is referring to believers, not everyone.

Now, one last thing has to do with another objection.  The person with the initial objection brought up how God desires that all men be saved.  This is true and is found in 2 Peter.  However, even though God desires that all men be saved, it doesn't mean that all men are actually saved.  Actually, if you read through 2 Peter 3, you will realize that it talks about judgment day.  In particular, there are references to "destruction of the ungodly" (v7).  Even in 2 Peter, it is still assumed that there will be the destruction of the ungodly.  This means that there will be some who are not saved and thus predestination and salvation is not applied to all people.

Ephesians 6:21-24

So that you also may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord will tell you everything. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts.
Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible.

Ephesians 6:21-24

I guess what Paul is saying here at the end of this letter tells his readers who Tychicus and why he's being sent.  He is a "beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord" and his purpose is to "tell you everything".  This fellow brother is to update the recipients of the letter about how things have been going for Paul.  Paul lays it out "that you may know how we are, and that he may encourage your hearts".  Not only is this for an information update, but his other purpose is to encourage their hearts.  I'm assuming that the encouragement comes from the update of how Paul and his group are doing, though that may or may not be entirely true.  In any case, we finally have reached the end of this book that I really do like.  In an odd set of circumstances, I find myself brought back to this book again.  In any case, praise God for him and his word.