Colossians 3:1-4
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
It is interesting that at the end of Chapter 2, Paul tells the people at Colosse what they should not do in light of the fact that they have died with Christ. Now he tells them what they should do in light of the fact that they have been raised with Christ. There are two things that we are to do, set our hearts and our minds on the things above. Our affections and our thoughts. How do we shift our affections onto Christ? Maybe the order of heart and mind gives us a hint. Perhaps we shift our affections by shifting our thoughts. I wonder if the reason I don’t value Christ enough is because I don’t spend enough time thinking about how valuable He is?? When He is speaking about setting our hearts and minds on things above, He is talking about Christ. This is where we are to focus (thank-you Paul for reminding us of this truth yet one more time!!!). I wonder if He knew how easy it was for us to be distracted??? Why should we do this??? Because we died to ourselves, and now we are with Christ, and we will be with Him. He is our reality. He is our everything. This is it. We are Christs, we are not this world’s. Lord, I pray that I would actualize what is true, that I am yours, that my life is not about this world, but
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Religion...it's easy...Col 2:20-23
Colossians 2:20-23
“Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? these are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.”
You know, we say we hate religion, that Christianity is about relationship not religion. But I’m not so sure we really hate it all the time. I’m not so sure I hate it all the time. Religion is easy, relationship is hard. Religion is concrete, relationship is sometimes ambiguous. Religion in the end is about me…in so many ways, relationship, at least in terms of being a Christ follower, is about Him. Truth be told, I think that there is huge temptation, like the church in Colosse, to move from relationship to religion. We create lists of do’s and don’ts out of the Bible (before I get to pious, I should probably speak about myself). I tend to create a list of do’s and don’ts out of His Word as opposed to allowing it to draw me to Christ, to see Christ, to treasure Christ. I, at times have enjoyed the perception that people may think of me as being extra holy or godly because of the things I will or will not do. At the foundation of religion is the greatest sin of all, pride. And as Paul says, it does nothing to deal with sin…in this case specifically sexual sin. Maybe this is why so few of our “purity plans” really work. They are based more on religion than on Christ. The truth is, we need Christ. Like the church in Colosse, we need to value Christ. We need to see the beauty of Christ. We need to love Christ. Lord, open my eyes to see Your Son.
“Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? these are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.”
You know, we say we hate religion, that Christianity is about relationship not religion. But I’m not so sure we really hate it all the time. I’m not so sure I hate it all the time. Religion is easy, relationship is hard. Religion is concrete, relationship is sometimes ambiguous. Religion in the end is about me…in so many ways, relationship, at least in terms of being a Christ follower, is about Him. Truth be told, I think that there is huge temptation, like the church in Colosse, to move from relationship to religion. We create lists of do’s and don’ts out of the Bible (before I get to pious, I should probably speak about myself). I tend to create a list of do’s and don’ts out of His Word as opposed to allowing it to draw me to Christ, to see Christ, to treasure Christ. I, at times have enjoyed the perception that people may think of me as being extra holy or godly because of the things I will or will not do. At the foundation of religion is the greatest sin of all, pride. And as Paul says, it does nothing to deal with sin…in this case specifically sexual sin. Maybe this is why so few of our “purity plans” really work. They are based more on religion than on Christ. The truth is, we need Christ. Like the church in Colosse, we need to value Christ. We need to see the beauty of Christ. We need to love Christ. Lord, open my eyes to see Your Son.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Don't Judge...but call the shot! Col 2:16-19
Col 2:16-19
16Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. 18Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. 19He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.
Again man, I am caught by the force of Paul's focus on Christ. Here is the deal...if anyone focuses on things that are not Christ (by the way, it looks like Paul hits two extremes...the legalist and the hyper spiritualist, which by the way both result in pride) we don't need to sweat them. We also need to be careful to not get "caught up" with them. I think that at times there is huge pressure to be caught up in false guilt. I find that even with myself when I preach, I need to be very careful what "hobby horse" I ride or I can be guilting people over stuff they don't need to sweat either. Again, we need to see Christ, we need to pursue Christ, we need to preach Christ, we need to model Christ. By the way, this does not mean that we are to be "red letter Christians". Christ is seen in the Epistles as much as the Gospels...this is an epistle we are going through isn't it? The worst thing that can happen to us is that we might lose connection with the Head (check Col 1:18). Lord, keep us connected with the head.
16Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. 18Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. 19He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.
Again man, I am caught by the force of Paul's focus on Christ. Here is the deal...if anyone focuses on things that are not Christ (by the way, it looks like Paul hits two extremes...the legalist and the hyper spiritualist, which by the way both result in pride) we don't need to sweat them. We also need to be careful to not get "caught up" with them. I think that at times there is huge pressure to be caught up in false guilt. I find that even with myself when I preach, I need to be very careful what "hobby horse" I ride or I can be guilting people over stuff they don't need to sweat either. Again, we need to see Christ, we need to pursue Christ, we need to preach Christ, we need to model Christ. By the way, this does not mean that we are to be "red letter Christians". Christ is seen in the Epistles as much as the Gospels...this is an epistle we are going through isn't it? The worst thing that can happen to us is that we might lose connection with the Head (check Col 1:18). Lord, keep us connected with the head.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Craving the Cross...Colossians 2:13-15
13When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature,[b] God made you[c] alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.[d]
Ok, here it is again...all that I am looking for, all that I am longing for, all that I was created for is found in Christ. Over and over again I am confronted through Colossians to focus on Christ. Here again the beauty of Christ is seen most clearly through His work on the cross. We do not have to earn salvation through obedience to a bunch of laws which really only showed us the reality of our sin, but did nothing other than that (which was signifcant) in order to create freedom. No, Christ dealt with that on the cross, and he let the world know dude. This again is my reminder to focus on the cross and help others do the same. This is our hope...Jesus Christ and the cross...In light of that, we will look at the next paragraph next...so cool.
Ok, here it is again...all that I am looking for, all that I am longing for, all that I was created for is found in Christ. Over and over again I am confronted through Colossians to focus on Christ. Here again the beauty of Christ is seen most clearly through His work on the cross. We do not have to earn salvation through obedience to a bunch of laws which really only showed us the reality of our sin, but did nothing other than that (which was signifcant) in order to create freedom. No, Christ dealt with that on the cross, and he let the world know dude. This again is my reminder to focus on the cross and help others do the same. This is our hope...Jesus Christ and the cross...In light of that, we will look at the next paragraph next...so cool.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
We've Got it All...Col 2:9-12
Colossians 2:9-12
"For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead."
First of all, let me just say that I am somewhat uncomfortable with all this circumcision talk...having said that, again, the focus of Paul's letter to the Colossian church is Christ, and this is no exception. In response to the warning that we don't get taken captive (and my friend Beiser pointed out, captive is the key word, both for us and the people we care about), we are to focus on Christ. God is not trying to mess with our heads or hide what He wants us to know, it is plain and obvious, it is Jesus Christ. Interesting He tells us first of all what we have been given...we've been given fullness. So if that is the case, when we are not experiencing fullness, whose fault is that? Next question, what was the point of circumcision? My understanding is that it was a sign of seperation for the Israel nation from the world to God (I'm convinced there may have been more to it than that, if you have insight, let me know). We've been autographed by Christ, and it has been the removal of our sinful nature seen in baptism. So, we have two personal realities, one, we've been given fullness by Christ, two, He has removed our sinful nature. Lord, why do I still struggle? This is the power that I have been given in Christ...why do I still struggle? Lord, may I rely more and more on Your power, on Your strength. May I continue to give myself to You. I love You Lord.
"For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead."
First of all, let me just say that I am somewhat uncomfortable with all this circumcision talk...having said that, again, the focus of Paul's letter to the Colossian church is Christ, and this is no exception. In response to the warning that we don't get taken captive (and my friend Beiser pointed out, captive is the key word, both for us and the people we care about), we are to focus on Christ. God is not trying to mess with our heads or hide what He wants us to know, it is plain and obvious, it is Jesus Christ. Interesting He tells us first of all what we have been given...we've been given fullness. So if that is the case, when we are not experiencing fullness, whose fault is that? Next question, what was the point of circumcision? My understanding is that it was a sign of seperation for the Israel nation from the world to God (I'm convinced there may have been more to it than that, if you have insight, let me know). We've been autographed by Christ, and it has been the removal of our sinful nature seen in baptism. So, we have two personal realities, one, we've been given fullness by Christ, two, He has removed our sinful nature. Lord, why do I still struggle? This is the power that I have been given in Christ...why do I still struggle? Lord, may I rely more and more on Your power, on Your strength. May I continue to give myself to You. I love You Lord.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Where's Your Mind At?...Col 2:8
Colossians 2:8
"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ."
Hello Paul, all about engaging the mind!!! Here we go again. I feel like I live in a culture that at times does not seem to value the mind very much, and yet is always trying to get me to believe something. We are big on experience, but it is through our minds, consciously or not, that we come to these conclusions. Whatever, just a little rant. About this verse. Solid. (Of course, it is the Bible). This is such a media saturated society, and whether we are aware of it or not, our media is always trying to educate us, never just entertaining. Here is my problem, I often find myself simply taking it in, not thinking critically, but I need to think critically because this stuff is affecting me. Take for instance the new Amp'd cell phone commercials...especially the bus one. Dude is on the bus and begins to demand certain people to do things...all for his own personal entertainment. Pretty funny commercial, I know. However, there were a couple of things I began to ask myself about this commercial...Is like about entertaining myself? Is this what we've broken this world down to? Now I know that good entertainment is healthy for recovery etc., so there is a place for it forsure...I have it in my life. But the second question I ask is what does this individual find entertaining? People beating each other up...a lady "shaking her junk". (By the way, there was more to the original commercial but they had to cut it). The reality is these are based on principles of the world found in 1 John 2 "cravings of sniful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does"...Dude, I need to be aware of this. I need to keep my mind turned on so that I do not become consumed by these realities and allow these philosophies to become my philosophies. Maybe every once in awhile it wouldn't hurt to just turn it off either.
"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ."
Hello Paul, all about engaging the mind!!! Here we go again. I feel like I live in a culture that at times does not seem to value the mind very much, and yet is always trying to get me to believe something. We are big on experience, but it is through our minds, consciously or not, that we come to these conclusions. Whatever, just a little rant. About this verse. Solid. (Of course, it is the Bible). This is such a media saturated society, and whether we are aware of it or not, our media is always trying to educate us, never just entertaining. Here is my problem, I often find myself simply taking it in, not thinking critically, but I need to think critically because this stuff is affecting me. Take for instance the new Amp'd cell phone commercials...especially the bus one. Dude is on the bus and begins to demand certain people to do things...all for his own personal entertainment. Pretty funny commercial, I know. However, there were a couple of things I began to ask myself about this commercial...Is like about entertaining myself? Is this what we've broken this world down to? Now I know that good entertainment is healthy for recovery etc., so there is a place for it forsure...I have it in my life. But the second question I ask is what does this individual find entertaining? People beating each other up...a lady "shaking her junk". (By the way, there was more to the original commercial but they had to cut it). The reality is these are based on principles of the world found in 1 John 2 "cravings of sniful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does"...Dude, I need to be aware of this. I need to keep my mind turned on so that I do not become consumed by these realities and allow these philosophies to become my philosophies. Maybe every once in awhile it wouldn't hurt to just turn it off either.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Dig Deep...Get Roots Col 2:6-7
Colossians 2:6-7
6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
It is obvious that our relationship with Jesus Christ is in many ways a journey. I think there are times when we may think of it as a destination (and in a sense, that is true in terms of heaven) but in terms of the earth, it is a journey. Sanctification is both a moment and a process. Notice how both are referenced in verse 6 "received, continue to live". How do we do this? By being rooted and built up...I would suggest that both of these take place through connection with Jesus Christ in the Word, John 15 seems to indicate such. This results in two things, or should result in two things, being strengthened in the faith and an overflow of thankfulness. I wonder if this could imply the reality that if we are not being strengthened in the faith, if thankfulness is not growing and overflowing, than perhaps we are missing on this command that Paul is giving us? This moves me to evaluate what I think being "rooted and built up" entails. Certainly it is more than just the Word, but constantly throughout scripture this is where we are to put our focus. It is the "Sword of the Spirit" according to Ephesians 6 and without the work of the Spirit, we will not pursue holiness or sanctification, or be able to "continue to live in him". This is a part of "struggling with all his energy." Whatever the case, the reality is that we need to continue to do this...don't quit...don't rest...remember, there is an aspect of struggling here. Learn your lesson Sid. Thank-You Lord. By the way, if we are truly growing roots in Christ, which indicates deeper relationship and knowledge, our only option will be thankfulness and joy...how good is God????
6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
It is obvious that our relationship with Jesus Christ is in many ways a journey. I think there are times when we may think of it as a destination (and in a sense, that is true in terms of heaven) but in terms of the earth, it is a journey. Sanctification is both a moment and a process. Notice how both are referenced in verse 6 "received, continue to live". How do we do this? By being rooted and built up...I would suggest that both of these take place through connection with Jesus Christ in the Word, John 15 seems to indicate such. This results in two things, or should result in two things, being strengthened in the faith and an overflow of thankfulness. I wonder if this could imply the reality that if we are not being strengthened in the faith, if thankfulness is not growing and overflowing, than perhaps we are missing on this command that Paul is giving us? This moves me to evaluate what I think being "rooted and built up" entails. Certainly it is more than just the Word, but constantly throughout scripture this is where we are to put our focus. It is the "Sword of the Spirit" according to Ephesians 6 and without the work of the Spirit, we will not pursue holiness or sanctification, or be able to "continue to live in him". This is a part of "struggling with all his energy." Whatever the case, the reality is that we need to continue to do this...don't quit...don't rest...remember, there is an aspect of struggling here. Learn your lesson Sid. Thank-You Lord. By the way, if we are truly growing roots in Christ, which indicates deeper relationship and knowledge, our only option will be thankfulness and joy...how good is God????
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Christ Alone...for all of Colossians! Col 2: 1-4
Colossians 2:1-4
1I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
I am again impressed by Paul's committment to others. He reiterates the reality that he is struggling for the people of Colosse, even those he has not met. I am no Paul, but there are people that God has placed in my way, people that I have an opportunity to point to Christ, to journey with...Lord, give me the love that moves me to struggle for them!! May I struggle in my studies, may I struggle in my integrity, may I struggle in my relationships so that in everything, I may point people to Christ. Again, we are responsible for one another, I am responsible for others.
Paul's desire is that they are encouraged in heart and united in love. I would suggest that he is figthing to create hope and community. Hope is obvious, we all need hope. I think I however, forget that community is important on our journey to know Christ as well. This is not an individual race. We were not made to go alone. Even Paul almost always had someone with him.
All the riches and wisdom are found in Christ...this is big. We study a lot of things, and we should study things I believe, but nothing is more important than studying Christ. I would guess that this is what it means to love God with all your mind. I pray taht this next generation of Christians would take the study of Christ seriously, and they would be able to stand.
I'm out
1I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
I am again impressed by Paul's committment to others. He reiterates the reality that he is struggling for the people of Colosse, even those he has not met. I am no Paul, but there are people that God has placed in my way, people that I have an opportunity to point to Christ, to journey with...Lord, give me the love that moves me to struggle for them!! May I struggle in my studies, may I struggle in my integrity, may I struggle in my relationships so that in everything, I may point people to Christ. Again, we are responsible for one another, I am responsible for others.
Paul's desire is that they are encouraged in heart and united in love. I would suggest that he is figthing to create hope and community. Hope is obvious, we all need hope. I think I however, forget that community is important on our journey to know Christ as well. This is not an individual race. We were not made to go alone. Even Paul almost always had someone with him.
All the riches and wisdom are found in Christ...this is big. We study a lot of things, and we should study things I believe, but nothing is more important than studying Christ. I would guess that this is what it means to love God with all your mind. I pray taht this next generation of Christians would take the study of Christ seriously, and they would be able to stand.
I'm out
Friday, May 11, 2007
Fighting for a Purpose; Colossians 1:28-29
Colossians 1:28-29
28We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 29To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
Well Paul, here again we see your deep singular passion that is a part of everything you write. Jesus Christ...it is always Jesus Christ. Again, I am challenged or perhaps "admonished". As I reflect on the speaking that I do, it absolutely must be about Christ, first and formost. Sometimes I wonder if it is first and formost about the students I am speaking to (although I do this because I love them, or I should do this out of love...but there is nothing that could be more loving than to be Christ centered in my communication with them), or perhaps it is first and formost about me...my stories etc. The reality is it needs to be about Jesus Christ, He is supreme, He is what our world desperately needs. Lord, renew in me a passion for Your Son I pray. Notice how Paul proclaims Jesus Christ, admonishing and teaching (admonishing would be another word for warning). I'm not sure that either of these are very popular in todays communication...certainly they both need to be done with love (Paul acknowledges this over and over in His writings), but they need to be done.
The goal is the maturity of the people. This is a huge responsibility again. This is what we are in "ministry" for. I need to be reminded what the goal is because there are times when I forget or become discouraged or wonder why I am doing what I am doing. By the way, Paul goes on to say he labours and struggles. My sense is that he would not have to do either if the journey were not going to be difficult at times. I have to be honest, there are times when it is difficult and I need to be reminded that this is to be expected. What is not expected is that we journey through the difficulty on our strength...Paul lets us know that he is fighting with God's strength. I need some "God strength" right now. The only way I know to do this on "God strength" is through prayer...an awareness of and reliance upon the power of God in Christ through the Holy Spirit. Lord, I need You big time. We need you big time. The church needs You big time. Carry on.
28We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 29To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
Well Paul, here again we see your deep singular passion that is a part of everything you write. Jesus Christ...it is always Jesus Christ. Again, I am challenged or perhaps "admonished". As I reflect on the speaking that I do, it absolutely must be about Christ, first and formost. Sometimes I wonder if it is first and formost about the students I am speaking to (although I do this because I love them, or I should do this out of love...but there is nothing that could be more loving than to be Christ centered in my communication with them), or perhaps it is first and formost about me...my stories etc. The reality is it needs to be about Jesus Christ, He is supreme, He is what our world desperately needs. Lord, renew in me a passion for Your Son I pray. Notice how Paul proclaims Jesus Christ, admonishing and teaching (admonishing would be another word for warning). I'm not sure that either of these are very popular in todays communication...certainly they both need to be done with love (Paul acknowledges this over and over in His writings), but they need to be done.
The goal is the maturity of the people. This is a huge responsibility again. This is what we are in "ministry" for. I need to be reminded what the goal is because there are times when I forget or become discouraged or wonder why I am doing what I am doing. By the way, Paul goes on to say he labours and struggles. My sense is that he would not have to do either if the journey were not going to be difficult at times. I have to be honest, there are times when it is difficult and I need to be reminded that this is to be expected. What is not expected is that we journey through the difficulty on our strength...Paul lets us know that he is fighting with God's strength. I need some "God strength" right now. The only way I know to do this on "God strength" is through prayer...an awareness of and reliance upon the power of God in Christ through the Holy Spirit. Lord, I need You big time. We need you big time. The church needs You big time. Carry on.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Refocus...Col 1:24-27
Colossians 1:24-27
24 Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servants by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Some observations
- Paul is thankful to be suffering for the church. In fact he sees it as an extension of the suffering Christ endured. This is a crazy...and beautiful position.
- Paul sees himself as a servant of the church...this sounds like humility and humble service, or putting the churches needs ahead of his own. WOW, Ok, now I'm convicted. How often do I suffer for the church? How often do I place the needs of the church ahead of my own? This does not seem to always be the prevailing attitude of us younger pastors.
- finally, the focus of Pauls service to the church was the spreading of the Word of God. Is this our focus? In our new emergent theology, is this important. I need to chew on this for a bit. Too much Paul...
24 Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servants by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Some observations
- Paul is thankful to be suffering for the church. In fact he sees it as an extension of the suffering Christ endured. This is a crazy...and beautiful position.
- Paul sees himself as a servant of the church...this sounds like humility and humble service, or putting the churches needs ahead of his own. WOW, Ok, now I'm convicted. How often do I suffer for the church? How often do I place the needs of the church ahead of my own? This does not seem to always be the prevailing attitude of us younger pastors.
- finally, the focus of Pauls service to the church was the spreading of the Word of God. Is this our focus? In our new emergent theology, is this important. I need to chew on this for a bit. Too much Paul...
Christ Alone
Christ Alone
Colossians 1 21-23
21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because off your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
I wonder if one of the reasons I don't see Christ as supreme as I should, is because I don't understand two things...how severe was the punishment He took for me on the cross and how unworthy I am to receve His love. Here is the difficult reality, in my natural self, I am an enemy of God. This is severe. In my mind and actions, I have rebelled and offended the infinitely holy and good God. I deserve, no I have been an object of His wrath. This is big. In one sense I have no hope. However, this is where the supremacy of Christ shines so bright...He has taken that punishment for me, and not only that, not only am I forgiven, I have received, I have been given His righteousness. This is the exclusivity of Christ...there is no one else who has had the ability to deal with God's wrath...this is the supremacy of Christ.
Colossians 1 21-23
21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because off your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
I wonder if one of the reasons I don't see Christ as supreme as I should, is because I don't understand two things...how severe was the punishment He took for me on the cross and how unworthy I am to receve His love. Here is the difficult reality, in my natural self, I am an enemy of God. This is severe. In my mind and actions, I have rebelled and offended the infinitely holy and good God. I deserve, no I have been an object of His wrath. This is big. In one sense I have no hope. However, this is where the supremacy of Christ shines so bright...He has taken that punishment for me, and not only that, not only am I forgiven, I have received, I have been given His righteousness. This is the exclusivity of Christ...there is no one else who has had the ability to deal with God's wrath...this is the supremacy of Christ.
Christ Alone
Christ Alone
Colossians 1 21-23
21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because off your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
I wonder if one of the reasons I don't see Christ as supreme as I should, is because I don't understand two things...how severe was the punishment He took for me on the cross and how unworthy I am to receve His love. Here is the difficult reality, in my natural self, I am an enemy of God. This is severe. In my mind and actions, I have rebelled and offended the infinitely holy and good God. I deserve, no I have been an object of His wrath. This is big. In one sense I have no hope. However, this is where the supremacy of Christ shines so bright...He has taken that punishment for me, and not only that, not only am I forgiven, I have received, I have been given His righteousness. This is the exclusivity of Christ...there is no one else who has had the ability to deal with God's wrath...this is the supremacy of Christ.
Colossians 1 21-23
21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because off your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
I wonder if one of the reasons I don't see Christ as supreme as I should, is because I don't understand two things...how severe was the punishment He took for me on the cross and how unworthy I am to receve His love. Here is the difficult reality, in my natural self, I am an enemy of God. This is severe. In my mind and actions, I have rebelled and offended the infinitely holy and good God. I deserve, no I have been an object of His wrath. This is big. In one sense I have no hope. However, this is where the supremacy of Christ shines so bright...He has taken that punishment for me, and not only that, not only am I forgiven, I have received, I have been given His righteousness. This is the exclusivity of Christ...there is no one else who has had the ability to deal with God's wrath...this is the supremacy of Christ.
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