Colossians Notes // Chapter 4 // Preach, Pray, and Plug Away!

Introduction:

1. Paul concludes this powerful letter with instructions and greetings to both the church and various leaders that work with him.

2. The most important instruction Paul gives to everyone is to "pray" so that the Gospel may be "preached!"


Summary of Each Section:

v. 1, Paul concludes the instructions concerning social order by commanding the slave masters to be "right and fair."

TAKE AWAY #1: No matter what position a Christian leader has in society (Politician, Employer, Manager, etc.) they must always treat people under their authority the way Jesus, their Master, treats them.

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vs. 2-6, Paul instructs the believers to pray for both him and themselves so the Gospel may be preached properly and result in outsiders getting saved.

TAKE AWAY #2: We must always pray for (1) Our leaders: to be able to preach and teach the people correctly, (2) Ourselves: to be able to share with our neighbors the truth of Jesus without hypocrisy, and (3) Outsiders: to be open to receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ with faith and genuine repentance.

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vs. 7-18, Paul acknowledges the disciples who worked and traveled with him, (1) Tychicus (Acts 20:4): A minister who brought the Colossian letter to the people, (2) Onesimus (Philemon 1): A freed slave and convert from Paul's "jail house ministry," now also a minister under Paul who traveled with Tychicus,

(3) Aristarchus (Acts 19:29): A disciple of Paul from Thessalonica who traveled with him to many places, (4) John Mark (Acts 12:25): Cousin of Barnabas and traveling minister who once quit but was restored into Paul's ministry, (5) Justus (Acts 18:7): A Jewish convert from the church in Corinth, (6) Epaphras (Col 1:7): A convert from Colossea who brought the Gospel to his people,

(7) Luke (Acts 16:10): A doctor from Antioch that converted and followed Paul and wrote extensively in Acts and Luke about Jesus and the Apostles, (8) Demas (2 Timothy 4:10): A disciple that eventually backslide for "loving the world,"

(9) Brothers at Laodicea (Col. 2:1): The leaders of the church in the neighboring city, (10) Nympha: Female leader of a house church most likely in Laodicea, and Lastly, (11) Archippus: A disciple in Colossea that was specifically named to "complete the work received from the Lord."

TAKE AWAY #3: Be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ.  What will the leaders of your church write about you?  What will be your legacy?  Therefore, be a committed disciple that makes disciples!  

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Summary of Chapter 4:

1. Be kind and gracious in your leadership.

2. Be devoted to prayer for the sake of the Gospel.

3. Live the life of a faithful disciple that makes disciples!

Colossians Notes // Chapter 3 // Put Your Mind on Christ!

Introduction to Chapter 3:

1. In chapter 3 Paul now gives the climax and application of all the previous points made.

2. Paul uses the foundations set in chapters 1 and 2 concerning (1) "Christ in You" and (2) "The Sinful Nature is Cut off," to give the reader direct commands and practical guides to living the "new life in Christ."


Summary of Each Section:

1. Colossians 3:1-17 // Paul teaches the believer to set their hearts and minds on Christ, take off the old self, and live in the new self. 

(a.) vs. 1-2, Making reference to the believer being raised with Christ in Col. 2:12, Paul now gives the command to set both the heart and mind on Christ.

TAKE AWAY #1: The secret to living a "God-kind-of-Life," according to Paul is to set your heart (affections) and mind (thoughts) on Jesus.

(b.) vs. 3-4, Paul makes clear that the believer has died and now lives a new life in Christ.  This new life will result in receiving glory when Christ appears at His second coming.

TAKE AWAY #2: There are not "two you's"- one "holy" and the other "sinful."  If you are born again you are one new person in Christ, your old life is dead- you are a new creation, 2 Cor. 5:17.  

(c.) vs. 5-9a, Paul gives the list of things the believer must put to death, "slay utterly and totally," (1) sexual immorality, (2) impurity, (3) lust, (4) evil desires, (5) greed (which is idolatry), (6) anger, (7) rage, (8) malice, (9) slander, (10) filthy language, and (11) lying.

TAKE AWAY #3: Though the believer has died and been cut off from the flesh, the flesh remains with the believer in their body and therefore must be put to death whenever its desires and temptations arise.   

(d.) vs. 9b-11, Paul boldly declares that the "old self" has been taken off and the believer has put on the "new self."  Therefore, to be saved according to Paul one's old self must be taken off and a new self put, "born again," John 3:3.  Plus, in this new life one's prior nationality or social position; Greek, Jew, circumcised, barbarian, slave- doesn't matter, Christ is in all!

Greek Scholar and New Testament Theologian Daniel Wallace states in the NET's commentary on this passage, "Paul's point, then, is that Christians should take off their dirty clothing (inappropriate behavior) and put on clean clothing (behavior consistent with knowing Christ) because this has already been accomplished in a positional sense at the time of their conversion (cf. Gal 3:27 with Rom 13:14)."

TAKE AWAY #4: Because believers are new and yet still carry the "body of death/flesh" with them in this life Paul's prior command in Col. 3:1-2, "to set one's heart and mind on Christ" is very important.  What believers do with their heart and mind determines the kind of life they will live- whether they will live in the "new self as they really are" or in the "old self as they once were."  

(e.) vs. 12-17, First, Paul describes believers as, (1) God's Chosen People, (2) Holy, and (3) Dearly loved.

Second, he lists the attributes of the believer's new self as, (1) Compassion, (2) Kindness, (3) Humility, (4) Gentleness, (5) Patience, (6) Forbearance, (7) Forgiveness, and (8) Love (which binds all the others together).

Third, he commands all believers to, (1) Let the Peace of Christ Rule in Their Hearts, (2) Be Thankful, (3) Let the Word of Christ Dwell Richly in Their Midst, (4) Teach and Admonish with the Word of God, (5) Sing Songs and Spiritual Songs with Grateful Hearts, and (6) Do All Things in the Name of Jesus Giving Thanks to the Father.  

TAKE AWAY #5: Know who God says you are (chosen, holy, etc.), Live like Jesus (have compassion, kindness, etc.), and Follow Jesus' commands, (Let peace and the Word of God dwell with you, etc).  

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2. Colossians 3:18-25 // Paul gives the biblical outline of social order for wives, husbands/fathers, children, and slaves- submit, love, and obey.  

(a.) vs. 18-25, Paul commands the Colosse church the same things he taught in the Ephesus church- family and social order, Eph. 5:22-6:9.

TAKE AWAY #6: (1) Wives submit to your husbands, (2) Husbands love your wives, (3) Children obey your parents, (4) Fathers don't discourage your children, (5) Employees obey your bosses, and (6) Everyone do everything as unto the Lord who will either reward you or punish you without favoritism.        

Note Concerning Slavery in the Roman Empire: (1) Slavery in the Roman culture was different in many ways than what the US did to Africans in the 1600-1800's, (2) Over 50% of all people living in Rome were slaves, (3) Slavery was not based on skin color but primarily on lost wars or debt, (4) Paul taught that slave masters were to treat their slaves as Jesus their Master treated them, Col. 4:1, (5) Lastly, when Paul was in a place to change the social order he promoted the release of slaves by Christians, Philemon 1:15-16.


Summary of Chapter 3:

1. Set your hearts and minds on Christ and live the new life He has given you!

2. Follow the order of the Bible for blessed marriages, families, and society.


Sunday Sermon:

Extra Clarifications:

1. Note the difference between the physical body and the soul/spiritual nature:
(a) Physical Brain vs. The Soul/Spiritual Mind
(b) Physical Impulses vs. The Soul/Spiritual Will
(c) Physical Feelings vs. The Soul/Spiritual Emotions


2. We as Christians believe the soul/spiritual nature (mind, will, and emotions) control the body made of flesh.  

3. Therefore, the believer can do the following by the power of the Holy Spirit:

(a) Control their thoughts with the Mind, Col. 3:1.
(b) Discipline fleshy desires and impulses with the Will, Col. 3:5.
(c) Subdue evil physical feelings with their Emotions, Col. 3:8.

Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice!

Saul is Rejected As King Because of His Rebellion

I wanted to write short a blog on the concept of "unholy sacrifice vs. humble obedience" as God gave it to me in my time of devotions today.

Here are the verses:

1 Samuel 15:22-23, 

22 But Samuel replied: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.  

23 For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king."

Basically, the story goes that the Prophet Samuel commanded King Saul not to offer any sacrifices to God until he came to be with him.  King Saul got impatient and offered the sacrifices to God without Samuel.  Thus, Samuel the Prophet gave King Saul the rebuke found in the verses above.

In short the rebuke from God declared: (1) Saul's sacrifices were not accepted as worship, and (2) God was going to remove him as the King of Israel because Saul's "unholy sacrifices" were committed in rebellion- which in God's eyes is the same as witchcraft.

Moral of the Story:  Just because you do something you think God will accept as a sacrifice, doesn't mean it's what He really wants.  God simply wants you to obey what He says above doing anything else- period.

My Life Lessons About Obedience vs. Sacrifices

Here are some thoughts that God spoke to me personally about the differences between "obedience" and "unholy sacrifices."

Definitions: "Unholy Sacrifice" means to "offer something to God in a way He did not command."  And, "Obedience" means to "obey God's commands."

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1 // Many times I would rather "suffer and sacrifice" with hours in prayer and abstain from things in the "grey areas" than just obey the basic things God commanded me to do.

Example:  I haven't drank caffeine since I got saved in November 1995 as a sacrifice to serving God without any kind of drug-like stimulants.  However, I don't always treat others like Christ wants me to.  Thus, I can find myself saying at times, "God aren't I such a great disciple because I don't drink caffeine?"  And, I feel like God says back, "No, I would rather you just be patient and kind as I command you to be- that other stuff doesn't matter!"

Lesson One in True Obedience: Stop acting like there is a way out of being obedient to God in the hard things.  Doing a hundred good works doesn't make up for repetitive rebellion- stop making excuses and simply obey. 

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2 // Other times I can find myself boasting in all the supposed "extra" things I do for God as a "sacrifice of my time."

Example:  After a long day of ministry and taking on "extra sacrificial projects" like "street witnessing, counseling, etc." I can sometimes feel like God owes me some time off or an "extra" blessing under the "blessing tree."   

However, in those times I can sense God rebuke me and admonish me from the parable of the "Unworthy Servant" in Luke 17:7-10.  Therefore, in reality I'm just doing the basics God has commanded me to do and if I wouldn't do these things I would be acting in rebellion. 

Lesson Two in True Obedience: Don't be fooled into believing "God owes you anything" for all that you do for Him.  Understand that following "all" of God's commands is the only real path and option for the righteous- no short cuts.


The Unworthy Servant

I pray this blog encourages someone to stop being proud of their "unholy sacrifices" that blind them from simple obedience.  Also, if anyone thinks they're earning "extra brownie points" from all their "sacrifices and extra duties," think again, God is only going to reward your obedience.  As a result, you can give-up and sacrifice whatever you like in His Name, but don't think extra-sacrifices make up for rebellion.

Please take a moment to read the "Parable of the Unworthy Servant" and pray that you will choose simple obedience over the false mindset of unholy sacrifice.

Luke 17:7-10, 

7 “Suppose one of you had a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Would he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? 8 Would he not rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’?  

9 Would he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? 10 So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty."

Heart Checks

Here are some good questions to check your heart to see if you are doing things out of the "unholy mindset of sacrifice" or the "joyful heart of simple obedience."

1. Have you ever compared your sacrifices to those others make?

2. Do you ever feel disappointed in God for unanswered prayer because you feel like He "owes it to you?"

3. Do you find yourself having difficulty in obeying God with joy and everything you do becomes a "sacrifice?"

4. Do you keep a list in your heart of all the "extra" things you do for God and the church?

5. Have you ever neglected living out the Sermon on the Mount in your character because you felt like you were making "big-time Kingdom sacrifices?"

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you need to ask God to change your heart from one of "unholy sacrifice" to that of "joyful obedience!"


Find True Joy in Humble Obedience

In closing, there is nothing wrong with "good sacrifices," like the "sacrifice of praise!"  However, the mind set of the believer shouldn't be, "Look at me God, I've made all these sacrifices."  The heart of the believer should be, "I love you Lord and its a joy to serve and obey you!"  Therefore, replace "unholy sacrifice" with "joyful obedience" that leds to everlasting life and blessings forevermore!

Romans 15:13, 

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Hebrews 12:2, 

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." 

Romans 14:17-18, 

17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men. 

Colossians Notes // Chapter 2 // Live Free!

Introduction to Chapter 2:

1. Paul continues in Chapter 2 with his thought from Chapter 1- that he is "struggling & laboring" to present everyone under his care "perfect in Christ," Col. 1:28-2:1.

2. Chapter 2 will now address some of the doctrinal issues the Colosse church is facing- "legalism and lawlessness."


Summary of Each Section in Chapter 2:

1. Col. 2:1-5 // When you correctly believe in Christ and are united in your love with all true disciples, you cannot be deceived by "fine-sounding arguments." 

(a.) v. 1, Paul mentions his struggle for Colosse with Laodicea (who he had not met either), and sad but true Laodicea became a "luke-warm" church (Rev. 3:16).  Thus, his concerns were very valid.

TAKE AWAY #1 // Heed the warning of your leaders and honor their work among you.  

(b.) vs. 2-3, Paul clarifies his purpose which is for all believers to be (i) encouraged and (ii) united in love so that they may know Christ better- the mystery of God.  Plus, he states that all the treasures of "wisdom" and "knowledge" are found in Jesus.

TAKE AWAY #2 // Be encouraged and united in your faith and love for Jesus.

(c.) v. 4, Paul boldly declares "why" he tells them to be encouraged and unified in their love for Jesus- so they cannot be deceived by fine-sounding arguments.

TAKE AWAY #3 // Listen to leadership's instruction in sound doctrine and unity so you will not be deceived by fine-sounding arguments.  

(d.) v. 5, Paul lets the disciples of Colosse know that though he is "absent in body" he is "present in spirit."  This most likely refers either to (i) them having his words as Jesus said "His Words were spirit and life," in John 6:63 or (ii) Since the Holy Spirit was in him and them- the Holy Spirit could make him aware of their faith and order.

TAKE AWAY #4 //  God can help leadership discern your life whether it's in order and in faith or not. 

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2. Col. 2:6-15 // You're flesh (sinful nature) has been cut away- you are new in Christ!

(a.) v. 6, Paul declares that a disciple must "continue" in the faith they had when they first believed- otherwise they can shipwreck it (1 Timothy 1:18-20).

TAKE AWAY #5 //  Continue in your faith in Christ.

(b.) v. 7, Paul states that the disciple is already "rooted," "built up," and "strengthened" in faith thus they are to be thankful.  This does not mean the disciple cannot grow in their salvation (1 Peter 2:2), however, the growth comes from the foundation.

Example:  Think of a car that is already built and you get in and ride it- your salvation is already built but now you must grow in it by living it.

TAKE AWAY #6 // Overflow with thankfulness because you are able to live for Jesus based on the foundation He has given you.  

(c.) v. 8, Paul rebukes the first set of false doctrines the Colossians are dealing with- "Pagan Philosophy."  The "human traditions & basic principles" probably refer to things like "myths and scientific theories."

TAKE AWAY #7 //  Don't fall for science and "make believe" that tries to turn you away from God.  Scientists like Francis Collins and great mythological authors like C.S. Lewis believed the Bible was far superior to both science and myth.  

(d.) vs. 9-10, Paul declares that in Christ all the fullness of Deity (God) lives in bodily form.  Plus, the believer has the fullness of Christ living in them.  Notice Christ is "deity in bodily form," however, the believer simply has "fullness in Christ."

The difference is "nature."  Jesus is God in flesh by nature.  However, saved man is still man in nature but given God's presence.

TAKE AWAY #8 //  Believe Jesus is God and worship Him.  Also, believe that all of Jesus is in you- you can all things through Him (Phil. 4:13)!

(e.) vs. 11-15, Paul states that the believer is now circumcised from their "sinful nature" because of Jesus.  Through baptism the "old man is buried" and "raised a new man" in Christ.  Therefore, the believer no longer has a sinful nature, a written code against them, or a powerful enemy able to defeat them.  However, the believer is alive with Christ, forgiven of sins, and made victorious over the devil.

TAKE AWAY #9 //  Stop believing you are "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," one part evil and one part holy.  You are 100% new in Christ, your old sinful nature has been "cut away and circumcised."  

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3. Col. 2:16-23 // No one can disqualify you from serving God with "man made laws," so live free in the Spirit.

(a) vs. 16-17, Paul rebukes the second false set of doctrines- "Jewish Legalism."  The Jewish converts were trying to retain their Mosaic Laws with Jesus' teachings thus they were guilty of changing the "grace of God" into "bondage" (Galatians 5:4).

Paul declares like the author of Hebrews that everything in the Mosaic Law, Old Testament is fulfilled in Christ- New Testament (Hebrews 8:13).  Thus, Christians can eat and drink what they wish and live free from Jewish festivals and Sabbaths.

TAKE AWAY #10 //  Be free from Jewish legalism by following the New Testament!

(b) vs. 18-23, Paul rebukes the third set of false doctrines- "Christian Legalism."  Some Christians in Paul's time believed that if they fasted regularly, abstained from all pleasure- even good ones, and sought mystical experiences they were "more spiritual."

However, Paul teaches that these kind of Christians lose connection with Christ (the Head), begin to worship angels (their experiences), and really have no power over their "sensual indulgences."

TAKE AWAY #11 //  Don't try to be more Christian than Christ- He came "eating and drinking," Luke 7:34.  Also, don't allow "false humility" to keep you from really being from your flesh.  Trust in Jesus and believe He set you free (John 8:36)!   

SUMMARY:

1. Love Jesus!

2. Believe your sinful nature has been cut away- you are new in Christ!

3. Don't be fooled by "Pagan Philosophy," "Jewish Legalism," or "Christian Legalism," live free in Christ!


Sunday's Sermon, "Live Free!"

Introducing "Metro Praise International!" // New Season of Church Planting!

Dear Friends and Supports,

I am writing this blog to share with you our recent changes and the future plans that Nancy and I have for Chicago and the nations.  We started "Metro Praise, Inc." seven years ago with a vision to "Love God and Love People" and a discipleship strategy to "Connect the lost to Jesus, Mentors believers in Jesus, and Send out trained disciples to change the world.

After being faithful to the call we believe it is time to start a new chapter with a new name!  The same vision and discipleship strategy will remain.  However, we believe it is best to move in this direction for the plans God gave us, "plant 50 churches in Chicagoland and 500 around the world!"

Therefore, please read the slides pictured below and considering joining with us in this new season!

Click here to read in pdf format.

Click here to visit our new website, www.mpichurch.org 

Colossians Notes // Chapter 1 // Christ in You!

Notes and Highlights From Last Sunday's Teaching on Chapter 1 from the Book of Colossians (Sept. 2, 2012):

Introduction:

1 // Date Written: 62 AD

2 // Written By: Paul, with Timothy

3 // Written From: Rome (while imprisoned)

4 // Written To: The church at Colosse

5 // Colosse: Small town 100 miles east of Ephesus, along a trade route of the Lycus River from the Aegean Sea. 10 miles away from Laodicea // Was apart of the Phrygia Province of Rome, which is now modern day Turkey.

6 // Establishment of the Colosse Church: Most likely Epaphras (Col. 1:7-8, Col. 4:12) visited Paul while he was in Ephesus for three years (52-55 AD) and brought the Gospel back to his town, Acts 19:10.

7 // Religious Background: Mostly Pagan with some Jewish transplants.

8 // Reasons for Writing: (i) Strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ, (ii) Correct false doctrine, and (iii) Instruct on godly living.


Practical Application of Each Section:

1 // Col. 1:1-2 // We are called "holy and "faithful" and given "grace and peace."

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2 // Col. 1:3-14 // We are to continually be filled with the knowledge God's will through the practical wisdom of the Spirit so we may walk worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way (Col. 1:9-10).

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3 // Col. 1:15-23 // Jesus is the exact representation of the Father, the Creator of all things, and the perfect Savior of the World (Col. 1:16-17,19-20).

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4 // Col. 1:24-29 // The mystery of the Old Testament, Christ living in both Jews and Gentiles, has been revealed by faith in the Gospel (Col. 1:23, 1:27).  Fulfilling Jesus' promises in John 14:23 and Ezekiel 36:26-27.


The Take Away:

1. Believe the Gospel, Col. 1:5.

2. Believe Jesus is God, Col. 1:15.

3. Believe Jesus is in you and you are now holy, Col. 1:28.

4. Walk worthy of the Lord in all practical ways by His power within you, Col. 1:10.


The Sunday Sermon, "Christ in You!"