Acts 13:24 to 41 1 Peter 1: 9 to 12
OUR SALVATION IS SO GREAT IT HAS PROPHETS PEERING AND ANGELS AGONISING
Peter's readers were wondering, is it worth it? Peter's answer is, it's more than worth it because our salvation is so special!
1. IT MAKES TRIALS SIGNIFICANT - verse 9
a) Salvation is the goal. When Jesus finally appears, we will find out what our trails have accomplished.
b) Salvation is sure. We look to the Saviour who has saved us, is saving us, and will save us completely when he returns.
2. IT IS GOD'S PLAN OF GRACE - verse 10
We were saved from sin's penalty when we put our faith in Christ; we are being saved from sin's power as we walk by faith; and, we shall be saved from sin's presence as we triumph by faith.
3. IT IS PREDICTED BY PROPHETS
The prophets dug into the Word of God like a gold prospector.
a) They predicted things they did not understand themselves.
b) They predicted the coming of Christ.
c) They predicted the sufferings of Christ - see Luke 24:25-27, I Corinthians 15:3
d) They predicted the glories of Christ - Matthew 13:17
4. IT IS REVEALED BY GOD - verse 12 and 2 Peter 1
The Bible is a self-authenticating book. Our salvation is revealed by God to man. It is not a clever human idea.
5. IT IS TOLD BY APOSTLES verse 12
They believed the Word and they preached the gospel in the power of God. That's a combination that will still work today.
6. IT INTERESTS ANGELS. Ephesians 3:10
We are the most blessed people. We know things the prophets never knew. We experience salvation the never experience. We know salvation is the story of the greatest rescue mission in the history of the Universe. God sent his son to redeem a rebel race. It will come to its appointed culmination when Jesus returns.
Friday, 26 October 2007
Cleaving
1 Peter 3: 1 to 17 Genesis 2: 24 to 25
Marriage is under attack as never before - it is seen as optional, disposable and re definable. It is God's design. It is a commitment made before the community. A good marriage is one where there is closeness and openness between two people.
1. MARRIAGE IS INTENDED TO BE PERMANENT
a) It is a commitment. In our culture we symbolize that commitment with a wedding ring. The wedding ring gives great value for money. It is a reminder that we have someone who loves us. We cannot expect perfection, we have to adjust to each other. A good marriage is for the man and woman's good - it is for every one's benefit. We need to take time, patience and effort.
b) It is a covenant of Companionship. Divorce breaks that covenant. It is a broken relationship. God hates divorce because he hates unfaithfulness. In a breach of a marriage it is unfaithfulness. Divorce is only a concession to man's sin and it is not God's plan. Roman Catholics forbid divorce. Some see it as lasting forever. Some see divorce as possible but re-marriage is forbidden. Some see it as possible in very limited circumstances.
The only grounds are unrepented sexual sin or desertion by an unbelieving spouse, then you can remarry. Remarriage is the not adultery. Jesus emphatically said divorce is not permissible for any or every reason. It is only permissible for the reasons above. The faithful partner is no longer bound to the covenant.
(i) All Biblical means should be used to keep any marriage together..
(ii) If is possible to be reconciled to the partner then they should. Easy divorce is too easy. People abandon marriage too easily. We need to strengthen and support it so it does not break down.
2. MARRIAGE IS MONOGAMOUS.
A man unites to a woman. Satan attacked marriage with a vengeance, we find polygamy, adultery, homosexuality, rape and so on. The Bible never justifies polygamy, it does highlight its terrible effects - jealousy, hatred and even murder. Today we have serial monogamy, the taking of a succession of husbands and wives. This leads to complex troubled lives and a tidal wave of hurt.
3. MARRIAGE IS HETEROSEXUAL
God gave Adam someone to complement him, not be identical to him. True marriage is heterosexual.
4. MARRIAGE IS NORMALLY BEST WITH FAITH.
It takes 3 to make a good marriage, man, woman and God with God at the top. As soon as Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they experienced alienation. Adam began blaming Eve for his problems.
a) Christians have a common basis of faith and biblical values. We all live by the Bible.
b) Christians have broken the love of self. A Christian is someone who is self giving, not selfish so they give to each other. The essence of marriage is sharing.
c) Christians have a proper sense of service. We live to serve and not to be served. The husband serves his wife by serving her. She serves him by submitting to him.
5. MARRIAGE US TO BE ENTERED WITH GREAT CARE.
a) It must be with a believer - 2 Corinthians 6:14. They must give credible evidence of being a believer. So you can pull together. A believer and unbeliever do not share the same values and principles.
b) It is wise to have some degree of doctrinal agreement. Matters of Christian teaching should lead you to the same church otherwise you will be divided. There is a level of commitment needed.
c) It should not be to anyone divorced without biblical grounds.
d) It is helped by the advice and approval of parents. Parents are able to better observe areas of compatibility. Marriage should be discussed with the family. The man should have a Biblical work ethic and provide for his family. We need happy, fulfilled marriages.
6. MARRIAGE IS FOR CHILDREN.
God planned the human heart for love, marriage, companionship, home and children. The richest thing in our lives are relationships and for starting and building new ones. Marriage requires our support, many are struggling. Pray for more strong marriages to strengthen and enrich the church. Educate the youth and children in the importance of marriage.
If we are single pray about whether you are to remain single or for a marriage partner.
Marriage is under attack as never before - it is seen as optional, disposable and re definable. It is God's design. It is a commitment made before the community. A good marriage is one where there is closeness and openness between two people.
1. MARRIAGE IS INTENDED TO BE PERMANENT
a) It is a commitment. In our culture we symbolize that commitment with a wedding ring. The wedding ring gives great value for money. It is a reminder that we have someone who loves us. We cannot expect perfection, we have to adjust to each other. A good marriage is for the man and woman's good - it is for every one's benefit. We need to take time, patience and effort.
b) It is a covenant of Companionship. Divorce breaks that covenant. It is a broken relationship. God hates divorce because he hates unfaithfulness. In a breach of a marriage it is unfaithfulness. Divorce is only a concession to man's sin and it is not God's plan. Roman Catholics forbid divorce. Some see it as lasting forever. Some see divorce as possible but re-marriage is forbidden. Some see it as possible in very limited circumstances.
The only grounds are unrepented sexual sin or desertion by an unbelieving spouse, then you can remarry. Remarriage is the not adultery. Jesus emphatically said divorce is not permissible for any or every reason. It is only permissible for the reasons above. The faithful partner is no longer bound to the covenant.
(i) All Biblical means should be used to keep any marriage together..
(ii) If is possible to be reconciled to the partner then they should. Easy divorce is too easy. People abandon marriage too easily. We need to strengthen and support it so it does not break down.
2. MARRIAGE IS MONOGAMOUS.
A man unites to a woman. Satan attacked marriage with a vengeance, we find polygamy, adultery, homosexuality, rape and so on. The Bible never justifies polygamy, it does highlight its terrible effects - jealousy, hatred and even murder. Today we have serial monogamy, the taking of a succession of husbands and wives. This leads to complex troubled lives and a tidal wave of hurt.
3. MARRIAGE IS HETEROSEXUAL
God gave Adam someone to complement him, not be identical to him. True marriage is heterosexual.
4. MARRIAGE IS NORMALLY BEST WITH FAITH.
It takes 3 to make a good marriage, man, woman and God with God at the top. As soon as Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they experienced alienation. Adam began blaming Eve for his problems.
a) Christians have a common basis of faith and biblical values. We all live by the Bible.
b) Christians have broken the love of self. A Christian is someone who is self giving, not selfish so they give to each other. The essence of marriage is sharing.
c) Christians have a proper sense of service. We live to serve and not to be served. The husband serves his wife by serving her. She serves him by submitting to him.
5. MARRIAGE US TO BE ENTERED WITH GREAT CARE.
a) It must be with a believer - 2 Corinthians 6:14. They must give credible evidence of being a believer. So you can pull together. A believer and unbeliever do not share the same values and principles.
b) It is wise to have some degree of doctrinal agreement. Matters of Christian teaching should lead you to the same church otherwise you will be divided. There is a level of commitment needed.
c) It should not be to anyone divorced without biblical grounds.
d) It is helped by the advice and approval of parents. Parents are able to better observe areas of compatibility. Marriage should be discussed with the family. The man should have a Biblical work ethic and provide for his family. We need happy, fulfilled marriages.
6. MARRIAGE IS FOR CHILDREN.
God planned the human heart for love, marriage, companionship, home and children. The richest thing in our lives are relationships and for starting and building new ones. Marriage requires our support, many are struggling. Pray for more strong marriages to strengthen and enrich the church. Educate the youth and children in the importance of marriage.
If we are single pray about whether you are to remain single or for a marriage partner.
Joy in tests
1 Corinthians 12: 1 to 10, Romans 5: 1 to 5 1 Peter 1: 6 to 9
Peter was writing to the scattered believers, he reminds them of what God has done for them and they should rejoice in that.
1. TRIALS COME TO TEST US - verse 7
Trials, tests or temptation, it depends on the context as to whether it is positive or negative.
a) God sends tests to reveal what is in our hearts so our faith may prove genuine - see if it will pass the test. We all have tests in exams. Some have false faith, see the parable of the sower. Some do not stay the test. It is an acid test - nitric acid put on gold will show if it is genuine (real gold is not hurt by acid). God hallmarks true believers. Trials can bring out the worst in us (on the Titanic men put on women's clothes). God intends trials to produce fruit in our lives. God wants us to show our faith to the watching world, how we respond to trials. So what is inside us will show on the outside. When hardship comes do we lean more on God or do we rebel? The same event brings out vastly different responses in us. We don't like hurting or emotional pain or disappointment but God uses it to make our faith shine.
b) God sends trials in order to purify our faith - verse 7. Gold needs refining by fire so the dross can be skimmed off and the pure gold left. God wants to burn off what is inappropriate behaviour and actions in our lives so the image of Christ can be clearly seen in us. We lose what is bad for us in the heat. God works out his purposes in us. We may lose financially but gain spiritually. We may lose health but gain inner strength. To make a good knife you need to apply heat in the right way. He does not want to break us but make us the sort of person to bring him glory. Faith holds onto God as he holds onto us.
2. TRIALS ARE EASIER BORN BY KEEPING OUR LOVE - verse 8
a) You have not seen him. Christianity is not a religion; it's a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. The world doesn't understand this because the world doesn't know Jesus. Most of Peter's readers had not met anyone who had met Jesus. Peter acknowledges this but says all the same they love him and are full of joy because the Lord may be hidden from us but love knows no distance.
b) You believe without seeing. The world says seeing is believing! Most people who saw Jesus did not believe in him, the presence did not make people believe. We don't believe with our senses but with the eye of faith.
c) We believe because we know Jesus. We must know a person before we can love him or her properly. 1 John 5:1 and Romans 5:5 tell us this. Everyone who believes in Jesus loves him. To know him we must be born into his family. We are able to love him because of his work in our hearts. Our faith lays hold of him. He loves is and we love him in return. Love to Jesus Christ is the heart of the Christian faith.
d) We love Jesus because we know him. Love for Jesus Christ in response to his love for us is the central motivation for the Christian life. We look to the Saviour with love. Our love can grow cold even though we may appear godly. We can leave our first love as the Ephesians did in Revelations. How do we maintain love for our unseen saviour? One way is to spend time alone with him. Another is to obey him. John 15:10 and 1 John 5:3 tell us this. We do what pleases God and what he commands. It can be very emotional when we are first converted but love can grow cold. If we keep God's commands we show we love him. If you are disobeying God, you do not love him as you should.
3. TRIALS CANNOT TAKE AWAY TRUE JOY
a) Joy does not depend on circumstances. Peter knows the people he is writing to are having a hard time in the midst of an immoral, violent world. Joy comes from a person.
b) Joy comes from Christ. You are happier with the one you love in hard times than without the one you love in good times. The most tested Christians have the most trials in life. If we separate ourselves from Christ, we lose the source of our joy.
c) The joy is unspeakable. We know joy at the birth of a child, the return from war of a son. There is something about Christian joy quite mysterious to those who have not experienced it. 2 Corinthians 2:6. It's more than a natural cheerfulness or actual laughter. It lives with hardship.
d) This joy is 'glorious' a joy rooted in God himself and the certain hope of everlasting life in the world of joy, that it cannot be destroyed by the griefs of this life. It gives hope and satisfies us in all circumstances. This glorious joy steadies Christians in the darkest of time. The true Christian is the happiest of people because they look forward to Heaven and feels God is his father and he cares for him. If God cares for us who can be against us? He will never fail us or let us down. How sad so many who could experience this joy do not and never will. It can be found only through faith in Christ. There is no other way onto the joyful road to to God's city. Our love may not be all it should be but we should seek to serve him and love him.
Peter was writing to the scattered believers, he reminds them of what God has done for them and they should rejoice in that.
1. TRIALS COME TO TEST US - verse 7
Trials, tests or temptation, it depends on the context as to whether it is positive or negative.
a) God sends tests to reveal what is in our hearts so our faith may prove genuine - see if it will pass the test. We all have tests in exams. Some have false faith, see the parable of the sower. Some do not stay the test. It is an acid test - nitric acid put on gold will show if it is genuine (real gold is not hurt by acid). God hallmarks true believers. Trials can bring out the worst in us (on the Titanic men put on women's clothes). God intends trials to produce fruit in our lives. God wants us to show our faith to the watching world, how we respond to trials. So what is inside us will show on the outside. When hardship comes do we lean more on God or do we rebel? The same event brings out vastly different responses in us. We don't like hurting or emotional pain or disappointment but God uses it to make our faith shine.
b) God sends trials in order to purify our faith - verse 7. Gold needs refining by fire so the dross can be skimmed off and the pure gold left. God wants to burn off what is inappropriate behaviour and actions in our lives so the image of Christ can be clearly seen in us. We lose what is bad for us in the heat. God works out his purposes in us. We may lose financially but gain spiritually. We may lose health but gain inner strength. To make a good knife you need to apply heat in the right way. He does not want to break us but make us the sort of person to bring him glory. Faith holds onto God as he holds onto us.
2. TRIALS ARE EASIER BORN BY KEEPING OUR LOVE - verse 8
a) You have not seen him. Christianity is not a religion; it's a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. The world doesn't understand this because the world doesn't know Jesus. Most of Peter's readers had not met anyone who had met Jesus. Peter acknowledges this but says all the same they love him and are full of joy because the Lord may be hidden from us but love knows no distance.
b) You believe without seeing. The world says seeing is believing! Most people who saw Jesus did not believe in him, the presence did not make people believe. We don't believe with our senses but with the eye of faith.
c) We believe because we know Jesus. We must know a person before we can love him or her properly. 1 John 5:1 and Romans 5:5 tell us this. Everyone who believes in Jesus loves him. To know him we must be born into his family. We are able to love him because of his work in our hearts. Our faith lays hold of him. He loves is and we love him in return. Love to Jesus Christ is the heart of the Christian faith.
d) We love Jesus because we know him. Love for Jesus Christ in response to his love for us is the central motivation for the Christian life. We look to the Saviour with love. Our love can grow cold even though we may appear godly. We can leave our first love as the Ephesians did in Revelations. How do we maintain love for our unseen saviour? One way is to spend time alone with him. Another is to obey him. John 15:10 and 1 John 5:3 tell us this. We do what pleases God and what he commands. It can be very emotional when we are first converted but love can grow cold. If we keep God's commands we show we love him. If you are disobeying God, you do not love him as you should.
3. TRIALS CANNOT TAKE AWAY TRUE JOY
a) Joy does not depend on circumstances. Peter knows the people he is writing to are having a hard time in the midst of an immoral, violent world. Joy comes from a person.
b) Joy comes from Christ. You are happier with the one you love in hard times than without the one you love in good times. The most tested Christians have the most trials in life. If we separate ourselves from Christ, we lose the source of our joy.
c) The joy is unspeakable. We know joy at the birth of a child, the return from war of a son. There is something about Christian joy quite mysterious to those who have not experienced it. 2 Corinthians 2:6. It's more than a natural cheerfulness or actual laughter. It lives with hardship.
d) This joy is 'glorious' a joy rooted in God himself and the certain hope of everlasting life in the world of joy, that it cannot be destroyed by the griefs of this life. It gives hope and satisfies us in all circumstances. This glorious joy steadies Christians in the darkest of time. The true Christian is the happiest of people because they look forward to Heaven and feels God is his father and he cares for him. If God cares for us who can be against us? He will never fail us or let us down. How sad so many who could experience this joy do not and never will. It can be found only through faith in Christ. There is no other way onto the joyful road to to God's city. Our love may not be all it should be but we should seek to serve him and love him.
Leaving and cleaving
Ephesians 5:15 to 6:4 Genesis 2:23 to 24
Marriage is fundamental, basic and important for all in the world, the church and all communities. It is recognised by many as very important.
1. MARRIAGE IS UNDER ATTACK AS NEVER BEFORE.
For the first time in history, we need to define marriage and family
a) It is seen by many as optional. What until now has been considered a 'normal' family, is viewed as one option. No longer claim to be only or superior form of living. With marriage and family under attack, our very civilization is under threat. When Eve was brought to Adam, it laid the foundations of society. From a father's authority, come the authority of governments. Today all this is under attack.
b) It is seen by some as disposable. The ideal of 'till death do us part' is gone. if it is difficult we trade it in on a new hope and hope for the best. Easy divorce laws reflect it. We have to work at it to make it work.
c) It is seen by a few as re-definable, IE - between the same sex. It is seen as a human invention rather than rooted in nature.
d) It is seen as undermined by human selfishness. If you are unfulfilled than get rid of it.
e) It is seen as undermined by a lack of trust and commitment. Many fear to commit because there are so many faithless people in the world. Many know the hurt of broken lives. Many have abused God's plan and left hurt and unhappiness. God has compassion on those who turn to him because they have suffered heart ache in this maelstrom of life. God is ready to forgive those who have made mistakes and who turn to him. Jesus came into the world for the needy, for those who have sinned and failed.
2. MARRIAGE IS GOD'S DESIGN FOR US
It is God's plan for one man and one woman to leave their families and cleave together for life. The woman was made for the man to meet his physical and emotional needs for life. It is the purest and greatest relationship God has given us. Sociologists say it grew up in evolution for women to civilize rogue males. Others say it was invented to pass on property or to give status in tribal society or to get money pr achieve something. The Bible says it is something before it achieves something. In Matthew 19:4 Jesus endorsed marriage and emphasised its permanence.He spoke in the times of the Romans who borrowed much from the Greeks when women's status was dire. It did not value marriage as Israel did. Paul had the gift of being single - he had to be single, it was wise because he could not have been a proper husband or father.
3. MARRIAGE IS A BINDING COVENANT
'United' means being super glued together, it is a permanent arrangement. A marriage then, is a covenant of companionship. See Malachi 2:14, marriage vows are making a covenant. It is not a contract (like a pre-nuptial contract), it is a covenant. A contract engages the services pf people and are for a period of time and can be broken leading to personal loss. Covenants are between people, are permanent, guaranteed by God and made in God's sight before witnesses.
4. MARRIAGE IS A COMMUNAL WITNESS
Marriage is not an arrangement made in isolation from God and other human beings. It is done before people. Adam and Eve united in the presence of God. Society needs marriages that need witnessing before people. A marriage needs the love and support of the family and recognition by the community. People recognise it and give support in times of stress. It impacts on society. A new marriage delights people.
5. MARRIAGE US MORE THAN LIVING TOGETHER
It is more than a piece of paper! People drift into cohabiting because there is a lack of trust in society. People say it is wise to live together to test each other and marriage is old fashioned and restrictive to women. This is what society thinks - it is socially acceptable. Those who cohabit before marriage are far more likely to break-up than marriages. The median length of cohabiting relationships is 2 years, they split up more quickly even when they have children. Cohabiting increases the break of marriages by 40 to 80%. Violence is 4 times more likely in cohabiting than marriage. These are statistics from society not christian propaganda.
6. MARRIAGE IS A NEW UNIT.
The first step in a marriage covenant is leaving. This does not mean we abandon our parents, we must still care for them. All lesser relationships give way to the new. We must grow up and take on the responsibility of marriage. We must raise children so they are not dependent on us. We must prepare children to be good husbands and wives.
7. MARRIAGE MEANS OPENNESS AND CLOSENESS - verses 24 and 25
It is literal and figurative. They were naked and felt no shame, they had nothing to hide. Its openness. Husband and wife can relax in each others presence because they have nothing to hide and understand each other. It gets better as we learn to adapt to each other. It grows deeper and stronger as they unite to bring up children. A sexual relationship means you give the whole of yourself to someone.
8. CONCLUSION
If you're single, and content use your single state to love the Lord and his work. You have a family if you love the Lord - a worldwide family. If you're single, but desire to be be married, grow in grace and look for a partner who is committed to the same outlook as you so you can have a compatible spouse. If you are married to an unbeliever show gracious behaviour so they can be won over. If you're married to a believer reflect Christ and his love so you serve the Lord together and help others who may be struggling.
Marriages do not run on auto-pilot and need care and attention so that each person is looked after and cared for. We need to remember it is ongoing and needs constant adaptation and care. Most of us are made for marriage and it brings great joy. If marriage brings earthly joy. Christ brings heavenly joy, he proposes to unbelievers today that they can have this heavenly joy of eternal life, then we must have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We must live to Christ.
Marriage is fundamental, basic and important for all in the world, the church and all communities. It is recognised by many as very important.
1. MARRIAGE IS UNDER ATTACK AS NEVER BEFORE.
For the first time in history, we need to define marriage and family
a) It is seen by many as optional. What until now has been considered a 'normal' family, is viewed as one option. No longer claim to be only or superior form of living. With marriage and family under attack, our very civilization is under threat. When Eve was brought to Adam, it laid the foundations of society. From a father's authority, come the authority of governments. Today all this is under attack.
b) It is seen by some as disposable. The ideal of 'till death do us part' is gone. if it is difficult we trade it in on a new hope and hope for the best. Easy divorce laws reflect it. We have to work at it to make it work.
c) It is seen by a few as re-definable, IE - between the same sex. It is seen as a human invention rather than rooted in nature.
d) It is seen as undermined by human selfishness. If you are unfulfilled than get rid of it.
e) It is seen as undermined by a lack of trust and commitment. Many fear to commit because there are so many faithless people in the world. Many know the hurt of broken lives. Many have abused God's plan and left hurt and unhappiness. God has compassion on those who turn to him because they have suffered heart ache in this maelstrom of life. God is ready to forgive those who have made mistakes and who turn to him. Jesus came into the world for the needy, for those who have sinned and failed.
2. MARRIAGE IS GOD'S DESIGN FOR US
It is God's plan for one man and one woman to leave their families and cleave together for life. The woman was made for the man to meet his physical and emotional needs for life. It is the purest and greatest relationship God has given us. Sociologists say it grew up in evolution for women to civilize rogue males. Others say it was invented to pass on property or to give status in tribal society or to get money pr achieve something. The Bible says it is something before it achieves something. In Matthew 19:4 Jesus endorsed marriage and emphasised its permanence.He spoke in the times of the Romans who borrowed much from the Greeks when women's status was dire. It did not value marriage as Israel did. Paul had the gift of being single - he had to be single, it was wise because he could not have been a proper husband or father.
3. MARRIAGE IS A BINDING COVENANT
'United' means being super glued together, it is a permanent arrangement. A marriage then, is a covenant of companionship. See Malachi 2:14, marriage vows are making a covenant. It is not a contract (like a pre-nuptial contract), it is a covenant. A contract engages the services pf people and are for a period of time and can be broken leading to personal loss. Covenants are between people, are permanent, guaranteed by God and made in God's sight before witnesses.
4. MARRIAGE IS A COMMUNAL WITNESS
Marriage is not an arrangement made in isolation from God and other human beings. It is done before people. Adam and Eve united in the presence of God. Society needs marriages that need witnessing before people. A marriage needs the love and support of the family and recognition by the community. People recognise it and give support in times of stress. It impacts on society. A new marriage delights people.
5. MARRIAGE US MORE THAN LIVING TOGETHER
It is more than a piece of paper! People drift into cohabiting because there is a lack of trust in society. People say it is wise to live together to test each other and marriage is old fashioned and restrictive to women. This is what society thinks - it is socially acceptable. Those who cohabit before marriage are far more likely to break-up than marriages. The median length of cohabiting relationships is 2 years, they split up more quickly even when they have children. Cohabiting increases the break of marriages by 40 to 80%. Violence is 4 times more likely in cohabiting than marriage. These are statistics from society not christian propaganda.
6. MARRIAGE IS A NEW UNIT.
The first step in a marriage covenant is leaving. This does not mean we abandon our parents, we must still care for them. All lesser relationships give way to the new. We must grow up and take on the responsibility of marriage. We must raise children so they are not dependent on us. We must prepare children to be good husbands and wives.
7. MARRIAGE MEANS OPENNESS AND CLOSENESS - verses 24 and 25
It is literal and figurative. They were naked and felt no shame, they had nothing to hide. Its openness. Husband and wife can relax in each others presence because they have nothing to hide and understand each other. It gets better as we learn to adapt to each other. It grows deeper and stronger as they unite to bring up children. A sexual relationship means you give the whole of yourself to someone.
8. CONCLUSION
If you're single, and content use your single state to love the Lord and his work. You have a family if you love the Lord - a worldwide family. If you're single, but desire to be be married, grow in grace and look for a partner who is committed to the same outlook as you so you can have a compatible spouse. If you are married to an unbeliever show gracious behaviour so they can be won over. If you're married to a believer reflect Christ and his love so you serve the Lord together and help others who may be struggling.
Marriages do not run on auto-pilot and need care and attention so that each person is looked after and cared for. We need to remember it is ongoing and needs constant adaptation and care. Most of us are made for marriage and it brings great joy. If marriage brings earthly joy. Christ brings heavenly joy, he proposes to unbelievers today that they can have this heavenly joy of eternal life, then we must have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We must live to Christ.
Kept but tested
1 Peter 1 verse 5 to 7
Part of our inheritance is to be kept safe until we receive it . If our faith is in ourselves, our goodness or our faith we will perish. If our faith is in God we will be safe. Peter gives reasons.
A. WE ARE SAFE UNTIL WE HAVE OUR INHERITANCE
1. The assurance is we are kept by God
Guarded or protected means to throw a guard around us or something. We are like a bird in the palm of an all powerful God. No one and no devil can snatch us. Why do we need it? We are in a spiritual battle and we have a powerful enemy in the Devil. We also have weak flesh which is vulnerable to attack by the Devil. By faith we are garrisoned around by God.
2. The Salvation is ready to be revealed.
a) We are protected by the power of God - John 10. We are secured and it cannot be taken from us.
b) We are protected through faith. If we have faith in God we are protected. We are not kept from slips and falls but our faith survives all this and we cannot finally fail. See Psalm 125 - as the mountains surround Jerusalem so God surrounds his people.
c) We are safe until the coming of the salvation when we are free from sin and temptation. He will preserve it in Heaven for us. We are being escorted home by Christ.
d) We will experience that fullness of our salvation in due time. It is referred to the great day or that day when the Lord Jesus comes. Our salvation is like a statue waiting to be unveiled. It is God's purpose to show off his Son's bride. God cannot reveal the bride until the end times.
B WE WILL SUFFER BEFORE BEFORE OUR INHERITANCE - verse 6
1. Trials do come. For Bonhoeffer, people said God was very real to him and he regarded death as the beginning not the end of life. Peter knew about difficult and painful times. Peter wrote this letter to people going through a rough time. Christian slaves were being treated unfairly by their masters, wives were being mistreated etc. Many believers had lost former friends who now slandered them. Our lives can be painful and hard. Trials come and they are inevitable.
2. Trials do not prevent joy. How do we deal with suffering?
a) Some say we shouldn't suffer. We're supposed to claim healing. It is unbiblical.
b) Others say that Christians are to rejoice in it. This can can lead to hypocrisy and emotional problems. It is to deny it and is also unbiblical. This Christian faith is not stoical. Jesus wept over death and suffering.
c) Some say that we need to express how we feel. They say 'let it all hang out and encourage Christians to rage against God.' These are all unsound.
d) The Biblical way is not to deny the pain or grief, but at the same time to have genuine joy in the Lord. It is to have a genuine joy. Afterwards it yields a harvest of joy. We will never lose our inheritance. Happiness comes and goes, joy is God given and far deeper - an inner joy in God is an enormous comfort. Peter does not deny grief, but says we can bear it with God's inner joy. We may suffer and we may grieve by there is the joy of knowing God loves us which will never leave us.
3. Trials are brief. Now, for a little while.
There may seem no end to the trial, it may seem to go on forever but what Peter says that what goes on in this life is little compared to the endless ages of eternity. We often suffer from spiritual near sightedness, now seem real and eternity unreal - see 1 Corinthians 4 verse 17. We need to live with the great expectation of Heaven. We know our trials cannot last forever. There will be an end to them.
4. Trials are multifaceted - griefs in all kinds of trials.
a) There are those who suffer simply because it is a suffering world. It might be illness, bereavement, unemployment etc. We can have deep distress over our sufferings in this world.
b) Others suffer on account of their identification with Jesus Christ. For the people reading this letter they suffered social ostracism. Peter has in view these people - see 1 Peter 3 verse 14 and 17 and 4 verse 13. Our hardship comes as we follow Christ in obedience. John Bunyan suffered because he followed Christ. Joni Erickson-Tarda suffered physically and emotionally and is a quadriplegic, are they the same? No! but she must walk as a believer.
5. Trials are needful.
Whether short or long, hardship comes, they are necessary to help us grow spiritually. The Saviour takes all he loves through trials. Hebrews 12 verse 7. We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God. This seems very depressing but we must learn through them. Malcolm Muggeridge said: "Everything I have learned, everything that has truly enhanced and enlightened my existence, has been through affliction and not through happiness"
Luther called it: "the very best book in my library" and Whitfield said "God puts burrs in our bed to keep us watchful and awake." We are made wiser, better and more discerning through our trials. C S Lewis said "God whispers to us in our pleasure but shouts to us in our pain". We listen through our pain because we will not listen any other way. God drives home the eternal perspective through our pain and suffering. It keeps us humble and near the Lord. Trials are needful and if necessary, the Lord knows what we need for our eternal good. He knows what will make us depend on him more.
We have a wonderful inheritance to come, if we love the Lord. The road to glory may cut our feet but he is with is every step of the way and no trial can rob us of our inheritance. If our trials are great it is to make us ready for glory.
Part of our inheritance is to be kept safe until we receive it . If our faith is in ourselves, our goodness or our faith we will perish. If our faith is in God we will be safe. Peter gives reasons.
A. WE ARE SAFE UNTIL WE HAVE OUR INHERITANCE
1. The assurance is we are kept by God
Guarded or protected means to throw a guard around us or something. We are like a bird in the palm of an all powerful God. No one and no devil can snatch us. Why do we need it? We are in a spiritual battle and we have a powerful enemy in the Devil. We also have weak flesh which is vulnerable to attack by the Devil. By faith we are garrisoned around by God.
2. The Salvation is ready to be revealed.
a) We are protected by the power of God - John 10. We are secured and it cannot be taken from us.
b) We are protected through faith. If we have faith in God we are protected. We are not kept from slips and falls but our faith survives all this and we cannot finally fail. See Psalm 125 - as the mountains surround Jerusalem so God surrounds his people.
c) We are safe until the coming of the salvation when we are free from sin and temptation. He will preserve it in Heaven for us. We are being escorted home by Christ.
d) We will experience that fullness of our salvation in due time. It is referred to the great day or that day when the Lord Jesus comes. Our salvation is like a statue waiting to be unveiled. It is God's purpose to show off his Son's bride. God cannot reveal the bride until the end times.
B WE WILL SUFFER BEFORE BEFORE OUR INHERITANCE - verse 6
1. Trials do come. For Bonhoeffer, people said God was very real to him and he regarded death as the beginning not the end of life. Peter knew about difficult and painful times. Peter wrote this letter to people going through a rough time. Christian slaves were being treated unfairly by their masters, wives were being mistreated etc. Many believers had lost former friends who now slandered them. Our lives can be painful and hard. Trials come and they are inevitable.
2. Trials do not prevent joy. How do we deal with suffering?
a) Some say we shouldn't suffer. We're supposed to claim healing. It is unbiblical.
b) Others say that Christians are to rejoice in it. This can can lead to hypocrisy and emotional problems. It is to deny it and is also unbiblical. This Christian faith is not stoical. Jesus wept over death and suffering.
c) Some say that we need to express how we feel. They say 'let it all hang out and encourage Christians to rage against God.' These are all unsound.
d) The Biblical way is not to deny the pain or grief, but at the same time to have genuine joy in the Lord. It is to have a genuine joy. Afterwards it yields a harvest of joy. We will never lose our inheritance. Happiness comes and goes, joy is God given and far deeper - an inner joy in God is an enormous comfort. Peter does not deny grief, but says we can bear it with God's inner joy. We may suffer and we may grieve by there is the joy of knowing God loves us which will never leave us.
3. Trials are brief. Now, for a little while.
There may seem no end to the trial, it may seem to go on forever but what Peter says that what goes on in this life is little compared to the endless ages of eternity. We often suffer from spiritual near sightedness, now seem real and eternity unreal - see 1 Corinthians 4 verse 17. We need to live with the great expectation of Heaven. We know our trials cannot last forever. There will be an end to them.
4. Trials are multifaceted - griefs in all kinds of trials.
a) There are those who suffer simply because it is a suffering world. It might be illness, bereavement, unemployment etc. We can have deep distress over our sufferings in this world.
b) Others suffer on account of their identification with Jesus Christ. For the people reading this letter they suffered social ostracism. Peter has in view these people - see 1 Peter 3 verse 14 and 17 and 4 verse 13. Our hardship comes as we follow Christ in obedience. John Bunyan suffered because he followed Christ. Joni Erickson-Tarda suffered physically and emotionally and is a quadriplegic, are they the same? No! but she must walk as a believer.
5. Trials are needful.
Whether short or long, hardship comes, they are necessary to help us grow spiritually. The Saviour takes all he loves through trials. Hebrews 12 verse 7. We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God. This seems very depressing but we must learn through them. Malcolm Muggeridge said: "Everything I have learned, everything that has truly enhanced and enlightened my existence, has been through affliction and not through happiness"
Luther called it: "the very best book in my library" and Whitfield said "God puts burrs in our bed to keep us watchful and awake." We are made wiser, better and more discerning through our trials. C S Lewis said "God whispers to us in our pleasure but shouts to us in our pain". We listen through our pain because we will not listen any other way. God drives home the eternal perspective through our pain and suffering. It keeps us humble and near the Lord. Trials are needful and if necessary, the Lord knows what we need for our eternal good. He knows what will make us depend on him more.
We have a wonderful inheritance to come, if we love the Lord. The road to glory may cut our feet but he is with is every step of the way and no trial can rob us of our inheritance. If our trials are great it is to make us ready for glory.
The Silent woman
1. The special mission is ubordination in church
This is not a joyful message but we live in a society where we have wrong ideas, we follow the ideas of society rather than the received will of God. We have public preaching by women, churches led and governed by women. Churches are doctrinally weak and men are unwilling to take the lead. There is a vacuum that is filled by women. It is not because they are unable to teach, or incapable of leading, or not as intelligent or such stable characters as men. Women teach in schools, they are very much needed. Many women are good leaders - Elizabeth I, Margret Thatcher etc. Church office is not denied because of inability to lead or moral uncertainty. The New Testament teaching is very controversial and dismissed by compromised churches or Paul is a chauvinist or his teaching was only meant for those churches in that situation. What is the bigger picture?
a) Women were disciples - see Luke 8. This was counter-cultural. Women were often not taught like men. In Luke 8 they were very active disciples and their faith was based on what they learnt themselves from Jesus.
b) Women were teachers - see 1 Timothy 5. Timothy was taught by his mother and grand mother who were believers. He was not taught by his father or grand father . In Acts 18 verse 24 Aquila taught as well as his wife Priscilla. They both instructed Apollos. In Romans 16 verse 13 Priscilla is described as a fellow worker with her husband.
c) Women are caregivers and helpers by mercy-ministry. Hospitality is provided by women who help deacons in the mercy ministry, especially with regards to women.
d) Women in extraordinary roles. Women taking men's role is not normal, they were not appointed kings, warrior judges or priests. They sometimes stepped in when men were not available - see Deborah in Judges 4 verse 4 or the 3 daughters in Acts 21 verses 8 to 9.
e) What does God mean for women to keep silent in church?
Look at 4 passages:
(i) I Timothy 2 verse 8 to 15. Paul wants everyone to pray and say the Amen. He wants the men to take the lead in praying. He says the authority of the elders is never to be tested by women in the public assembly. He does not say a woman can't be called an elder but can do the job of an elder. This is not tenable. The reasons: He says Adam's priority in creation shows this. The deception of the woman in the fall is behind this. Is he saying women are more susceptible than men? No he is saying what happens when there is role reversal. Eve took the lead and did not defer to Adam or consult him. It was role reversal. When this happens disaster strikes. The fall happened when God's divine order is set aside. They will benefit themselves from heeding this particular role distinction. It is enough to do without leading the church.
(ii) I1 Timothy 3 verse 14. This is how it is to be in all Christian assemblies. Anytime, anywhere in the world.
(iii) I Corinthians 11 verse 1. The woman is not inferior to the man because she submits herself to him any more than Christ is inferior to God the Father because he submits himself to the Father. Jesus is fully equal to to God the Father in essence but submits himself to his head as women should to their head. What about head covering? Women should pray in a manner that signifies their submission.
(iv) I Corinthians 14 verse 26 to 40. It is about teaching in the gathered public meeting. They should not raise questions in the meeting but wait until they get home. Questions can made as a challenge. Piper and Grey say: We should say that the teaching inappropriate for a woman is the teaching of men in settings that dishonour the calling of men to bear the primary responsibility for teaching in leadership.
(v) What about the office of deacon? In Romans 16 verse 1 we see Phoebe the deaconess or servant, it is probably a unique service. In 1 Timothy 3 verse 11 it is mentioned in the context of male deacons - a male office.
2. The special ministry is mentoring.
Elisabeth Elliot said "Where are the WOTTs The women of Titus Two?" It has a four fold job description:
a) Reverent - reflecting the character of the Lord she loves.
b)Truthful - she speaks the truth, and she speaks it in love. She does not slander.
c) Sober - she controls both her tongue and appetite. People give way to their feelings when they should keep them in check.
d) Teacher - younger women need the wisdom the older ladies provide. Younger women need the role modelling of older women in the Church.
There are great pressures on women today.
A. Let's appreciate the role that so many good women play in the life of Christ's church.
B. Let us men ensure we perform our roles in the church well. We men need to join in the menial tasks of the church as well. If we lead we need to do it with love and care and do it well under God's leadership.
This is not a joyful message but we live in a society where we have wrong ideas, we follow the ideas of society rather than the received will of God. We have public preaching by women, churches led and governed by women. Churches are doctrinally weak and men are unwilling to take the lead. There is a vacuum that is filled by women. It is not because they are unable to teach, or incapable of leading, or not as intelligent or such stable characters as men. Women teach in schools, they are very much needed. Many women are good leaders - Elizabeth I, Margret Thatcher etc. Church office is not denied because of inability to lead or moral uncertainty. The New Testament teaching is very controversial and dismissed by compromised churches or Paul is a chauvinist or his teaching was only meant for those churches in that situation. What is the bigger picture?
a) Women were disciples - see Luke 8. This was counter-cultural. Women were often not taught like men. In Luke 8 they were very active disciples and their faith was based on what they learnt themselves from Jesus.
b) Women were teachers - see 1 Timothy 5. Timothy was taught by his mother and grand mother who were believers. He was not taught by his father or grand father . In Acts 18 verse 24 Aquila taught as well as his wife Priscilla. They both instructed Apollos. In Romans 16 verse 13 Priscilla is described as a fellow worker with her husband.
c) Women are caregivers and helpers by mercy-ministry. Hospitality is provided by women who help deacons in the mercy ministry, especially with regards to women.
d) Women in extraordinary roles. Women taking men's role is not normal, they were not appointed kings, warrior judges or priests. They sometimes stepped in when men were not available - see Deborah in Judges 4 verse 4 or the 3 daughters in Acts 21 verses 8 to 9.
e) What does God mean for women to keep silent in church?
Look at 4 passages:
(i) I Timothy 2 verse 8 to 15. Paul wants everyone to pray and say the Amen. He wants the men to take the lead in praying. He says the authority of the elders is never to be tested by women in the public assembly. He does not say a woman can't be called an elder but can do the job of an elder. This is not tenable. The reasons: He says Adam's priority in creation shows this. The deception of the woman in the fall is behind this. Is he saying women are more susceptible than men? No he is saying what happens when there is role reversal. Eve took the lead and did not defer to Adam or consult him. It was role reversal. When this happens disaster strikes. The fall happened when God's divine order is set aside. They will benefit themselves from heeding this particular role distinction. It is enough to do without leading the church.
(ii) I1 Timothy 3 verse 14. This is how it is to be in all Christian assemblies. Anytime, anywhere in the world.
(iii) I Corinthians 11 verse 1. The woman is not inferior to the man because she submits herself to him any more than Christ is inferior to God the Father because he submits himself to the Father. Jesus is fully equal to to God the Father in essence but submits himself to his head as women should to their head. What about head covering? Women should pray in a manner that signifies their submission.
(iv) I Corinthians 14 verse 26 to 40. It is about teaching in the gathered public meeting. They should not raise questions in the meeting but wait until they get home. Questions can made as a challenge. Piper and Grey say: We should say that the teaching inappropriate for a woman is the teaching of men in settings that dishonour the calling of men to bear the primary responsibility for teaching in leadership.
(v) What about the office of deacon? In Romans 16 verse 1 we see Phoebe the deaconess or servant, it is probably a unique service. In 1 Timothy 3 verse 11 it is mentioned in the context of male deacons - a male office.
2. The special ministry is mentoring.
Elisabeth Elliot said "Where are the WOTTs The women of Titus Two?" It has a four fold job description:
a) Reverent - reflecting the character of the Lord she loves.
b)Truthful - she speaks the truth, and she speaks it in love. She does not slander.
c) Sober - she controls both her tongue and appetite. People give way to their feelings when they should keep them in check.
d) Teacher - younger women need the wisdom the older ladies provide. Younger women need the role modelling of older women in the Church.
There are great pressures on women today.
A. Let's appreciate the role that so many good women play in the life of Christ's church.
B. Let us men ensure we perform our roles in the church well. We men need to join in the menial tasks of the church as well. If we lead we need to do it with love and care and do it well under God's leadership.
Thursday, 25 October 2007
Colossians Chapter 1
We all get unsolicted letters - junk mail comes almost every day. We like to get letters but we often just bin junk mail, we destroy it with barely a thought. This letter to the church in Colosse came from Paul who many had barely met - see 2 verse 1, some had not met Paul in Colosse and Laodecia (further down the valley). We don't know if he had been there for sure. He travelled through the region but he is not recorded there. He may have gone there on his 3rd missionary journey via the Lycus valley to Ephesus - see Acts 19, he arrived at Ephesus, stayed there for 2 years. All in the province of Asia heard God's word - verse 10, this included Colosse. It had a wide impact. It may be that some Colossians had heard Paul while he was in Ephesus, they may have gone to hear him, it is likely that many had not.
Was the letter an early form of junk mail? Certainly not! even though we don't know who sent some things we do not discard them it. A hundredth birthday telegram from the Queen is an example. Even though the Colossians had no personal knowledge of him, they knew of hima and he was widely respected throughout the churches as a leader. athe Colossians would have felt priveleged to get a letter from Paul, to them in particular. It was not very personal and dealt with issues personal to them. How was this possible? Was it written when he was close to Colosse? No, from Rome - in prison 1000 miles away when he also wrote to the Phillipians. How could he be so well informed?
He had recieved a visit from Epaphras, their minister who came to faith through Paul's ministry. He revered and loved Paul. He became a minister in Colosse and Laodicia. When he heard about Paul's imprisonment in Rome he went to visit Paul in Rome, this was an immense encouragement for Paul while he was in prison awaiting trial. There were problems with the church in Rome. Paul was concerned with the work of the Gospel. He heard about your churches in Colosse and Laodici. It was good to get news so he could pray for them as we do for other churches - encouragement and discouragements.
Verses 7 and 8 - Epaphras gave Paul news about their love in the Spirit, good things and difficulties they faced and needed addressing. Epaphras was concerned about wrong teaching infiltrating the church. Paul deals with them in tender loving way. Paul felt he could speak directly to the church.
Verse 1 - the introduction is short, it says who he was a nd the basis of his authority, he was an apostle, he does not labour this as if they should be in undue awe of him. He had God given authority from Jesus so he could deal with errors in the church. Few outsiders had the authority to address errors as Paul did. We have to exercise care with outsiders who try to lord it over us. He also stresses his relationship with them.
Verse 2. He refers to them as saints and believers and brothers. He also stresses what they share - God OUR father. He draws closer to them so he can teach the. He was a great apostle. He still remembers thay are brothers in Christ and shows them the respect they deserve. We should treat other christians as fellow believers. He then follows his normal pattern by expressing thanks to God. Paul was not just following a pattern, it is very sincere.
Verses 3 to 8 This section is personal, relevant and important. He does not praise the, or thank them but God for he deserves the credit and thanks for what has gone on in Colosse. When we pray we often pray for their needs, we often don't thank God for our fellow believers. We forget to give thanks for saving them and putting them where they are. Parents like to be thanked by their children - children often forget to say it as we do to God. We should stop and thank God for what he has done. There is an endless list of what he has done for them. Paul thanked God for them even though he had concerns for them - they were christians. Paul didn't have to say this, he would have said thisquickly. Why did he write and say thanks at some length? To encourage them and so he did not look down on them. He wanted to show interest in them so they realised he had concerns for them.
The Colossians commended themselves:
a) Their faith in Jesus Christ - they didn't just say the right things like a parrot - we can train them but is does not mean anything. True faith is not a matter of saying the right words. Faith combines both belief and actions, it applies the truth of the gospel we have believed in. The Jews believed they had been born into faith. On the road to Damascus Paul had seen Jesus and believed and preached the gospel to thousands who had come to believe in Jesus. Many feel uncomfortable when hearing the gospel because of their sin - John 3 verse 18, they shun the light.
People who are not christians do not like to be told about hell and sin. If this is a natural reaction, how do we come to faith? Because God will not abandon us, he has chosen us by grace and calls us into his kingdom.
There are many small struggling churches, we often grieve over their weaknesses, we should think God for these churches and what they do. Faith is the means of entry into the kingdom, love is the evidence - 1 John 4, we love God who we are a reflection of. If we love God and hate our brothers we make God a liar. Christian love is unique. We are the object of God's love, our sin is repulsive to him, he turns away from it. Jesus bore the punishment for our sins in his body on the tree. When Christans display this love it shows God's spirit is at work and shows faith at work. If someone shows love and concern for us we thank them for it. We thank God for that as well.
Faith, love and hope. The Colossians faith and love spring from their hope, how? Hope is stored up for them in Heaven as a treasure - see 1 Peter 1 verse 4. It is the ultimate goal for all christians - enjoyed in unending joy. It is wonderful, the greatest hope anyone can have. It is not a mere wish. It is a certainty, not a vague wish, a confident expectation that what God has pronised will be fulfilled. At Christmas all children have hopes for what will come and what they will get. We have hope about what we will get in Heaven .
Our love for God and other Christians will be enlarged. Is our hope for eternity as strong as it? If we are not a christian we cannot know this hope until we put our faith in Christ - it is a wish with no reallistic hope.
b) The Gospel. They were in danger of going astray and they needed reminding of the truth of the Gospel. It turned the world upside down, 500,000 believers by the end of the apostolic era. It is not easy for moslems to convert, it is so for Jews and other religions as well. The early believers faced many persecutions and oppositions. Despite this, the gospel had a great effect. Why? It was not just the skill of the preachers. Many faithfully preached the gospel. Or cutting edge church planting schemes, but the message they preached, they did not add or take away from it but they stuck to the message they had received. No one should add or take away from it, it ruins it. Many leave bits out to make it palatbale. We need all of it, it is effective because God makes it so. When Jesus died on the cross he did something we cannot do for ourselves. We would have no hope. How should we respond? We must stay faithful to it. God determines what the outcome will be. He has promised he will use the message he has given us. We must give thanks to God for it.
Was the letter an early form of junk mail? Certainly not! even though we don't know who sent some things we do not discard them it. A hundredth birthday telegram from the Queen is an example. Even though the Colossians had no personal knowledge of him, they knew of hima and he was widely respected throughout the churches as a leader. athe Colossians would have felt priveleged to get a letter from Paul, to them in particular. It was not very personal and dealt with issues personal to them. How was this possible? Was it written when he was close to Colosse? No, from Rome - in prison 1000 miles away when he also wrote to the Phillipians. How could he be so well informed?
He had recieved a visit from Epaphras, their minister who came to faith through Paul's ministry. He revered and loved Paul. He became a minister in Colosse and Laodicia. When he heard about Paul's imprisonment in Rome he went to visit Paul in Rome, this was an immense encouragement for Paul while he was in prison awaiting trial. There were problems with the church in Rome. Paul was concerned with the work of the Gospel. He heard about your churches in Colosse and Laodici. It was good to get news so he could pray for them as we do for other churches - encouragement and discouragements.
Verses 7 and 8 - Epaphras gave Paul news about their love in the Spirit, good things and difficulties they faced and needed addressing. Epaphras was concerned about wrong teaching infiltrating the church. Paul deals with them in tender loving way. Paul felt he could speak directly to the church.
Verse 1 - the introduction is short, it says who he was a nd the basis of his authority, he was an apostle, he does not labour this as if they should be in undue awe of him. He had God given authority from Jesus so he could deal with errors in the church. Few outsiders had the authority to address errors as Paul did. We have to exercise care with outsiders who try to lord it over us. He also stresses his relationship with them.
Verse 2. He refers to them as saints and believers and brothers. He also stresses what they share - God OUR father. He draws closer to them so he can teach the. He was a great apostle. He still remembers thay are brothers in Christ and shows them the respect they deserve. We should treat other christians as fellow believers. He then follows his normal pattern by expressing thanks to God. Paul was not just following a pattern, it is very sincere.
Verses 3 to 8 This section is personal, relevant and important. He does not praise the, or thank them but God for he deserves the credit and thanks for what has gone on in Colosse. When we pray we often pray for their needs, we often don't thank God for our fellow believers. We forget to give thanks for saving them and putting them where they are. Parents like to be thanked by their children - children often forget to say it as we do to God. We should stop and thank God for what he has done. There is an endless list of what he has done for them. Paul thanked God for them even though he had concerns for them - they were christians. Paul didn't have to say this, he would have said thisquickly. Why did he write and say thanks at some length? To encourage them and so he did not look down on them. He wanted to show interest in them so they realised he had concerns for them.
The Colossians commended themselves:
a) Their faith in Jesus Christ - they didn't just say the right things like a parrot - we can train them but is does not mean anything. True faith is not a matter of saying the right words. Faith combines both belief and actions, it applies the truth of the gospel we have believed in. The Jews believed they had been born into faith. On the road to Damascus Paul had seen Jesus and believed and preached the gospel to thousands who had come to believe in Jesus. Many feel uncomfortable when hearing the gospel because of their sin - John 3 verse 18, they shun the light.
People who are not christians do not like to be told about hell and sin. If this is a natural reaction, how do we come to faith? Because God will not abandon us, he has chosen us by grace and calls us into his kingdom.
There are many small struggling churches, we often grieve over their weaknesses, we should think God for these churches and what they do. Faith is the means of entry into the kingdom, love is the evidence - 1 John 4, we love God who we are a reflection of. If we love God and hate our brothers we make God a liar. Christian love is unique. We are the object of God's love, our sin is repulsive to him, he turns away from it. Jesus bore the punishment for our sins in his body on the tree. When Christans display this love it shows God's spirit is at work and shows faith at work. If someone shows love and concern for us we thank them for it. We thank God for that as well.
Faith, love and hope. The Colossians faith and love spring from their hope, how? Hope is stored up for them in Heaven as a treasure - see 1 Peter 1 verse 4. It is the ultimate goal for all christians - enjoyed in unending joy. It is wonderful, the greatest hope anyone can have. It is not a mere wish. It is a certainty, not a vague wish, a confident expectation that what God has pronised will be fulfilled. At Christmas all children have hopes for what will come and what they will get. We have hope about what we will get in Heaven .
Our love for God and other Christians will be enlarged. Is our hope for eternity as strong as it? If we are not a christian we cannot know this hope until we put our faith in Christ - it is a wish with no reallistic hope.
b) The Gospel. They were in danger of going astray and they needed reminding of the truth of the Gospel. It turned the world upside down, 500,000 believers by the end of the apostolic era. It is not easy for moslems to convert, it is so for Jews and other religions as well. The early believers faced many persecutions and oppositions. Despite this, the gospel had a great effect. Why? It was not just the skill of the preachers. Many faithfully preached the gospel. Or cutting edge church planting schemes, but the message they preached, they did not add or take away from it but they stuck to the message they had received. No one should add or take away from it, it ruins it. Many leave bits out to make it palatbale. We need all of it, it is effective because God makes it so. When Jesus died on the cross he did something we cannot do for ourselves. We would have no hope. How should we respond? We must stay faithful to it. God determines what the outcome will be. He has promised he will use the message he has given us. We must give thanks to God for it.
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