COLOSSIANS INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

COLOSSIANS INDUCTIVE BIBLE STUDY

By Dennis Schmidt 2/2008

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This paper discusses the book of Colossians. This Bible book is Christ centered using Christ 26 times, Lord 13 and Jesus 8 times. Colossians also states thank God, 6 times. All scriptures are from the King James' version Bible.

COLOSSIANS THEME:

DIVINITY, SUPREMACY, & GLORY OF CHRIST AS GOD'S ETERNAL SON.

Colossians 1:15-19 "Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: {16} For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: {17} And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. {18} And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. {19} For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;"

CHAPTER THEMES & ELEMENTS

BOOK STRUCTURE	OUTLINE	TOPICS	CHAPTER(S) THEMES
Introduction -	Introduction	Doctrinal: What Christ has done for the Christian	(1:1-13) Be filled with God's will to be translated into Gods kingdom
Preeminence of Christ	Exalted Christ	\| v	(1:14-29) Jesus is the image of the invisible Godhead & creator of all
Christ & freedom	Christianity Exalted	\| v	(2:1-23) Traditions, legalism & law Jesus has nailed to His cross taken out way in whom we are complete
Saints living	Exalted Calling	Practical: What the Christian does through Christ	(3:1-4:6) Believers are dead, their life hid in Jesus, risen with Jesus & whatever we do in Jesus name
Closing	Conclusion Personal Remarks	\| v	(4:7-18) That you stand perfect & complete in the will of God

AUTHOR: Apostle Paul DATE: 61 AD FROM: Rome prison TO: Colosse church near Turkey

PURPOSE:

TEACH THE GOSPEL OF GOD THAT JESUS THE CHRIST RECEIVE THE SUPREMACY AS THE DIVINE SON OF GOD.

Colossians 1:13-15 "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: {14} In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: {15} Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:"

The two Epistles letters, Ephesians and Colossians, were written about the same time and are similar. Colossians was written to oppose the heresy false teachers of Greek philosophy using human wisdom of worshipping angels, legalism, & traditions. Colossians also emphasizes Christ as head of the church while Ephesians emphasizes a unity of the church as the body of Christ. This is in place of the gospel of God that Jesus the Christ receives the supremacy as the divine Son of God.

CHRIST PREEMINENCE IN WHOLE CREATION

JESUS EARTHLY GOVERNMENT	SAVED ONES RECONCILED	SAINTS WISDOM & KNOWLEDGE	SAINTS FAITH IN JESUS BAPTISM	SAVED ONES GODLY LIVING
Jesus visible image dwells full Godhead Colossians 1:15/19	Peace in Jesus blood of cross reconciles Colossians 1:20	Mystery hid reveals Christ in Gentiles Colossians 1:26-27	Flesh circumcision-> Christ circumcision Colossians 2:11	Jesus is our life and we are risen in Him Colossians 3:1-3
Jesus creator for all things for Himself Colossians 1:16	Alienated & enemies reconciled in Jesus Colossians 1:21	Teach/present saints perfect in Christ Colossians 1:28	Buried with Christ; raised with Christ Colossians 2:12	Put off old man of flesh sins->new man Colossians 3:8-10
Jesus before all & by Him they consist Colossians 1:17	Jesus body of flesh in death made holy Colossians 1:22	Knit in love together in Jesus is wisdom Colossians 2:2-3	Were dead in sins -> made alive with Him Colossians 2:13	Put on charity (love) bonds of perfection Colossians 3:14
Jesus is the head of His church on earth Colossians 1:18	Grounded & settled in hope of gospel Colossians 1:23	Philosophy, vain lies traditions for Christ Colossians 2:8	Remove legalism & ritualism for Christ Colossians 2:14-23	Whatever you do, all in name of Jesus Colossians 3:17

KEY SCRIPTURES:

1) God in control

2) Our part

Colossians 2:12 "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead."

Colossians 3:3 "For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God."

3) Frame of our mind: wisdom and understanding

Colossians 4:5 "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time."

KEY WORDS / LOCATIONS: [ love ] (1, 2, 3); [ faith ] (1, 2); [ walk ] (1, 2, 4); [ body ] (1, 2, 3); [ bond ] (3, 4); [ perfect ] (1, 4); [ mystery ] (1, 2, 4); [ wisdom ] (1, 2, 3, 4); [ knowledge ] (1, 2, 3, 4); [ understanding ] (1, 2); [ complete ] (2, 4)

HERESY PROBLEMS: Combining Judaism teachings with Gnostic system which is a syncretism.

1) Syncretism - Mix other philosophies/religions into Christianity just as is being done today in paganism (Christmas, Easter, etc.).

Colossians 2:8 "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."

2) Ceremonialism - Strict rules: religious foods, laws & festivals.

Colossians 2:16 "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:"

3) Gnosticism - Matter is evil. Secret knowledge of the intellect by contact of angels: redeeming disciplines & meditating.

Colossians 2:18 "Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,"

4) Asceticism - Human wisdom/self righteous as do not touch.

Colossians 2:21 "(Touch not; taste not; handle not;"

OUTLINE FOR COLOSSIANS:

I) INTRODUCTION: {COLOSSIANS 1:1 - 1:14}

A) SALUTATION/AUTHORSHIP: {COLOSSIANS 1:1 - 1:2}

B) GRATITUDE FOR THEIR FAITH IN ACTION: {COLOSSIANS 1:3 - 1:8}

C) PRAYER TO GOD, BY PAUL, FOR GROWTH & THANKS: {COLOSSIANS 1:9 - 1:14}

II) EXALTED CHRIST: {COLOSSIANS 1:15 - 1:29}

A) CHRIST CHARACTER: {COLOSSIANS 1:15 - 1:23}

B) CHRIST'S COMMISSION TO PAUL: {COLOSSIANS 1:24 - 1:29}

III) CHRISTIANITY EXALTED: {COLOSSIANS 2:1 - 2:23}

A) CHRISTIANITY EXALTED OVER PHILOSOPHY: {COLOSSIANS 2:1 - 2:10}

B) CHRISTIANITY EXALTED OVER LEGALISM: {COLOSSIANS 2:11 - 2:17}

C) CHRISTIANITY EXALTED OVER MYSTICAL TEACHING: {COLOSSIANS 2:18 - 2:19}

D) CHRISTIANITY EXALTED OVER ASCETICISM: {COLOSSIANS 2:20 - 2:23}

IV) EXALTED CALLING: {COLOSSIANS 3:1 - 4:6}

A) CERTAINTIES OF OUR CALLING: 3:1 - 3:4

B) CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR EVERYDAY CALLING: {COLOSSIANS 3:5 - 3:17}

C) CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR CALLING IN THE HOME: {COLOSSIANS 3:18 - 3:21}

D) CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR SERVANT MASTER: {COLOSSIANS 3:22 - 4:1}

E) CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR CALLING IN PRAYER: {COLOSSIANS 4:2 - 4:4}

F) CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR WITNESS & SPEECH CALLING: {COLOSSIAN 4:5 - 4:6}

V) CONCLUDING PERSONAL REMARKS: {COLOSSIANS 4:7 - 4:18}

LOCATED:

Colossi in New Testament times was a ancient Roman city in Phrygian and was the third largest city in Macedonia located in Northern Greece about 50 miles south of the city of Philadelphia. Laodicea was more modern and near to Colossi. It may have been visited by Paul on a fourth missionary journey. See Philemon 1:22 where Onesimus (Paul’s fellow laborer) was sent back to his master Philemon who as a run away slave may be punishable by death.

Colossians 2:1 "For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;"

Philemon 1:22 "But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you."

RELATED SCRIPTURES:

Acts 19:10-11 "And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. {11} And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:" Epaphras of Colosse was evangelized during these two years leading to the establishment of the church there. Onesimus (the slave of Philemon) delivered the letter to Colosse.

Colossians 4:16 "And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea." Laodicea letter may be Ephesians.

COMPARISON OF EPHESIANS AND COLOSSIANS

COMPARISON	COLOSSIANS	EPHESIANS
Christ as God's Divine Son	Preeminence of Christ authority over His creation for Himself 1:16-17
Christ as head of the Church	Christ the head of the body the church 1:18	Christ the head of the church 1:22 Christian unity 1:13
Christians as part of Christ body	Complete in Christ 2:10; Unity 2:2	Christians are members of Christ earthly body 3:6/4:16
Mystery - Jews & Gentiles in Church	Mystery of Jews & Gentiles who now have Christ in them 1:26-27	Mystery unity of Jew & Gentile in Christ 3:4-6

I) INTRODUCTION: {COLOSSIANS 1:1 - 1:14}

A) SALUTATION/AUTHORSHIP: {COLOSSIANS 1:1 - 1:2}

WHO: PAUL & TIMOTHY TO WHOM: COLOSSIANS

Colossians 1:1 "Paul, an apostle of M Jesus M T Christ T by the will of /\ God /\, and Timotheus <our> brother,"

Paul: Saul: means asked for and Paul: means little or small. Paul is in Rome in prison and certainly needs the comfort and help of Onesimus, but he care for the church is of more importance. He does ask for pray and that a room be set aside from Philemon so that he could come to Philemon's home (verse 22). Paul had never been to Colosse.

Apostle: An Apostle is one sent by God, with power of attorney and authority, to act (with power) in place of sender. He was chosen and ordained to the position to be a witness of what God shows him.

See my paper: "Apostles" for more information on this subject.

Apostles started many churches and appointed Elders to the church.

1 Corinthians 9:1-2 "Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? {2} If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord."

2 Corinthians 12:12 "Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

Galatians 2:8 "(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)"

By the will of God:

Galatians 1:1 "Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

Ephesians 4:11 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;"

Hebrews 2:4 "God also bearing <them> witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?"

Timothy (Timotheus): Means worship of God. He was as a son to Paul. He was to carry on Paul's ministry after Paul departed. His father was a Greek and mother was a Jew (Acts 16:1). His mother was Eunice and grandmother was Lois, both of whom were Christians (2 Timothy 1:5). Paul's letter send with regards from Timothy include: 2 Corinthians 1:1, Philippians 1:1, Colossians 1:1, 1&2 Thessalonians, Philemon 1 & Hebrews 13:23. Paul writes to Timothy in his 2 books. Paul addresses his ministry in 1 Corinthians 16:10 & 1 Timothy 4:11-4:16. His apostleship in 1 Thessalonians 1:1/2:6.

2 Timothy 1:4-6 "Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; {5} When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. {6} Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands." Paul's last testament from prison is to his spiritual son

WHERE: COLOSSE

Colossians 1:2 "To the saints and faithful brethren in T Christ T which are at Colosse: Grace <be> unto you, and peace, from /\ God /\ our /\ Father /\ and the /\ Lord /\ M Jesus M T Christ T."

Saints: Sanctified one, set apart, by God, for His purpose.

Psalms 50:5 "Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice."

Hebrews 10:10 "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once <for all>."

Colosse: 100 miles east of Ephesus and 50 miles south of Philadelphia in Asia minor (near turkey or Greece).

Grace: Getting what we do not deserve as compared with mercy: not getting what we deserve.

Peace: Hebrew word Shalom used for hello, good-bye & God bless you. Only God gives true peace to ones spirit of forgiveness & restoration.

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Peace the opposite to anxiety, tranquility, & worry free.

God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: God is a triunity. God can not be divided. Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit are the way the one God reveals himself. If one sees Jesus, he also sees the Father and the Holy Spirit at the same time since God can not be separated (Colossians 1:15). Jesus is both a perfect man and God.

Colossians 2:9 "For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily."

John 14:9-10 "Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou <then>, Show us the Father? {10} Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works."

B) GRATITUDE FOR THEIR FAITH IN ACTION: {COLOSSIANS 1:3 - 1:8}

Colossians 1:3 "We give thanks to /\ God /\ and the /\ Father /\ of our /\ Lord /\ M Jesus M T Christ T, praying always for you,"

Lord Jesus Christ:

See my paper: "Triunity" for more information on this subject.

Acts 2:36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." Thanks is an important theme of Colossians. The Bible never thanks man for faith & love since God supplies them

Acts 10:36 "The word which <God> sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)"

Praying always for you: See Colossians 1:9-14 for his prayer.

2 Timothy 1:3 "I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;"

Colossians 1:4 "Since we heard of your [ faith ] in T Christ T M Jesus M, and of the [ love ]<which ye have> to all the saints," Faith, hope & love are shown in verses 4 & 5.

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KEY WORD: LOVE {COLOSSIANS 1:4-3:19}

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(1) Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, {Colossians 1:4}

(2) Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. {Colossians 1:8}

(3) That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; {Colossians 2:2}

(4) And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. {Colossians 3:14}

(5) Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. {Colossians 3:19}

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Other scriptures with faith, hope, and love:

1 Corinthians 13:13 "And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these <is> charity." Charity = love

Romans 5:2 "By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God."

Romans 5:5 "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."

Galatians 5:5-6 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. {6} For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

1 Thessalonians 1:3 "Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;"

1 Thessalonians 5:8 "But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation."

Faith:

Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Faith is not the same as hope. Hope is wishing for something. Faith is having it in a faith dimension.

When God reveals (manifests) it to this dimension is up to Him. We are to believe, when we pray, that the answer has already occurred. Future prayers are thanksgiving and praise for God's gift we have.

See my paper: "Faith" for more information on this subject.

Love:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 "Charity suffereth long, <and> is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, {5} Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; {6} Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; {7} Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."Charity=active love

John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

1 John 3:17 "But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels <of compassion> from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?"

To all the saints: See Colossians 1:2

See my paper: "Love" for more information on this subject.

Colossians 1:5 "For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;"

Hope: Wishing and desire. Not knowing for sure. Depending upon.

Romans 5:4-5 "And patience, experience; and experience, hope: {5} And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."

Romans 8:24-25 "For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? {25} But if we hope for that we see not, <then> do we with patience wait for <it>.

Laid up for you in heaven: Stored away for you.

Matthew 6:20 "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:"

Matthew 19:21 "Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go <and> sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come <and> follow me."

Colossians 1:6 "Which is come unto you, as <it is> in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as <it doth> also in you, since the day ye heard <of it>, and knew the grace of /\ God /\ in truth:"

All the world:

Romans 10:18 "But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world."

Truth of the gospel ... come unto you:

John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

John 8:32 "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." Father, Son, & Holy Spirit are truth.

1 John 5:6 "This is he that came by water and blood, <even> Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth."

See my paper: "True Gospel for Salvation by the Imputed Righteousness of Jesus" for more information on this subject.

Bringeth forth fruits:

John 15:5 "I am the vine, ye <are> the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

Ephesians 2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." God's good works are true fruit. Man's aren't

Grace of God in truth:

Colossians 3:16 "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."

See my paper: "Grace" for more information on this subject.

Colossians 1:7 "As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of T Christ T;"

Epaphras: His names means flavored by Venus. He may of been in prison with Paul. He is a minister of the Colossian's and was sent to visit with Paul and discuss Colossian's problems.

Colossians 4:12 "Epaphras, who is <one> of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God."

Philemon 1:23 "There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;" The church at Philemon home was probably in Colosse.

Fellowservant ... faithful minister of Christ:

Ephesians 4:11-14 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; {12} For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: {13} Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: {14} That we <henceforth> be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, <and> cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;" The five fold ministry jobs to perfect saints.

Colossians 1:8 "Who also declared unto us your [ love ] in the /\ Spirit /\." In your place since all of you can't be here to help.

Your love in the Spirit:

Romans 5:5 "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."

See my paper: "God the Holy Spirit or Ghost: Scriptures & Notes" for more information on this subject.

C) PRAYER TO GOD, BY PAUL, FOR GROWTH & THANKS: {COLOSSIANS 1:9 - 1:14}

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KEY WORD: WISDOM {COLOSSIANS 1:9-4:5}

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(1) For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; {Colossians 1:9}

(2) Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: {Colossians 1:28}

(3) In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. {Colossians 2:3}

(4) Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. {Colossians 2:23}

(5) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. {Colossians 3:16}

(6) Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. {Colossians 4:5}

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Colossians 1:9 "For this cause we also, since the day we heard <it>, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the [ knowledge ] of /\ his /\ will in all [ wisdom ] and spiritual [ understanding ];" Knowledge, wisdom & understanding: results obedience

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KEY WORD: KNOWLEDGE {COLOSSIANS 1:9-4:19}

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(1) For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

{Colossians 1:9}

(2) That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; {Colossians 1:10}

(3) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: {Colossians 1:27}

(4) In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. {Colossians 2:3}

(5) And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: {Colossians 3:10}

(6) Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. {Colossians 3:24}

(7) Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. {Colossians 4:1}

(8) Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. {Colossians 4:6}

(9) Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; {Colossians 4:8}

(10) With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. {Colossians 4:9}

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MISCELLANEOUS: PAUL’S PRAYER FOR COLOSSIANS {COLOSSIANS 1:9-1:14}

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()2) That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; {Colossians 1:10}

(3) Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; {Colossians 1:11}

(4) Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: {Colossians 1:12}

(5) Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: {Colossians 1:13}

(6) In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: {Colossians 1:14}

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Do not cease to pray for you: Paul made similar prayers to Colossians 1:9-14 in several of his books such as:

Romans 15:5-6, 13 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

Ephesians 1:17-20 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

Ephesians 3:16-19 Hebrews 13:20-21

Philippians 1:9-11 Also Peter in 1 Peter 5:10-11 & Acts 4:29-30

1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing."

Ye be filled with the knowledge of His will wisdom/understanding:

Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the LORD <is> the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy <is> understanding."

1 John 2:27 "But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him."

See my paper: "Prayer" for more information on this subject.

Colossians 1:10 "That ye might [ walk ] worthy of the /\ Lord /\ unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the [ knowledge ] of /\ God /\;" See also Colossians 4:5.

Walk worthy:

See my paper: "Walk as Jesus Walked" for more information on this subject.

Ezekiel 36:27 "And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do <them>."

Romans 8:1 "<There is> therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

2 Corinthians 5:7 "(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)"

Galatians 5:16 "<This> I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh."

Galatians 5:25 "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."

Ephesians 4:1 "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,"

Ephesians 5:2 "And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour."

1 Peter 2:21 "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:"

1 John 1:7 "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."

1 John 2:6 "He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked."

Fruitful in every good work:

Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, {23} Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

Ephesians 2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

Ephesians 5:9 "(For the fruit of the Spirit <is> in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)"

Colossians 1:11 "Strengthened with all might, according to /\ his /\ glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;"

See my paper: "Christian Growth" for more information on this subject.

Colossians 1:12 "Giving thanks unto the /\ Father /\, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:"

Made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints: Adopted saints

See my paper: "Is Free Will Biblical?" for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "Some Saved & Some Lost God's Sovereignty" for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "God Plans for His Purpose. Who Harden Pharaoh's Heart?" for more information on this subject.

Romans 8:14-17 "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. {15} For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. {16} The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: {17} And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with <him>, that we may be also glorified together."

Galatians 4:4-7 "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, {5} To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. {6} And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. {7} Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ."

Ephesians 1:5 "Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,"

Light: Symbolic of holiness, truth, love, glory and life.

Matthew 5:14 "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."

Matthew 6:23 "But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great <is> that darkness!"

John 1:4 "In him was life; and the life was the light of men."

John 8:12 "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

2 Corinthians 4:6 "For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to <give> the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

1 John 2:9-10 "He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. {10} He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him."

1 John 1:5 "This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all."

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LIST: JESUS CHRIST PREEMINENCE {COLOSSIANS 1:13-1:22}

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(1) Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: {Colossians 1:13}

(2) In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: {Colossians 1:14}

(3) Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: {Colossians 1:15}

(4) For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: {Colossians 1:16}

(5) And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. {Colossians 1:17}

(6) And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. {Colossians 1:18}

(7) For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; {Colossians 1:19}

(8) And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. {Colossians 1:20}

(9) And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled{Colossians 1:21}

(10) In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: {Colossians 1:22}

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COLOSSIANS PURPOSE: COLOSSIANS 1:13-15

WHO: TRANSLATED CHRISTIAN WHOM: GOD

Colossians 1:13 "/\ Who /\ hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated <us> into the kingdom of his dear M Son M:" The two possible kingdoms (devil's or God's).

Power of darkness: Satan's domain

Ephesians 6:12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

Translated into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Romans 14:17 "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."

1 Corinthians 15:23-24 "But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. {24} Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power."

See my papers: "Kingdom of God & Heaven" for more information on this subject.

WHOM: JESUS

Colossians 1:14 "In /\ whom /\ we have redemption through M his M blood, <even> the forgiveness of sins:"

Redemption through his blood: A legal buy back for the possession.

See my paper: "Salvation Biblical Word Glossary" for more information on this subject.

Leviticus 17:11 "For the life of the flesh <is> in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it <is> the blood <that> maketh an atonement for the soul."

Forgiveness of sins:

Ephesians 1:7 "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;"

See my paper: "Forgiveness of Sins" for more information on this subject.

II) EXALTED CHRIST: {COLOSSIANS 1:15 - 1:29}

A) CHRIST CHARACTER: {COLOSSIANS 1:15 – 1:23}

COLOSSIANS THEME: COLOSSIANS 1:15-19

WHAT: WHO (JESUS) IS THE IMAGE OF THE INVISIBLE GOD

Colossians 1:15 "/\ Who /\ is the image of the invisible /\ God /\, the firstborn of every creature" God is spirit John 4:24

Image of the invisible God: Hebrews 1:3 person = Hebrews 11:1 substance

John 4:24 "God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."

2 Corinthians 4:4 "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."

Hebrews 1:3 "Who being the brightness of <his> glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;" Jesus is real image of God.

Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Faith is an invisible real substance.

Hebrews 11:3 "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." Invisible things created visible.

See my paper: "Just Who is God?" for more information on this subject.

Firstborn of every creature:.

Romans 8:29 "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate <to be> conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren."

Revelation 1:18 "I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death."

WAY: BY HIM (JESUS) WERE ALL THINGS CREATED

Colossians 1:16 "For by M him M were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether <they be> thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by M him M, and for M him M:" Creation has many invisible parts

By Him were all things created ... and for Him: Stressing Jesus is over all: 5 times in next 5 verses "all things" (created) by Jesus. Creation is made for God. We were made to glorify Jesus forever.

John 1:3 "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made."

Ephesians 3:9 "And to make all <men> see what <is> the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:"

Hebrews 1:2 "Hath in these last days spoken unto us by <his> Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;"

Triunity God is creator: Not in verse, but discussed needed here

Genesis 1:26 "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth."

Job 33:4 "The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life."

See my paper: "The One God - The Shama" for more information on this subject.

Thrones, dominions, principalities & powers: See Colossians 2:10/15

See my paper: "Jesus Two Comings as King" for more information on this subject.

Ephesians 1:22 "And hath put all <things> under his feet, and gave him <to be> the head over all <things> to the church,"

WHY: HE (JESUS) IS BEFORE ALL THINGS & BY HIM ALL THINGS CONSIST

Colossians 1:17 "And M he M is before all things, and by M him M all things consist."

He is before all things ... By Him all things consist: Jesus created all things & all things cohere & are held together by Him.

Acts 17:28 "For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring."

1 Corinthians 8:6 "But to us <there is but> one God, the Father, of whom <are> all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom <are> all things, and we by him."

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KEY WORD: BODY = CHURCH OF CHRIST {COLOSSIANS 1:18-3:15}

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(1) And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. {Colossians 1:18}

(2) In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: {Colossians 1:22}

(3) In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: {Colossians 2:11}

(4) Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. {Colossians 2:17}

(5) And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. {Colossians 2:19}

(6) Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. {Colossians 2:23}

(7) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. {Colossians 3:15}

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WHILE: HE IS THE HEAD OF THE BODY, THE CHURCH

Colossians 1:18 "And M he M is the head of the [ body ], the church: M who M is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all <things> M he M might have the preeminence."

He is the head of the body, the church: Body = Church Colossians 1:24

Ephesians 1:22 "And hath put all <things> under his feet, and gave him <to be> the head over all <things> to the church,"

Ephesians 4:14-16 "That we <henceforth> be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, <and> cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; {15} But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, <even> Christ: {16} From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

Firstborn from the dead:

See my paper: "Resurrection" for more information on this subject.

1 Corinthians 15:20 "But now is Christ risen from the dead, <and> become the firstfruits of them that slept."

Revelation 1:5 "And from Jesus Christ, <who is> the faithful witness, <and> the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,"

Some others raised from the dead: Not part of the verse.

See 2 Kings 4:35 (Young son) ; Luke 7:15 (Young man); John 11:44 (Lazarus); Acts 9:36-41 (Dorcas); Acts 20:7-11 (Eutychus). Only all these died again. Jesus died only once and ascended to heaven.

He might have the preeminence:

He is above all authorities.

Ephesians 1:20-21 "Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set <him> at his own right hand in the heavenly <places>, {21} Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:"

Revelation 5:11-13 "And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; {12} Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. {13} And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, <be> unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever."

Colossians 1:19 "For it pleased <the /\ Father /\> that in M him M should all fulness dwell;" See also Colossians 2:9.

In Him should all fulness dwell:

See my paper: "Godhead Relationship" for more information on this subject.

Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

John 14:8-9 "Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. {9} Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou <then>, Show us the Father?" Jesus is not the Father, but His exact image.

WHEN: HAVING MADE PEACE THROUGH THE BLOOD OF HIS CROSS

Colossians 1:20 "And, having made peace through the blood of M his M cross, by M him M to reconcile all things unto M himself M; by M him M, <I say>, whether <they be> things in earth, or things in heaven."

Reconcile all things in earth or things in heaven: Jesus restored order to a sinful creation, which was in choas, due to Adam's sin.

See my paper: "Did Jesus Die Spiritually?" for more information on this subject.

Romans 5:10 "For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life."

Romans 8:22 "For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now."

2 Corinthians 5:17-19 "Therefore if any man <be> in Christ, <he is> a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. {18} And all things <are> of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; {19} To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation."

Colossians 1:21 "And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in <your> mind by wicked works, yet now hath M he M reconciled"

Alienated and enemies ... yet now hath he reconciled:

Romans 7:23 "But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members."

Romans 12:2 "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what <is> that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

WHERE: IN THE BODY OF HIS FLESH THROUGH DEATH

Colossians 1:22 "In the [ body ] of M his M flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in M his M sight:"

In the body of His flesh through death: Jesus suffered in His body while His spirit remained perfect.

Romans 7:4 "Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, <even> to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God."

1 Peter 2:24 "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed."

Present you holy and unblameable and unreprovable: God declared us as holy, unblameable & unreprovable by Christ substitutionary death

Hebrews 10:14 "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified."

Colossians 1:23 "If ye continue in the [ faith ] grounded and settled, and <be> not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, <and> which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;"

Ye continue in the faith grounded and settled:

See my paper: "True Gospel for Salvation by the Imputed Righteousness of Jesus" for more information on this subject.

Hebrews 3:6 "But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end."

Preached to every creature which is under heaven: Figure of speech, however the gospel will be preached in every nation before Jesus second coming.

Matthew 24:14 "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."

Mark 16:15 "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."

Luke 2:1 "And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed." All the world is a figure of speech.

B) CHRIST'S COMMISSION TO PAUL: {COLOSSIANS 1:24 - 1:29}

Colossians 1:24 "Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of T Christ T in my flesh for M his M body's sake, which is the church:" Body = Church.

Fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ:

Not that Jesus did not complete its all. If He was here, He be killed again. They can not get at Him so they go after Christians instead.

John 15:20 "Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also."

John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."

2 Timothy 3:12 "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

Colossians 1:25 "Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of /\ God /\ which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of /\ God /\;" Dispensation = administration also period or time/era.

Dispensation of God:

1 Corinthians 9:17 "For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me."

See my paper: "God's Dispensation & Covenant Plans" for more information on this subject.

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MISCELLANEOUS: MYSTERY AMONG GENTILES = CHRIST IN YOU {COLOSSIANS 1:26-1:28}

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(1) Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: {Colossians 1:26}

(2) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: {Colossians 1:27}

(4) Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: {Colossians 4:3}

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Colossians 1:26 "<Even> the [ mystery ] which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to M his M saints:"

Colossians 1:27 "To whom God would make [ known ] what <is> the riches of the glory of this [ mystery ] among the Gentiles; which is T Christ T in you, the hope of glory:"

Mystery hid from ages ... among Gentiles ... which is Christ in you:

See my paper: "Man's Greatest Need - Relationship with God" for more information on this subject.

Romans 11:25 "For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in."

Ephesians 3:3-9 "How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, {4} Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) {5} Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; {6} That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: {7} Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. {8} Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; {9} And to make all <men> see what <is> the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:"

Colossians 1:28 "M Whom M we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all [ wisdom ]; that we may present every man [ perfect ] in T Christ T M Jesus M:" Perfect = mature Christian "knows intimately" Jesus

Present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Perfect = mature

See my paper: "Israel & Jewish People in God's Plan" for more information on this subject.

Ephesians 4:13 "Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:"

Philippians 3:14 "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."

Colossians 1:29 "Whereunto I also labour, striving according to M his M working, which worketh in me mightily."

III) CHRISTIANITY EXALTED: {COLOSSIANS 2:1 - 2:23}

A) CHRISTIANITY EXALTED OVER PHILOSOPHY: {COLOSSIANS 2:1 - 2:10}

Colossians 2:1 "For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and <for> them at Laodicea, and <for> as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;" Continuation of Colossians 1:29.

Colossians 2:2 "That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in [ love ], and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the [ mystery ] of God, and of the Father, and of T Christ T;" For mystery see Colossians 1:27 notes.

Their hearts might be comforted ... full assurance of understanding:

Full assurances: 1 Thessalonians 1:5 ; Hebrews 6:11 (hope); Hebrews 10:22 (faith)

Romans 1:20 "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, <even> his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:" Man's sin stops him from understanding. Only when God allows, then understood as God permits, eyes to be opened.

Mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ:

See my paper: "The One God - The Shama" for more information on this subject.

Colossians 2:3 "In M whom M are hid all the treasures of [ wisdom ] and [ knowledge ]." In Jesus is all the knowledge and wisdom of God.

Hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge:

Romans 11:33 "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable <are> his judgments, and his ways past finding out!"

Romans 11:36 "For of him, and through him, and to him, <are> all things: to whom <be> glory for ever. Amen."

WARNING: ENTICING WORDS

Colossians 2:4 "And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words." Enticing words = persuasive/deceiving words.

Man should beguile you with enticing words:

1 Corinthians 2:4 "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:"

Ephesians 4:14 "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"

Colossians 2:5 "For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your [ faith ] in T Christ T."

Absent in the flesh ... am with you in spirit: Knowing they do right.

1 Corinthians 5:3 "For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, <concerning> him that hath so done this deed,"

Your faith in Christ:

1 Peter 5:9 "Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world."

See my paper: "Faith" for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "Jesus in the Old Testament" for more information on this subject.

Colossians 2:6 "As ye have therefore received T Christ T M Jesus M the /\ Lord /\, <so> [ walk ] ye in M him M:"

Received Christ Jesus ... walk ye in Him: See Colossians 1:10 notes. The intimate, personal, spiritual & living relationship with God.

John 1:12 "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, <even> to them that believe on his name:"

See my paper: "Walk as Jesus Walked" for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "Messianic Prophecies that Jesus Fulfilled" for more information on this subject.

Colossians 2:7 "Rooted and built up in M him M, and stablished in the [ faith ], as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving." Rooted as a strong tree. Build up on Christ support.

Rooted and built up in him:

John 15:4-5 "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. {5} I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

See my paper: "What is a Born-Again & How to Become One?" for more information on this subject.

Abounding therein with thanksgiving:

1 Thessalonians 5:18 "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

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COMPARISON: CHRIST WITH TRADITIONS & PHILOSOPHY {COLOSSIANS 2:8-2:10}

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(1) Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. {Colossians 2:8}

(2) For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. {Colossians 2:9}

(3) And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: {Colossians 2:10}

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Colossians 2:8 "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after T Christ T." Rudiments ... world Colossians 2:20

Spoil you through philosophy & vain deceit ... man's traditions ... world

Galatians 4:3 "Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:"

Galatians 4:9 "But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?"

Ephesians 4:14 "That we <henceforth> be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, <and> cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"

Colossians 2:9 "For in M him M dwelleth all the fulness of the /\ Godhead /\ bodily." See also Colossians 1:19 notes.

In Him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily: God incarnate Jesus is perfect man and perfect God at the same time. He is the only person that has truly two natures. Man and Divinity.

John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

John 1:14 "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."

1 Timothy 3:16 "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."

Hebrews 1:8 "But unto the Son <he saith>, Thy throne, O God, <is> for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness <is> the sceptre of thy kingdom."

See my paper: "Just Who is God?" for more information on this subject.

WHY: COMPLETE IN HIM THE HEAD OF PRINCIPALITY AND POWER

Colossians 2:10 "And ye are [ complete ] in M him M, which is the head of all principality and power:" See completion in Jesus in Colossians 3:11

Ye are complete in Him: Jesus plus you is perfection & completion.

See my paper: "Justification" for more information on this subject.

1 Corinthians 1:30 "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:"

Head of all principality & power:

Ephesians 1:21-23 "Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: {22} And hath put all <things> under his feet, and gave him <to be> the head over all <things> to the church, {23} Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all."

B) CHRISTIANITY EXALTED OVER LEGALISM: {COLOSSIANS 2:11 - 2:17}

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COMPARISON: CIRCUMCISED VERSUS BAPTIZED INTO JESUS {COLOSSIANS 2:11-2:13}

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(1) In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: {Colossians 2:11}

(2) Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. {Colossians 2:12}

(3) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; {Colossians 2:13}

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Colossians 2:11 "In M whom M also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the [ body ] of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of T Christ T:"

Ye are circumcised ... putting off the body of sins of the flesh:

See my paper: "Circumcision" for more information on this subject.

The act of circumcision is a putting off (cut off) process.

Acts 7:8 "And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so <Abraham> begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac <begat> Jacob; and Jacob <begat> the twelve patriarchs."

Romans 2:25-29 "For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision. {26} Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision? {27} And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law? {28} For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither <is that> circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: {29} But he <is> a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision <is that> of the heart, in the spirit, <and> not in the letter; whose praise <is> not of men, but of God."

Romans 4:11 "And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which <he had yet> being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:"

Colossians 2:12 "Buried with M him M in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with < M him M > through the [ faith ] of the operation of /\ God /\, who hath raised M him M from the dead."

Colossians 2:11 - 2:13 are the only scriptures where circumcision is associated with baptism. Some people suggest that Christian baptism is a parallel to the Israelite circumcision covenant.

Buried with Him in baptism ... ye are risen with Him:

See my paper: "Apostles Baptism" for more information on this subject.

Romans 6:3-8 "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? {4} Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. {5} For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also <in the likeness> of <his> resurrection: {6} Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with <him>, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. {7} For he that is dead is freed from sin. {8} Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:"

Galatians 3:26-27 "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. {27} For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."

WHILE: BEING DEAD IN YOUR SINS, HE QUICKENED TOGETHER WITH HIM FORGIVING YOU

Colossians 2:13 "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath M he M quickened together with M him M, having forgiven you all trespasses;"

Being dead in your sins ... He quickened together with Him: Quicken = made alive

See my papers: "Forgiveness of Sins" for more information on this subject.

Ephesians 2:1,5,11 "And you <hath he quickened>, who were dead in trespasses and sins: {5} Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) {11} Wherefore remember, that ye <being> in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;"

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MISCELLANEOUS: LAW {COLOSSIANS 2:14-2:23}

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(1) Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; Colossians 2:14

(2) And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Colossians 2:15

(3) Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Colossians 2:16

(4) Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. Colossians 2:17

(5) Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, Colossians 2:18

(6) And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

{Colossians 2:19}

(7) Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, Colossians 2:20}

(8) (Touch not; taste not; handle not; {Colossians 2:21}

(9) Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Colossians 2:22}

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WHERE: BLOTTING OUT ORDINANCE AGAINST YOU, OUT OF WAY, NAILING IT TO HIS CROSS

Colossians 2:14 "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to M his M cross;"

WHEN: PRIOR TO NAILING IT TO HIS CROSS

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances ... against us ... contrary: Completely erased all laws so no trace of them exists.

Romans 3:20 "Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law <is> the knowledge of sin."

Romans 10:4 "For Christ <is> the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth."

Galatians 3:24 "Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster <to bring us> unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith."

See my paper: "Questions & Answers on Law, Faith, & Liberty" for more information on this subject.

Took is out of the way, nailing it to His cross:

Ephesians 2:15 "Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, <even> the law of commandments <contained> in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, <so> making peace;"

WAY: HAVING SPOILED PRINCIPALITIES AND POWER

Colossians 2:15 "<And> having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it."

Spoiled principalities & powers ... shown them openly ... triumph over them

See my paper: "What Does God Really Want?" for more information on this subject.

Spoiled = stripped (as was done to enemies).

John 12:31 "Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out."

John 16:11 "Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged."

Colossians 2:16 "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath <days>:"

No man judge you in meat ... holy-day ... new moon ... Sabbath days:

Romans 14:23 "And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because <he eateth> not of faith: for whatsoever <is> not of faith is sin."

1 Timothy 4:4-5 "For every creature of God <is> good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: {5} For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer."

Colossians 2:17 "Which are a shadow of things to come; but the [ body ] <is> of T Christ T." Body = reality. It can be touched/handled.

Which are a shadow of things to come:

Hebrews 7:18-19 "For there is verily a disannulling of the commandment going before for the weakness and unprofitableness thereof. {19} For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope <did>; by the which we draw nigh unto God."

Hebrews 10:1 "For the law having a shadow of good things to come, <and> not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect."

C) CHRISTIANITY EXALTED OVER MYSTICAL TEACHING: {COLOSSIANS 2:18 - 2:19}

Colossians 2:18 "Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind"

Worshipping of angels:

See my paper: "Jewish Bible Teachings on Heaven, Hell, & Spirit Beings" for more information on this subject.

Revelation 22:8-9 "And I John saw these things, and heard <them>. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed me these things. {9} Then saith he unto me, See <thou do it> not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God."

Colossians 2:19 "And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of /\ God /\."

Not holding the Head, from which all ... body ... having nourishment:

Ephesians 4:15 "But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, <even> Christ:"

D) CHRISTIANITY EXALTED OVER ASCETICISM: {COLOSSIANS 2:20 - 2:23}

Colossians 2:20 "Wherefore if ye be dead with T Christ T from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,"

Ye be dead with Christ from world rudiments ... subject to ordinances:

See my paper: "Christians are not Under Law, but Jews can Culturally Keep God's Commandments" for more information on this subject.

Galatians 2:20 "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

Galatians 5:3-4 "For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. {4} Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace." Look at this scripture carefully.

Colossians 2:21 "(Touch not; taste not; handle not;"

WHAT: TOUCH NOT, ETC. COMMANDMENTS & DOCTRINES OF MEN

Colossians 2:22 "Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?"

All are to perish with the using:

1 Corinthians 7:31 "And they that use this world, as not abusing <it>: for the fashion of this world passeth away."

1 John 2:17 "And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever."

Colossians 2:23 "Which things have indeed a show of [ wisdom ] in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the [ body ]; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh."

Show of wisdom in will worship & humility:

1 Corinthians 7:19 "Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God."

Philippians 3:8 "Yea doubtless, and I count all things <but> loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them <but> dung, that I may win Christ,"

IV) EXALTED CALLING: {COLOSSIANS 3:1 - 4:6}

A) CERTAINTIES OF OUR CALLING: {COLOSSIANS 3:1 – 3:4}

WHAT: BE RISEN WITH CHRIST, SEEK THOSE THINGS ABOVE WHERE CHRIST SITS

Colossians 3:1 "If ye then be risen with T Christ T, seek those things which are above, where T Christ T sitteth on the right hand of /\ God /\."

Ye be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above:

See my papers: "Resurrection" for more information on this subject.

Ephesians 2:5-6 "Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) {6} And hath raised <us> up together, and made <us> sit together in heavenly <places> in Christ Jesus:"

Colossians 3:2 "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." New Christ centered desires for His kingdom.

WHY: YOU ARE DEAD AND YOUR LIFE IS HID WITH CHRIST IN GOD

Colossians 3:3 "For ye are dead, and your life is hid with T Christ T in God."

Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God: See Col. 2:20

WHEN: WHEN CHRIST IS OUR LIFE SHALL APPEAR, WE SHALL APPEAR WITH HIM IN GLORY

Colossians 3:4 "When T Christ T, <who is> our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with M him M in glory."

Christ shall appear, ye also appear with Him in glory:

See my paper: "End Times Events - Day of the Lord" for more information on this subject.

1 Peter 5:4 "And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."

1 John 2:28 "And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming."

1 John 3:2 "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is."

B) CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR EVERYDAY CALLING: {COLOSSIANS 3:5 - 3:17}

WHILE: MORTIFY YOUR MEMBERS WHICH ARE UPON THE EARTH

Colossians 3:5 "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:" Concupiscence = desire

Mortify your members which are upon the earth: Put to death.

Romans 6:13 "Neither yield ye your members <as> instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members <as> instruments of righteousness unto God."

Romans 6:19 "I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness."

Colossians 3:6 "For which things' sake the wrath of /\ God /\ cometh on the children of disobedience:"

Colossians 3:7 "In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them."

Ye walked some time, when ye lived in them: Also Ephesians 2:2-2:3

Romans 6:20-22 "For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. {21} What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things <is> death. {22} But now being made free from sin, & become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness & the end everlasting life."

Romans 7:5-6 "For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. {6} But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not <in> the oldness of the letter."

Colossians 3:8 "But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth."

Colossians 3:9 "Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;" Old man = old nature or capacity.

Colossians 3:10 "And have put on the new <man>, which is renewed in [ knowledge ] after the image of M him M that created him:"

New man: New nature or capacity to desire and serve God.

Romans 6:18 "Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness."

2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if any man <be> in Christ, <he is> a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

Ephesians 4:24 "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."

WHERE: THERE IS NEITHER GREEK NOT JEW, BOND NOR FREE, BUT CHRIST IS ALL IN ALL

Colossians 3:11 "Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, [ bond ] <nor> free: but T Christ T <is> all, and in all."

Circumcision nor uncircumcision:

See my paper: "Circumcision" for more information on this subject.

Barbarian: Person who did not speak Greek & was considered uncivil.

Scythian: Lowest type of uncouth Barbarian as brutal wild beasts.

But Christ is all and in all:

Galatians 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

Colossians 3:12 "Put on therefore, as the elect of /\ God /\, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;"

Elect of God: God sovereign purpose to call and predestinate a person. God chosen him, before the earth's foundation, for his purpose. God did not choose him by seeing in the future some good in him. This would mean he was saved according to the person's good works, but God's grace (unmerited flavor) was the reason.

Romans 9:11 "(For <the children> being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)"

Ephesians 1:4-5 "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: {5} Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,"

1 Peter 1:2 "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied."

Holy: Set apart by God and given a new heart desiring God's ways.

2 Corinthians 7:1 "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."

Ephesians 4:24 "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."

Beloved: Dearly loved. A person can love his friends but could beloved (closer relationship of love) his wife, son & daughter.

Matthew 12:18 "Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall show judgment to the Gentiles."

Ephesians 1:6 "To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved."

Meekness: Gentleness

Numbers 12:3 "(Now the man Moses <was> very meek, above all the men which <were> upon the face of the earth.)"

Matthew 11:29 "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."

Colossians 3:13 "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as T Christ T forgave you, so also <do> ye."

If any man have a quarrel against any ... forgave:

See my paper: "Forgiveness of Sins" for more information on this subject.

Mark 11:25 "And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses."

Luke 17:3 "Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him."

WAY: ABOVE ALL THESE THINGS PUT ON CHARITY OR LOVE

Colossians 3:14 "And above all these things <put on> charity, which is the [ bond ] of perfectness." Charity = love in action. Perfection = completeness = maturity.

Charity or Love:

1 Peter 4:8 "And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins."

See my paper: "Love" for more information on this subject.

Colossians 3:15 "And let the peace of /\ God /\ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one [ body ]; and be ye thankful."

Peace of God: The correct attitude of peace as oppose to bitterness

Philippians 4:7 "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Be ye thankful:

Ephesians 5:20 "Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;"

1 Thessalonians 5:18 "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

Colossians 3:16 "Let the word of T Christ T dwell in you richly in all [ wisdom ]; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the /\ Lord /\."

Word lf Christ dwell in you richly in wisdom, teaching, admonishing in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs: Many of the songs are King James' scriptures.

Ephesians 5:19 "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;"

See my paper: "God's Word/Bible/Scriptures" for more information on this subject.

WAY: WHATSOEVER YOU DO IN WORD OR DEED, DO ALL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS

Colossians 3:17 "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, <do> all in the name of the /\ Lord /\ M Jesus M, giving thanks to /\ God /\ and the /\ Father /\ by M him M."

Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Jesus:

See my paper: "Jesus Life, Events, & Identity" for more information on this subject.

2 Chronicles 31:21 "And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did <it> with all his heart, and prospered." King Hezekiah, of Judah, work was good before God.

Proverbs 3:6 "In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

C) CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR CALLING IN THE HOME: {COLOSSIANS 3:18 - 3:21}

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LIST: THE CHRISTIAN LIFE {COLOSSIANS 3:18-4:1}

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(1) Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. {Colossians 3:18}

(2) Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. {Colossians 3:19}

(3) Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. {Colossians 3:20}

(4) Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. {Colossians 3:21}

(5) Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: {Colossians 3:22}

(6) And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; {Colossians 3:23}

(7) Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. {Colossians 3:24}

(8) But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. {Colossians 3:25}

(9) Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. {Colossians 4:1}

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Colossians 3:18 "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the /\ Lord /\."

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands:

See my paper: "Submission/Subjection" for more information on this subject.

1 Corinthians 11:3 "But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman <is> the man; and the head of Christ <is> God."

1 Corinthians 14:34-36 "Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but <they are commanded> to be under obedience, as also saith the law. {35} And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. {36} What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only?"

Ephesians 5:22-24 "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. {23} For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. {24} Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so <let> the wives <be> to their own husbands in every thing."

1 Peter 3:1-2 "Likewise, ye wives, <be> in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; {2} While they behold your chaste conversation <coupled> with fear."

1 Peter 3:6 "Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement."

Colossians 3:19 "Husbands, [ love ] <your> wives, and be not bitter against them."

Husbands, love your wives ... be not bitter against them:

See my paper: "Man's Relationship with his Wife, Family, & Friends" for more information on this subject.

Ephesians 5:25 "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;"

Ephesians 5:28-29 "So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. {29} For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:"

Ephesians 5:31 "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh."

Ephesians 5:33 "Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife <see> that she reverence <her> husband."

1 Peter 3:7 "Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with <them> according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered."

Colossians 3:20 "Children, obey <your> parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the /\ Lord /\."

Children, obey parents in all things this is pleasing unto the Lord

Ephesians 6:1-3 "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. {2} Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; {3} That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth."

Colossians 3:21 "Fathers, provoke not your children <to anger>, lest they be discouraged."

Fathers, provoke not your children to anger lest they be discourage

Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Ephesians 6:4 "And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."

D) CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR SERVANT MASTER: {COLOSSIANS 3:22-4:1}

Colossians 3:22 "Servants, obey in all things <your> masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing /\ God /\:" Singleness = sincere & honesty.

Servants, obey in all things your masters:

Ephesians 6:5-8 "Servants, be obedient to them that are <your> masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; {6} Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; {7} With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: {8} Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether <he be> bond or free."

1 Timothy 6:1-2 "Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and <his> doctrine be not blasphemed. {2} And they that have believing masters, let them not despise <them>, because they are brethren; but rather do <them> service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort."

Titus 2:9-10 "<Exhort> servants to be obedient unto their own masters, <and> to please <them> well in all <things>; not answering again; {10} Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things."

1 Peter 2:18 "Servants, <be> subject to <your> masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward."

Colossians 3:23 "And whatsoever ye do, do <it> heartily, as to the /\ Lord /\, and not unto men;" See Colossians 3:17 notes.

Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord:

1 Peter 1:22 "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, <see that ye> love one another with a pure heart fervently:"

Colossians 3:24 "[ Knowing ] that of the /\ Lord /\ ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the /\ Lord /\ T Christ T."

Reward of the inheritance:

Ephesians 1:13-14 "In whom ye also <trusted>, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, {14} Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory."

Colossians 3:25 "But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons."

No respect of persons:

Galatians 3:28 "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

Colossians 4:1 "Masters, give unto <your> servants that which is just and equal; [ knowing ] that ye also have a Master in heaven."

Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal:

Ephesians 6:9 "And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him."

E) CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR CALLING IN PRAYER: {COLOSSIANS 4:2 - 4:4}

WHAT: CONTINUE IN PRAYER WITH THANKSGIVING

Colossians 4:2 "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;" Watch in the same = being watchful in it.

Continue in prayer: Attitude of the Christian heart.

See my papers: "Prayer" for more information on this subject.

Ephesians 1:16 "Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;" Care about others and God will reward you.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing." Baptism Holy Spirit.

WHY: PRAYING ALSO FOR US, THAT GOD WOULD OPEN A DOOR OF UTTERANCE OF CHRIST

Colossians 4:3 "Withal praying also for us, that /\ God /\ would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the [ mystery ] of T Christ T, for which I am also in [ bonds ]:"

Pray for us, God would open door for us, to speak mystery of Christ: An opportunity to speak the mystery of salvation of the church.

Acts 4:29 "And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,"

Ephesians 6:19-20 "And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, {20} For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."

Colossians 4:4 "That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak."

F) CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR WITNESS & SPEECH CALLING: {COLOSSIAN 4:5 - 4:6}

Colossians 4:5 "[ Walk ] in [ wisdom ] toward them that are without, redeeming the time."

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time:

See my paper: "Walk as Jesus Walked" for more information on this subject.

1 Peter 3:15 "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and <be> ready always to <give> an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:"

WAY: LET YOUR SPEECH BE WITH GRACE

Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech <be> alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may [ know ] how ye ought to answer every man."

Season with salt: Salt is a preservative to retard corruption.

Ephesians 4:29 "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."

V) CONCLUDING PERSONAL REMARKS: {COLOSSIANS 4:7 - 4:18}

Colossians 4:7 "All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, <who is> a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the /\ Lord /\:"

Tychicus ... faithful minister and fellowservant: His name means fortunate or happy. He brought the letter Acts 20:4.

Acts 20:4 "And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus."

Ephesians 6:21 "But that ye also may know my affairs, <and> how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:"

2 Timothy 4:12 "And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus."

Colossians 4:8 "Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might [ know ] your estate, and comfort your hearts;"

Colossians 4:9 "With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is <one> of you. They shall make [ known ] unto you all things which <are done> here."

Onesimus, faithful and beloved brother:

His name means profitable. See book of Philemon about this man.

Philemon 1:10 "I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:"

Philemon 1:16-17 "Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? {17} If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself."To Paul Onesimus was equal himself.

Colossians 4:10 "Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)"

Aristarchus my fellowprisoner:

Acts 19:29 "And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre."

Acts 27:2 "And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; <one> Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us."

Philemon 1:24 "Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers."

Marcus (Mark), sister's son to Barnabas: He is the writer of the Bible book of Mark.

Marcus my son: Gospel writer Mark. He had problems on Paul's missionary and departed. Mark means idle or lazy. Later Paul says Mark is profitable.

Acts 12:25 "And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled <their> ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark."

Acts 15:37-39 "And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. {38} But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. {39} And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;"

2 Timothy 4:11 "Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry."

Philemon 1:24 "Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers."

1 Peter 5:13 "The <church that is> at Babylon, elected together with <you>, saluteth you; and <so doth> Marcus my son."

Colossians 4:11 "And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only <are my> fellowworkers unto the kingdom of M him M which have been a comfort unto me."

Jesus, called Justus ... fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God:

His name means just. These are probably three different men.

Acts 1:23 "And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias." Replace Judas in Jerusalem.

Acts 18:7 "And he departed thence, and entered into a certain <man's> house, named Justus, <one> that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue." This is in Corinth.

WHILE: ALWAYS LABOURING IN PRAYER STAND PERFECT AND COMPLETE IN WILL OF GOD

Colossians 4:12 "Epaphras, who is <one> of you, a servant of T Christ T, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand [ perfect ] and [ complete ] in all the will of /\ God /\."

Epaphras, one of you, servant of Christ, always labouring for you:

His name means favored by Venus. See Colossians 1:7 notes.

Colossians 4:13 "For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them <that are> in Laodicea and them in Hierapolis."

Colossians 4:14 "Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you."

Luke, the beloved physician: His name means light of the sun. The author of the third Gospel and the book of Acts. He was a physician but no reference to using that trade position for Jesus. Paul's travelling companion. See Acts 16:10.

Demas: His name means popular, ruler of people.

2 Timothy 4:10 "For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia." Could be same or different Demas.

Philemon 1:24 "Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers."

Colossians 4:15 "Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house."

Nymphas: Church in his home. No other reference in scriptures.

Other scripture of Churches which are in houses:

1 Corinthians 16:19 "The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house."

Philemon 1:2 "And to <our> beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:"

Colossians 4:16 "And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the <epistle> from Laodicea." This epistle was either lost or is the Bible book of Ephansians

Colossians 4:17 "And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the /\ Lord /\, that thou fulfil it."

Archippus, take heed to the ministry ... fulfill it:

His name means master of the horses.

Philemon 1:2 "And to <our> beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:"

Colossians 4:18 "The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my [ bonds ]. Grace <be> with you. Amen."

See my paper: "Grace" for more information on this subject.

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This page is maintained by Dennis Schmidt. Please send your questions or comments to (dennisschmidt@att.net).