“FREEDOM AND FULLNESS

FOR ALL PEOPLE”

A common lock found in India

Unlocking spiritual contentment from Paul’s letter

to the Colossians in Asia.
 Opening an experience of Jesus and His gift of
total freedom for all people of all times.

 Finding the unique treasure of Jesus among the

world’s gods and values.

Copyright © 2006 by Wilson Clarke, Toronto, Canada

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced
or distributed in any form or, or stored in a database or retrieval
system, without the prior written permission of Wilson Clarke, at e-
mail: wilz007@rediffmail.com

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FORWARD- While ministering in various countries, I see believers
struggling for a biblical view of Jesus. These people have been
transformed spiritually by the Lord Jesus, yet they have grown up with
exposure to many gods, or without God.
Many have had no opportunity to study this great salvation which Jesus
gave to them. So, when teaching errors about Jesus or the Christian life
reach them, they need an anchor to remain faithful. Fringe groups may
entice them by offers of special “spiritual knowledge” or special “power
and anointing”. However, there are no new paths to spiritual
wholeness. Rather, we must make ours the immeasurable
fullness and freedom that Jesus provided for us on His cross.
Let us firmly embrace all of His provision. This book focuses on
the rich, full, and free gift of Jesus Christ.
Several works have helped greatly in the preparation of this book. I am
indebted to Dr. Kenneth Wuest for his “Word Studies In The Greek New
Testament” published by Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1953, and The
Expositor’s Greek Testament edited by Dr. W. Robinson Nicoll.
In addition, Kay Arthur’s Precept notes on Colossians were helpful at
http//www. preceptaustin.org/colossians_commentaries.htm.

You can also see stunning photos of Colosse at www.bibleplaces.com/colosse.

The photos in this book include the author’s, and folders in cyber space. If a
photo is used without proper credit, I beg forgiveness.
I have repeatedly used the concept of Jesus’ historical death on the Cross,
His resurrection from the dead and its dynamic spiritual effects on us
today. For India, this is what distinguishes Jesus among the gods. Jesus is
lord of all Lords because of His victory, resurrection, and historic
ascension to Heaven. His effective one-time incarnation with its eternal
results makes us free from the theory of karma and reincarnation’s
endless circle. He has made us one with God again so that in Jesus, we no
longer search for Nirvana; He is our everlasting Peace and Union with
God; “There is therefore no condemnation and no separation in Jesus’
love”!
I have taken care to be culturally sensitive, as far as possible, without
misshaping the teaching in this study of the Book Of Colossians. May God
bless this book in assuring full spiritual salvation which totally frees and
fully satisfies everyone who receives The Lord Jesus. Wilson Ji

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction to Colossians ………………………….6

2. Colossians Chapter One ………….………..……14

a) Colossians life with the gods around them… ……..……. 47

b) Photo Credits Chapter One ………….……...……..46

c) Teaching Outline of Chapter One …………………….….. 48

3. Colossians Chapter Two ……………………………….……….52

Photo Credits Chapter Two ….…………………………….…….……..76

Teaching Outline Of Chapter Two. …………………….………..77

4. Colossians Chapter Three ………………….…….…… 83

Photo Credits Chapter Three …………………….……. 113

Teaching Outline Of Chapter Three ………………….……. 114

5. Colossians Chapter Four ………….…..….… 118

Photo Credits Chapter Four ………………………………..………. 140

Teaching Outline Of Chapter Four …………………..………… 141

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 INTRODUCTION

Figure 1:1 –Asia Minor and the Middle East

at the time of Paul

Welcome To The Colossian Letter Sent From

Paul To Today’s Turkey

Today, Asia Minor is called Turkey. Like India, it is a paradise of sun, sea,
mountains, and lakes which offer a change from the stress and routine of
everyday life. Turkey is just hours away from Mumbai by airplane. Most places
in Turkey have an ideal climate for relaxing on sandy beaches. From April to
October, one can even enjoy the tranquility of its rugged mountains. These
mountains are like the ones found in India’s North States and Himalayan
Range, but much smaller. So, in some ways India and Turkey have things in
common. For example, climate, geography, hospitality and a rich long history.

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Why Study Colossians? We are interested in this Colossian Letter because
the Holy Spirit used Paul to teach us some powerful and timeless spiritual
lessons that transcend culture, race, language, and time.

When Does Paul Write Colossians From His Prison Cell In Rome?
The abbreviation “AD” stands for the Latin phrase "anno domini" which means
"in the year of our Lord." This represents the calendar system based on the year
it was believed that Jesus was born on earth. It is believed by many that Paul
wrote Colossians between the years 58-62 A.D. Today many people use C.E.
(Common Era) instead of A.D. to speak of the same times. At the time of the
Colossian writing, Paul is in his first prison term in Rome under the Dictator
Nero. He had never been to Colosse, but he sends a God-directed letter to them.
We can learn much from this letter. From this letter, we discover the Full
Freedom that Jesus won on the Cross. This will give us confidence in Jesus’
Historical Finished Work and encourage us to let Him complete His daily
“finishing work” in us.

Figure 1: 2-www.ccel.org/bible/phillips/CNM27

Figure 1:3
Denizli
Province,
Modern
Turkey
where
Honaz is
lotcated.
The ruins of
Colosse are
nearby.

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By looking at the map in figure 1:3, you see the Middle East and Asia
Minor’s borders and names at the time of Jesus and Paul. This will help
you get some sense of the area of Colosse to which Paul addressed this
letter.
As India has many states, so Turkey has many provinces. Former Colosse
is twenty-five kilometers east of Denizli Province, and two kilometers
north of Honaz District. See the circled area on the map in figure 1:4

Figure 1:4- The

location of the
seven churches
of The
Revelation in
Turkey, or
former “Asia
Minor”.

THE COLOSSE AREA NOW

Figure 1:5 -The

Honaz Town where
Colosse once stood.
Source-The Tourism
Directorate of Denizli
Official Web Site
www.pamukkale.gov.tr

Honaz settlement is very near the site of ancient Colosse, which was destroyed
by an earthquake after AD 60. From 692-787 AD the city of Chonae was built
where Honaz is now; it too was destroyed by an earthquake. The ruins of

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Colosse can still be seen at the foot of Mount Honaz. Honza has been a sub
district of Denizli province since 1978.

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 CHAPTER
The New American ONE-
Standard COLOSSIANS
Bible (NASB) is the basic text1:-14
for this
study. In this translation, the Greek verb tenses are given where possible.
Greek words in the book are based on Wuest’s Word Studies In The Greek New
Testament, Strong, and Thayer Dictionaries. Also both Vincent’s and
Robertsons’ Word Studies and Word Pictures have been used as sources. I have
tried to give the color and shade of the meaning in many original words. There
are, for example, dozens of shades in the color green. I have tried hard not to
make the grass yellow or red, but an acceptable shade of green. Sanskrit [older
indian] words are designated by *sk. --- The author

Just as it is good manners to give proper greetings upon meeting someone in

India, so Paul sends proper greetings to the Colossians at the start of this letter.

A) In this first chapter, we will first meet some people who are Paul’s friends
and helpers. B) Then, we will review how the Good News worked in Colosse.
C) We will also discover that those who believe in Jesus can have spiritual
wisdom and understanding in living successfully and happily before God.
D) This will include finding out how we have left spiritual darkness and
entered the light [jyothi *sk] of Jesus. We will find the following about
Jesus: He is the Creator and Operator of the Universe, the demonstration of
God on earth, and the One who started a spiritual body of people in which He
lives by His Holy Spirit. We will also discover the great cost that Jesus
paid to make us His own royal people. As a result, His gift is victory in
this life [jivan mukta *sk – present life liberation from sin’s bondage] and a
great assurance of Eternal Life.

This Good News is so great that everybody deserves to hear it and experience
the power of Jesus today. After Paul gives proper greetings, he will set the
Christians’ hearts rejoicing by establishing the news of the greatness of Jesus.
Jesus’ greatness will be shown by: i) His acts in creation, ii) what He finished on
the Cross, iii) His powerful resurrection from death, iv) His historic ascension to
Heaven, and v)His placing of His Holy Spirit into people making a new spiritual
body [samaj* sk society] called His assembly or special people group.

COLOSSIANS ONE OUTLINE: THE UNMATCHED JESUS

Introduction 1:1-14

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Jesus is God- 1:15
 Jesus is unmatched in Creation 1:16-18
 Jesus is unmatched in Redemption 1:19-23
Jesus is unmatched and worthy to suffer for 1:24-2:3

 Introduction 1:1-14

A. Paul greets the Colossians who had never seen him 1:1-2
B. Paul’s thanksgiving for the Colossians 1:3-8
C. Paul’s prayer for the Colossians 1:9-14
A) PAUL GREETS THE COLOSSIANS WHO HAD NEVER
SEEEN HIM - V1-2

COLOSSIANS ONE “(1) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ

through the will of God, and Timotheus the brother, (2) to the
saints in Colossae, and to the faithful brethren in Christ: Grace
to you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus
Christ!” NASB

“(1) Paul, an ambassador of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and
Timothy our brother.”

Verse 1 (V 1). “Paulos.” His Gentile Roman name, “Paul” is used to identify
with his Gentile readers. They had never met him. His Jewish name was Saul.
An “Ambassador (apostolos)”, is a representative sent on a mission for a
ruler. That ruler was “Christ Jesus (Christou Iesou).” Christ Jesus is a
proper name for the Savior just as Rajan Patel is a proper name in India.
“Jesus” speaks about His humanity, while “Christ” speaks of His deity and
means anointed one, or Messiah. His name alone declares He is “The God-
man.”

Who Was This Paul Who Wrote The Colossian Letter? Paul came from
the city of Tarsus in Asia Minor, today’s Turkey. Paul was a Jew. In Hebrew, His
name is Saul. The Greek Empire had already conquered the Romans. Paul’s
father was a Roman citizen and most Romans spoke Greek. In Greek, the
Hebrew name “Saul” is “Paul”. Therefore, he was known by both names (Acts

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13:9). He was probably from a wealthy family since Tarsus was a wealthy city.
Educated in Jerusalem, he studied under the famed teacher, Gamaliel. He
became a passionate Jewish nationalist and a member of this traditional and
ritualistic Pharisee group.

Paul Of Tarsus, Receives The Good News (Acts 22:3) How did Pharisee
Paul, the author of the Colossian letter, become a follower of Jesus? One day, a
heavenly light struck Saul when he was on his way from Jerusalem to
Damascus. He had a vision of the Lord Jesus. At the time, he was carrying
letters from the Jewish High Priest to arrest and imprison men and women who
declared this new faith in Jesus Christ. Suddenly, having fallen to the ground,
he heard the voice of Jesus asking, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"

A short conversation between Saul and Jesus took place. Saul’s soul received a
powerful inner revelation of the Living Lord Jesus. He placed his faith in Jesus
against whom he had been fighting. Saul, now called Paul, became one of Jesus’
greatest Good News teachers. He became an apostle, or “sent messenger” to the
non-Jews and would make three great voyages to share the Good News of Jesus.
These three voyages are recorded by Dr. Luke in The Book Of Acts in The New
Testament.

The Greeks had a word for an official person sent on a commission as a

representative of the government or a ruler. It comes from the verb “to send on
an assignment.” In John 2o:21, after Jesus’ resurrection, He said to the eleven
disciples, “As the Father has sent (apostello) Me, even so, send I you.” Paul also
says He was sent (apostello) by the Lord Jesus to do teach the non-Jews, who
were called Gentiles.

V 1 -“Timothy (Timotheos)” means dear and precious to God; we are all

precious in God’s eyes. This letter was from two people: Paul and Timothy.
“(2) To the saints [assembly] and faithful brethren in Christ that
are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.”

V 2- “Saints (hagiois)”, means “set-apart” ones. Believers are taken from

sin and set apart for God’s purposes and use. The word “brethren”
(adelphois)” means from the same womb. Calvary’s empty tomb is the womb
which gives us equal spiritual kinship as
brothers and sisters.
Fig 1:6 Taj
Greeks used “Grace (charis)”, as a greeting Mahan,
and also to describe beautiful Greek Agra, U.P
architecture. The Taj Mahal is also a gracious India
building. “Grace” later became a description of a
beautiful act of undeserved favor. Jesus’ act on the cross is forever beautiful and

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undeserved by us. That sacrifice continues raining gentle love and favor upon us
every day.

V 2 -“In Christ (en Christo).” All believers have two addresses. One is where
we physically live, like New Delhi. Our more important
address is “in Christ”. That is where we live spiritually no
matter where we are geographically! The Colossians were
spiritually living “in Christ”.

V 2- “Peace (eirene).” Peace (shalom) is a Hebrew greeting. But here, the

Greek word “peace” means “to join in harmony”. Jesus joined us back to God.
This is not the end of a physical journey to oneness through yoga. We actually
start our journey with complete peace with God at the time of our salvation. We
are joined with a God because on the Cross Jesus settled the hostile state
between man and God. That is history. Having received Jesus as our Lord, we
now know the warm experience of the peace of b God in our minds and hearts.
It is ours to experience each moment.

V 2 – “Grace and peace come from the Father (Patros) and the Lord
Jesus Christ”. God is the spiritual Father of the Colosse believers, and of all
today who believe in His Son Jesus Christ. Paul’s inclusion of his fellow-worker
Timothy reminds us that we are not “loners”, but a family of God the Father. His
Fatherhood over us and Jesus’ Lordship in us gives us unity of heart. “In Our
equal access to the Lord Jesus, the Father gives grace and peace equally to all.”

Col. 1: 3 & 4 “(3) We give thanks to God the Father of our

Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, (4) having heard
of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which you have
toward all the saints [believers] …” NASB

B) Paul’s Thanksgiving for the Colossians 1:3-8

“(3) We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
praying always for you.”

V 3- “Give thanks (eucharisteo).” This word means to be grateful. Paul is

continually speaking thanks for what God the Father had done in the lives of
the Colossians. Are you giving thanks for what God has done in your spiritual
family too?

V3 -“Praying (proseuchomai).” “Pro” means “facing” toward. The idea of

worship is present. How can we not worship in His presence? Paul was aware of
facing the loving Father when he prayed. So, when praying, have an awareness
of facing your dear Father. The idea of a definite objective in prayer is also
present where we make definite requests and receive definite results. Jesus told

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us to keep on asking, seeking, and knocking (Luke 11:9 & 10) and we would keep
receiving, finding, and have doors opened.

Col. 1 V3-“For (peri),” means concerning. Paul and Timothy were praying
about the Colossians’ concerns. Let us also pray about the concerns of others.

“Faith in (en).” “In” has two ideas (en & eis).The word “into (eis)”, shows
movement into a location. In John 3:16, it is an act of faith that moves us “into
(eis)” Jesus. In Colossians Verse 3, the word “in (en)” shows that those who
have believed “into (eis)” Jesus are now resting their faith “in (en)” Him. Keep
resting in Jesus since you were already placed into Him and His kingdom when
you received your personal salvation.

Col. 1- V4- “Love (agape).” This Paul is commending the

heavenly love created in the believers, Colossians for three things which
hearts, by the Holy Spirit, causes him are also important to us: i) Faith
to serve others above self. The toward God, ii) Love toward
believer’s love was “for (pros)” or people and iii) Hope toward the
toward other believers. Each had future verses 4 & 5
taken his fellow believers into his
heart. “Have (echete)”, means to own. Their God-given love reached into the
hearts of others because they belonged to each other as His special society. This
reminds us of the scriptural truth: “We know that we have moved from
spiritual death into spiritual life because we love our brothers and sisters.”
First John 3:14.

Col. 1:5 “Because of the hope which is laid up for you in the
heavens, whereof you heard before in the word of the truth of
the gospel,…” NASB

Col. 1 V 5- “Hope (elpida),” is a joyful and confident certainty of some

future realization. God’s hope is a confident fact that of a future event
happening. It is not an optimistic wish about the future. Hope is like the
assurance that the harvest will be good because you are already standing in a
good monsoon. God controls tomorrow, the monsoon, and the harvest. Rejoice
with confidence!

Col. 1 V 5- “Laid up (apokeimai)”, means reserved. Since our hope is

reserved in Heaven, it cannot be lost by earth’s changing events (Phil. 3:20 & 2
Timothy 4:8). As citizens of Heaven, let us live our brief lives on earth for the
Lord.

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OUR WAITING TREASURE :
First, having Jesus is our greatest treasure. He is in Heaven with rewards for
our service on earth, Matt. 6:20.
Second, entering God’s everlasting home, not as aliens or immigrants, but as
sons and daughters because of Jesus’ sacrifice.
Third, our having unending companionship with Jesus, 1 Pet. 1:4.
PAUL CONFIRMS THEY HEARD THE TRUE “GOOD NEWS” V 5-6
Col. 1- V5- “Heard before (proekousate).” “Heard”, means to understand
when hearing. Epaphras had brought the Good (eu) News (aggello). The Good
News in this verse is “the word of truth [sat * sk].” So, this Good News or
“evangel” was the Word of truth about what Jesus had done on the cross and
how it frees us today. The Colossians had already heard and understood the
evangel. “Evangel” was sometimes used to announce a Middle Eastern
wedding. Jesus, the groom, is announcing His search for an arrangement for
people to be His spiritual partners.
Evangel was also a formal victory announcement over an enemy. The evangel
of Jesus is that He defeated our enemies: sin, death, and Satan.
Paul had never been to Colosse. He was writing to them from his prison cell in
Rome. They had already heard the Good News or evangel. The Good News
works not because of who brings it, but because it is Heaven’s message.

Col. 1:6. “Which is come unto you; even as it is also in all the
world bearing fruit and increasing, as it doth in you also, since
the day ye heard and knew the grace of God in truth;” NASB

Col. 1- V6- “Is come (parontos)” means to move close. The Good News of
Jesus is close spiritual comfort. It is like a holy hug that snuggles up to our
hearts giving God’s “embrace of grace”.

The true Gospel Col. 1- V6- “All the world (en panti to kosmo).”
can be taught and This Good News is for all people in everyplace, in
lived anywhere in every language, in every tribe, and in every social
our world. It group. The Good News of Jesus is universal. In India
brings the same alone, some 1,500 different languages exist! The
benefits to all
Good News of Jesus is for every person in each of
people in every
place. these groups.

Col. 1- V6- “Bearing fruit.” The Good News

about Jesus constantly brings the fruit of peace, joy,
and love in those who receive it. Fruit is the outside product of inward life. The
loving outer words and works of believers are called fruit in Galatians 5:22.

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We are to teach the Good News of Jesus so that love, joy, and peace bring
spiritual fullness and freedom on earth. When we face trials, others will see
these spiritual qualities in us and it will witness to our trust in Jesus.

Col. 1- V6– “And increasing (auxano).” The Gospel has self-expansion

power. It keeps bearing fruit and keeps increasing in the number of people who
receive it, deepening the quality of their spiritual lives. God’s message, when
fully embraced, has both saving and keeping
power. The Good News will not fail you; so do not To be appreciated
fail the Good News. like Epaphras:

Col. 1 V 6– “Heard”, means “to hear with the  be a servant

understanding.” The Holy Spirit opens our deaf
spiritual ears. The knowledge becomes personally  be reliable
real to our hearts.
 be faithful
Col. 1 V 6- “Knew the grace of God in truth.”
“Truth (aletheia)” speaks about reality, facts, and  Be prayerful
real events. Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection are for others.
historical realities that anchor our experience of
personal salvation. The Good News of Jesus is the story of “the grace of God, in
the truth, here on planet earth.”
A Common Friend Epaphras -
Col. 1:7- “You learned (kathose e mathete)”. Col 1:7
“Learned”, is the word used to describe becoming a “7. Even as you
disciple (matheteuo). Jesus used this word when He learned of
invited us to take His yoke and “learn” of Him and Epaphras our
be fully established in His nature and Truth. The beloved fellow-
Colossian believers had carefully examined the Good servant, who is
News. Let us give people opportunity to come to a a faithful
full understanding of the Good News by proper minister of
examination. True Christianity is more than making Christ on our
a decision; it is becoming a disciple and a life learner behalf.” NASB
of The Master. We shall see in this chapter that Jesus
is more than our Great Guru. He is a Person whose Spirit has taken up
residence within believers. The Teacher Himself lives in our hearts and lives out
His life through us daily.
Epaphras had gone from Colosse to be with Paul in Rome, and he tells Paul
about his love and concern for the Colossian believers and also about the false
teaching which had come among them, Col. 4:12. This is why Paul writes
the letter of Colossians.
Col. 1 V7-“Epaphras.” This man brought the Good News of Jesus to Colosse.
Our information about how the Colossians embraced Jesus is from this letter
of Paul. There are also a few hints in his letter to Philemon. Epaphras likely

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heard Paul in Ephesus. When Paul taught in the lecture hall of Tyrannus in
Ephesus for two years, all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord
(Acts 19:10). It seems that Epaphras met Paul there.
He is “of you.” Epaphras was from Colosse (1:7 & 4:12). He
took Jesus’ message to two other neighboring towns in the
Lycus Valley: Hierapolis, and Laodicea (Colossians 4:1.3).
What a great joy to take the Gospel to the villages and towns
around you. Everybody needs Jesus’ forgiveness, love, and
everlasting life. Why not start a special effort to tell nearby
villages about the Good News of Jesus?
*Figure 1:7 Col. 1 V 7-“On our behalf.” “Behalf (huper)”, means “in the
Mother place of another”. Paul was in prison in Rome. Concerned
Theresa- about the work of others, Epaphras was serving in behalf of
The world Paul and Timothy in helping share The Good News and grow
still waits disciples.
to see the
greatest Epaphras, now visiting Paul in Rome, reported the excellent
sign— spiritual progress of believers in Colosse. He had seen God’s
“Love.” Spirit at work in them because of their love for Jesus and
others. Let’s produce the most amazing sign, by showing the
world “the amazing love” of Jesus through our actions.
Col 1: V 8 & V 9- “Love in the Spirit.”
The Holy Col. 1:8 Spirit had been at work in the Colossian
believers “Who producing the spiritual fruit of divine love.
[Epaphras]
“For this cause” or, “Because of this” genuine love of
also
God inside the declared Colossian believers, Paul and his friends
continued to unto us pray for their growth. They were already
running a your love good love race. We make a mistake when we
pray only for in the those stumbling, but forget to pray for those
who are Spirit.” running well.
NAS
B
Col. 1 V 9– “Do not cease to pray.” This does not
mean praying 24 hours every day. It means “not giving up” on people or on
requests for which we have prayed. Let us pray in a regular and disciplined way
for others. Paul did not let prison get into him. He still practiced believing
prayer in prison. As a Pharisee and Orthodox Jew, he would have prayed ritual
prayers three times a day before he met Jesus. Now, as a believer, Paul prays
constant, definite, and living prayers, which are face to face with God through
Jesus.

A Muslim prays (saalat *sk ) five times a day. A devout Hindu home starts
each day with “puja” or prayer to a Hindu god. The idol is offered incense, food,

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and flower offerings. As we prayed at other times to idols, how much more
should we pray through Jesus who gave His life for us to bring us salvation and
Heaven? So daily in prayer come and meet your living friend, Jesus.

C. PAUL’S PRAYER FOR THE COLOSSIANS 1:9-14

Col. 1:9 “For this reason also, since the day we heard of it,
we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that a) you
may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual
wisdom and understanding,” NASB

Why Did Paul Write To The Colossians? – First, the Holy Spirit directed
him to write.Paul also wanted to show personal interest in this struggling
church. He had never been there but heard of the danger of the Colossians being
led away from Jesus. Some false teachers were saying that use of special rituals,
special angels, and special knowledge was required in addition to believing in
Jesus. Paul believed that false teaching was best stopped by teaching the
absolute supremacy, the sole sufficiency, and fullness of Jesus Christ. This false
teaching endangering the Colossian church arose mostly from Judaism.

Wilbur Fields writes: “The Syrian king, Antiochus the Great, imported 2000 Jewish
families into Phrygia about 170 B.C. These Jews multiplied until it is estimated (by the
amount of money they sent annually to the Jerusalem temple as taxes) that there were
50,000 Jews in the area in New Testament times. Paul encountered much Jewish
opposition in this general area during his Good News trips. The presence of so many
Jews in the area may explain why the Colossian heresy included some Jewish ideas,
and also why the nearby Galatian Christians were affected by Judaism.”

It does not seem likely that these false teaching arose from the Essenes as some
believe. Essenes did not practice angel worship, and were not strict about the
Sabbath as were these false teachers. Neither do the false teachers appear to be
Gnostics as some affirm, since Gnosticism was not developed at that time and
all of the things Paul mentioned are accounted for by things already in Jewish
religion (* Expositors p 484). In Colosse, false teachers said spirits or angel
guides were needed to channel, connect to God, or receive secret spiritual
knowledge.

There was also Dualism that said the material world was evil and the spiritual
world was pure. The two could not mix. Therefore, to connect to holy beings one
had to take an inner mystical journey. Man had an evil body, so angels and
visions were seen as a chain uniting man to pure spirituality. If one learned
special spiritual secrets, one could connect to the divine and perhaps become
somewhat divine. Along with this, there was a mixture of Jewish legalists
teaching of laws and rituals as the way to a spiritual life.

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 All of this was, of course, a dark attempt to take away all that
Jesus alone had done in fully establishing man’s relationship
[yoga-full union] with God. We do not need lesser gods and
various angels to connect us to God Almighty. God is one
essence (John 10:30). God is not like an orange where parts
can be separated like slices and we take only the slices we think we need.
Picking one’s own spiritual path is often what the Western World‘s New Age
religion and some Eastern religions do. They pick the aspects of spirituality and
gods which appeal to them. If you only take the “part” of spiritual things which
you like, you will have a lesser god than Almighty God. Colossians presents
Almighty God in His fullness in Jesus!

Jesus has provided freedom from religious rituals by bringing every person an
opportunity of a personal relationship with God by faith alone. Those who
believe actually become indwelt by the Living God as temples [homes] of the
Living God and wherever they go, there the temple of God is (1 Cor. 6:19).

Paul destroys the “lesser God” concept by showing that full and inseparable
deity dwells alone in the Lord Jesus. When you have the Son of God, the Lord
Jesus, you also have The Father and the Holy Spirit. You have Him in His
ultimate fullness. Therefore, through Jesus alone, you can be spiritually full and
free from all your sins and their power. This is because of what Jesus did on the
Cross as the supreme sacrifice.

FOR WHAT DID PAUL PRAY? V 9- “That you may be filled with
(plerothete) the knowledge of His will.” Filled means filled up and
controlled by spiritual wisdom and knowledge in doing God’s will.

Col. 1 V9- “The knowledge of His will.” Among the false influences at
Colosse were Jewish teachers who offered full secret knowledge. However, the
knowledge Paul prayed for is the open knowledge of God’s will. This knowledge
must become ours personally by “knowing God”. In addition, knowing God
builds character and produces Jesus-like living; not theories about spirituality.

When we do God’s “general will” as revealed in the Bible, it will be easier to

discover His “particular will” unfolding for our individual lives in such choices
as marriage and work. God’s will is a journey, not a single event. At the end of
your life, you will see how God was connecting each event to the next in His
great plan for your life.

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The Knowledge Of His Will Includes Spiritual Wisdom And
Understanding In Daily Living -V 9-10
Col. 1 V 9– WHY DID PAUL PRAY? He prayed because God wants to give
us fullness “In all spiritual wisdom and understanding (en pase sophia
kai sunesei pneumatike)”. Understanding is having a full knowledge and
collection of spiritual facts. Wisdom (sophia) is the ability to fit facts to each
other and take the best course of action to please Jesus. The Holy Spirit
develops both wisdom and understanding in us.

Col. 1: 10 – “ So that you will walk in a manner worthy of the

Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every
good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;...” NASB
Col. 1 V 10- “Walk (peripatesai)” means to “conduct yourself” in a certain
way. Living for Jesus is not just living on spiritual and emotional highs. It
includes walking in His footsteps faithfully day after day. The Holy Spirit
directs our attitudes, actions, and words as we apply God’s Word to our lives so
that we may please Jesus. . The best daily leading of
the Lord is His leading away from sin so we may be
closer to Him. Self-control is one of the first lessons
taught by the Holy Spirit and is the basic building block of
a successful spiritual life.

Col. 1 V 10- “Worthy (axios)” is the word for

“balance scales”. We live for Jesus according to how
much Jesus is worth to us. If love and obedience could
be weighed out daily in the market place of life, how much would yours weigh?
If Jesus is your Lord (Master-Kurios), then you will live to please Him. Who
you value is seen in how you are living.

Col. 1 V 10- “Bearing fruit (karpopho-rountes)”,

means “producing results”. Our lives are fruit branches.
Figure 1:8 -How
Self-fruit is bitter; sweet fruit pleases God The Father.
you live measures
In John 15:8, we learn that bearing much fruit produces how much you
much praise to the Father. Fruit is the result of inner value Jesus.
life. What you allow to live inside of you will one day
come out. Make sure it is good, Matthew 12:35.

Col. 1 V 10- “In every good (apathies) work.” Fruit is worth growing
when it is has market value. Here the word “good” means profitable or useful
to God and others. Jesus went about, anointed and inspired by the Holy Spirit,
doing profitable works for others (Acts 10:38). We are to do the same.

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Col. 1 V 10- “Increasing (auxano)”, is spiritual growth in our new life. We are
to have an increasing personal knowledge of God and His will from the Holy
Scriptures. This is different from knowledge “about” God because knowing God
makes us better, not just wiser!

The “full knowledge” of the true Good News is given to all. This
is unlike the special “few” appealed to in false teaching. The
word “all” appears 30 times in this letter to the Colossian
believers.

THE AIM OF PAUL’S PRAYERS FOR THE COLOSSIANS V 11-12

Col. 1:11 & 12 “(11)i) Strengthened with all power, according to

the might of his glory, ii) unto all patience and longsuffering
with joy; 12) iii)giving thanks unto the Father, who made us
meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light;
…” NASB

V11–i)“Strengthened (dunamei pase dunamei dunamoumenou) with all

power.” That is a lot of power [dunamis]! We get our word dynamic from
this word. Jesus’ Spirit within us gives constant flowing strength. We must
depend on His inner strength. “All” of God’s strength is present to help us
always do His will.

The Good News is for “ALL” with power to save “ALL” and fulfill “ALL” spiritual
needs here and in Heaven. No one can promise you anymore than Jesus; in
Him, you have “All” (First Corinthians 3:21-22).

V11– “According to the might of His glory.” This word “might” means to
give inward strength, or make strong. God’s glorious “might”, not our need,
controls the “work” of God in our lives. “Might,” means “strength in action”.
God shows strong action in helping His children live obediently and victoriously
for Him (* See Ephesians 3:16).
V11–“Unto all (ii) patience, and (ii) longsuffering with joy.”
There are two words for “patience” in verse 11. Archbishop Trench said:
“a) patience (hupomone) is shown under ill-treatment by people while,
xb) steadfastness (makrothumian), is shown during the varied trials,
difficulties, and hardships of life.” It is for these two kinds of encounters with
people and circumstances that we need God’s inner might.

A believer is not to sit down under, nor run from trials, but must always be
moving forward with all patience (hupo-under and meno-abide). God gives us self-

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control so that we may learn patience. God’s divine strength in the heart is more
than an equalizer for all that we face. God’s might has “cheerful grace” in it. You
can be spiritually joyful in spite of difficult circumstances. His might and
strength flows in you giving you a sense of joy (charas); a sense of inner well-
being. Joy is inner and constant; happiness is externally controlled and
fleeting!

V12- “Giving thanks (eucharisteo) unto the Father.” Remember our word
eulogy? It means to speak well of someone. Here it means to speak of “The
Father.” There is positive power in praising the Father, not for trials, but during
trials. Before we received Jesus, God was our legal Judge. Having now received
the new spiritual birth, God is “our Father”. This word “Father” is personal. The
Father’s supply in a hostile world makes us more than equal to all trials with
difficult people and difficult circumstances. His grace and might helps us to
properly respond to both difficult people and difficult circumstances in ways
that a) please Him and b) mature us.

This word “Father” is personal. The Father’s supply in a hostile world

makes us more than equal to all trials with difficult people and difficult
circumstances
V12- “[The Father] who made us meet (hikanoo) to be partakers of the
inheritance of the saints in light…” We thank the Father because He has
qualified (hikanoo) us by making us worthy to share His gifts. Each person who
receives Him as Lord becomes qualified and enabled to have a share as
partakers (merida) from God. We are wrong to keep trying to qualify for
something for which Our Heavenly Father has already qualified us. Each
believer receives an “individual allotment” from the Father is in the light of
Jesus. Now you are in the domain of light too! You have shares and ownership
in His Kingdom.

SUMMARY - FULL KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM GIVE ALL

BELIEVERS i) A life that pleases the Lord by bearing profitable spiritual fruit
(v 10), ii) A spiritual increase in knowing God (V 10), iii) Spiritual strength and
patience with difficult people and trying circumstances-v11, and iv) An attitude
of thanksgiving that helps take hold of and use our spiritual inheritance from
God (v 11). Jesus said that the Holy Spirit would teach us knowledge and
wisdom to serve and please Him, John 14:26.

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 Col. 1:13 “Who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and
translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love;”
NASB

What He Did For Us - Verses 13-14

A) He Rescued B) He Transferred C) And He Redeemed Us

A) V13 - “Who delivered (rhuomai) us.” The idea is to draw out and rescue.
God drew us out of Satan’s domain of darkness unto Himself. We had no
strength or power to leave the domain of spiritual darkness. We responded to
His outstretched hand of rescue as the Holy Spirit drew us.

V13 – “Out of the power of darkness (skotos).” “Out of” means:

i) instant, ii) full, and iii) permanent deliverance from the domain of
darkness. Satan’s lawful rule is only in darkness. “Power (exousias)”, is
“authority”. It is both the right (exousia) and might (dunamis) of Satan to reign
in darkness over sinners. Darkness, by its nature, is a tyrannical reign. The
believer instantly leaves Satan’s dark (skotous) kingdom forever. Only sinful
behavior, attitudes, and words on the part of a believer can give Satan any
measure of victory over him. That is why Ephesians 4:27 says, “Neither give
place to the devil.” The only place the devil can have in a believer’s life is the
one the believer gives him. Therefore, when you sin, ask God to forgive you
right away. Keep things pure between you and your Lord, and others. This
tyrant has no legal right, or might to reign over the Father’s children who
keep walking in the Light!

B) V13– “Translated (metestesen)” is an important word. In ancient

history, it meant to transfer a conquered people to
Horn o.k. the Victors’ homeland. The Father has taken us from
please the dark land of Satan’s tyranny, and placed us in a
new location called the “Kingdom Of Light”.
“Into” shows that it is not progressive, but an
instant removal from one place into a new place. Here, it is from Satan’s
authority to the Jesus’ Kingdom of Light.

V13– “The kingdom of the Son of his love (son eis ten basileian tou huiou tes
agapes auto).” Jesus is the King of kings with a Kingdom (basileian). Satan is a
tyrant with a defeated dictatorship. Jesus alone is the Spiritual King. All others
are rulers, but not kings. Light and love is our present habitation. We used to be
spiritual slaves under a tyrant. Now, we are sons and daughters of a “Love
Father” whose “Love-Son” died in Israel, under Pontius Pilate. Both Jewish and
Roman historians recorded that event over 2,000 years ago.

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C) Col. 1:14. i) “Redemption (apolutrosin)” is
liberation from slavery based upon a price paid
which frees a slave. The Colossians were under Col 1:14 “In
Roman Rule and understood slavery. In their whom we have
time, almost half of Rome’s population served as our i) redemption,
slaves. (www.unrv.com/culture/roman-slavery) the ii) forgiveness
of our sins:”
The New Testament uses various words for NASB
obtaining a slave from the slave market. I) One
word, which was used for “redemption”, means,
“to buy for oneself in the market place”. Jesus bought us just for Himself when
we were slaves of sin and Satan. On the cross, Jesus paid the redemption price
(apolutrosin) to take us from Satan’s slave market. That price was His life.

II) The root meaning of “forgiveness (aphiemi) means to send away. The Bible
teaches that through Jesus’ supreme sacrifice, God sent our sin away forever.

“Sins (hamartion)” means to miss the mark. Like a weak arrow shot from a
crooked bow, we had missed the mark in a life and death situation. Therefore,
missing the mark of God’s standard for eternal life, we were eternally dead. The
Rishees [seers & prophets] of Hindustan knew that sacrifice was needed to
reach God long before white men came to their lands. What a great spiritual
search these noble souls have had. They searched for forgiveness,
righteousness, grace, truth, salvation, the way of salvation through right
knowledge and they were willing to renounce all to find the experience of
salvation.

One of the richest sources of information about

archery as a royal tradition comes from the great
epics tales of India. The Mahabharata and the
Ramayana give detailed techniques of archery and
its practice. It is very clear in these texts that if
anyone claimed the title of Raja, or king, they were
required to publicly show their archery skills.
Figure 1:9- Raj
At the cross, King [Raja-* sk] Jesus, with one with bow & arrows
arrow nailed our sins there. He had hit the highest
mark of God’s standards for us slaves by living a
perfect sinless life. Although we had missed the mark of God’s glorious
standards, now we could spiritually live as someone had hit it for us. Jesus paid
our redemption price, not to Satan, but to God the Father because our sins had
put us in debt to God and subject to divine punishment.

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 Before this, the Father could not receive us into His kingdom of Light since we
were sin-stained and in darkness. So, there we were: slaves of Satan, yet in debt
to and estranged from God by past personal sins and the evil nature of our
souls from our own human birth. Since there were only two kingdoms, our sins
had planted us hopelessly in and under Satan’s dark tyranny. Through Jesus’
One Act, our past, present, and future were all looked after when He hit the
perfect mark for us on the Cross. There He offered a complete sinless life fully
to God to purchase us from sin and Satan’s slave market.

Past, Present, And Future Redemption

PAST - Col. 1:13- “Has (echomen).” 1) Qualified, 2)delivered, and

3) transferred are all past tense actions: All three acts are already done.

PRESENT - Col. 1:14 “Having our redemption, even the forgiveness of sin”
is present tense. It is what we have in the present moment. This is why we
should enjoy present moment living!

FUTURE - Col 3:4 “Christ gives meaning to your life, and when he appears,
you will also appear with him in glory.” NASB. Our future is to be forever with
Jesus.

Colossians Chapter One- Session Two

Verses 15-20
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  JESUS IS GOD -1:15

Colossians 1:15 “ Who (Jesus) is the image of the invisible

God, the firstborn of every Creature…” NASB

India’s Bollywood makes over 1,000 movies a year and sells over 4 billion
movie tickets. In Bollywood, a “superstar” is one who is first among all other
stars. A Bollywood actor may be outranked next year by someone more
popular. Some actors’ fame only lasts for a short time. Even if an actor is
famous in Bollywood, he or she may not be famous in North America or
Europe. If an actor could always be at the top in all countries and never die,
then that actor would be preeminent. So when we talk about the preeminence
of Jesus, we are talking about Jesus being first in the universe even before time
began. He is the beginning and endless in His eternal existence Therefore He
is more important than anyone else. He created the universe and always
remains first in it. This is the focus of Colossians 1:15-Colossians 2:3.

We must understand two things:

Jesus was not a created being.
The word “firstborn (prototokos)” in Colossians 1:15 is the
idea of being “first in rank, first in time, and first in
importance (preeminence)”.
Just because you are first to arrive at a banquet it does not mean that you are
the most important one there. However, Jesus is both the “most important” and
“the First One”. God knew man would
sin and Jesus had agreed to pay for
man’s sins before man was created. John 14:7-9 "He who has seen
Jesus had agreed to be sacrificed as a Me has seen the Father”
substitute in man’s place as Heaven’s
innocent Lamb. He joyfully consented to be sacrificed for sinners before the
foundations of the world, 1 Peter 1:18-20, Hebrews 12:2!

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Paul uses the Greek word “Protos” meaning first, or original, in a sequence of
time, rank, or dignity to show that Jesus is first in rank, time, and dignity.
Jesus is first over all creation since He existed before creation and time, and
He is their Creator.

Col 1:15 “He is (os estin).” Paul uses the present continuous tense which
stresses that Jesus continues always and everywhere to be the only
continuing expression of God as deity.

Col. 1:15- Jesus is “the image of the invisible God (eikon tou Theou tou
aoratou).” “He is the perfect image, the visible representation, of the
unseen God”, says Bishop Lightfoot, a noted Greek scholar.

"Image (eikon)" has the two ideas: A) An Exact Representation, and

B) A Visible Demonstration

A) Exact Representation The first idea of image is an exact

representation, which confirms identity.
It can describe a genuine image engraved “on” Figure 1:10-500 Indian
or “into” material. Gandhi’s image is on the 500 rupee note
Indian rupee note. It is not Gandhi but an exact
representation from which you would recognize
him.

Anybody who had seen Gandhi in real life will

immediately confirm his exact image on the 500-
rupee note. It is not someone who “looked” like
Gandhi. It is the exact image of Gandhi. Look at
Jesus’ life on earth; His life represents the exact heart of The Father God toward
people. Therefore, the first idea of image is a
representation of exact identity. Jesus exactly
represents God’s character to man. Fig.1:11
Sattelite
dish in
B) A Visible Demonstration - The second North
idea in this word “image” is visible
Indian
demonstration of something invisible. TV
village
signals are in the air all around us. The picture
in figure 1:11 is a satellite dish on a house in a
Gujarati village in India. It is pulling in invisible signals beaming down from
satellites in space. The dish helps make the invisible become visible. We cannot
see the signals traveling around us. Yet, this dish transfers these invisible
signals to a T.V. screen in a specific order and color creating pictures of
superstars, like Amitabh Bachan.
Similarly, Jesus came in visible human flesh to broadcast what the unseen God
is like. Study the life of Jesus and you will fall in love with how wonderful He

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was in His generosity, love, and service toward all. Jesus’ thirty-three years on
earth are the screen that gives “a showing” of the heart of the invisible Father
God to all.
Summary: Jesus exactly and visibly represents God’s character to
mankind. Verse 16, in the context of verse 17, makes it clear that
Jesus is The Creator, not the created.

JESUS IS UNMATCHED AS CREATOR 1:16

A) Jesus Created All Natural Creation!

“For by (en) Him”, shows that creation came out of Jesus’ loving heart and
intelligence as an expression of His personality. The word, “created (ektisthe)”,
means to create “without material.” All things in the various heavens above,
and the depths of the earth beneath, were out of Jesus’ spiritual thoughts and
energy communicated by His creative vocal commands. He said, “Let there
be…” and things were created. Jesus created all things visible and invisible.
You can see the green banana tree that Jesus created. You also see the results of
invisible gravity that causes a yellow banana to fall from the tree to the ground.
Jesus created the invisible laws too.

He Created All “Invisible” Things

Col 1:16 “For by Him all things were created, both in the
heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether
The goddess Durgathrones
is said toor
have
dominions or rulers or authorities--all killed have
things the demon
been Mahish
created through Him and for Him. and all his great commanders.NASB
Hinduism tries to deal with
some of earth’s evil powers.
Now, Jesus has defeated all
these evil powers and demons
for all people forever at the
cross.

As well as material matter and invisible laws, Jesus created invisible thrones,
rulers, dominions, and authorities. Dr. Marvin Vincent’s Word Studies show
that these include all kinds of beings: men, angels, and demons. These various
words speak of an unseen organization. False teachers were trying to get the
Colossians interested in angel worship. Paul tells them to “forget it” and turn
their attention to the Jesus who made the various ranks of angels!

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This word “created” means once and for all. There may be an adaptation of a
species, but there is no evolution to a brand new species. Contrary to a popular
Western theory, Jesus brought them into being and they stand today in the
species form in which He created them.

D) Jesus - Head Of A New Spiritual People- Verse 18

B) Jesus Is Eternally Existent - Col. 1:17

Both the material earth and heaven was created “for Him” too.
Natural creation is on a path to a new Heaven and a new earth, ruled in
righteousness by Jesus, Second Peter 3:13.

Col 1:17 “He is (estin) before all things”. The Greek shows a continued
state of self-existence. It is the same idea of God calling Himself “I AM” in
response to Moses’ questions in Exodus 3:14. Jesus was always in existence as
the “I AM”.

C) Jesus Is Always Sustaining Natural Creation –Verse 17

Therefore, Jesus is not created in time, but is eternally One in the same spirit
essence (same substance) with the Father. Jesus is more than a divinity, or one
who has a measure of God’s essence: Jesus Christ is Deity being fully and
forever Almighty God!
Verse 17- “…and in Him all things hold together.” “Hold together
(sunistao)”, means to set together and keep together. Jesus did not simply create
a Universe of planets and then walk away forgetting about them. Verse 17 tells
us that Jesus also manages them. An invisible energy is always holding the
smallest particles of physical matter together. You cannot see the inside life in
the mango seed but you can later see mango fruit from this seed. A Unseen
Law Of Sustaining is making everything live and work together in a unified
purpose. This invisible glue holding both visible and invisible particles together
and creating order is the continuing power of Jesus in creation.

Col 1:17 “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold
together.” NASB

“ALL THINGS” in Verses 16-18:

A) V 16- All things created by Him. B) V 17-He is before “All

things.” C) V 17- “All things” hold together in Him. D) V 17-Jesus
is “first”, or head, in creation as its creator. The physical universe,

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with its vast planets and diverse heavenly bodies, is the creation of Jesus
Christ and E) V18- He has first place and is the Head of “All things.”

(18) And He is the Head Of The Body, The Church

Figure 1:12who is the
beginning, the firstborn from the dead;-This
that Head
in all [things] He
might have the preeminence.” Village Elder NASB
(Sarpanch) in
India — a friend
of the author
V. 18 “And He is the Head Of the Body [of people]
(samaj * sk –society), the Church (ekklesia):” Jesus is also the “Head
(kephale), or “source” who brought the spiritual body of “called out” ones
(ekklesia) into a living body (soma), or assembly. He did this by His
resurrection from the dead. He was the first one to be raised and never die
again! This makes him first in honor, rank, and dignity in this spiritual
body of people called “the new creation”. In this new spiritual body, Jesus
is A) its Creator, and B) its Sustaining source. (See Figure 2:16 and the
notes beside)

V.18- Jesus was the first one permanently raised from the dead. He is
God’s Head Elder, or Sarpanch, elected by God to forever lead and bless His
new spiritual people, 1 Peter 2:9.

SUMMARY - OUR SALVATION IN JESUS

Jesus lived, died, was buried and arose from the dead on the third day. He did
this to pay for the spiritual debts, errors, and evil acts of all people on earth. He
took our sins and punishment Himself. Jesus paid the price of our sin; this is
called “redemption”. Our receiving the new life flowing from that sacrifice is
called “personal salvation”. Jesus said that if we have Him, we have life. The
Son has done all He can do about sin, now we must receive the Son in a personal
salvation experience, taking Him as Lord and Savior. By doing so, we become
part of His spiritual people working for Him on earth while waiting for Him to
return and take us to Heaven.

Since He had the power to raise Himself from the dead, He promised that all
who believe in and obey Him will also be raised from death to Heaven. Upon
His return to Heaven, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to live in the hearts of those
who receive Him on earth.

Verse 18 “The firstborn from the dead.” Jesus is also the most
important of all those who will ever be raised from the dead. His resurrection
is first in rank, and “of first importance”. Without Jesus’ resurrection there

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could be no resurrection for others, 1 Cor. 15:20. This historic event changed
the spiritual world forever. It also provided the way to change our physical
bodies to live in a new heavenly world in the future, Philippians 3:21. This will
happen at a future date, at His return, when our present physical bodies are
changed to a spiritual quality suited to live in the eternal presence of God.

 JESUS -UNMATCHED IN REDEMPTION AND

RECONCILATION 1:19-23
This Letter Teaches That Jesus Alone Is The Answer to Man’s
Emptiness and Bondage
What Is Historical Redemption? When Adam fell in the Garden of Eden,
spiritual death or separation from God passed upon all men. Although still
physically alive, man was spiritually dead. God loved us so much that He came
to earth in the form of Jesus and lived a pure life. He gave His life in death upon
the cross after thirty-three years on earth. Because He was deity and the sinless
Son Of God, He fully paid for the sin of every person in the world. This is called
“redemption”, or paying the price. Redemption is something that God
alone did in Jesus’ supreme sacrifice. Historically, on the cross,
redemption was finished some 2,000 years ago.

What is Personal Salvation Today? Even though the price is paid for all
people, each individual must still accept what Jesus did for him or her on the
cross by faith and must welcome Jesus into his/her life. This is called
“personal salvation.” Jesus was raised from the dead three days after His
death and went back to Heaven. In place of His physical presence, He sent His
spiritual presence, the Holy Spirit to live in the hearts of all who receive Him.
Because His Spirit is everywhere, all people may freely come to Jesus and find
salvation which includes: joy of forgiveness, personal cleansing of sin, release
from sin’s power over our life, the gift of righteousness, the constant indwelling
of Jesus’ Spirit of life within, and assurance of a home forever with Jesus. Only
the One who is Full Deity could provide all of this. Jesus made this
provision as the Good Shepherd. He gave His life for our personal
sins. Only Jesus alone gives us this personal salvation!

In a step-by-step journey, we shall follow the Holy Spirit’s teaching about Jesus’
redemption and forgiveness given here through Paul. We will observe the
warnings against false teachers, against false secret knowledge about God,
against the use of religious rituals to save, against false angel and spirit guides,
and against astrology as a source of connection to God. We shall discover the
abundant spiritual fullness of personal salvation is from Jesus alone. Be
assured that this one connection for spiritual freedom can be experienced in

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Jesus Christ; all fountains of spiritual freedom and fullness of spiritual life flow
only from Him, (1 Tim. 2:5).

Jesus Christ –More Than Sufficient For Our Salvation

[uddhar * sk] as:
A) God With Us (V 19) And B) God In Us, (V 20).
Jesus is first in the Universe because He created it. He is also first among His
spiritual people because He created this new spiritual people [samaj* sk
congregation] on earth. People who receive Jesus as Savior and Lord are
created new inside and become part of Jesus’ new spiritual family, society, and
community on earth.

During the last forty days on earth, Jesus was with large groups of people
showing that He had indeed conquered physical death and was alive forever.
Up until that time, He had been A) God with men for thirty-three years in a
body of human flesh (First Corinthians 15:3-8). Jesus made a change by
moving from the limitations of “God with us” in His physical body to be
B) “God in us” when He arose, ascended to Heaven, and sent His Holy Spirit
to live in us.

The resurrection “out from among the physically dead” on the third day gave
Jesus another distinction. He became first in dignity over the essence of sin
and death by destroying sin’s everlasting effect on the physical body. The result
of sin had been that both physical and spiritual death had enslaved all people.
Jesus conquered spiritual death with an “It is finished” victory shout as He gave
His human spirit to God in sacrifice on The Cross! Jesus’ dead body had not
even begun to decay after three days (Acts 2:27-32); instead, He was raised
from the dead on the third day to live forever. The outcome of death and its
power was forever defeated. Jesus became the Lord of Life. He has “first
dignity” and rank in everything because of His complete victory in all these
areas. He was God “with us” so He could live a life of redemption and be God
“for us” and God “in us” totally defeating sin, Satan, and spiritual death.

So, salvation is the work of the cross personally applied to our hearts, while
redemption is the actual historical act of Jesus’ death on the cross. Our
redemption and salvation happened because God was in Jesus.

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 Col 1:19 “For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the full-
ness to dwell in Him.” NASB

“For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness (pleroma)
dwell.”, Col 1:19 . Paul gives us the reason that Jesus occupies first place and
it is that “The Father” is completely pleased at His “fullness” living forever in
Jesus.

Many claim to have one special god above many gods. Some go from god to
god trying to please all the expressions of a god or trying to obtain a favor.
The Holy Bible tells us that our search is over! The fullness of God is in
the One Person; Jesus Christ. He is Creator. He lived, died, and arose
victoriously from among the physically dead. When we invite Him into our lives
as Forgiver, Savior of sins, and Lord of our lives we find fullness of joy. Indeed,
we will never be spiritually hungry or thirsty again.

Bishop Lightfoot, commenting on this word “fullness” said it is a “recognized

technical term in theology, showing the totality of the Divine powers and
attributes." Jesus has that fullness!

Jesus is not a “part” of God like a slice is part of a

watermelon. Because He is God, He is like the “full”
watermelon. Why settle for a slice when you can have the
whole fruit? Why settle for angels or lesser gods when you
can have Jesus? The invisible Word of God became visible in
Jesus of Nazareth.

According to Acharya Daya Prakash Titus, the historical Sanskrit

book, Bhavishya, tells how a Sindu king, Shalivahana, went to visit
Figure 1:12 various societies. He ended up in Palestine, then known as Hoon-
Jesus is not desh. Mr. Titus, a Sanskrit language scholar, reports that this
just a “slice” history text recounts how the king met a holy man sitting on a
of God but nearby hill. He asked the holy man his name, and the man replied,
the “whole” “Ï am known as Jesus Christ.” The king describes Jesus as fair
or fullness of complexion, clothed in white, a mighty king, a blameless person and
God. one “born of a virgin.” Then Jesus told the king that “God should be
worshipped in righteousness, truth, and pure oneness of mind.” The
Fulfillment Of The Vedic Pilgrimage in the Lord Jesus Christ, page 88.

The fullness of God was in Jesus of Nazareth in human form. He was God, in
human form, walking on our earth. This fullness remains in Jesus and will
never live in any other angel, person, deity, or power.

34
“Dwell (katoikesai)”, is the word for “permanent home”. God did not have to
move into Jesus as a renter, or leaseholder. The Father’s fullness was and
always will be in the essential nature of Jesus Christ and Jesus was always the
Second Person in the One Godhead.

It is not easy for limited humans to understand everything about an unlimited

God. To help, the author has developed the idea of an equal-
sided rotatable wooden triangle, as in Figure A. Let us say it is a
yoke for a water buffalo. First, each side of the triangle is wood
from the same tree and of the same in quality. That is like the
Trinity of God expressed in God the Father, God The Son or
Jesus, and God the Holy Spirit; they are all of the same
quality and spiritual essence. However, each of the three sides Figure A
of the triangle is also equal in length; so we can say that the
Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit are also equal in position.

In figure B, We see different sides of the triangle depending on our

viewpoint. The author has rotated the same triangle so that you see
mostly only one side. However, all the other sides still exist
even when not seen. They are still from the same piece of Figure B
wood, and are still equal in length.

The Trinity [The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit] is something like that.
The Old Testament tells us about the acts of the invisible God side with the
Jews. We see glimpses of the Son and the Holy Spirit at different places in the
Old Testament. In the New Testament Gospels, we are introduced to, and
mostly see the Jesus side. The Father and Holy Spirit still exist and have not
changed; only the view has changed. After Jesus ascended, He sent the Holy
Spirit to take His place in our hearts. From The Acts Of The Apostles onward,
we begin to view God and Jesus through the lens of the Holy Spirit. The
Father and The Son still exist and are still in harmony. All continue in equality
of substance and position as a Trinity. The Father and Son are still working on
earth but they now work through the present indwelling of the invisible Holy
Spirit in those who receive Jesus as Saviour.

At times it was easy to see the whole triangle. When Jesus was being baptized
in the Jordan River in Israel here on earth, the Father spoke to Him from
Heaven, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove and
all at the same time (Matthew 3:16 -17).This is the mystery of three people in
one Godhead at one time.

The special knowledge gurus troubling the Colossians taught that God’s fullness
had been fragmented into many different essences of unequal angels. The
angels less holy could interact as links between mankind below and the holier
angels above them. They falsely taught that through this chain of various spirit
levels, indirect access to God could happen. Today, the New Age Movement in

35
the Western World teaches that “spirit-guides” and “spirit channellers” connect
to and communicate with a god, the dead, or a higher spiritual power. However,
Isaiah 8:19 indicates that channellers are dealing with fallen evil angels.

Reconciliation- Part Of Jesus’ Redemption- Col. 1:20-21

A. He is the reconciler.
B. He paid for the reconciliation with his blood.
C. His death reconciled man to God.

Col. 1:20 “And through him to reconcile all things unto himself,
having made peace through the blood of his cross; through him,
I say, whether things upon the earth, or things in the heavens.”
NASB

A. He Is The Reconciler by His Supreme Sacrifice

Reconciliation - Jesus Has Already Done It On The Cross- V 20-21

Col. 1: 20. “To reconcile all things unto Himself.” This tells why the
fullness of God lived in Jesus. It was because a work of reconciling men to God
needed to be done.

“Reconcile (apokatallasso)”, speaks of a full setting right of a hostile condition

between two parties. In the Garden of Eden, the human race fell into
selfishness, pride, and the disobedience of sin. God grieved deeply when man
turned against Him. Man turned away first to follow a way without God. God,
because of His love, created a plan to free people from their spiritual guilt and
hostility. It was God who first turned back to lovingly pursue fallen man.
The Heavenly Father wanted to bless humanity and share His life daily with
them. The only way to do this was to bring humanity back to Himself by
having one perfect person deal with all outstanding hostilities of mankind and
his sin. God’s answer for this was to come to earth and live among us in the
person of Jesus Christ for 33 years. Since God was fully in Jesus Christ, He
could fully reunite humans to Him in one great act of everlasting love by dying
for human sin and man’s hostile spiritual state.

36
 B. He Paid For Our Reconciliation With His Blood –V 20-21
2) Colossians 1:20 “Having made peace (eirenopoiesas).” God’s plan
involved taking the human penalty
Himself. He had to make peace. He Figure 1:13
did this alone on the Cross as man’s sin
was placed upon Him so that He could
pay our sin penalty. Such a plan gives Jesus died
1 “instead” of,
full peace by removing the hostilities
and for us.
between God and man which had been set
2
up by sin. This plan also restored a
full and endless spiritual harmony
between God and mankind. The way to spiritual harmony with God was not
“more” angels and firmer rules. God’s answer was to come to earth, live
among us for 33 years in the person of Jesus Christ, and die for our sins.

He fully dealt with all our spiritual hostility and disharmony by arising from
death to forever live, forgive, love, help, and care for us. His Holy Spirit comes
to live in those who receive Him by faith so that they can live out God’s plan for
their lives. The Holy Spirit is sent into our hearts from Jesus when we believe.
His Holy Spirit helps us by giving us the desire and power to live a life that
pleases Jesus. Thus, we keep walking in reconciliation and joyfulness with God
every day.

Col. 1:20 “Through the blood (haimatos) of His Cross.”

Spiritual peace required a holy person to die as the substitute for the sins of
every person. This reconciler must die for God’s interest. While making
harmony between God and man, God’s holy justice against sin must be paid. A
holy God cannot ignore sin. Jesus was sinless and without any fault; therefore,
He was fully able to be man’s substitute by dying in the place of man. It would
take the life force of Jesus’ blood on the cross to give us the life flow of
everlasting spiritual life. Jesus’ sacrificial death can now reach every broken
person on earth and restore him or her to full harmony with the Father God.

WHAT WE WERE Spiritually

Col. 1: 21 “And you, that were sometimes alienated and enemies

in your mind by wicked [hostile] works, yet now has he
reconciled …” NASB

37
Col. 1:21 – “And you, that were sometimes alienated.” “Alienated
(apallatrioo)” describes our former spiritual relationship to God. It was
separation and hostility toward God as His enemies.

Our spiritual mind was “wicked (ecthrous)” or hostile. We may have been
religious, but we were not lovers of God. Notice that what is in the mind comes
out in the works done in the body. The motives behind our works were hostile,
wicked, selfish, hateful, and “evil (poneros).” The words “alienated and wicked”
are used to speak to a non-Jewish audience. As non-Jews outside the Old
Testament agreement, they considered us, to be “far from” God. (See Ephesians
2:12 - Ephesus was a nearby city with many Gentile believers who once had
been “far from” God.)

C. His Death Reconciled Us To God -21-22

Col 1:21 – “He has now reconciled (apokatallasso)”. This is the stronger of
two words for reconcile. One word for reconcile (katallasso) means to
exchange as coins or something of equal value. It is like paying a 10 rupee debt
with a 10 rupee note. So Jesus’ death was the equal exchange payment
required to make harmony (reconciliation) between a holy God and
alienated man of wicked mind and hostile works in spiritual debt. His sacrifice
set up the conditions for peace. Paul had a common word for “reconcile”
(katallasso) which he often used: for example, 1 Cor. 5:18-20; Rom. 5:10.

However, the second word reconciled (apo-kata-llasso), used here, is stronger

and includes more than simple conditions existing for peace. This word is a
special word that Paul only used in two other places in all of his many
writings: Col. 1:22, and Eph. 2:16.

This rare Greek word for reconciliation means to return to a former state.
(Thayer’s Dictionary Of The New Testament, TDNT) It is one thing to forgive a
grievance in a relationship; it is another to return the relationship to its former
state before the grievance. Ephesians 2:16-2o spells this out. Not only did
reconciliation draw us near and restore our full access to God through the Holy
Spirit (v 16 & 17), but through Jesus, those who were far off (non-Jews) and
those who were near (Jews) were made one body or society of people. Again, in
Ephesians 2:18, we see the extent of reconciliation. Those who receive Jesus are
returned to God as children and friends. That is how it was in Eden before sin
entered. Nobody needs to estranged and foreigners to God after Jesus’ death
and resurrection. The way has been made for erring man to return to the holy
unchangeable God.

38
Ephesians 2:19 “So then you are no more strangers and sojourners, but you
are i) fellow-citizens with the saints, and ii) of the household of God, (20) iii)
being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus
himself being the chief corner stone; (21) in whom iv) each several building,
fitly framed together, v) grows into a holy temple in the Lord; (22) in whom
you also are v) built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.”, NASB.

These verses say that Jesus, in reconciling us to God the Father, takes us back
again to the pure state of Adam, through Jesus Christ who the Bible calls the
Last Adam, 1 Corinthians 15:45; no other Adam is needed as Jesus is the Last.
In reconciliation, (apo-kata-llasso) we are made joint citizens of God with His
spiritual household of believers. We are set upon the foundation of all true
teaching about Jesus by the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament
Apostles. We are placed in the spiritual building of God where Jesus is the
anchoring cornerstone. Then, the Spirit of God enters and lives in us as we
receive Jesus’ reconciliation. Thus, we constantly grow with all other believers
as God’s holy temple filled with His presence.

Our state is not just forgiven but we are just as if we have never sinned. All that
we formerly lost is restored in our relationship to the Father including our new
home in a new heaven and earth, 2 Peter 3:13.
How Jesus Brought Reconciliation

Col. 1:22 “In the body of his flesh through death, to present
you a)holy and b) unblameable and c) unreproveable in is
sight.” NASB

Col.1:22 – Reconciliation and harmony happened through Jesus’ physical

body on the Cross. It happened “in His fleshly (sarkos) body (soma)
through death.” His body was the complete sacrifice.
False teachers focused on angels, or non-physical beings, because they wrongly
believed the physical world, including the human body, was evil. Galatians
shows that angels were active in giving God’s Law to Moses (Gal. 3:19, Hebrews
2:2, and Acts 7:53). But Jesus took on a fleshly body and became a son of man
that people might become the sons of God by spiritual adoption, Eph. 1:5 & 6.

The words “fleshly body (sarkos soma),” show that Jesus had all the true
parts of a human body. Jesus’ body of flesh makes Him different from the
world’s gods of legend, myth, and invisible angels. Jesus left real human
footprints when He walked on earth for thirty-three years. His resurrection
body, although transformed, still had the nail prints and could still physically
eat and drink.

39
"39) See My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a
spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have." 40) And when He
had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.” Luke 24:39-40

With Joy, Jesus Presents Us Blameless To His Father

Col 1:22- “Present (parastesai) you before Him.” The word “present” is
from two combined words. The first one is near, or beside (para). The other
means “to place (histemi).” Jesus placed us forever near to God’s heart. The
Old Testament idea of a priest placing the sacrifice for sin on the altar is fulfilled
in Jesus’ death on the cross. The offering of Jesus’ body purchased us and made
our perfect presentation to God The Father possible, uniting us forever to God’s
heart.
Col. 1:22 “Before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach...”
Jesus presented us once and forever “before” His Father. We are placed
before His Father’s intense loving eyes, i) as holy, [*sk- shivam-pure &
sundaram *sk -beautiful] or “set apart” for the Father’s use. We are also
ii) “blameless” [rita-*sk- righteous], or free from all “defects.” This is an Old
Testament idea of a perfect animal-sacrifice offered to God (Ex. 29:1). Jesus’
perfection is upon us. This makes us iii) “beyond reproach.” Remember,
Jesus made you so perfect that all spiritual accusations against you by sin and
Satan are forever silenced.

Keep Using What Jesus Has Given You - V 23-24

Col 1:23 “) “If indeed you continue in the faith firmly established
and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel
that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under
heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.” NASB

Col. 1:23- “If indeed (eige)”, translates “since indeed”. Paul states a fact,
not a guess. Paul’s positive belief is that these Colossian believers will
“continue in the faith.” “Continue (meno)”, means “to stay within” their
personal faith daily. You and I also help people when we believe in them and
encourage them. The word “established (themelioo)” is the word for
foundations. Paul is saying, “I am making a positive assumption about your
personal faith which placed you on this spiritual foundation of Jesus”, First Cor.
3:11.
Steadfast (hedraioi)”, means immovable. Believers are spiritually settled down
on the foundation of Jesus, First Cor. 15:58.

SESSION# 3- COLOSSIANS CHAPTER ONE

VERSES 24-52
40
 JESUS - UNMATCHED IN THE ASSEMBLY
[Samaj * sk] AND WORTHY OF OUR SUFFERING
1:24-2:3

Col 1:24 “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in

my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the
church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions.”
NASB

Col. 1:24 – “Now I rejoice.” The writer is saying, “At this minute I am
rejoicing.” Paul was in prison, but the prison was not in him. This Roman
prison was underground, dark, smelly, and damp. It was beside the city sewers.
Paul would later lose his life in an unfair trial before the insane Roman Emperor
Nero; yet, Paul was rejoicing as Heaven’s Good News spread to places like
Colosse.
The word “sufferings (pathema)” include mental and emotional suffering.
Paul did not deny his own sufferings. After Paul’s Damascus Road experience,
Ananias was sent to tell him that as he followed Jesus he would suffer, Acts
9:16. Are we afraid to tell people that following Jesus do not exempt them
from suffering? Following Jesus to win Heaven may cost you everything.

“Christ’s afflictions (thlipsis)", do not refer to His sufferings on the Cross but
the afflictions Jesus endured before the Cross. He suffered suspicion about His
birth, rejection by His brothers, and His town of Nazareth threw Him out. He
suffered rejection by His nation and His temple threw Him out, Luke 4:29. The
Rejected One cried over the Holy City of Jerusalem because they would not
receive Him as Messiah and would lose their appointed spiritual blessing for
many centuries, Luke 13:34.

Col 1:25 “Of this [called out body, society] (church) I was made a
minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me
for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of
the word of God.” NASB

41
Today, Jesus Suffers Spiritually When His People Suffer Spiritually
For Him. Col. 1:25 - The earthly sufferings of Jesus ended when He died at
only thirty-three years of age; He arose later to suffer physically no more. He
now suffers through His people in the world. The Greek word “ekkelesia” is
used of a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public
place for a definite purpose. It is like being called to a village assembly. The
believers are like heavenly villagers and Jesus is the Eternal Head Sarpanch. He
may call us to suffer for His cause.

These Colossians were now a part of the spiritual “ecclesia”, called out from
darkness and assembled to the Lord Jesus. Like Paul, they could also ask, “Lord,
what would You have me to do?” Like Paul, you and I will find there may be
suffering for following Jesus. Following Jesus can trigger great emotional
suffering, broken family ties, and loss of property. I have met people asked to
leave their family or village when they received the Lord Jesus. I have met
people beaten for their faith in Jesus. I have even heard of a few who were
killed. But how can we give up Jesus? “He alone has the words of eternal life.”
There is no other name under Heaven whereby we are saved, John 6:68 and
Acts 4:12. Let us not be afraid to suffer for Jesus.
Paul Revealed What Had Been A Mystery Until Jesus’ Death And
Resurrection- Verses 26-27

Col. 1:26-27 “(26) That is, the mystery which has been hidden
from the past ages and generations, but has now been
manifested to His saints, (27) to whom God willed to make
known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among
the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
NASB

Col. 1:26– “Mystery (musterion).” Paul was now teaching what had been a
mystery in the Old Testament. False teachers usually have “mysteries” wrapped
in words like “secret power”, “chosen few”, for a “special groups”. But fullness in
Jesus’ New Agreement is for all believers, not just some “special spiritual
caste.” There is no “Master race or caste” among believers; all are equal in
Jesus Christ. According to Jesus, many who seem important in this world may
be last in Heaven, Matthew 19:30.
Paul says a “holy secret”, once hidden (apokruphos) or covered in the past ages
is now revealed. In these past “ages (aion)”, even before Eden, God had a great
hidden truth for the world. In Old Testament times before Jesus’ birth, past
Jewish generations did not even uncover God’s hidden plan, 1 Peter 1:10-12. So
this truth remained hidden before the foundation of the world’s ages, and it was
hidden from the Jewish race of people during the Old Testament time. Now God
would “manifest (phaneroo)” or clearly show and exhibit this truth to all.

42
 In verse 26, we saw that God “revealed” this truth to “set-apart-ones.” To
those who have received Jesus Christ. God has “willed” to “make known”, by
experience, this previously “hidden” truth.
V 27 -“Riches (ploutos) of His glory” means fullness and abundance. God’s
uncovering of this truth for men make them: i) spiritually rich, and ii) makes
them see much of God’s great wisdom.
This mystery is that Jesus, The Messiah, came to set up
one inner kingdom of love in every person and
people group in the world. It is not a kingdom of outer
law over the Jews; it is an inner kingdom of love in the
heart of any person from anywhere who welcomes Him.
V 27- “Christ In You.” This is the exact idea of
Ephesians 3:17, “That Christ may dwell (katoikeo) Fig 1:14-Jesus
in your hearts by faith…” “Dwell” means to settle inside sign
down and take up a permanent home. The coming of
Christ into a human life is God’s greatest miracle. This is why the Bible
speaks of it as: “a new person coming into existence.”
During the Old Agreement (covenant), a Gentile (non-Jew) had to become a
Jewish convert to share in even a few of the blessings of the nation of Israel.
Now, Jesus lives inside His redeemed people in all countries in the world.
People anywhere may experience the New Testament (Agreement) of Jesus as
a permanent residence in their heart, Rom. 8:9, 1 Cor. 6:19 & 20.
Our Work Is To: A) Make Jesus Fully Known, B) To every Person-V 28
Jesus In Us Now Is “The Hope (Elpis)” And Sure Expectation That
We Shall Be With Him Later In Heaven.

Col. 1:28 “Whom [Jesus] we proclaim, admonishing

[counseling] every man [anthropos] and teaching every man
in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect
[complete] in Christ;” NASB

THESE ARE GOD’S WAYS FOR US TO SHARE JESUS WITH OTHERS

Col. 1: 28-“We Proclaim (keruchthentos)” shows that we must continuously
announce Jesus to people. Notice the “We”. Proclaiming the Lord Jesus is a
“team effort”. Remember, Jesus sent His twelve disciples out by twos as
Col.proclaimers
1:26 “Thatof is,The Good News. Science, invention, and time will never outdate
the mystery
this Good News.
which
Thehas
firstbeen
part of reaching people is to “proclaim” Jesus to them. This Good News
hidden from the
is “proclaimed” in a formal, serious, and dignified way. Those who announce
pastthis
ages and & deliver it respectfully. It is from King Jesus’ Heavenly Court.
news must
generations,
Let’s handlebut
the Good News with dignity.
has now been
revealed to His
saints…”
43
Notice that Paul does not claim that Jesus’ Good News has been preached to
every human being under heaven. The Colossians were living under the heavens
then stretched over the Roman Empire. Paul announces that a widespread
witness to Jesus had happened where the Roman Empire was ruling, which
included Colosse in Asia Minor, or today’s Turkey.

Paul tells us to adjust to the Good News rather than adjusting the Good News to
fit us. The Good News is not to serve us in helping us get money, build personal
kingdoms, or religious institutions. We are to “serve” the Good News because it
is the news of the King of Kings.

Verse 28- Good counseling and teaching about Jesus is the second
part of the Gospel that helps people mature.
Verse 28-"Admonishing (noutheteo)”, means to give counsel, caution,
and correction to the mind. We are to challenge every thought and action to
see that it issues from Jesus’ purposes. Admonishing is prior warning
about evil. The purpose of admonishing is to help take a new direction by
changing the mind about actions and beliefs. In “teaching”, we give the map
and road conditions; in admonishing, we want to change driving habits and
attitude on life’s road.
Verse 28-“Every man (anthropos)” is not just the word for all males. We get
our word anthropology, or the study of mankind, from this word. Every
human being is a candidate for
Fig 1:15- Unknown this message. We must find
1901 publication. ways to share this Good News
“Anthropos”
with every cultural group,
includes women
and children too. tribe, and language in India
and around the world.

Verse 28-“Teaching (disasko)”, is formal instruction. It means to explain,

to expand, and to coach by an orderly presentation of a subject. Teaching helps
one know Jesus and the Bible more deeply. At the end of Paul’s life, he was still
praying to “personally know Him” more deeply. Let us teach with such
excellence that people will be able to “know Him” and not just “know
information” about Him.

What shall we proclaim about Him?

As we come to the end of chapter one of Colossians, we make a summary about

what we have learned and should proclaim about this person, Jesus Christ:

44
 1. Jesus is The One Of A Kind Son of God the Father, Colossians 1:3.
2. Jesus is God’s “dear” Son, Col. 1:13.
3. Jesus is the “image” of the invisible God, Col. 1:15.
4. Jesus is the “firstborn” of all creation, Col. 1:15.
5. The is “Creator and Lord” of all, Col. 1:16.
6. Jesus is “before” all things, Col. 1:17.
7. In Jesus all things “consist” and hold together, Col. 1:17.
8. Jesus is “The Head” of the spiritual body, His people, Col. 1:18.
9. Jesus is the “beginning” of all things, Col. 1:18.
10. Jesus is the “firstborn from the dead” by permanent
resurrection, Col. 1:18.
11. Jesus has “preeminence [first place] in all things”, Col. 1:18.
12. In Jesus all of “the fullness of deity dwells”, Col. 1:19.
13. Jesus is the holder of “God’s fullness”, Col. 1:19.
14. Jesus is the spiritual “Peace Maker”, Col. 1:20.
15. Jesus is the “Reconciler”, Col. 1:21.
16. Jesus is the “Presenter” of us blameless to Heaven, Col. 1:22.
17. He is “dwelling” inside the “hearts” of all believers, Col. 1:27.

Col. 1:29 “For this purpose also I labor, striving

according to His power, which mightily works within
me.” NASB

Those Who Work With Jesus Experience His Power Today -V 29

Col 1:29 – In announcing Jesus’ Good News, we use our mouth, ears, feet, and
hands. Paul continuously labored. “Labor (kopiao)”, means spending energy to
the point of exhaustion. There was also “striving (agonizomai)”, a word used for
athletes taking part in marathon races and other demanding games. These
athletes denied themselves the common pleasures of civilian life. They did this to
be at their best for their masters and win an earthly crown. These athletes
engaged in intensive agonizing training in order to win a wreath of leaves and to
be honored by men.

What a dedication first-century Christians had in sharing Jesus;

what opposition they faced! Since Jesus is the only Savior, they knew

45
that they were influencing people for eternity; the same is required
of us who know Him: Our India waits. God loves and recognizes
India in the Bible (Esther 1:1 and 8:9) and wants to help its people
find a home in Heaven and avoid eternal destruction and separation
in Hell.

India teacher, Mr. Titus Day, shows that the historical

Sanskrit book, Bhavishya, records how a Sindu king,
Shalivahana, from India, went to Hoondesh or Palestine, and
met Jesus. This seems to indicate that India had contact with
Jesus and His Good News message even before St. Thomas
landed there.

Thomas, one of Jesus twelve chosen leaders, is said to have

come to Kerala in A.D. 52 and given his life to bring the Good
News of Jesus to all in India. History shows that Christianity
is not a Western religion. India had Jesus long before the
West was discovered or established! India- lets share this
Good News everywhere.

PHOTO CREDITS CHAPTER ONE

1. Figure 1.1- www.matthewmcgee.org/paultime. D0wnloaded February 17/

2005

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2. Figure 1:2-
www.ourfatherlutheran.net/biblehomelands/sevenchurches/revelation.
Downloaded March 21, 2005
3. Fig 1:3- Revelation’s seven churches in Turkey.
http://www.ourfatherlutheran.net/biblehomelands/sevenchurches/ important
products. Downloaded March 23, 2005.
4. Figure 1:4- Denizli Province, Modern Turkey where Honaz is located. The
ruins of Colosse are nearby. www.expedia.com/pub/agent.dll?qscr=mgts.
Downloaded August 08, 2006.
5. Figure 1:5 –Photo of Honaz center. The Tourism Directorate of Denizli Official
Web Site. www.pamukkale.gov.tr. Downloaded August 10, 2006.
6. Figure 1:6- Taj Mahal -
www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Taj_Mahal.html7. Figure 1:8- Downloaded
Feb. 07, 2004.
7. Figure 1:7 - Mother Theresa and baby-
www.cyberindian.com/india/mtpg.htm. Downloaded March 12, 2006.
8. Figure 1:8- www.hanshendriksen.net/pics/pus/pus32.htm. Downloaded May
02/2005. Women and weight scales.
9. Figure 1:9-Raj or King with bow & arrows.
www.atarn.org/India/maharaja.htm. Downloaded August 02, 2006.
10. Figure 1:10- 500 Rupee note –Hemera Graphics. www.Hemera.com
11. Figure 1:11-Sattelite Dish in Guajarati village, India.
www.spraguephoto.com/imageresponse.lasso?-Downloaded April 23rd, 2005.
12. Figure 1:12 – Watermelon slices. Hemera Graphics Royalty Free.
www.Hemera.com
13. Figure 1:13 -Christ on Cross- unknown. Downloaded October 2005.
14. Figure 1:14 Jesus inside sign-www.worldwidemetric.com/metcal.htm.
Downloaded March 07, 2006.
15. Figure 1:15- Unknown. Published 1901. See www.art.com/asp/sp-
asp/_/PD--12376777/SP--A/IGID--1745391/
16. Figure 1:16- www.mpjl.com/photos/italyrome/images. Downloaded
November 01, 2005.

Colossian Daily Life In The Light Of The Roman gods.

47
The people of Colosse knew all the Roman gods and had borrowed some from
other ancient cultures. The temple of Rome had a place to
honor “all” (pan) the seven gods (theo) of the seven planets;
“The Pantheon”.

Some of these major gods known by the people of Colosse

were: Mars- the war god, Venus– the goddess of love and
beauty, Jupiter- the ruler of the gods, Juno–fertility,
Minerva, goddess of wisdom and the arts, Neptune- the
Figure 1:16-
The Pantheon Sea, Ceres- the harvest, Vulcan-volcanoes, Dianna–the
Temple, moon and hunting goddess. Did you know Bacchus was the
Rome, Italy
alcohol and party god? The Colossians also lived in a culture
that honored Mercury, the god of trades, sales, and commerce, and Vesta, the
goddess of the home.

Most Roman houses had its “lares” or “little gods”. To these they offered food,
wine, and prayers. Rome even added “Isis”, the Egyptian goddess of the
earth, Mithras, the god of light from Persia, and later mythical “Pan”, a
half-man and half-goat who mesmerized people with his music.

North America and Europe, of course, have their own gods today. They may not
have visible form, but they are real. Having enjoyed both East and West living, I
see that the Western World probably has more gods than India, though of a
different kind. You could include lust, greed, power, stardom, educations,
sports, pleasure, educations and many more. Anything that pushes a love for
Almighty God and neighbour out of life is a god in its own right. May the whole
world respond to God’s Son, the Lord Jesus, and be taught by Him to deeply
love both God and neighbour above self.

TEACHING AND SPEAKING OUTLINE FOR COLOSSIANS

CHAPTER ONE

48
Introduction- Chapter One- Verses 1-14
1. Greetings to a true family of believers (1:1-2).
a. From: Brother Paul, and Timothy.
b. Sent to: the faithful believers in Christ who live in Colosse.
c. Grace and peace are heavenly blessings sent continuously from the Heavenly
Father to His children.
2. Paul's Thankful Prayer that the Colossians had heard
and received the genuine Good News (1:3-13 or 1:3-23).
He thanked God for:
1. The Colossians’ genuine faith in Christ Jesus (v. 4).
2. Their genuine love toward all other believers in Jesus (v. 4).
3. Their genuine heavenly hope through the gospel (v. 5).
3. This gospel is universal (for everyone) (v. 6).
A. It produces the spiritual fruit of new and better people everywhere.
B. It is always increasing in love wherever planted in good hearts.
C. It creates personal spiritual growth in all people who receive it.
4. The Colossians learned it from Epaphras (v. 7-8).
*Note the power of a dedicated person.
1) Epaphras is Paul's close fellow-servant.
2) He faithfully serves others and the Colossians.
3) He reported to Paul the Colossians' progress as “living in the love of the Holy
Spirit".
5. Paul’s continual prayer for them was (1:9-11).
A) Paul's prayer request: that God will fill them with the knowledge of His
will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding about living a positive life (v. 9).

B) With the result that they will wisely use this knowledge is a new life-style
(walk--- 2 Corinthians 5:12 and Galatians 6:15): i) In understanding that their
lifestyle shows how much they value Jesus the Lord (v. 10) and, ii) that
they aim to please the Lord Jesus first rather than self, v. 10.

49
6. True wisdom and spiritual knowledge are seen in:
a) Daily good works to our family, friends, and others, v. 10.
b) Continued spiritual growth in a deepening relationship with God, v. 10.
c) Empowerment of God's strength which supplies joyful patience with people,
and long-suffering with difficult circumstances, v. 11.
7. Thankfulness to the Father for what He has already
done for us in the past (v. 12-13) such as:
i) Qualifying and giving us a share in the inheritance of the believers in
kingdom of “The Light of the world”, v. 12.
ii) Delivering us completely out of the authority and rule of Satan’s and sin’s
darkness in every area of our lives, v. 13.
iii) And for moving us into and under the dominion of His Beloved Son when
we turn from sin and make Jesus Savior and Lord, v. 13.
8. Jesus’ present work for us, 1:14 - Jesus provides spiritual
wholeness and fullness by renewal in all areas of our lives. This includes
forgiveness and freedom from sin’s guilt, sin’s penalty, sin’s power and His
prayers for us in Heaven (v. 14).

 Jesus Is God - Jesus’ life helps us understand the invisible Father God
by its exact representation and visible demonstration of God’s heart (v. 15).

 Jesus Unmatched In Natural Creation- Col. 1:16-18

A) Jesus’ past work in natural and spiritual creation places
Him “first” over everyone (v. 15-17). Jesus is an equal
member in the Trinity of the Godhead (see triangle
illustrations)

i) Everything in heaven and earth, visible or invisible, was created

by Him (v. 16). This includes: a) Thrones, b) Dominions (lordships),
c) Principalities (rulers) and, d) Powers (authorities) in every location in
the Universe.
ii) All things were created for His wise and loving purposes and will serve
them in the end (v. 16).

B) Jesus As Creator: i). He is first in time and first in position before

everything in all creation (v. 17). He is the Creator of all visible and invisible
creation. ii). In Him all nature holds together in natural laws, e.g., gravity.

50
Jesus also continues to give life and moral conscience to all people.
C) He is Head of the new spiritual body [samaj-*sk] (v. 18).
1. He began a new world-wide spiritual society of re-born people.
2. He holds first place in this society of believers as the first One permanently
raised from among the dead and was the first One who received a glorified
(non-earthly) body. By His sacrifice on the Cross, He is the Creator of the new
spiritual community of believers, called “His People”
3. Jesus fills all who believe in Him because all the fullness of God is forever
living in Him and is spiritually more than enough for us and our needs. Jesus,
God “with us”, has now become God “in us” through redemption and personal
salvation.
4. Jesus gave His life, grants us His gift of eternal forgiveness, makes us
spiritually free, new, and clean inside now, and gives us a home in Heaven later.

 Jesus Is Unmatched In Redemption And

Reconciliation - Col. 1:19-23
Jesus is God “For Us” in reconciliation (v. 20-23).
A) Jesus was not an Avatar. He lived and died in “one human life” on earth.
Nothing else is needed as His one perfect life was sacrificed in love for
everyone. This sacrifice was successful in dealing forever with all sins of all
people.
B) Reconciliation and harmony with God comes only through what Jesus did on
the Cross. See again 1:20
C) God “reunites to” and makes “spiritual peace with” all who believe and
receive Jesus’ gift of sacrifice-payment for sin at the cross and who live in
obedience to His will (v. 21-22).
Our former spiritual state was separation from God. Because of i) our
sin nature and ii)our personal acts of sin, we were enemies with spiritual
hostility and evil works (v. 21).
Our present state is perfect peace and personal acceptance with God through
Jesus’ physical death and resurrection for us (v. 22).
Paul’s Work was to: present the Colossians as holy, blameless, and
uncharged before God (v. 22) by teaching them to: a) Use their victory (v. 23).
b) Stay stable (1 Cor. 15:58). c) Stay firm (1 Cor.3:11), and d) Not to shift from
the hope of the gospel: [1] Which they had heard, [2] from Epaphras [3] which
reached to all people under the heaven where Rome ruled, [4] of whom Paul
was their servant in showing the way to Jesus, and then the way in Jesus.

51
 In The Spiritual Body Of People He Created, Jesus Is
Unmatched In Heaven And Earth - Col. 1:24-29
1) Paul's suffering is for Jesus' Body [spiritual society], a
community of believers called out of the rule of sin and Satan-
1:24-29.
A. Paul rejoices in his sufferings for the Colossians, because to suffer for Christ
here is to rule and reign with Him in Heaven (v.24).
B. Paul suffered persecution and rejection for his spiritual life as did Jesus in
His earth life, Col. 1: 24, and Acts 9:16.
i) Paul experienced these afflictions in his physical body, his soul and mind, and
spiritually through imprisonment, beatings, and rejection, as he taught,
proclaimed and counseled others about Jesus, 2 Cor. 11:23-27.
ii) Paul endured sufferings for Jesus’ body of believers on earth as an example of
faithfulness under spiritual opposition. Are we willing to suffer for Jesus and
God’s family?
2) Paul has become a servant of: i) the Good News (v. 23), and ii) of
God’s believing people (vv. 24-25). We too are to be love-servants of Jesus.
a) Paul was happy that God sent him to bring people the Good News (v 24).
b) His work was to uncover for everyone the mystery hidden in the Old
Testament. He showed the hidden truth that all people from everywhere could
now have God living inside them after Jesus’ sacrifice for them. This is “Christ
in you” the hope [firm guarantee] of a glorious future (v. 26).
3) This mystery was hidden in previous ages and from
generations (v. 26).
Now God has shown this new way of Heavenly relationship and friendship to all
humanity (v. 26). God, through Paul and others, wants everyone to learn of the
new spiritual birth in Jesus (v. 27), and wants them to become His true spiritual
children.
India, which had the Good News of Jesus through St. Thomas in Kerala long
before the Western world, should give this great news to everyone again. Every
Indian deserves to hear God’s Good News, understand this news, and
experience full spiritual liberation and freedom of Jesus today. Jesus has now
provided spiritual fullness for all people.

THE END OF CHAPTER ONE

52
 COLOSSIANS CHAPTER TWO
Session One-Verses 1-10

This chapter is about growing up in Jesus. In knowing Jesus more, we will

grow in our “relationship” with i) Him and ii) others. Freedom from empty
religious rituals comes by knowing who Jesus is. The more we personally know
Jesus, the more our lives will be filled with spiritual
contentment. Our confidence in Him will grow and
we will be truly alive inside. In this chapter,
spiritual freedom in knowing and growing is
a key subject.

OUR FREEDOM IN JESUS - Col.2:4-23

 Freedom from Enticing Words- 2:4-7

Clip Art MS –
 Freedom from Vain Philosophy- 2:8-10
July 22.04
Freedom from the Judgment of Men- 2:11-17
Freedom from Improper Worship- 2:18-19
Freedom from the Teachings of Men- 2:20-23

CONTINUED FROM CHAPTER ONE

Col 1:29 “For this purpose also I labor, striving according to

His power, which mightily works within me.

Col. 2:1 “ For I would have you know how greatly I strive for
you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not
seen my face in the flesh;…” NASB

C. We must know that Jesus is spiritually unmatched for

believers 1:24-2:3 (Continued subject from Chapter 1)
Colossians 2:1, makes better sense if we join it to the last verse in
Colossians 1:29 (See text above). The original writers did not separate
words into verses and chapters; separation into verses only makes it easier to

53
find information.
Col.2:1 “For I would have you know...” Paul’s heart reached out to the
believers in Colosse and Laodicea. In Colossians 4:12, the same language
describe the prayers of Epaphras as was used to describe Paul’s prayers.
Scholars confirm that Paul is speaking of his labors in prayer in these verses.
There are times when the Lord puts people upon our hearts. Paul had the habit
of telling people he was praying for them because he was.
Prayer can become a spiritual
Figure 2:1- In Kohlapur,
labor. “Strive (agon) for
Maharashtra State, India, you”, means we can agonize
many young men live in for others as God places them
wrestling clubs and practice on our hearts.”
hard every day for Kushti or
Paul wrestled spiritual
traditional Indian wrestling.
opposing forces facing these
new believers. Just as God’s
power flowed through Paul’s agonizing prayers, it will flow through our prayers
for others.
Paul, confined to a prison cell, could do little else but pray. Yet, was he not doing
the best? Confinement sharpens our focus. The Lord uses focused people. How
many who never speak in public are the secret of their church’s vitality because
of their agonizing prayers? Let us accept intercessory prayer as a “gift” of the
Holy Spirit available to all believers.
Can you pray for people you have never seen? Yes. Paul did! Do not act bored
and skeptical when someone requests prayer for a believer in some other city or
country. Pray for God’s work in that unknown life too.

Col. 2:2 “That their hearts may be a) encouraged, having

been b) knit together in love and attaining to all the wealth
that comes from the c) full assurance of understanding
resulting in d) a true knowledge of God's mystery that is,
Christ Himself.” NASB

AGONIZING PRAYER CAN: A) ENCOURAGE, B) BUILD UNITY, C) BRING

FULL ASSURANCE D) AND HELP OPEN US TO GOD’S TRUE
KNOWLEDGE.
A) PRAYER BRINGS ENCOURAGEMENT-The heart is “encouraged
(parakaleo)” by prayer. Heart is the “inner person” from which affections and
wishes flow. Encourage means to “comfort.” The Holy Spirit is the “parakletos,
or "Comforter" of John 14:16. Have confidence that the Holy Spirit will send
hope and strength to people for whom you pray.
B) PRAYER BRINGS UNITY- Prayers of intercession also help the hearts of
people to “knit together (sumbibazo).” People become welded together by the

54
Holy Spirit in God’s divine love (agape). The Holy Spirit pours divine love into
our hearts and pours it out again in our prayers for others. The people that pray
together tend to stay together.
C) PRAYER BRINGS FULL ASSURANCE- As the heart needs
encouragement, so the mind needs understanding for assurance. These former
Gentiles could easily question their new faith when false teachers came among
them offering them a “fuller” experience and “fuller” truth. We must correctly
understand God’s Good News to be “fully” assured. Kenneth Wuest in his
translation shows that a full assurance and full knowledge result in a deeper
personal knowledge “of the mystery of Christ Himself.” Full assurance of
salvation leads us forward to experience more of the Living Jesus. Let’s help
new believers read, study, and memorize the scriptures in order to find
assurance in God’s promises. It is not new teaching but knowing Jesus that
gives us great assurance.

Colossians 2:3 “In Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom
and knowledge.” NASB

Colossians 2:3 – In Jesus, all treasures of

spiritual wisdom and spiritual knowledge are
“hidden (apokruphos)”. In order to find them we
need to do more than take a quick a glance. A
person must search for and meditate on these
treasures. Jesus is “God’s final treasure box”,
Matthew 15:52 and Hebrews chapter One.
In Jesus, we find all wisdom to apply to life. His
“knowledge (gnosis)” helps us to know a thing by Figure 2:2-Water
Wheel- Getting water to
seeing all of its qualities including any defects. First the surface in Rajastan
Corinthians 1:21-23 shows us that spiritual wisdom State, India
(sophia) and knowledge (gnosis) is different from
human wisdom and knowledge. The false teachers in Colosse were saying that
spiritual wisdom and knowledge had to be collected from many sources. But
Paul affirms that all spiritual wisdom and knowledge required to live a life for
God is found by those who are willing to do more than quickly glance at Jesus.

Jesus has the secrets of knowledge and wisdom for life. However, just like it
takes work to bring up the hidden water in the Rajasthan desert in North India,
it takes work to study God’s Word. Then God’s Holy Spirit can refresh us with
treasures of truth about Jesus (*see figure 2:2).

55
Our Freedom in Jesus 2:4-23

Observe the freedom that we have in Jesus here in chapter two.

A. FREEDOM FROM ENTICING WORDS 2:4-7

B. FREEDOM FROM VAIN PHILOSOPHY 2:8-10

C. FREEDOM FROM THE JUDGMENT OF MEN 2:11-17

D. FREEDOM FROM IMPROPER WORSHIP 2:18-19

E. FREEDOM FROM MEN’S DOCTRINES AND RULES 2:20-23

 Freedom From Enticing Words- Col. 2:4-7

Col. 2:4 “I say, this so that no one will i) delude you with
ii) persuasive arguments.” NASB

False Teachers Use “Persuasive Arguments” To Delude People.

Col 2:4- Paul was praying that “all believers” would live
unharmed by false teachers who delude new followers
by persuasive arguments. He prayed that the Colossians
would search for God’s truth and treasure in knowing
Jesus deeply and personally.

# 1- “Delude (paralogizomai)”, is made up from

beside (para), and reason (logizomai). Delusion means
Figure 2:3
to throw a false reason beside a truth or an argument.
Warning train
Greek libraries used the word “delude” for
passengers against
counterfeiting a document. Satan misused
false new friends.
documented truth in the garden when he deluded
mankind. The photo in figure 2:3 shows an anti-
drugging squad on an Indian train telling passengers about deceivers.

The thieves deceive passengers into reasoning that they are friendly and caring.
They may even use false names and documents to do so. Having gained the
passengers’ trust, they offer them food in which drugs are hidden. When the
drugged travelers pass out, the thieves make off with their valuables. The author
has seen similar warnings posted when he travels inside India’s trains.

56
Satan comes as a thief to kill, steal, and destroy. He does this through false, but
good sounding teaching that drugs us into spiritual sleep. But it is always safe to
have Jesus as your travel companion and receive spiritual food from Him.

# 2- Persuasive Arguments. Something is not true because it is persuasive;

something is true because it is true. Paul did not depend on persuasive speaking
skills to move people. Man’s persuasion is not God’s revelation! * See 1 Cor. 2:4.

Keep Standing On And Walking In The First Truth You Received:

“Jesus Is Lord”

Col. 2:5-7 “ 5)For even though I am absent in body,

nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your
good discipline and the a) stability of your faith in Christ. 6)
b)Therefore as you have c) received d) Christ Jesus the Lord,
so e) walk in Him, 7) having been f) firmly rooted and now
g) being built up in Him and established in your faith, just
as you were instructed, and h) overflowing with gratitude.”
NASB

Verse 5- “For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am

with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good
discipline and the (v5 a) stability (stereoma)
of your faith in Christ”.

“Stability” is a military word meaning “an unbroken

wall of soldiers”.

Col. 2:6 – b) “Therefore (oun)”, means based on BBC Photo– India

the previous fact. The fact is that they were standing Army on Parade
on their original firm ground of Jesus as Lord. Delhi– 2005-

“Therefore as you (v6 c) received (para- Figure 2:4

lambano).” “Received,” means to take to one’s side.
They had “taken Christ Jesus to their side”. Upon the fact that you stand with
Jesus as your Lord by your side, walk out your Christian life by standing firm in
love and unity like a soldier in an army company.
“Christ Jesus” is Lord over all creation and His assembled people. He must be
personally taken as “Lord (Kurios)” (v 6 d). Lord is a Greek term for owner and
boss. Verse 6 shows that Jesus Christ is the only Lord and loving owner of the
believer. After all, who else has bought us for Himself with His own blood?
First Peter 1:18 & 19.

“(v 6 e) Walk (peripatteo)”, means how we behave and conduct ourselves in

daily words and actions.

57
Col. 2: (v 7 f) “Firmly rooted (rhizoo)”, means strengthened with deep roots
like a firm tree. Our roots are “in Christ-Jesus”, who is God’s solid ground.

“(v 7 g) Being built up (epoikodomeo)” is a word showing a process. It is used

for “building a home upon a foundation.” Like a tree, we are rooted once. So,
we are both rooted one time like a tree, and we are being constantly built up like
a house on a foundation. One is a past fact and the other is a present act---an act
of God. “That's why we are not discouraged. No, even if our outer man is
wearing out, our inner man is being renewed day by day.” ISV,2 Cor. 4:16.

The Lord Jesus is the spiritual foundation for our present life and eternity.

Like a building rising upon a foundation, construction takes place daily. Every
day He is growing and maturing us for eternity. No wonder we overflow
in (v7-h) “gratitude (eucharistia)”, which means speaking well of God and
thanking Him.

Kenneth Wuest translates verse Colossians 2:7 as “Having been rooted

with the present result that you are firmly established, and
constantly being built up in Him and constantly being established
Figure 2:5
with reference to The Faith, even as you were instructed,
abounding in it in the sphere of thanksgiving.” This is an excellent
translation of the verb tenses from the Greek.

These bricks, stones,

and concrete blocks
help build good Arch
Foundations, famous in
the state of Andhra
 Freedom From Empty Philosophy- Col. 2:8-10
Pradesh, South India.

Now Comes A Warning About Empty Philosophy Used To Take Our

Minds Captive.

Col. 2:8- “See to it that no one a) takes you captive through

b) philosophy and c) empty deception, according to the
d) tradition of men, according to the e) elementary principles of the
world, rather than f) according to Christ.” NASB

Col 2:8- “See to it that no one (a) takes you captive (sulagogeo).”
Rome’s military conquerors led their captives behind in chains. In war, this
was called “spoiling”. Likewise, false teachers try to capture the mind. Their
weapons include (b) philosophy (philo-sophia), which is “fondness for

58
 wisdom (sophia)”. Philosophy can be good or bad. Here it was “empty” and
harmful. Our love for new secrets and information makes this bait appealing.
The devil is an expert at perverting good appetites. However, this false claim
about new wisdom and truth is c) empty deception (kenos apate)”. Adam and
Eve became spiritually empty and dead pursuing false wisdom and knowledge
in Eden’s Garden, even though warned against this by God.
In Jesus there is fullness of truth; in false teaching, there is only emptiness.
Things appearing as deep and new may appeal to our love for wisdom.
However, what seems like a deep stream in a monsoon may only be shallow and
muddy because you can’t see the bottom of it. It will dry up in a few days. Just
remember that all treasures of spiritual wisdom and knowledge are hidden in
Jesus and He is the deepest stream of spiritual wealth in the whole universe.

DO NOT RETURN TO SPIRITUAL SLAVERY

“(v 8 d) The traditions (paradosis) of men” is some ritual, or belief handed
down by other humans who have assumed spiritual authority. These traditions
also contain “v8 e) elementary principles (stoicheion)”. Robertson’s Word
Pictures In The New Testament says this word means “anything in a (row,
series) like the letters of the alphabet, the materials of the universe …,
elementary teaching, and elements of Jewish and religious ceremonial
training.”
False teachers gave secret formulas for controlling events in the world by
searching the stars to find special times for various activities. Today, almost
every North American newspaper has a daily horoscope, which millions of
people consult to govern their lives.

Let us remember that the light from stars and constellation, which we see, is not
their true light today. It is light which is already very old. “Light from the Sun,
for instance, takes eight minutes to reach us, so that we see the Sun as it was
eight minutes ago. Similarly, we see the stars in the nighttime sky as they
were decades, centuries and even thousands of years ago.” * Web site listed
below.
http://www.astrosociety.org/education/publications/tnl/56/ancient3.html
Why govern your life by such old light, where even some of the stars that sent it
have burned out and cease to exist?
“(v8 f) Of the world, rather
Figure 2:6- Zodiac than according (kata) to
—Horoscopes-very
popular when Christ (Christos).” Jesus is The
making major Anointed One (Christos). To be
decisions. The
Western world also
has a big horoscope
market.
59
spiritually filled, we must place ourselves under (kata) His hand and fullness.
Placing ourselves “under’ the hands of men, their philosophies, rituals, and their
traditions will leave us deceived, empty, and captive to false hopes.
To find truth [sat * sk], we place ourselves under the Lordship of The One who
created earth and heaven. We do not follow stars, angels, elemental or demonic
spirits, special seasons and times, or seek spirit guides. Natural creation is a
display of God’s glory for our enjoyment, not for guidance. We can see that there
is a God by looking at nature around us. In Indian villages it is easy to see many
thousands of stars at night when I sleep outside on a cot. But nature is not to be
worshipped; it is to cause us to worship its Maker. “The heavens declare the
glory of God”, Psalm 19: 1 & 2.
But just seeing God’s glorious works, such as a starry heaven, will never save us
spiritually. Paul, in his Roman letter, told us that we could see God’s eternal
power and existence in creation, Romans 1:20. Yet, only the revealed historical
mystery of “God in Jesus” and the Cross enables us to have “Christ in us.” Jesus
alone gives us peace with God and spiritual fullness.
The Bible Says That Jesus Is God

Col. 2:9 “For a) in Him all the b) fullness of c) Deity

d) dwells in e) bodily form.” NASB

That is how the text reads with the Greek tenses included from Dr. Kenneth
Wuest’s Translation:

“Because in Him there is continuously and permanently at

home all the fullness of absolute deity in bodily fashion.”

A) “In Him.” Paul says that Jesus alone contains absolute Deity. It is
unshared with any other being, or angel. Therefore, Jesus alone can join us
back to God. Jesus is spiritually available to all people and “touched by all our
problems”, Hebrews 4:15.
B) False teachers used “fullness (pleroma)” to describe getting to God’s
completeness through a series of angels and rituals. Remember, in
chapter one, Bishop Lightfoot described fullness as a “recognized
technical term in theology, showing the totality of divine powers
and attributes.” This fullness is only in Jesus.
When The Bible Says That Jesus Is Deity, It Means That He Is
Separate From His Creation As Its Creator.

60
God is distinct from creation like a pot is distinct from the potter who made it.
One is the creator and the other is the created.
God, being distinct from His creation as its Maker, is not a
Western view; it is a Bible view prior to Islam, Buddhism,
Judaism, Hinduism and Christianity and is found in
Genesis 1:1, which was written about 3,400 years ago. This
is about 1,000 years before the Mahabharata or the Figure 2:7-
Sanskrit accounts of creation were written. Pottery
making
“The best scholarly evidence indicates that the earliest
layers of the [Mahabharata] epic were composed
between 2500 and 3000 years ago. The text had reached pretty much its
present form by about 300-400 C. E .” Source:
www.wmblake.com/stories/mahabharata

The Bible view is that Jesus is separate from His creation as its
Creator and yet He is always beside us watching and managing His
world.

C- “Deity (theotes)” is the fullness of God. The fullness of deity lives in Jesus.

D- “Dwells (katoikeo)”, means to settle down in a permanent house. “Dwells”

is also a present continuous tense in the Greek text; it is like an eternal river
that keeps on flowing from an endless source showing that Jesus has always
been and will always be God!
When we accept Jesus only as divine instead of deity, we simply believe that He
is from heaven and that He has some measure of supernatural power that
humans do not have. A divinity does not have to contain all of the essence and
qualities of ultimate God; whereas, deity does.
False teachers were wrongly saying that Jesus was not fully God. Yet the
fullness of the Godhead was in Jesus Christ before His supernatural virgin
conception. John writes, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was
with God, and the Word was God", John 1:1. Paul declares, "He (Jesus) existed
in the form of God ", Philippians. 2:6. He was God before time, matter, and
space were brought into existence. Deity is the full personality of God with all
qualities, all perfections, and the powers and fullness that Almighty God has.
The Holy Bible teaches us that Jesus was not just a human divinity
(theiotes), or a non-human divinity that appeared on earth as an avatar (*sk).
He is deity (theotes)! Jesus was not just “divine” with some “godlike”
qualities. As Deity in a human body, Jesus lived on the earth some 2,000 years
ago just west of India, in Nazareth, Israel. * See page 12- Nazareth in map
of Middle East- Figure 1:3 –
Our Text Says Jesus Is More Than A Divinity (Avatar), Since God’s

61
Very Essence Dwelled In His Body Of Human Flesh In A “One Time”
Incarnation.
This body of human flesh was later glorified with an eternal spiritual
quality and ascended back to Heaven to live forever (Carn means
flesh. Thus, God taking on human flesh in Jesus of Nazareth).

# E- “In bodily (somatikos) form” Jesus had a real body of flesh, blood, and
bones. Paul rejects the false theory that Jesus’ body was not human. Paul says
that deity and humanity were together in the human form of Jesus Christ who
grew up in the town of Nazareth in Israel. This author has visited Nazareth.

Col. 2:10 “And in Him you have been made complete [full], and
He is the head over all rule and authority:” NASB

Col. 2:10- “In Him.” We have vital union with Jesus because we are “in Him”.
We do not need any other ritual, angel, or spirit to have God’s fullness in our
lives. His Holy Spirit is living in us. We are living in His spiritual Kingdom of

In Jesus Alone, We Can Be Spiritually Full, Escaping The Empty

Philosophies Of Men
Light.
Col. 2:10 -“You have been made complete (pleroo)”. Dr. Wuest reminds us
that this completeness continues to be ours up to this very moment. The word
“complete” is also translated “fulfilled”, or “filled full.” With Jesus, we
have completeness in the understanding of spiritual redemption and
salvation. No part is missing. It is complete and satisfying to God’s need for
dealing justly with our sin and our need for forgiveness and spiritual life and
connection to God.

JESUS MAKES US TRULY FULL (complete- pleroo)

1) Jesus Has Given Fullness Of Grace, And Truth - John-1:16-17

2) We Can Be Full Of Grace, Of Power, And Faith Because Of Jesus-

Acts 6:3, Acts 6:8, And Acts 11:24.

3) We Can Be Filled With Spiritual Knowledge- Romans 15:14-15.

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 4. Knowing Jesus’ Full Love Passes Human Knowledge, And Fills Us
With Spiritual Fullness- Ephesians 3:19

5) We Have The Filling, Or Control Of The Holy Spirit Which Gives

Us A Victory Song- Ephesians 5:18-19

6) We Have The Full Armor Of God From Jesus For All Spiritual
Battles- Ephesians 6:11

7) We Have Been Filled With The Fruit Of Righteousness Or Right

Relationships With Others-Philippians 1:11

8) We Have The Fullness Of Hope, Which Lasts To The End Of This

Life. Then hope will become sight when we are forever with Jesus in
Heaven, Hebrews 6:11-12

9) We Have Fullness Of Assurance Of Our Eternal Spiritual

Relationship With God Through Jesus- Hebrew 10:22

10) We Have A Joy And Its Quality Is Full Of “Glory (doxazo)” or

celebration (Thayer’s Greek Definitions). Believing in Jesus gives more
than happiness in good circumstances: It gives you enduring joy too great
to express in this life- 1 Peter 1:8.
Verse 10 “He is (estin)” means He “continues
to be.” To be what? “The Head
Verse 10 Continued (kephale)”. “The head is the control center
of all energy, nurture, and life.” (Bishop
Lightfoot).
“Head over all rule and authority.” All (pas), means without exception.
“Rule (arche)”, means first one. It refers to highest rulers. “Authority
(exousia)”, refers to all angelic and spiritual levels of beings, which here in India,
we sometimes called divinities. False teachers were telling the Colossians to
follow outward rituals in order to experience more of the fullness of God; one
outward ritual was physical circumcision. Paul destroys their argument that
physical rituals grant special friendship with God. He shows that Jesus alone, as
a gift
Col 2:11-12 “11) In Christ you had a) different kind of and by
circumcision. That circumcision was not done by the hands His
of any person [human]. I mean, you were made free from the
power of c) your sinful self. That is the kind of circumcision
d) Christ does. 12) When you were baptized [placed
spiritually in Christ’s body], {your old self died and} you
were buried
SESSION TWO,withCHAPTER
Christ. AndTWO- in e) that baptism
Verses 11-17 [spiritually
into Christ] you were f) raised up [spiritually] with Christ
because
 Freedomof your faith
From in God’s
Human power. God’s
Judgments power
About was
Religious
shown when he raised Christ from death.”
Ritual - Col.2:11-17 Easy-To-Read Version
63
historical sacrifice, made full friendship and peace with God for everyone
everywhere on earth. Paul now addresses the physical ritual of Jewish
circumcision as a wrong approach to receiving God’s spiritual fullness. The
believer is one hundred percent from physical rituals and rites performed to
obtain spiritual favor and blessing. As we shall discover, Jesus gives more favor
with God to us that we can ever use.
Col. 2:11-12 – “Circumcision (peritemno).” This word simply means to cut
(cis) around (circum) in order to completely remove. Thus, to cut around the
area or organ that produces the seed of life. Spiritual circumcision then, is the
cutting around and of the sinful heart which we received when Adam fell.
Muslims and Jews practice religious ritual physical circumcision. Hindus and
Christians have no such religious practice. Jewish circumcision may have had a
few health advantages due to poor sanitation in ancient days when they traveled
through the dusty Sinai Desert for forty years.
Jesus, Himself a Jew, did not think much of outward rituals; His parents did
have Him ceremonially circumcised as a Jewish infant. It had been mostly a
symbolic physical mark to set apart Jews as God’s people. Still, Jesus said the
inner heart circled by devotion to God marked a person as belonging to God.
Paul used the Jewish circumcision ritual to explain to his Jewish audience
how inner spiritual reality sets us free from outer cold
ritual. Through Jesus, sin’s circle, enclosing the human
heart as its prisoner, is cut from around the inner heart by
faith. This sets a person apart from a sinful lifestyle to a
life devoted to God. “But he is a Jew who is one inwardly;
and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in
the letter [law or ritual]; whose praise is not of men, but
of God.” Romans 2:29, NASB.
In John 7:23-24 Jesus asks His critics, “23) If a man Fig. 2:8- This is
receives circumcision on the Sabbath so the Law of Moses the symbol for
will not be broken are you angry with Me because I made airport. It is
not a real
an entire man well on the Sabbath? 24) Do not judge airplane.
according to appearance, but judge with righteous
judgment."

64
 When we invite Jesus to cut away the sinful nature that circles our hearts, He
makes us spiritually well. The Easy To Read Version helps us follow the steps
to this spiritual wholeness in the heart or spirit. It is a) “without human
hands”; it is spiritual. It is b) the “cutting away of the power of your old sinful
self, not your physical body”. c) Jesus alone is the Heavenly Priest who does
this inner work in you when d) He cuts the cycle of spiritual death and sin
away from your heart. This frees you from being ruled by the laws of sin,
spiritual death, and physical rituals.

The author saw a

skilled boy in
Jammu City, within
minutes, dyeing a
piece of white cloth
to the exact color
match of a delicate
blue sari worn by a
waiting lady.

Figure 2:9 cement dying vats, India

Our Spiritual Surgery Is Seen In The Word “Baptism”

Col 2:12- “Having been buried in baptism.” “Buried (nekro)” is taken
from the word for corpse. You only bury dead things. Our sins have died and are
buried with Jesus in His death. This happens when we receive Him by faith into
our hearts.
“Baptism (bapto)” means, “to dip” like cloth into a vat of dye.
The idea of changing the fiber color by dipping in Heaven’s
dyeing vat is a good spiritual symbol. Paul is talking about
spiritual baptism, not water baptism here. Spiritual
Figure baptism is the death, cutting away, and burial of our sins.
2:10 Spiritual baptism is like having your heart dipped in Heaven’s
dye. All of our sins are washed away making us as white inside
Hemera
Graphics as a coconut. We now carry Heaven’s color. This spiritual
baptism makes us part of Jesus’ assembled people and we are
placed into Jesus’ living spiritual body at this time.
“Were raised up with Christ.” “Raised up with (sun egeiro)” means to be
called, awakened, and made to get up. Just as we do not leave garments in dye
Col. 2:13 “You were dead because of your sins and because
your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you
alive with Christ. He forgave all our sins.”
New Living Translation
65
 vats but raise them out to be worn, so Paul tells us that Jesus’ past resurrection,
was two resurrections. It was both a) His, b) and ours. We were raised “with”
Christ. Jesus is in our heart by His Holy Spirit and we are in God’s heart by
Calvary’s historical contract. No one can offer you anything greater than
buried past sins, freedom from sin’s encircling and imprisoning power, the
wonderful reality of a spotless new spiritual garment, and the experience of
being raised in spiritual life.
Col. 2:13.–“Dead because of sin.” The reason that we had to be raised with
Christ is given in this verse; we were spiritually dead in sins and
transgressions. A mango tree can be dead but still standing. It is rotting and
cannot produce fruit.
In Eden, God told Adam “From the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you
shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from
Figure 2:11 -Mango trees are it you shall surely die.” Genesis 2:17. Adam
prized in India and called disobeyed, ate, and immediately died
the “tree of life”. They are spiritually in separation from God. Later, his
also called “The king of fruit physical body would die too, 1 Corinthians
and the fruit of the kings.” 5:26.
Paul spoke of spiritual death saying, “Adam
sinned, and that sin brought death into the
world. Now everyone has sinned, and so everyone must die." Romans 5:12-
Contemporary English Version (CEV).
Paul explained sin’s penalty and God’s gift for all; "Sin pays off with death.
But God's gift is eternal life given by Jesus Christ our Lord", Romans
6:23-CEV.
Upon sinning, Adam died spiritually and became like a dead Mango tree. He
had no spiritual fruit to offer the One who had planted him on earth. Like a
diseased mango tree, Adam passed this death nature on to all his descendents.
Only grafting into the Living and “True Vine” (John 15:1), would solve the
problem. The great agricultural colleges of India have been able to cure many
plant diseases through genetics and grafting. However, the greatest spiritual
genetic event was when Jesus implanted spiritual life into dead human beings.
He literally made a new species or, “a new creation” by grafting and joining us
to Himself.

We are “Made alive with Christ.” The

sinner was dead to the love of God around him; Figure 2:12
his spiritual eyes had never seen God’s love. His
Man dressed
spiritual ears had never heard the voice of God;
in Marathi
no song of thankfulness bursts from his spiritual
dress,
heart because it was dead. Our inner spiritual
Maharashtra
being was dead. This “death nature” worked evil
State, India.

66
misdeeds and speech out through our human body. When separated from
God, we are physically alive, walking around carrying a spiritual
corpse inside (See picture of man within a man Fig. 2:12).

Jesus calls us to an abundant life. By that, He means He wants us to be fully

alive in spirit even though our physical body is aging and decaying. If we accept
His gift of spiritual life, when we physically die our spirit will receive a home in
Heaven. Later, even our physical body will be changed to a spiritual material, a
glorified body, of the right quality for an eternal home for our new spirits. In
Heaven, we will not be spirits without bodies; we will have a body just like His
glorious Heavenly body, Philippians 3:20-21. The trouble is not with our
physical body. The Bible teaches that the human body is good. The problem is
that we have no spiritual life. Only heavenly life, stronger life, can bring us
forgiveness from sin and freedom from its penalty; only such life gives power to
please God in our physical body.

Jesus Gave You More Than Forgiveness! V 2:13-15

1. Jesus “made us alive (sunzoopoieo) with Him” by spiritually joining us

in union to Him when we received Him. This life is freedom from spiritual
death.
2. Jesus “forgave us all our transgressions.” "Having forgiven”, means to
give freely without conditions. His grace (charis) alone completed this
forgiveness; you enjoy this grace the moment you believe on Jesus. Forgiveness
is a gracious act of favor and kindness. Our spiritual transgressions
(paraptoma) had overstepped God's boundaries; this resulted in spiritual death.
Yet, God beautifully forgave our transgressions, and our spiritual debts.

Col. 2:14 “Having canceled out the certificate of debt

consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and
He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross;”
NASB

3. Col 2:14. “Canceled out (exaleipho)”, means to

intensively wipe out. All spiritual transgressions on our debt
bill were wiped out. The idea includes erasing all debt-
evidence. Jesus’ death on the cross provided removal of our

67
 sins and sin’s evidence against us.
Peter called Jewish listeners to "Repent and return, that your sins may be
wiped away (exaleipho), in order that times of refreshing may come from the
presence of the Lord", Acts 3:19.
4. Jesus has “Taken (airo)” all our spiritual debt bills and certificates. The
Greek word (airo) means to lift up and take away. Our sins were
lifted upon Him as “The Sin Sacrifice”. He took their penalty and
Figure
guilt away by burying them with Him in His death. Now Jesus will
2:13-
Heaven never speak of our past sins. "Who is a God like Thee, who pardons
gives us a iniquity and passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His
cleaner possession? ... He will tread our iniquities under foot. Yes, thou wilt
slate than cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.”, Micah 7:18-19.
this.

5. Col. 2:14. Our spiritual debts were “hostile (hupenantio)”, or

“against” us. Our dead spiritual state was against us, as was also The Law of
Moses. The broken Law, spiritual death, and angels who ordained The Law Of
Moses condemned us too as they had to maintain God’s holy standard, Gal.
3:19
6. But Jesus “nailed (proseloo)” our spiritual debt certificates to His Cross as
a sign that He paid them in full. “Nailed” means “to fasten permanently with
spikes”. When He died in our place, all “against us” was forever nailed to His
cross. Jesus has nail prints to prove it, John 20:25-28.
No wonder Paul wrote, “If God be for us, who can be against us? He who did
not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also
with Him freely give us all things?”, Romans 8:31 & 32.
God nailed the unpaid decrees of Moses Law and our sins to the Cross of Jesus
and Jesus paid out His life in removing our spiritual debt bills historically and
publicly. It was something like a bank stapling a check that paid an outstanding
bill to that bill to certify it was paid and nothing was owed.
Jesus made our standing in Heaven so pure that we are before God without
spiritual spot or blemish. Our part is to turn from sin, turn our lives over to
Him, and follow in a brand new spiritual direction.

Col. 2:14
Col. 2:15 “When he had a) disarmed the rulers and
authorities, he made a b) public display of them, having
“Having canceled
out thec) triumphed over them through him.”
certificate NASB
of debt consisting
of decrees against
us, which
7. Col.was
2:15-Disarming, displaying and triumphal defeat of our
hostile to us; and
enemy.
He has taken it
out of the way,
having nailed it to
the cross.”
68
a) When he had disarmed (apekduomai)” the rulers and the
authorities, he made a public display of them.’’ The power of spiritual
death, sin, and the devil has been stripped away.
b) Public display (deigmatizo)”, is a picture of hostile captives, stripped
naked in shame, as they were paraded behind the conquering Roman General
in chains. This showed their total defeat and that they had no hidden weapons
on them to hurt citizens. The believers at Colosse would be familiar with this
picture. It would show them the full power of Jesus’ victory over sin which had
been brought on by Adam’s failure and Moses’ broken Law. Satan, of course,
took advantage of our sin and guilt to condemn and lord it over us. But Jesus
has put Satan’s and sin’s powers over us to eternal public shame and defeat.

Luke 10:18-20 “(18) And He [Jesus] said to them [the 70 disciples], "I was
watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. (19) Behold, I have given you
authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the
enemy, and nothing will injure you. (20) Nevertheless do not rejoice in this,
that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in
heaven."
8. c) Jesus triumphed for us. “Triumphed (thriambeuo)”, means “to lead
in triumph” (2 Cor. 2:14). It comes from a victory hymn (thriambos) sung in a
military victory parade. An everlasting song of victory is ours. Let’s lift our voice
and rejoice, Jesus delivered us from sin and all the powers of Satan; Rev. 5:9.
Let No One Set A Form Of Diet As A Way To Reach God.

Col. 2:16 “Therefore, no one is to act as your judge in regard to

a) food or b) drink or in respect to c) a festival or d) a new moon
or e) a Sabbath day.” NASB

A) Freedom From Diets Of Food And Drink As Ways To Please

God.
Col. 2:16 -Do not let anyone judge your diet but Jesus. “Therefore”, or “because
Jesus released you from all charges and all powers”, you have a duty to let no
one but Jesus judge you. False teachers add rituals of diets, days, and details to
qualify people for forgiveness of sin and fullness of righteousness [moksha
*sk]. Do not settle for a spiritual experience made from a mix of special diets,
special days, and special secret details. Jesus’ costly sacrifice and great victory
made you free from all of that.
For example, Muslims and Jews do not eat pork. Muslims, Christians, and Jews
may eat properly prepared beef. Many Hindus are veg or “pure veg” in diet. A
pure veg restaurant will not even serve an egg. India itself is veg and non-veg.

69
Hindus have a great respect for life. When a Hindu becomes a believer, there is
no expectation that he must become a meat or egg eater. Diet is a sensitive
personal matter (Romans 14:1-4 and 4:17). One must respect his Hindu,
Muslim, or Christian family and friends. There is no special favor given to those
who eat meat and no special favor given to those who do not. The only reason
we have favor with God is because of Jesus taking our sins on the
cross.
1 CORINTHIANS 8:7-13 -DIET AND SPIRITUAL LIFE
The New Testament teaches that diet has nothing to do with earning favor with
God. Yet it also teaches that offending someone’s belief by eating meat is
unloving and unchristian. Paul says that if eating food offered to an idol would
offend some believer, then he would never eat it. To witness the love of God to
our Indian relatives, we must not offend them by Western customs and ways.
We can be fully Christian without living a Western life style; West does not
equal best diet which is often very bland and often unhealthy. Indian food is
popular around the world and its spices are prized for their medicinal value.

Special Days, Or Festivals Are Not Tools By Which To Reach God

B) “Sabbath Day” points to the Jewish calendar; only Jews kept the
Sabbath of which Paul speaks. The Sabbath command is the only one of the Ten
Commandments of Exodus 20 not repeated in the New Testament.
C) “The New Moon” and other festivals. The “new
moon” started each Jewish month. Messengers watched the
sky; seeing the new moon, they raced to tell the religious
leaders. The president would announce that a new month
had started. Now feasting and holidays took place. Paul did
not object to these Jewish celebrations of the lunar
calendar. It was by these that people knew when to plant
and harvest in an agricultural society. However, it was
wrong to make people obey them to try to find favor with
God. In the new covenant, “the Son Of Righteousness”
alone is more than enough for our full unending favor with Figure
God. He sends new blessings and mercies to us every 2:14-
“ordinary” morning, and this makes each day special so we New
can be glad and rejoice in it, Lamentations 3:23. moon
rising

It is obvious that special religious days of the Jewish nation did not help them
please God. Their own prophet Isaiah said, “Your sacrifices are worthless, and
incense is disgusting. I can't stand the evil you do on your New Moon Festivals
or on your Sabbaths and other times of worship. 14) I hate your New Moon
Festivals and all others as well. They are a heavy burden I am tired of

70
carrying. 15) No matter how much you pray, I won't listen. You are too
violent. 16) Wash yourselves clean! I am disgusted with your filthy deeds. Stop
doing wrong 17) and learn to live right. See that justice is done. Defend
widows and orphans and help those in need. 18) I, the LORD, invite you to
come and talk it over. Your sins are scarlet red, but they will be whiter than
snow or wool.” Isaiah 1:13-18.

 FALSE FOUNDATION– BUILDING ON SHADOWS NOT

JESUS’ REALITY.
Col. 2: 17 “Things which are a mere shadow of what is to
come; but the substance belongs to Christ.” NASB
 FALSE HUMILITY– IN ORDER TO PUFF UP SELF TO BE
NOTICED.

AVOID BUILDING ON FALSE FOUNDATIONS AND SHADOWS

Col.:17 – “Shadow (skia)” means a shade cast by something solid. Late in the
day, you are sitting outside your home. You see a friend’s shadow first as he
comes for a visit. The shadow only tells you that a real person is coming. The
real physical person is the one who eats and drinks with you, not his shadow. In
a similar way, the Old Testament symbols and laws were shadows telling us the
real person, Jesus, was coming to eat and drink with us, (Revelation 3:20).
Jesus is our real spiritual diet. He is the “True
Figure Bread Of Life” (John 6:38). He is our true
2:15 spiritual drink of “Living Water.” (John 7:38)
He is Lord of our Sabbath, our true rest
Unknown
(Mat. 12:8). He promised, “Come unto Me and I

Col 2:18- “(18) Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by
delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking
his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his
Session fleshly
# 3- Chapter
mind...” Two Verses 18-23 NASB

 Freedom From Improper Worship- Col.2:18-19

will give you rest.”

NO PRAISE FOR FALSE HUMILITY

Col. 2:18- “Let no one keep defrauding you.” “Defrauding
(paralogizomai)” means to deceive by false reasoning. Vine translated: “Let no
man decide for or against you [in spiritual matters].”
The more false teachers try to sound “spiritual”, the more they draw the weak
after them. The spiritual fraud is their showing " self-abasement
(tapeinophrosune)”, or false humility by boasting about angels and grand visions.

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FALSE WORSHIP OF ANGELS AND VISIONS

This boasting shows their deep spiritual emptiness. These people are not
humble; they are damaged. Any teaching on angels and visions that does not
make Jesus supreme in all things is fraud.
Remember, we worship only Jesus. We boast only of Him. Angels did not die
for us. Jesus’ angels never accept worship from us. They do not ask us to follow
them, even when they come to help us, Revelation 22: 8 & 9.
The Colossians believers were not to allow any false teacher to decide if their
faith in Jesus alone was wrong. These false teachers were following false visions
coming from their own damaged minds; for them, it was Jesus (+) plus new
truth! An inflated mind is a sign of damage just as an enlarged physical heart is
a sign of damage. Paul warns us to be alert and avoid inflated spiritual ideas.
Adding our ideas or extra visions to Jesus in an attempt to improve Him takes
away from His greatness. You never have to improve a true masterpiece.
Jesus is God’s Heavenly Masterpiece.
Attitude Of False Teachers To The Head And Body

Col 2: 19 “And not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire
body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments,
grows with a growth which is from God.” NASB

i) False Teachers And Their Wrong Attitude To The Head - Col. 2:19
“Not holding fast to the Head.” False teachers are attached to the head,
but very loosely. These teachers are believers who are like a loose electrical
connection, which is very dangerous. They are attaching themselves to other
means of salvation as well as to Jesus the Head. This is a great danger since
Jesus’ spiritual body is a web of spiritual nerves, joints, bones, and tendons
which connect us to each other. Indians have spiritual brothers and sisters in
every country in the world. Jesus’ spiritual body is very large. But each member
must stay strongly connected to Jesus The Head for himself or herself.

Back in 2001, this world-wide group was estimated at 68 Crores (680 million)
by Dr. Ralph Winter. Some report 1 lakh (100,000) of new believers are added
daily. *See footnote 6 -.
ii) False Teachers And Their Wrong Attitude To The Body Of
Believers - Interestingly, false teachers are notable for disrespecting and
overriding local leaders and members of Jesus’ spiritual body. They do this on

72
the authority of their supposed spiritual revelations and visions. Although they
offer "spiritual growth", they often split a peaceful group gathered to worship
Jesus. They cause community conflicts. People who love Jesus should work in
harmony with all other true believers in Jesus and keep peace in their
communities. Avoid those who teach otherwise.
THE BRAIN - As the brain in the head is the control center for the whole
body, so Jesus is the brain and control center of His body of believers. The brain
allows us to think, move, feel, see, hear, taste, and smell. It controls our body,
receives and analyzes information, and acts in our best interest.

The head communicates directly with each

Figure body part by electrical and chemical
2:16 reactions. The Head, through nerves, sends
these signals throughout the whole body,
The
human even down to the toe endings. Every little
brain member of the body is connected to the
brain, the head. But, false teachers want to
control, rather than teach people to personally follow Jesus as their spiritual
Head. While loving leaders will give wise counsel, false leaders will often
demand unquestioning loyalty and control others, as would a dictator, 1
Timothy 2:5. Do not let anyone become an unquestionable boss or an earthly
lord between you and Jesus The Lord.
Jesus’ sheep hear His voice. He guides us because He is always present in even
the smallest member of His spiritual body, Col. 2:10. The nature of Jesus is to
grow the spiritual body; the nature of false teachers is to grieve and starve the
body of believers by feeding puffed cereal with empty calories. Even spiritually,
the saying is true; “You are what you eat.”
Jesus, our Spiritual Head, is the meek and humble One. He became obedient
up to the point of death for sinners. Instead of laws, He sends life, movement,
and true spiritual increase into His body of people. He constantly holds the
whole body together in a unit, while supplying spiritual nutrition to it. But false
teachers are consumed with their own endless needs at the expense of the body
they should be serving and some even live in luxury at the expenses of the poor,
the aged, and widows. It is like a cancer which grows wildly and consumes the
energy of the body for its own unhealthy uses to grow bigger and bigger.

 Freedom From The Teaching Of Men - Col. 2:20-23

Col. 2:20 & 21 “If you have died with Christ to the elementary
principles of the world why, as if you were living in the world do
you submit yourself to decrees , such as, (21) "Do not handle, do not
taste, do not touch!"
NASB
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Col. 2:20 “The elementary (stoicheion) principles of the world.” These
elementary principles of religion are how people try to find spiritual peace, rest,
and freedom. Many people who have never experienced Jesus quickly say, “But
I am a spiritual person.” If you ask how they are a spiritual person, they will
give you a list. It is a list of “works”. Some items in this list may be, “I do not
hurt anybody”, “I do not cheat”, or “I do not condemn the belief of anyone else.”
These are all commendable, but a stone could say the same thing. Spiritual life
is not just about things we do not do, but things we do because of a positive
spiritual life within us. Nevertheless, such claims are “elemental or beginning
(stoicheion)” principles like the first-letters of a small child learning a language.
Elemental can also point to an underlying belief that planets, fire, water, wind,
and sky are to be worshipped and somehow influence a person’s spiritual fate.

Fig 2:17- The above chart shows some of the primary

sounds in some major languages in India.
The Greek word “elemental” suggests beings, persons, or elemental demonic
devices here too. They turn people to self-sufficiency and away from the cross
of Jesus, which is the only place where our sins can be forgiven (Gal. 4:3).
There is new life in no other name but Jesus’ name and sacrifice (Acts 4:17).
Jesus is the beginning and the way of all spiritual life that leads to the Father
and Heaven, John 14:6.
Jesus, The Word, took us beyond the first letters of spiritual language.
Alpha is the first alphabet letter in Greek means “beginning”. Omega, the last
Greek letter means “end”. God exhausted His vocabulary in speaking unto us by
His Son, Hebrews 1:2, and Revelation 1:8, 1:11.

74
i) Freedom From Outer Human And Elemental Rules In
Pleasing God
SPIRITUAL POLLUTION COMES FROM INSIDE- Obeying outward
human rules do not make us inwardly pleasing to God. Jesus taught us that it is
not what we let touch our bodies but what comes out of our hearts that make us
spiritually impure; truly, we all need a new spiritual heart for good things to
come out of us!
Mark 7:15 “Nothing that goes into a person from the outside can make him
unclean. It's what comes out of a person that makes him unclean.” GWT
Why concentrate on the outside laws of “Do not handle, do not taste, and
do not touch?” when the problem is inside us? Col.2:21.
Mark 7:21-23 “21) Evil thoughts, sexual sins, stealing, murder, 22) adultery,
greed, wickedness, cheating, shameless lust, envy, cursing, arrogance, and
foolishness come from within a person. 23) All
these evils come from within and make a person
unclean." God’s Word Translation Of The Bible
(GWT).
The way to spiritual freedom is not more laws or
buckets, but a new inner well of life bubbling up
and overcoming the wish to do wrong. Those who
receive Jesus move from setting spiritual rules to
Figure 2:18-Water in a well of life flowing from the heart. They keep all
pails the rules of love toward God and man as they
daily surrender to Jesus’ Holy Spirit who lives
inside of them, John’s Gospel 4:14.
ii) Human Rules Fail To Deliver Spiritual Results

Col. 2:22-23 “(22) (Which all refer to things destined to perish

with use)--in accordance with the commandments and teachings
of men? “(23) These are matters which have, to be sure, the
appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement
and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against
fleshly indulgence.” NASB

Col. 2:22- Food and drink “perish (phthora)”; they decay in a few days.
Think of how much food spoils here in India because it is slow to get to market
due to old rough roads. Likewise, laws against bad habits do not stop personal
decay in our inner heart. Jesus is God’s new road to deliver the product of fresh
new life to us moment by moment.

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Col 2:23- THE FAILURE OF MAN’S RELIGION-Religious rules look
impressive. If you make yourself low and give everything away, you can impress
people. You might make your body keep long and severe fasts, or sit in the same
yoga position for hours. But cutting, beating, or putting marks on your body
does not gain extra favor with God. Changes in diet, drink, dress, and ritual do
not deal with sins or attitudes within the heart. They have no power against our
desire to indulge in sin. Only Jesus, living as Lord in your inner person, brings
spiritual fullness and freedom.
This beautiful gray and blue butterfly from Northeast India was once a
caterpillar limited to crawling along from branch to branch. It then entered a
cocoon and left its old outer life. Then, a dramatic change came from inside. It
grew handsome wings and could fly!

To move beyond the process of crawling along in

religion, we must have an inner spiritual
change. God designed us for the heights of
eternity. By receiving new life in Jesus, we
become a new creation, 2 Corinthians 5:17.

2 Corinthians 3.18 says “But we all, with

Figure 2:19-Blue
unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory butterfly North east
of the Lord, are being transformed India
[metamorphoo] into the same image [as Jesus]
from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”
In Colossians chapter one, we read that we are transferred out of the kingdom of
darkness and placed into the kingdom of light. We have had, and are having, a
spiritual metamorphosis, a personal internal and eternal change.
“A film produced by the British Broadcasting Company (BBC)
in 1969 made Mother Teresa world famous. After this film was
shown on television, donations poured in. Many viewers said it
had a "profound effect" on their lives. Its title was
"Something Beautiful for God." Journalist Malcolm
Muggeridge, who interviewed her for his documentary,
believed a miracle took place during its making. Scenes were
shot in the House for the Dying. Technical opinion was there
wasn’t enough light for usable footage. However, when the processed film was
shown, the scenes were "bathed in a beautiful soft light." Source: Downloaded
September 18/2007.
As the film of our lives rolled on, Jesus came to us while we were dying in sin.
His life lifts us into spiritual dignity where we arise into full freedom of spiritual
light. We become transformed to do something beautiful for God who did such a
beautiful thing by giving His Son to truly change us.

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Photo Credits For Chapter Two
1. Figure 2:1 – Wrestlers-
www.nppa.org/competitions/best_of_still_photojournalism/2004/winners
/ Michal Novotny
2. Figure 2:2- www.hanshendriksen.net/pics/raj/raj49
3. Figure 2:3-Train warning- Unknown
4. Figure 2:4 – BBC Photo– India Army on Parade Delhi– 2005
5. Figure 2:5- Arch foundation-www.tve.org/ho/doc.cfm?aid=364
6. Figure 2:6-Zodiac-Horoscope- Unknown
7. Figure 2:7-Pottery- www.who.int/.../countryside/WHO-210554.jpg
8. Figure 2:8- Plane symbol- public domain
9. Figure 2:9 –Dying vats-www.galenfrysinger.com/weaving_in_india.htm
10. Figure 2:10- Coconut- Hemera Graphics- Royalty free
11. Figure 2:11- Mango trees-www.the-
southasian.com/February2002/Mangoes9.
12. Figure 2:12-Marathi Man-unknown source
13. Figure 2:13- Blackboard & eraser symbol – public domain
14. Figure 2:14- Moon etaxs.com/~mhmyers/moon.tn.html
15. Figure 2:15 – Shadow-web.media.mit.edu
16. Figure 2:16 - Brain- Hemera Graphics-Royalty free.
17. Figure 2:17 – Indian languages-
www.geocities.com/Athens/Academy/9594/brahmi.html
18. Figure 2:18 - Water-news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/ world/south_asia/728124.stm
19. Figure 2:19- - Butterfly- www.nerdybirders.com/html/butterflies/

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 TEACHING AND SPEAKING OUTLINE FOR COLOSSIANS
CHAPTER TWO

Paul's spiritual care for the Colossians and others who did not know him is
shown below (2:1-3): We too should care for others like this.
i. He wants the Colossians to know:
A) That he agonizes in prayer for them and, for B) The Laodiceans, even though
neither had seen him face-to-face.

ii. He wishes heart-comfort to all who have received

Jesus (v. 2):
1. That they stay knit together in one spiritual society in divine love.
2. That they be a unit having all the spiritual wealth that comes from full
insight into Jesus.
3. And fully know God's revealed mystery, which is, “Jesus living in you.”
iii. We are all to take comfort in our spiritual treasures in
Jesus (v. 3):
They are a) treasures of spiritual wisdom for right action and b) treasures of
spiritual knowledge for right thinking so that c) by these treasures we are
better, not just wiser.
 Freedom from Enticing Words 2:4-7

First Warning: The Danger Of Delusions

And Untrue Philosophies About Jesus (v.4).

Paul's confidence in the Colossians in spite of wrong

teachings around them (v. 5)
i. His confidence causes him to be with them in heart although he is
not with them physically. Our hearts can be with people spiritually in prayers,
thoughts, letters, emails, and by phone.
ii. He is confident enough to rejoice as he sees their faith. They are to
stand together like a military unit, each joined to and forming a defense line
with the others.
Danger can be avoided by standing, walking, and advancing in
knowing and serving Jesus together(v 6-7).
They advance as a unit together by:

78
 a. Keeping daily friendship with Jesus and making Him Lord of everything
(v. 6). * See point e) below.
b. Knowing they were rooted in Him once like an everlasting tree. This is
past salvation (v.7).
c. Knowing they are like a building project rising daily on the firm
foundation of Jesus. This is daily spiritual progress and growth (v.7).
d. Being steady in faith in Jesus as they were taught. This is spiritual patience
(v. 7).
e. Being like a productive tree constantly producing the sweet fruit of
thanksgiving to God (v.7).
 Freedom from Vain [empty] Philosophy 2:8-10

Second Warning: The Danger Of Loss Through

"Empty Philosophy" Instead Of Enjoying The
Fullness Of Deity In Jesus (V 8-10).

The Colossians must be spiritually alert (v. 8) and not let any person destroy
their spiritual life with Jesus and each other through empty offers of “new”
spiritual insight (v. 8); The Bible contains all we need to know about our
relationship with God through Jesus.
We should read or hear its wise teachings constantly:
a) Because human wisdom alone is empty in spiritual things.
b) And, because we are easily fooled by love for new truth and knowledge (as
was man in the Garden Of Eden). We must know Jesus by having a personal
relationship with Him, not just knowing academic facts about Him.
c) And, because man has created many empty ways and traditions to try to
connect to God in religion: Spiritual life is connection to God through Jesus
alone. It is in Jesus’ name only that we pray to the Heavenly Father to receive
and maintain heavenly communication, John 15:16, 16:23.
d) And, because human wisdom and good works created as spiritual bridges
are man’s way and may even be demonic, James 3:13-18.
e) And, human wisdom as a spiritual substitute is weak, proud, and leads to a
rejection of Jesus’ full and free provision. It creates human rules and rituals
instead of accepting God’s spiritual provisions for connection and fullness in
Jesus alone.

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 Freedom from the Judgment of Men In Holding ON To
Jesus Alone For Spiritual Fullness 2:11-17

A) The Colossians Must Hold On To Jesus (2:9-13).

(I) Hold On To Jesus And His Teaching:
The fullness of deity (theotes) lives in Jesus Christ. Deity is the complete
qualities of the One Almighty God.
a. Hold on because Jesus is deity in human bodily form (v. 9). Jesus was
perfect humanity who did not use His powers of deity once in His earth life.
However, He never stopped being deity: He just did not access it so that by
full identification with humanity so that He could be its perfect Saviour. In
Philippians 2:5-11, Jesus did not empty Himself of deity; He just put aside
its exercise during His earth life to experience fully the limitations of the
fashion in which ordinary men live.
b. Because the Colossians found all spiritual fullness in Jesus’ deity (v.
10);
c. Because Jesus is the Head, or control center, of those who make up His
body, or His spiritual society of believers who are united to and in Him.
(II) Hold On To Jesus Because: He is the Final Ruler over all
rulers and authorities everywhere in time and eternity. He made us free from
sin and all evil powers and spiritual rulers (v.11).
(1) He did not use outer laws and rituals to try to change our wrong living.
(2) He freed us by cutting away sin’s power in our hearts. He forgave us and
replaced sin’s power in us with new spiritual life so that we live to please
God. Now, day by day, He is helping us grow in grace and attitudes and
actions proper which please God (v 11).
(III)
Hold On To Jesus Because He Is The Head Of His
Body Of Believers. It was He who cut away our sins and whose Holy
Spirit placed, or baptized, us into His spiritual body (v. 12).This baptism is not
water baptism, but the Holy Spirit’s act of placing our life in Jesus’ spiritual
assembly the moment we believe on and receive Him.
The Holy Spirit gave us faith to believe and receive as we turned toward Jesus,
the giver of Eternal Life.

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Jesus Gave More Than Forgiveness v. 13
A) We are made spiritually alive with Jesus when we receive Him.

(i) We are forgiven of all trespasses, which meant our missing the spiritual
mark, and our breaking of eternal spiritual laws (v 13).
B) He has wiped out "the handwriting of spiritual debt bills which were against
us on the cross" (v. 14).
(i) Our spiritual debt bill was made up of personal sins we had done, and the
right things we had failed to do.

(ii) Our spiritual debt record had been hostile and outstanding. We were
spiritually bankrupt, in eternal arrears, default, and non-payment.
C) He has removed all spiritual debt bills charged to us: (2:14-15):
(a) By forever fastening them to His cross when He died in our place.
(b) Which forever disarmed and striped evil spiritual authorities of their power
to use our past failures against us in accusations (Rev. 12:10).
D) Finally, Jesus defeated spiritual rulers and authorities openly in
public view (v. 15):
(i) Moreover, He triumphed over them by leading them captive in a
final Victory Parade giving us an eternal victory song.
ii) It was His eternal victory on The Cross which did this and we fully
share in it.

Third Warning: Let No Person Condemn

(Judge) You Because You Do Not Observe
Certain Man-Made Requirements (2:16-17)

1) BY CONDEMNING YOUR DIET (V 16): Of food and drink items.

2) AND BY PLACING NEW RITUALS ON YOUR NEW

SPIRITUAL LIFE (V 16): i) Rules which require special feasts, festivals,
prayers, and attendance at holy places. ii) Rules of keeping special times of the
year such as; new moons, festivals or auspicious zodiac dates to have favor with
God. iii) Special formulated prayers to receive special favors from God.

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3) Old Testament rituals were only like “shadows” being
cast by Jesus coming as the spiritual reality for us(v. 17).
The Reality Is Christ In You!
He is: a) Our Sabbath of rest; b) our offering; and c) our special diet of Living
Water and The Bread Of Life. * See page 72.

 Freedom from Improper Worship- 2:18-19

Fourth Warning: Let no person "count you as

spiritually inferior, or steal your reward in
Christ" by making you follow an external ritual
or religious practices to gain acceptance by AVOID
Jesus (2:18-19) SUCH
PRACTICES AS:
1) Putting on false humility “only” before men. Instead, let your heart be truly
and continually humble before God.
2) Avoid worshipping angels or other spiritual beings to try to climb higher in
God. All such religious practices are spiritually empty.
3) Avoid adding other spiritual requirements to what Jesus taught and what
God revealed to Paul. Such false teachings are empty and harmful because they
take us away from Jesus.

I) THE MARKS OF FALSE TEACHERS (v 19):

A) Are shown by their boasting of being more spiritual than others are. False
teachers show they are disconnected from Jesus, The Head of the new spiritual
body of believers.
B) Are shown by their empty offers of new spiritual secrets and promises of new
powers to believers. If such offers are accepted, they end up damaging and
destroying the spiritual life and unity in Jesus’ local body of believers.
II) JESUS, OUR HEAD ELDER, CARES FOR HIS BODY AS A
SHEPHERD CARES FOR SHEEP (v19):
1) He supplies His whole body with love, life, and spiritual food.
2) He grows the spiritual body of believers grows under His loving care.

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 Freedom from the Doctrines of Men- 2:20-23

Fifth Warning (2:20-23): Your “Old Self” Died

Spiritually With Jesus From The Powers And
Principles Of A World Ruled By Darkness.
Therefore, Do Not Make Yourself A Servant Of
Embrace Human Forms Of Religion, As If Jesus’ Work
Jesus as Were Not Enough.
having done
all that was needed for your forgiveness in making you a brand new child of God
inside. Jesus alone is enough for all your spiritual needs forever!
Summary: Religious Rules And Doctrines Of Men, Cann
Never Reach God

 Religious rules do not solve our inner sin problem. Restrictive rules such
as do not touch, do not taste, and do not handle are laws, which are powerless to
overcome sinful desires and actions (v. 21).

 Religious rules deal only with outer symptoms of spiritual needs. Such
rules, human commandments, and teachings have no power to deal with inner
spiritual needs and sin and they cannot give inner spiritual life (Col. 2: 22).

 All human attempts at spiritual wisdom end up creating such human

inventions as: A) Self-chosen rules and rituals to try to reach or impress God
(Col 2:23). B) False humility to impress others (Col 2:23), and C) Self-abuse of
the physical body to cleanse it from wrongs and gain favor with God and to
impress self with spirituality (Col 2:23).

 These human rules cannot give spiritual fullness, which is the ultimate
assurance and freedom to have a vital and close personal relationship and
experience with God. Rules cannot rid the body from its desire for and
enjoyment of sinful pleasure.
Only new inner life from Jesus makes us spiritually complete and
totally liberated [moksha * sk] in spiritual life now.

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 COLOSSIANS
CHAPTER THREE

Colossians chapter three gives us encouragement by looking at the

risen Jesus. As we surrender ourselves to this living Jesus, He does
what no ritual can do. He raises us from spiritual death. Old
attitudes, habits, and sins are stripped off and put away like dirty
clothes as we put on Heaven’s auspicious spiritual garments.
Obedience to God’s “Word” causes us to grow to please God in
personal, family, social, and work relationships.
Have you ever sat with a group and watched an excellent
Bhajan singer? You see him, you hear him, and later you talk
about him. You know the singer is real and you retell stories
about him.
In Colossians 3:1, instead of a Bhajan concert, Paul
reported that Jesus’ physical resurrection was widely
witnessed by many others. First Corinthians 15:3-9 lists some
of these after-resurrection appearances: Peter, then 500 men
at once, then James, and all of the twelve disciples. Different
groups of people, under different conditions, saw Jesus on Figure 3:1
different occasions. That is great proof for the physical Sitar
resurrection of Jesus. These appearances took place over 40
days (Acts 1:3). Later, people talked to one another about
these appearances of this Living Jesus.
This Outline Of Chapter Three Shows How We Must Allow
The Living Jesus To Be Lord Of Our Daily Lives.
MAKING JESUS LORD IN OUR DAILY LIVES (3:1-4:18)

 Our present spiritual place in the Lord Jesus 3:1-4

i) It is a new place-Raised up with Christ- Col 3:1
ii) It gives a new mindset -Seeking things above- Col 3:2-4

Putting Off Sin –new power- In the believer’s daily practices 3:5-4:6
a) Put Off The Old Sinful Person – Col. 3:5-11
b) Put On The New Person In Jesus – Col. 3:10 -15
c) By Giving His Word A Home In Us – Col. 3:16-17

Jesus’ Lordship In Our Daily Life 3:18-4:6

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1. Jesus as Lord In Our Family Life – Col. 3:18-21
2. Jesus as Lord In Our Employment And School – Col. 3:22-4:1
3.Jesus as Lord In Our Devotions And Witness To Others- Col.4:2-6

- OUR PRESENT PLACE IN THE LORD JESUS-COL. 3:1- 4

Verse 1-“Raised up (sunegeiro)”,
means “raised together”. When we I) A New Place-
Col.Raised With
3:1 “There-
receive Jesus, our physical bodies do
not change. Yet, the change in our life Christ
fore if you have
been raised up
is so profound that it is “a spiritual with Christ, keep
resurrection.” We read about this in Colossians 2:12. It seeking the things
does take us some time to realize just what a great thing above, where
has happened. Christ is, seated at
the right hand of
Our resurrection from spiritual death, originating in Eden,
God.” NASB
happened because Jesus reached His hand of life into the
spiritual world and we took hold of it by faith. We are now
connected to Heaven, and Jesus’ Holy Spirit lives in us. Religion and rituals
cannot connect us to God. But a relationship with the Living Jesus gives us life,
peace, and joy by making us alive inside. After 40 days of resurrection
appearances, Jesus returned to Heaven and sat on His throne as “Lord”. From
there, He rules our hearts today by love, through His Spirit. We now have a
relationship with God, not just a religion about Him! Our surrender to
Jesus has made us free to serve the One who created the worlds, died, and
was raised as Lord and King to sit at God’s right hand. In the Ancient East,
the “right hand” was a place of honor, and ruler ship. Since Jesus our Head has
been raised, the members of His spiritual body have been spiritually raised
also to a living spiritual position of privilege. That is why Ephesians 2:6 says,
He has “raised us up together with Him, and seated us with Him in
the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”

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 II) A New Mindset -COL. 3: V 2- 4 Col. 3:2-3
“(
2) Set your mind
on the things
above, not on the
A) Seeking Things Above- Col. 3:2-3 things that are on
“Set your mind (phroneo) on things earth. (3) For you
above.” It is because we have been raised to have died and
such an honored position with our Lord Jesus your life is hidden
that our thoughts must change. Verse two talks with Christ in
about a “mind-set” or a way of thought. Since God.” NASB
Jesus has given us all the peace and favor we
will ever need with God, we should set our
thoughts on the source of these new things. The “affections” of your heart
determine your “mind-set”. Our affections must be on Heavenly things. The
source of all spiritual blessing is from Heaven where Jesus has arisen, taken
His place, and is lovingly praying for us to our Father. We should lift our
prayers to Heaven in Jesus’ name (John 14:13). Jesus has promised to come
from Heaven and take all believers up to their Heavenly home in the future (1
John 3:2 and 1 Th. 4:16-17). Keep your affections and mind focused on Jesus
and Heavenly things since Jesus is your spiritual Head and works for you from
above.

B) The Above Things Last Forever, And Are Above Earth’s

Narrow Horizons - V 2
“Not on the things that are on earth.” We are to “set” our minds on
Heavenly goals and on what Jesus wants. When we seek earthly goals, we seek
decaying “things”. In Philippians 3:19, J.B. Phillips translated “who set their
minds on earthly things” as, “this world is the limit of their horizon”, Col. 3:10.

These limits include empty rituals, man-made religious laws, self-pleasures,

self-interests, and self-righteousness. One day, when we die, even our earthly
goods will be left behind. Therefore, keep looking to Heaven for present joy and
future hope because earthly things fail and grow old. Things on earth are useful
only when they truly help you love God and serve others.

Galatians 6:14 says, “But it's unthinkable that I could ever brag about
anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. By his cross my
relationship to the world [kosmos- a ordered world system opposed to
God] and its relationship to me have been crucified.” God’s Word
Translation.

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 C) Live For Heaven’s Values While On Earth –V 3
Col. 3:3- “For you have died (apethanete).” *See Romans 6:2. We died to
domination by sin’s presence outside of us and the sinful nature within us.
From the “outside”, people can see that we still have the same color eyes and
hair and that we are the same size. But something about us has changed. We
are spiritually free from sin and from living only for earth’s fading values. We
have died to being consumed with just storing up material things in this life.
We have a new spiritual nature and a relationship to God through Jesus. We
have a hope and our hearts are reaching above to God; there is a new life inside
of us. People cannot see this new life because its source is in our inner heart
where the Holy Spirit of Jesus lives. Yet, they can see the results of new life in
us as we live for Heaven’s values on earth.

D) Live
Col. With An “Up-Look” For Jesus’ Return!
3:4 “When
Christ, who is our
life, is revealed, Col 3:4 “Christ who is our life (zoe) shall be
then you also will revealed.” “Revealed (phaneroo)”, means to
be revealed with reveal true character. One day, what Jesus has done
Him in glory.” inside of us will be clearly seen. This refers to the
NAS time when Jesus comes in glory (doxa- majesty,
B brightness) and changes our physical bodies to be
like His resurrection body, 1 John 3:2.
When Jesus returns for us, God will display our identity as His children and will
lift us up into Heaven. Made like Jesus, we will forever share His heavenly
home. No wonder we live with an uplook for Jesus’ return.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 “16) The Lord will come from heaven with a
command, with the voice of the archangel, and
THE LORD
with the trumpet call of God. First, the dead who
believed in Christ will come back to life. 17) Then,
HIMSELF together with them, we who are still alive will be
SHALL DESCEND taken in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. In
FROM HEAVEN! this way we will always be with the Lord. 18) So
then, comfort each other with these words!” God’s
Word Translation.

1 John tells us that “now” we are the sons and daughters of God, even though we
live in this humble physical body. When Jesus comes, we will be made like Him
in an instant. One benefit for us will be that our earthly bodies will be changed
to a heavenly material designed for eternity. Since our bodies will have such a
glorious change when Jesus returns for us, let us make our bodies serve and

87
obey Him in preparation for their higher future purposes of heavenly service
now and in the world to come. Revelation 22:3, “There will no longer be any
curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-
servants will serve Him…”

As we daily submit to Jesus’ Spirit within us, we can live an outwardly pure life.
Since man’s inner person lives through his outer physical body; we can please
Jesus each day as we submit our inner hearts to Him, 2 Timothy 2:8. This
enables us to please Jesus in our physical bodies now and receive rewards later.

Revelation 22:12 “… and when I come, I will reward everyone for what
they have done.” Contemporary English Version.

The Day The Hidden Becomes Visible!

1 John 3:1-3 “Consider this: The Father has given us his love. He loves us so
much that we are actually called God's dear children. And that's what we
are. For this reason the world doesn't recognize us, and it didn't recognize
him either. 2) Dear friends, now we are God's children. What we will be
isn't completely clear yet. We do know that when Christ appears we will
be like him because we will see him as He is. 3) So all people who have this
confidence in Christ, keep themselves pure, as Christ is pure.” God’s Word
Translation (GWT)

 “PUTTING OFF” SIN –THE PRACTICE OF THE BELIEVER

COL. 3:5-4:6

a) “Put Off” The Old Sinful Lifestyle - COL.3:5-11

I) Col. 3:5 “Therefore consider (nekroo)” or “count dead.” This
expression in no way asks us to harm our physical bodies. It does tell us to place
our bodies under the constant Lordship of Jesus. We have found all the spiritual
favor we need to deal with the inner impulses of sin that arise within our
bodies, minds, and hearts. Remember, false teachers were saying that the body
was evil and only the inner or soul life mattered. This led some to wrongly think
that the body and the soul were independent of each other and that it did not
matter what evil they did with their physical body as long as they worshipped.

Having laid out such a wonderful future for the physical body, Paul shows that it
is a first duty to dedicate the physical body to God and not let sin reign in it.
Paul says in Romans 6:11-14:

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 “11) Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ
Jesus. 12) Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you
obey its lusts, 13) and do not go on presenting the members of your body to
sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as
those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of
righteousness to God. 14) For sin shall not be master over you, for you are
not under law but under grace.”

Another wonderful fact about the physical bodies of believers is that they have
become temples of the Holy Spirit. First Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Or do
you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you,
whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? 20) For you have
been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body” NASB. Our
physical body is the house of our human spirit and the Holy Spirit
lives in the human spirit.

Do believers still have an old sinful nature? Yes, believers have two natures. The
new nature and the sin nature both try to express themselves through us. First
John Chapter One and eights says, “If we say that The Sin [nature], we are not
having, ourselves we are leading astray, and the truth [about the sin nature]
is not in us.” * See Kenneth Wuest’s Word Studies From The Greek New
Testament, Volume Two, The Exegesis Of 1 John, pages 103-104, published by
Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Michigan USA.

Galatians 5:16-21 tells us how we are to live as dead to the sinful

nature, but spiritual connected to the living God.

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the
flesh. 17) For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit
against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you
may not do the things that you please. 18) But if you are led by the Spirit,
you are not under the Law. 19) Now the deeds of the flesh are evident,
which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20) idolatry, sorcery,
enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions,
factions, 21) envying, drunkenness, carousing,
and things like these, of which I forewarn you,
just as I have forewarned you, that those who
practice such things will not inherit the kingdom
of God.” NASB.

The next verses of Galatians 5:22-26 lists the beautiful

things which the Holy Spirit produces in a person who
rejects the inner desires of the old sinful nature.

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By saying, “Yes” to the new nature from Heaven we walk in harmony with the
Holy Spirit and produce these heavenly things which flow from our new nature.
The text in Colossians 3:5 is dealing with dying to the things of the old sinful
nature. We need to understand that only when Jesus returns and receives us,
will we be done with the old selfish sinful nature. Until then, a battle between
the old and new nature continues within us. Paul had to die to his old nature
every day.

A new power to choose to do and say things

that please the Lord Jesus comes to each
believer. When the impulses of sin arise like a Figure 3:2-
burning fire within, Jesus’ river of Living Yummana, one
Water helps put out the sinful flames. As we of our workers,
keep our hearts under Jesus’ Lordship, evil impulses getting 40
are victoriously defeated, 1 Corinthians. 15:31. pounds of daily
water in
Some Things From The Old Nature Maharashtra
State, India
Col 3:5 “Therefore, consider the “But the water
members of your earthly body as dead to that I will give C
immorality, impurity, passion, evil o him will lo
desire, and greed, which amounts to s become in him si
idolatry.” NASB a a well of water n
s springing up to
3:5 gives us some things that belong to the old lifestyle eternal life."
and which must be replaced by the new spiritual life. John 4:14
They are listed as immorality, impurity, sensuality or
passion gone wild. They include evil desire, greed, and
disputes, disagreements, divisions into groups, envying, drunkenness, wild
parties: These not just useless but harmful to the community and the person.

Roman society had a low moral standard. “All kinds of immoralities were
associated with the [Greco-Roman] gods. Not only was prostitution a
recognized institution, but through the influence of the fertility cults of Asia
Minor, Syria, and Phoenicia it became a part of the religious rites at certain
temples. Thus there were one thousand "sacred prostitutes" at the temple of
Aphrodite at Corinth.” www.findarticles.com/articles/mi_qa3817

No wonder the Holy Spirit warns us about the following sins which destroy the
family.

 A) “Immorality (porneia)” is using the body and mind for forms of

prostitution and adultery and general illicit sexual activity. Most of the
pornography produced involves young women tricked, sold, or forced into

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 sexual sin by early sexual abuse, violence, drugs, or promise of big money. It is
estimated that many hundreds of thousands of girls are forced into this trade.
When men stop looking, then such pornography will have no market. In a
way, every customer assaults a girl forced into prostitution. Every viewing of
girls forced into photos, or on internet sites, or in videos of this nature is
another sexual assault upon them. Many of these girls are kept captive, bought,
sold, and controlled by being made drug dependent; most are not there of
their free will. In one example, God destroyed 23,000 Israelites because of the
sin of immorality, (1 Corinthians 10:8). God wants men’s minds and women’s
bodies covered with dignity, modesty, and His love. Poorer girls and women
are frequent victims. By giving them a life skill and education, they may escape
this fate. Jesus’ power, teaching and example of respect for women is the cure
for such immorality.

  B) “Impurity (akatharsia)” is all kinds of sexual uncleanness in words,

thoughts, and desires of the heart. In the Old Testament it was used of moral or
physical dirt which prevented one from entering a temple. It includes inner
moral uncleanness, dishonesty, sexual jokes, and rough language. This path
may lead to many sexual perversions. In Romans 1:24 it includes
homosexuality. In 1 Thessalonians 2:3 and Ephesians 4:19 it is moral
uncleanness through the physical acts of the body. Drugs, alcohol, and incest
would be included in this definition of polluting the body. In 2 Corinthians 6:16
and 17, image worship is called unclean. Unrestrained consumption of goods
and food fit here too. We simply say that any unholy desire that rules your body,
and hurts your spiritual person is uncleanness; it must be put off in your walk
with Jesus. By always submitting to Jesus’ Lordship, the Holy Spirit keeps us
pure.

  C) “Passion (pathos)” is a burning, controlling desire. “Addiction” is a

word that could describe anything that controls your life. Passion itself may be
good or bad. But here is passion gone wild in wrong desires. God has given us
healthy desires and passions and proper outlets for them. But some become
addicted to sexual passion, gambling, erotic books, TV soaps, and suggestive
Bollywood dances. By a desire to please Jesus first, we will overcome such
passions.

D) “Evil Desire (epithuma kakên)” is a compelling desire to willfully do

something evil, which if unchecked, will produce sin. This is the same word for
aroused “lust” (epithumia) that conceives sin in James 1:15 and rejects God’s
ruler-ship. The answer to overcoming evil desires in us is
replacing evil with good godly actions and not placing
ourselves in temptations’ way. Replace and resist
temptation by doing good actions

  E) “Greed (pleonexian)” becomes idolatry. This is a

constant wish for possessions or money at any cost. This

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pursuit enslaves one to earthly possessions and takes the place of God and
people with whom you should share your life. Money becomes your god when it
is your first love. Mammon is an Aramaic/Syrian word for money. When Jesus
called it a master of some, He was indicating that some worship and reverence
money much like a deity. In Luke 6:11-14, the Pharisees mocked Him for
indicating money could be a god because they loved (philo) silver (arguros).
Judas, who betrayed Jesus, loved money too.
Impurity, immorality, passion, evil desire, and greed all have their own penalty
of the wrath (orge) of God.
This wrath is not something personal that God has against particular
individuals. God’s settled state of emotion toward sin is
deep anger because “sin kills people and people are the Figure 3:3-
best of all His creation”. Therefore, God has constant Mammon on a
wrath toward sin and sinful behavior, while still loving the throne of
sinner. But God may still show anger to individual people skulls, bags of
who publicly flaunt their sin. Who could forget when He money in lap,
killed Ananias and Sapphira? Who could forget His angry while crushing
judgment falling on King Herod Agrippa (Acts 5:1-10 & youth who
Acts 12:18-25)? wildly collect it.
THESE SINFUL LIFESTYLES EARN GOD’S ANGER V.6-7

Col. 3:6-7 “(6) For it is because of these things that the wrath
of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, 7) and in them
you also once walked, when you were living in them.” NASB

In verse 6, “wrath (orge)” has the same idea as Romans 1:17. An impersonal
wrath as a universal law operates without personal favor. We used to allow evil
actions in our physical bodies. In fact, verse seven said we “walked
(peripateo)”, or “went around” behaving sinfully.
Paul is warning us not to let these unholy things “walk in our bodies”. They did
us no good in the past and they bring trouble into our lives if we continue to
walk in them. When we break God’s moral laws, we are we are planting seed
that will produce a bad crop in our lives and hurt someone else. The universe is
so made by a Holy God that by breaking His laws, we break some part of our
own life. Our lives only function properly when they are under obedience to His
healing and life-giving directions.

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 Col. 3:8 & 9 “(8) But now you also, put them all aside: 1)anger,
2)wrath, 3)malice, 4)slander, and 5)abusive speech from your
mouth.(9) 6) Do not lie to one another since you laid aside the
old self with its evil practices.” NASB

But Now, We Have Put Aside The Things In -Verse 8 - “But now.”
Your old life is like a ragged, dirty garment. Your new life is like new clothing;
you can only wear the new clothes when you remove your old.

“Put aside (apotithemi)”, is to remove and put away. Whose job is it to put
off the old garments? It is not God’s! It is yours. God helps you put off
the old behaviors so you may escape His anger against sin.

“Put off the old person at once”, is a commandment in the original text. God
enables us to do this as we ask and trust Him for help. The “old self (palaios
anthropos)” means, “worn out person.” It is something no longer good for use.
This worn-out self produces evil attitudes and acts are like weeds choking good
crop production.

THREE SINS OF THE ATTITUDE OF THE HEART

BOILING UP, BLOWING US, AND STORING UP EVIL

The Three “Attitude”
If we keep anger (orge-bitter anger) boiling
Sins
up in our hearts, it leads to wrath (thumos-
1. Anger (thumos) or blowing up anger). This wrath degrades into
“boiling up” bitterness. malice. Malice (kakia) is mean-hearted and
destructive thoughts and actions stored up
2). Wrath (orge), or toward others.
“blowing up.” The Bible says “Let not the sun go down upon
3. Malice (kakia) or your wrath: Neither give place to the devil”,
“storing up” evil plans. Ephesians 4:26-27. If you hold on to your
anger, the devil will find a way to make a place
in your angry words and deeds to hurt you and
others. Then, your spiritual clothing will be
sin-stained. You won’t need new clothes, but you will need a good cleaning!
Believers put off their “former lifestyle” because they have become new people
in Jesus. Having dealt with “three attitude” sins of the heart: i)
anger, ii) wrath and iii) malice, we now discover three vocal sins to
“put off” also.

These Three “Vocal” Sins Wound Christian Unity

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4. “Slander (blasphemia)”, is speech that
puts bad marks on another person’s THE THREE “VOCAL”
reputation. Slander is wrongly speaking SINS OF COL. 3:8
about others in a way which cannot be
proven in a court of law. This unfairly
damages their reputation. The person 4. Slander (blasphemia)
slandered is usually absent. Slander is the Or “Speaking Down”
sin of the coward and has no place for About A Person.
people bravely following Jesus.
5. Abusive Speech
5. "Abusive speech (aischologia)”, means (aischrologe) Or “Dirty
to be dirty–mouthed. This expression refers Speech.”
to words stained by sin. We cannot think we
are praising the Lord Jesus when we speak 6. Lying (pseudesthe)
nicely in church, but use abusive language to Or “Being False”.
our family members and others in private.
Our mouths exists to pray and sing God’s
praises and to speak gracious words of help.

6. “Lying.” Colossians 3:9 gives us the sixth sin that we must put off from our
mouths. It is “lying (pseudesthe”). Lying is being false to people around you
because of human fear and insecurity about yourself. God’s people have no
reason to lie. In Jesus you are fully secure, forgiven, and valued. Jesus accepts
you, so why lie?
When unchecked these three vocal sins: i) destroy Christian unity, ii) bring
divisions, and iii) create fertile ground for false doctrines.
When we lie to others, our lips are sending out death and deception. Respect or
trust is withheld from deceivers. "Truthful lips will be established forever, but a
lying tongue is only for a moment." Proverbs 12:19.
Jesus is “The Truth”, so cloth yourself in truth and your garments will never
trip you up, John 8:44.

These three wrong attitudes and three wrong uses of the mouth in verses 8 and
9 are sin. All sin that grows up in us brings someone else down. Having Jesus
within, you now build people up with good words of comfort and
encouragement, Eph.4:29.

Col. 3:9 “Since you laid aside.” Laid aside (apekduomai) means to “take
off” as one would take off dirty clothes. This is an idea of separation like pulling
weeds from a good crop. We energetically put off the old self.

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 b) “Put On” The New Lifestyle In Jesus – Col. 3:10 -15
Verse 10-We have put on the fresh “new self (neos neoteros).” Paul has said in
Chapter Two that God cut away the old dirty
Col. 3:10 “(10) spiritually person from us and replaced it with a
and have put on dynamic new life from Jesus.
the new self who
The word “renewed (anakainoo)” means to
is being renewed
renovate and it shows an ongoing renovation by
to a true
the Holy Spirit in our lives. We are not putting off
knowledge
the old filthy spiritual garments by ourselves.
according to the
image of the One Our born-again person is being “renewed”. Every
who created day Jesus gives us new help, new blessings, new
him…” NASB spiritual food, and rest (2 Cor.4:16).

Since He clothes us with Himself, He is our new

garment. He has made us clean and beautiful to His
Father who is now “Our Father”, John 20:17.

We now have the "true knowledge (epignosis)” of

Figure 3:4 God through Jesus. “Created (ktizo)” means “to
make or manufacturer”. The One who made or
designed and manufactured us for a purpose in life actually uses us for that
purpose. He does that by removing the old worn out life and by renewing us
with new spiritual knowledge about Him. This knowledge comes by entering
into a personal loving experience of Him.

To what are we being renewed? We are renewed to “the image of the one
who created us.” “Image (eikon)” means likeness, stature, and resemblance.
The Heavenly Father not only clothes us with Jesus but also makes us “like”
Jesus in heart through the “fruit of the Spirit. The character of a life of sin and
Satan are seen in the old self. In the new self, we see God’s moral character
being renewed in us. These marks of God’s moral character are one of the
things man lost in the garden through sin. The character or fruit (singular-
not “fruits”) of the Holy Spirit is another way to describe Jesus. He is love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-
control, Gal. 5:22-23. If you grow in any part of this fruit, you of necessity
grow somewhat in the rest.

Jesus’ newness flows into all our human relationships. All walls between people
set up by religion, culture, language, and education, gender and social class are

95
removed. There is peace among people who have the same Heavenly Father. All
His children are our spiritual brothers and sisters and we belong to each other.
Among Jesus’ New People in Colosse, there were
many natural differences. Some had been Jews by Col. 3:11 “(11) A
culture and religion. Others were not Jews. Some renewal in which
had practiced the religious ritual of circumcision there is no
and others had not. Greeks, who valued distinction
education, believed uneducated people were between Greek
lacking in culture and called them "barbarians" or and Jew,
uncivilized. Jews saw the "Scythians" as an circumcised and
untouchable and unclean class. Again, some uncircumcised,
believers were poor slaves or servants, while other barbarian,
wealthy believers in Colosse owned slaves. Scythian, slave,
and freeman, but
Christ is all in
We must admit that in many Indian churches all.”
people of different castes will not sit together. A NASB
renewed self with a renewed mind does not accept
a caste system among believers. Jesus never makes a "distinction" or treats
people differently based on human divisions. Jesus makes us all people equal
in His kingdom. He paid an equal price for us. We are equally valued
because we are equally loved by God, Galatians 3:28. A renewed self also
established the dignity of women by making them equal and important in
service in God’s kingdom.
Paul said the same thing again in different words to
the Galatians: “26) All of you are God's children All Jesus’
because of your faith in Christ Jesus. 27) And when people are “one
you were baptized, it was as though you had put on body” and equal
kings and priests
Christ in the same way you put on new clothes. 28)
unto the Lord
Faith in Christ Jesus is that makes each of you under His
equal with each other, whether you are a Jew or a “Lordship” * See
Greek, a slave or a free person, a man or a Revelation 1:5-6:
woman.” Galatians 3:26-28 (Contemporary
English Version)

In Jesus, All Walls Of Separation Have Been Removed Making Us One Body
Of Equal People. To Be More Believable To Fine Hindu People, India’s
Christians Must Practice Christ’s Lordship With Deeper Unity

“Jesus Is Freedom From Caste”

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 The New Character We Put On

Col. 3:12 “12) So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy
and beloved, PUT ON a heart of A) compassion,
B) kindness, C) humility, D) gentleness and E) patience;” NASB

 V 12 -A) COMPASSION (oiktirmos) is mercy. The Lord Jesus puts a

heart of compassion “in” and “on” us by teaching us how to respond to
suffering people. We are to offer compassion to people facing misfortune or
pain. Compassion moved Jesus to action. It tore at His heart. We must allow
“Christ in us” to take action according to our physical and financial ability,
Isaiah 63:15, Luke 1:78, Philippians 1:8, 2:1, and 1 John 3:17.

 B) KINDNESS (chrestotes). This word is "fruit” of the Holy Spirit, also

found in Galatians 5:22. “Fruit” is part of the clothing of a tree. We are trees of
righteousness in the Lord’s garden. Kindness is being gracious in words and
deeds. Kindness is a helpful and friendly attitude toward others, including those
who have been unkind to us. It is being there to help in small or large needs.

 C) HUMILITY (tapeinophrosune) is recognizing that other people are

valuable too. Humility is not putting your "self" down. It is the modesty of not
lifting your "self" above others (Philippians 2:3-11). Jesus is our example of
humility. Humility is simply giving respect, time, and interest in what others
are doing and saying. It is the practice of losing the proud mountain of “I” to
take the leveling road of “We”. We must practice the difficult skill of listening
more than speaking, James 1:19. True humility excludes self-boasting since
even our breath is a gift received from the Lord, 1 Cor. 1:7.

 D) GENTLENESS (prautêta or prautes). This word is used eleven times

in the New Testament in 1 Cor. 4:21, 2 Cor. 10: 1, Gal. 5:23, Gal. 6:1, Eph. 4:2,
Col 3:12, 2 Tim. 2:25, Titus 3:2, James 1:21, 3:13, and 1 Pet. 3:16.

Jesus said that we are to take His yoke of meekness upon us as a condition of
learning His heart, Matthew 11:29. This mild strength is power under control.
It is the power to be guided by submission to a master.

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Gentleness (prautes) was als0 used of a horse1
which had been wild and without a master. Once Figure 3:5
trained, the horse became useful and gentle. India’s
India’s gentle horses are great performers as famous
their master guides them. When Heaven has the Marwari
reins of a submitted life, then that person is horse
useful for God’s work on earth. 1 Vincent’s Word
Studies, Matthew 5:5.

 E) Patience (makrothumian). I) Patience tells us how to treat people,

whereas the word II) long-suffering (hupomone) or steadfastness tells us how
t0 handle tough circumstances. Patience with people and steadfastness in tough
circumstances develops through trusting prayer (Col 1:11). When people treat
you wrongly, lie about you, and betray you, then the Lord helps you to have
patience. Through impatience many fortunes, relationships, and lives have been
lost. Patience responds to people in a loving, fair, and consistent way as Jesus
would. Patience will create a perfect work in you; Christ in you is patient.

 V 13- F) “Bearing With And Forgiving Each Other”

Col. 3:13- 15 “13) Bearing with one another, and forgiving

each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as
the Lord forgave you, so also should you. “14) Beyond all
these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
15) Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which
indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” NASB

These two words describe our relationship to other people: a) forbearing and
b) forgiving. “Bearing (anechomai), means to “hold back or tolerate.”
Jamieson, Fawcett, and Brown in The Commentary Critical show that
forbearing is about present offences, while forgiving is about past offences.

“Forgiving” (charizomai) in verse 13 means to graciously (charis-grace) forgive

a debt or any offence. The verb “forgive” is present tense which means we are to
keep on forgiving. The words, “just as” shows the extent of forgiveness. It is to
be to the same full extent and length as the Lord Jesus forgave us.

In Matthew 5:23 & 24, Jesus taught us that forgiveness between brothers and
sisters comes before worship. “Forgive our debts as we have also already
forgiven our debtors.” Literal Translation-Anthony C. Deane

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  G) V 14-LOVE (agape) – There are different Greek words for love. One is
a loving care (steregin), which is the love of natural family affection of a parent
for a child. Another is fondness (philein), or friendship. Romantic love (eran) is
that special love between lovers. But the word used here for love (agape) was
not used very often in Classical Greek literature or speech. It is used only ten
times in the famous epic writings of Homer. Since this word (agapan) was
hardly ever used by Greeks, it was left available to express a much higher
love, which is divine, and sacrifices self-interest and personal rights
for the good of others. The Holy Spirit picked up this word (agapan) to pour
into it the great and amazing love of God shown in Jesus. This word is used over
250 times in the New Testament as a noun (agape), verb (agapan) or adjective
(agapetos). It is a “God-kind-of-love.”

The fullest definition of this love (agape) is in First Corinthians 13:4-8:

“Love (agape) is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love (agape) does
not brag and is not arrogant, (5) does not act unbecomingly; it does not
seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered,
(6) does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; (7)
bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (8)
Love (agape) never fails; …”

Since this kind of love is heavenly love, then a human cannot naturally
develop it. God provides this love and calls His children to dress their hearts in
the same love. He will supply the spiritual fabric for the heavenly love garment,
but you must put it on. If you do, you will grow in this fruit of love and this
brings praise to your Father in Heaven from people around you.

V 15-ONE BODY-I have often heard believers pray for unity. Yet, looking at
Colossians 3:14, we should ask the Lord to gives us solid ways to show His love.
This love from God is the glue that makes unity. There is no point in trying to
put a broken article together if it calls for glue, but we are unwilling to use any.

PEACE OF CHRIST- “Peace (eirene)” means to join. The proper

meaning of yoga is “yoke” or joined in oneness. God does not want our
relationship broken with Him or others. There are two aspects of Jesus’ peace.
Jesus made peace [yoga * sk] i) with God for us. That historic event
happened on the cross, on a hill near Jerusalem, Israel two thousand years
ago. Jesus also wants us to experience the personal atmosphere of the peace
[shanti *sk] ii) of God in our hearts.

This experience of peace is to rule our

hearts and minds. “Rule (brabeuo)” Figure 3:6
means umpire. In Greek games, umpires
Cricket
umpire

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directed and dealt with game faults and mistakes. We see the same today in
India’s national past time of cricket. In our personal lives, God’s peace, like an
umpire, sets the rules for our relationships with others.

 BE THANKFUL – “Thankful (eucharistoi ginesthe)” is in the

imperfect tense meaning, “Keep on being thankful”, Robertson’s Word Pictures.

Thanksgiving requires humility. There is no greater humbling truth than “our

need for Jesus and the cross!” Be thankful for your faith and how God is
building you life, Colossians. 2:7. Thank God for victory over physical death, 1
Corinthians 15:27. Thank God for spiritual victory, 2 Corinthians 2:14, Be
thankful for God’s supply for your needs, 2 Corinthians. 9:11. Be thankful in
your prayers , Philippians 4:6, Colossians 4:2, Give thanks for other believers in
Jesus, 1 Thessalonians 3:9, and give thanks to God in all things, Ephesians 5:20.

c) Give Jesus’ Word A Home Inside You By Dressing Your

Heart In God’s Word-Col 3:16-17
Verse
16-“Let Col. 3:16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, a)
the with all wisdom teaching and b) admonishing one another
Word of with i)psalms and ii)hymns and iii) spiritual songs, singing
Christ with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” NASB
richly
dwell
within you.”

“Dwell (enoikeo)” means to make a permanent home “in

you (en humin)”, Luke 18:15 & Luke 6:47-49. Figure 3:7
Water will not pour itself into a water pot at the well: Public
You have to pour it and then carry it. Likewise, you have domain
to open your mind and heart. Let God’s Word pour
into you until you are overflowing. Let’s Carry God’s Word in our
heart, not just in our head!

Below are some ways and examples of how to become richly filled
with God’s Word and wisdom.
1) “Teaching (didasko) is orderly instruction.” The first part of verse 16 lets us
know that the teaching of God’s Word must be “rich” and “wise.”As it enters our
inner heart, we receive instruction and information.
2) “Admonishing (noutheteo)”, is another way to have Jesus’ Word within.

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Admonish means to “counsel”. In counseling, we are given both warning and
encouragement from God’s Word for guidance in God’s better way for us.
Having being taught and counseled by the spoken word, we now come to the
use of songs, poetry, and music as a way to receive God’s Word.
3) “Psalms (psalmos)” mean to sing. In the Old Testament, music was often
used to sing God’s truth. Many palms were sung with music and the last Psalm,
150, is a call for all kinds of instruments to be used in praising God. Singing the
scriptures helps open our hearts and minds to Heaven. When we are learning
God’s scriptures, we are learning God’s language. In the past, we may have had
much unspiritual music in our homes; now let us fill our homes and lives with
songs from God’s Word, The Bible.
4) “Hymns (humnos)” are songs of celebration “in direct praise to God
(compare Act_16:25; 1Co_14:26; James_5:13)”, Jamieson Fausset, and Brown
Commentary (JFB) on Ephesians 3:16. When you realize how much Jesus loves
you, there will be times when you will want to sing directly to God out of a
thankful heart.
5) “Spiritual songs (ode)” refer to the words that make up the song. Strong’s
notes say, “It denotes especially a religious
metrical composition” , Strong’s Hebrew & Greek
Dictionaries (SHGD). We know that these
“words (lyrics)” have a definite tune and speed
which can be made by playing various drums and
the harmonium. These songs must be about
“spiritual (pneumatikos) things” and
should be composed and sung by the Holy
Spirit’s inspiration. An excellent example of this
Figure 3:8- Marathi is Scripture put to music. Moreover, God has
village celebrate as they used many people to compose many thousands of
harvest onions– (by
spiritual songs. Let us make a home for God’s
author) Maharashtra
State, India Word in our songs and always honor the Cross of
Jesus as we worship Him above everyone and
everything.

“Singing (ado) with thankfulness (charis) in your hearts (kardia) to

the Lord.” Strong says “the heart, is, (figuratively), the thoughts or feelings
(mind)”, (SHGD).

Many days there may not be anybody to teach you God’s Word. Then,
remember the beautiful songs about Jesus that you have learned in the worship
meetings. Sing them quietly as you work at home, in the office, or in the fields.

If you know how to read, you can sing God’s songs to yourself and others.

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Knowing what Jesus has done for you, leads to true spiritual singing.
Make Your Life A Song

Col. 3:17 “Whatever you do in word or deed do all in the name

of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God The
Father.” NASB

Verse 17-“Whatever you do in word or deed.” A) In verse 15, we were

told to be thankful to be in Jesus’ body. B) In verse 16, we are told to practice
thankful singing, and now C) verse 17 tells us that all our words and actions
should be an expression of thankfulness. When you show thankfulness to God
in your words and actions, your whole life becomes a song and a witness to
God’s goodness. Thanksgiving is a very high form of spiritual singing.
“Do all in the name (onoma)” means to do all in a way that would be like
Jesus’ character. When you think of a person’s name, you think of his or her
character. Jesus’ nature is shown in the things we were told to put on in
Colossians 3:12-15. Thankfulness and joyful hearts should be marks of our
Christ-like character. Jesus’ title is “Lord (kurios)” which means “master” or
“owner” and is a term of respect. As His precious children, we respect and
honor Him with songs from the heart.

“God the Father (theos pater)” is always caring about us, loving us, and
helping us. Because we are His children, this really gives us something to sing
about. Let us do everything for The Father with a happy and thankful heart
living to delight Him in our attitudes, singing, words and deeds.

- JESUS LORDSHIP IN OUR DAILY LIFE-COL.3:18-4:6

# 1 – Jesus As Lord Of The Family Unit - Col. 3:18-21

God’s The First Building Unit In Society, The Family- Genesis

1:27-28.
In Colossians, so far, we have discovered how a correct view of Jesus and our
relationship with Him changes our speech and attitudes. We have observed the
old things which we are to put off and seen the new things we must put on when
Jesus is our Lord. In addition, we saw that Jesus’ Word is to be in us richly by
means of teaching, counsel, and singing.

In previous verses, we were taught to make our hearts a home for Jesus. Now,
we are to make our homes a place for the heart of Jesus to be
expressed as we grow in relationship to one another.

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The hostile, often cruel, and sexual decadent society of Rome did not strengthen
the family unit. Households needed advice on how to be a family “under” God in
such a society. Here are the Lord’s instructions for a happy household.

Jesus’ New Household Code

Col. 3:18 -21 “A) WIVES, be subject to your husbands, as is
fitting in the Lord . (19) B) HUSBANDS, love your wives and do
not be embittered against them. (20) C) CHILDREN, be
obedient to your parents in all things, for this [obedience] is
well-pleasing to THE LORD. (21) D) FATHERS, do not exasperate
your children so that they will not lose heart.” NASB

A) A Better Household Code Through Jesus

Colossians 3:18-21 is God’s plan for family life. We mishandle this text
when we pick out one family role and separate it from the rest. The family
roles of husband, wife, and children are one unit and must be dealt with “as a
whole” or, more correctly, as “a household”. We should not be listing the duties
of a wife without including the husband’s duties. We would not list the parents’
duties while leaving out the children’s. Slaves often lived with the family and are
included in these instructions of the family unit. No doubt, some of these
servants or slaves were believers in Jesus.

B) The Household Code Of Paul’s Day

Paul addresses the family unit to show believers the
dynamic change that Jesus makes in the family. To
appreciate that change, we need to know
something about the Roman household.
“The Roman household (familia) structure was
very similar to the Greek household structure. The
ruler of the Roman household was called the
paterfamilias. His wife, children and slaves were
subject to him until his death. It is important to
Figure 3:9- Roman understand that the household code in Ephesians is
mother and child not referring to three separate sets of relationships
(husband and wife, father and children, master and
slaves) It is referring to the relationship of one person, the paterfamilias
(father), to the rest of the household.” (2) James S. Jeffers. “The Greco-Roman
World of the New Testament Era: Exploring the Background of Early
Christianity. Downers Grove, IL: 1999, 86-87.
In Colossians 3, 18-21 we see the male as the head of the family and in his role
of husband to the wife, father to the child, and master to the slave. The father is
largely in the focus here. If the man is operating properly in his household, it
will go a long way in solving problems.

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Famous philosophers like Plato and Aristotle would have said that the father
(pater) of the household (familias) should exercise all authority over every
person in his house. However, Jesus gives a richer spiritual household code
where love, not authority, is the rule. The Roman household code gave the
father automatic social superiority. In Jesus, submission is given to the
father of the household not because he is superior to other family members, but
because he loves his family, provides for his family, and nurtures his wife as
Christ nurtures the church, Eph 5:29. Because of this care for his family, a
believing father is loved and respected. He does not claim superiority just
because he was born a male. No wonder family members will defer to such a
man who has their best interest at heart.

Imagine the surprise of Jewish men to hear that a male could exchange his
traditional role for a higher role! The Jewish man’s prayers included the phrase,
“thank you that I was not born a woman.” The Jewish leaders and the Roman
priests generally had a very low view of women. At that time, the Jesus’
movement had now come to both Romans and Jews. Believers in Jesus
appeared to be a cult to many. This was troubling since other non-Roman cults
had arisen and had taken wives away from the family religion and Roman
household codes. Yet, believing husbands were treating their wives and
children with a new love and respect and they were responding to this new
treatment in a positive way. Practicing the teachings of Jesus was actually
strengthening the family unit.
Paul shows how the family believing in Jesus is enriched by God’s
household code, by the new dignity it brings to each family member. How
does he do this? He does this by showing that every believer should live a
humble life like Jesus lived. In Luke chapter 22, verses 24–27, Jesus showed
that being a servant is the best and highest place in His new
kingdom. Jesus, so great in power, does not exercise it to control and demand
things of others. Instead, He invites us to His service and companionship.

Paul also teaches that all believers are a new spiritual household together
under the Heavenly Father’s Household Code. This new spiritual family is a
model for the earthly father to follow. He describes the oneness of the Heavenly
Household Code of God’s spiritual family in Ephesians 2:18-19.
“18) For through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the
Father. 19) So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow
citizens with the saints, and are of God's household.”

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C) In This New Household (samaj*) Of Jesus, We Are All
Called To Submit To Each Other:
Ephesians 5:21-24 “21) And be subject (hupotasso- 5293, Strong’s
Concordance) to one another in the fear of Christ. 22) Wives, [be
subject] to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23) For the husband is the
head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the [samaj* sk] church, He
Himself being the Savior of the [samaj*] body. 24) But as the church is
subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in
everything.”

The word “subject (hupotasso)” is made from two words. “Hupo” means “sub”
or “under”, and “tasso” means to “voluntarily place one’s self.” It is
something you do yourself; no one forces you to do it. Looking at verse 21, we
see the code in Jesus’ new household is for all believers to submit, subject, or
defer voluntarily to each other after first submitting to Him. The word “defer”
means to show respect for others and a willingness to serve them.
It is “ALL Believers Submitting To Each Other (husbands, wives,
children, masters, servants, etc.).”

All this submission was unheard of in the Greek and Roman household codes.
There, the man was king, ruler, and sometimes dictator. As Craig Keener says,

“Husbands could legally “throw out” babies. They could resort to prostitutes
and make life miserable for their wives, although sleeping with other women
of the aristocratic class or beating their wives was prohibited.” Bible
Background Commentary-NT., IVP, 1993.

What relief Colossian families saw in Jesus’ better household code of

equality of individuals. Our roles and service in a family may be different, but
Jesus makes every member of the family of His new household of equal value.
What a radical new society: Each one loving and looking out for the
other.

All Believers Are To Submit To Each Other And Work As

A Unit In A Well-Functioning Body

In Ephesians 5:24 we read, “But as the [samaj * sk] church is subject to Christ,
so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.” Our
submission to each other is based upon an awe and admiration for
Jesus who, in His relationships with others, submitted Himself to
serve God and all humankind. This resulted in Him being crucified on the

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Cross so that we might come alive spiritually and be part of His great household
of equality.
In describing the evidence of a Spirit-filled life, Paul ends with the evidence of
submission to each other, Ephesians 5:18-21.

In Ephesians 5:21, Paul calls on all who believer to submit to one

another. Unbelievers who did not yet follow Jesus could see a better
community arise in the household of believers. In the Roman and Greek
household codes, fathers were sometimes called to be sensitive to their wives,
children and slaves, but they were never told to submit to them. Paul teaches
such a deep respect for each other that a believer slave voluntary submits to his
master. Then, to the shock of Roman society, he says a believing master also
submits to his slaves. Paul calls on masters to “do the same things [submit] to
them (slaves)”, Ephesians 6:5–8. This mutual submission is a new approach to
unity, listening, and working as one caring community.
This equal submission is also a brand new way to run a
household. Instead of the “paterfamilias” Roman model, it is a
new model. The author invented the term “Kurio Familias
Model” or “The Lord’s Model” to describe Heaven’s household
code for the home. The living Jesus becomes the head of the
entire household since, by His love and life, He has shown
provided a peaceful and caring way to live. When the Lord of
Heaven came to earth, He submitted up to the point of death on
the cross for the good of others. Awe inspiring!
We may ask, “Why did so many ancient societies insist that the Figure
wife, without question, obey the husband?” The marriage 3:10-
contract might even state that the wife was to be quiet and South
obedient to her husband. Greek and Roman thinkers could not Indian
see a wife as an equal any more than the Jews. One reason was Bride
the unusually large age difference between the husband and wife. -Source
This was because, from a young age, men were away serving as unknown
soldiers. Often, Greek men were in their thirties when they
returned for service and they then married teenage girls.
In Ephesians chapter five and verse 33, Paul gives us God’s heart. He does not
say that a wife is to submit to her husband as if she is a slave. She is to “respect
(phobeo, Strong’s’ #5399)” or reverence her husband. It is the husband’s love,
nurture, and provision for her that brings out that reverence. We reverence
Jesus for His love, His nurture, and His provision for us. It is an earned respect;
an earned love. First John 4:19, “We love Him, because He first loved us.”
Believers are a new spiritual body in society created to express Jesus and His
methods among a fallen social order. The Holy Spirit living in believers helps
them to get along with each other by lovingly submitting to each other. We do

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this “out of reverence for Christ”, who submitted Himself to God’s will on earth
by giving Himself for others when He died on the cross, Ephesians 5:2, 25.
Jesus gave us the ultimate example of submission to follow, First Peter 2:21.

D) Submission Comes From Humility - Paul uses the

voluntary word for “submit (hupotasso)”, rather than “obey”.

Submission is better than obedience because it means service from a loving

heart. You can easily make someone obey you if you have a weapon, money, or
are much stronger. That is a very poor and one-sided relationship. Is it not
much better to submit out of love and respect rather than practice family
violence as a way to control others? This would end the family violence which 1
in 5 married women experience daily in India.”
www.news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/1178714.stm-19- Feburary-2001

Being submissive to one another is an attitude of heart. It is a lifestyle of serving

one another by love. If we submit to each other in love, we will do anything we
can to help the other family members. The Roman Household Code where the
father expected everybody to serve him is different
from the Lord’s Household Code. The believing
father actually receives more honor from the Lord’s
system since he receives more opportunity to show his
love to the family by serving them instead of just
bossing them. The Roman Household Code pointed
out how a husband should rule his wife, but we
discover that God’s new household code points out
Figure 3:11- Sikh
how to love one another. The challenge given is to
wedding-North Indian grow in a relationship of mutual love and service. We
do not just obey rules from a male because he is
physically stronger, has money or more authority. Instead of ruling the wife, the
husband is to be like Jesus in loving his household. The earthly husband is then
nurturing his wife, showing her love in action, encouraging her to her full talent
and potential, providing for her, and being willing to sacrifice all for her. The
father of the earthly family is to be the prime keeper of this holy flame of
love and service in Heaven’s new Household Code.

 Requirements Of Wives Who Love God

* These instructions are written to believers.

A) VERSE 18-“Wives, be subject (hupotasso) to your husbands, as is

fitting in the Lord.” “Subject” is defined as “to place or rank under.” The

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New American Standard Exhaustive Concordance (NASEC). It is 5293 in
Strong’s Concordance.

1) Be a team-member with your husband. “Subject”, indicates a

governmental order in a team effort. This Greek word was used for military
personal working together. It means to defer to or volunteer to another
by free choice.

2) Help and please him. God’s Word teaches family success through good
order in the home. In First Corinthians 7: 33, 34, God calls for “shared caring”
in marriage. The husband is to find out “how he may please his wife,” and
the wife is to aim “to please her husband.”

3) Serve Your Family based on the inspiring example of serving

others, which Jesus gave while on earth. In fact, both husbands and
wives are to be subject (submitted- hupotasso) to each other in reverence for
Christ. The basis for this new approach to relationships is “out of reverence for
Christ”. In Ephesians 5:21, the wife pleases the husband with loving
submission as a team member, while he pleases her by leading with loving
loyal authority.

4) Help your husband because he has a big responsibility and

assignment from God to care for his whole family. Someone may says,
“But the Bible says that the husband is the head of the home.” Yes, it does say
that. Ephesians 5:23 reads, “For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ
also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body.”
However, it says He is the head to his wife “as” Christ is the head to His body of
people called the church. What kind of headship did Jesus exercise? We read
about that headship earlier in Colossians 2:19 “and not holding fast to the head,
from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and
ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God.” So if you want to be the
family head like Jesus, it will mean you will not be dictator over your family.
Instead, it will mean i) serving, ii) supplying, and iii) being the source from
which the smallest members of your family grow in God.

SOME OF INDIA’S DISTINGUISHED LEADING WOMEN

Figure
Figure 3:13 Figure
3:12
3:14
Lata
Indira
Mangeshkar Kalpana
Gandhi
Chawla
Singer
Prime
Astronaut
Minister
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  Requirement Of Husbands Who Love God
B) VERSES 19- “Husbands” are to “love (agapao)” their wives and not
be “embittered (pikraino) against them.”

1) Husband must show love for their wives. Thayer describes agape love
as “to welcome, to entertain, to be fond of, and to love dearly.” Thayer’s Greek
Definitions (TGD). This kind of love makes it impossible to be “embittered”
toward a wife. These verb means “keep on loving” your wife.

2) Husbands must not become inwardly bitter toward their wives.

Embittered is “Ill-tempered and provoking … Many who are polite abroad are
rude and bitter at home because they are not afraid to be so there.”, JFB.

Poor treatment of a spouse is a reflection on a person’s poor character. Women

should be encouraged to become all God meant them to be.

* Of course, husbands and wives have other responsibilities but the ones given
here are the cornerstones of a good family life.

  Requirement Of Children Who Love God

C) 1) The requirement of children to their parents is obedience.

VERSE 20 –“Children, be obedient to your parents in all things,

for this [obedience] is well-pleasing to the Lord.” Children must
learn that the reason to obey the parents is to first be “Well-pleasing

Col 3:21 “Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that

they will not lose heart.” NASB
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 (euarestos)” to the Lord Jesus. The Lord is always the loving higher
authority. Children, who understand that they are pleasing the Lord when
they obey, tend to grow up finding it easier to serve society. Childhood
obedience now, develops character for good citizens later.

  Requirement Of Fathers To Children

D) 1) Restrain from making actions and demands that irritate them and
discourage their development.
VERSE 21- “Fathers do not exasperate (erethizo) your children”.
Exasperate means to irritate. “Children” are “discouraged” or “disheartened” by
constant faultfinding. Not only must the husband avoid being “ill-tempered”
with his wife, but he must “not irritate his children with constant demands.”
2) On the positive side, Ephesians 6:4 tells fathers how to raise children:
“bring them up in the training [paideia] and counsel [nouthesia] of the
Lord.”

Fathers must protect their

daughters. This is Figure 3:15
especially true concerning Happy father and
female infanticide and children-Rajastan
oppression. It is against
God’s plan for females to be
treated as second class citizens or non-persons. In some parts of India,
diagnostic teams with ultrasound scanners, which detect the sex of a child,
advertise with catch lines such as; “spend 600 rupees now and save 50,000
rupees later.” They mean “by paying for ultra sound now to see if it is a girl
baby, you can save the marriage dowry of 50,000 future rupees by aborting the
female fetus.” (www.newint.org/issue230/update.htm).
In the family unit, the man is to be the leading and nurturing officer; doing all
for the good of all in his family. Men, serve God together with your wife. Realize
that you are equal before God, in spite of having different roles. These, then,
are God’s rules for a happy and successful family life.

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 # 2 – Jesus As Lord In Work And School Life- Col. 3:22-4:1

Col. 3:22-24 “(22) Slaves, in all things obey those who are
your masters on earth, not with external service as those who
merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the
LORD. (23) Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the
LORD, and not for men, 24) knowing that is from the Lord you
receive the reward of the inheritance. It is Christ the LORD
whom you serve.” NASB

When Paul wrote Colossians, many people were employed as Roman household
slaves. At the peak of Rome’s Imperial period,
historians tell us that slaves outnumbered free
Roman citizens. Ancient Rome saw slaves as a way
to develop and build up its society and used them in
building, farming. Household jobs, and even tutoring
their children.
Where did all these slaves come from? Rome
gathered slaves mostly through wartime victories
Figure 3:16 – as other civilizations had done. The defeated
peoples were brought back to the Italian peninsula
Roman slaves
and sold as slaves to those who could afford them.
If a slave-mother had a child, that was a bonus for
her owner because the child became his “born slave”.
In addition, the poor sometimes sold their children as slaves to the rich when
they had no food or when a spouse died. This has also happened in our beloved
India. Rather than die of famine, a man might even sell his wife as a slave.

As Roman society began to decline, some owners found that instead of buying
slaves, it was cheaper to pay a servant just to do some jobs like washing instead
of fully employing a slave. Today some in India pay for a servant to come and
do just a few daily jobs and then leave. The servant then goes on to others
houses.
Richer Roman citizens first turned to paying servants for “some jobs”, rather
than buying a fulltime servant. Faced with further shortages of slave labor, the
landowners of Roman farm villas began loaning plots of land to village workers
in exchange for some of the crops grown on them. In exchange, the Roman

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master provided military protection and some justice for his tenants. Now, the
Roman “landowner” and “land worker” needed each other.
In the late Middle-Ages (1,300 to 1,500 A.D.), the social classes under-went
great changes in Western Europe. A growing population needed products from
the merchants, the craft classes, and the labor of common people. This allowed
workers to demand better conditions. As the Western World turned from being
an agricultural society to a commercial and manufacturing society and as steam
and electrical power ran bigger machines, many people work for daily wages as
employees. We can easily see that just as the slave had to obey his master and
do his best, so today’s believer has to obey his supervisor and do good work for
his wages. Because of faster methods of manufacturing, employers and slave
owners needed less people for hard labor: This left some people free to get some
level of education.
Paul tells the Christian slaves to serve their masters, even when they are not
watching. The Lord Jesus is always watching. This is not an endorsement of
slavery. Paul is just telling how to behave in a work environment that already
exists. Paul also tells believers to obtain their freedom if they can, 1 Corinthians
7:21. It is Jesus who sees your heart, so work to please Him. If the boss does not
like your work, Jesus knows that you did your best for Him.

THREE DAILY LORDSHIP WORK PRINCIPLES

*Notice below in Colossians 3:23-25 there is still an emphasis by the
Holy Spirit on the Lordship of Jesus in daily life.

1) Do your work with all your heart to please The Lord, verses 22-23.
2) Do it knowing that you will receive a reward from The Lord. Believers will
always be paid when they do their work to the Lord, even if it is in Heaven,
verses 24.

3) Remember, you serve Christ The Lord in your work, verse 24.

Colossians 3:25 “For he who does wrong will receive the

consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that
without partiality.” NASB

A WARNING TO ALL- Verse 25 is a stern note of warning. It tells us

that Jesus has to treat everyone the same. Jesus is always fair. There is another

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side; He cannot cancel the law of results for wrong actions. He can forgive it.
Yet, being unfaithful to our spouses, our children, and our employers is being
unfaithful to the Lord Jesus since our lives belong fully to Him. You and I have
to take the results of our actions.

Unfaithfulness and doing wrong can remove a believer’s reward in Heaven

and injury our lives and the lives of others on earth.

Therefore, let us be good and faithful believers, good and faithful marriage
partners, good and faithful parents, good and faithful employees, good and
faithful employers , and good and faithful servants.

In Colossians 2:18, we already heard Paul tell the Colossians that false doctrine
could remove their reward: “Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by
delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on
visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind…” NASB
Unfaithfulness in spiritual life, family-life, work and school causes us
to lose our reward, and we receive harmful results for our wrongdoing. If you
lose something good and then pay for something wrong, that is two losses.
Imagine being in Heaven with few rewards? However, Jesus cheers us on. Jesus
is so happy to reward us that He said, “And, behold, I come quickly; and My
reward is with Me, to give everyone according as his work shall be”,
Revelation 22:12.
In view of rewards for faithfulness to family, work, and our study, let us make

OUTLINE OF COLOSSIANS CHAPTER THREE

FOR TEACHING AND SPEAKING
“Modern-day slaves can be found laboring as servants or
concubines in Sudan, as child "carpet slaves" in India, or as cane-
cutters in Haiti and southern Pakistan, to name but a few
instances. According to Anti-Slavery International, the world's
oldest human rights organization, there are currently over 20
million people in bondage.” www.infoplease.com/spot/slavery1.
Downloaded October 16, 2005

Jesus Lord in these areas daily.

MAKING JESUS LORD EACH DAY- Colossians 3:1-4:1

 Our Present Place In The Lord Jesus-Verses 3:1-4

i)A New Place- Spiritually Raised With Jesus-V3:1

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A. “Seek to live a full new life”. Since you were raised up, and made spiritually
alive, seek to live connected to eternal things (v. 1)
ii) A New Mindset- Seek The Things Above- 3:2-4:
A. “Seek” lasting spiritual things because Jesus is reigning above all in
everlasting victory (v. 1).
B. “Renew” your mind to live for Heaven’s values while on earth (v. 2).
C. Jesus now lives through you (v. 3). You do not exist just for earth’s fading
glories. You have died to earth’s godless values, embraced Jesus’ Lordship, and
eternal purposes and values in living your earthly life.
F. “Live with an up-look” toward Heaven and its purposes until Jesus comes to
receive you (v. 4).

 OUR NEW PRACTICE OF PUTTING OFF SIN

Chapter-3: Verse 5-1 to Chapter 4:6
2a) “PUT OFF” THE OLD SINFUL LIFESTYLE Col. 3:5-11
V. 6-These Old Things Earned God’s Anger
We no longer follow the old life. We count on the new life to remove the
following lifestyles which we have “put off’ and asked forgiveness for (v. 5) :
(a) Immorality, which is every kind of sexual immorality.
(b) Impurity or uncleanness, which usually refers to moral impurity and moral
faults.
(c) Passions, which usually refer to desires which have become uncontrollable in
following selfish, fruitless, and useless activities.
(d) Evil cravings and feelings, which are desires that push us to do wrong.
(e) Greed which uses up all time and energy to collect more than needed, and
cares for things more than for God. This is idolatry. * Note that all of the above
hurt others, and rob your life of God’s best for you.

The “Things Below” Are “Put Aside” By The New Person. THESE
“THINGS BELOW” WERE DOMINATED BY THE EVIL SYSTEM OF SATAN ON EARTH –
BUT NOW WE HAVE PUT THEM ASIDE (V. 8):
Col 3:8- Put Aside The Three Attitude Sins Of The Heart:
1. Outer blowing up wrath and rage.
2. Inner bitter boiling up anger.
3. Storing up evil purposes (malice) and bad feelings toward people.
We Have “Put Off” The Three “Speech Sins”- Col 3:9-10:

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4. Blasphemy, which slanders and insults others.
5. Abusive speech of obscene and dirty words.
6. Lying, or misrepresenting truth.
These six sins destroy unity, destroy relationships, bring division, and create
fertile ground for the devil and false doctrine. We put aside these sins by putting
on the new self as seen in verses 10-15.
2b) “PUT ON” THE NEW LIFESTYLE - Col. 3:10-17
Col. 3:10-Jesus, Our Heavenly Tailor, Helps Strip Off Our Old
Spiritual Nature And Put On The New:
A) By putting a new heart is us and by making us of equal value with an equal
salvation, V 11 (Ezekiel 36:6, 2 Corinthians 3:6, Ephesians 4:27, and 2
Corinthians 5:17).
B) By making all believers become one equal caste of kings and priests to God
(First Peter 2:9, and Revelation 1:6, 5:10).
C) i) Jesus is spiritually renewing us and increasing our knowledge. ii) This
renewing helps us grow into His image( Eph. 4:24, Col. 1; 15) , so that, iii) The
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit all work together in us.
V. Col. 3:11-When We Look At God’s Other Children, We
Should Not See Labels Such As:
a. Educated, or Greek. b) Jews, or spiritually informed. c) Barbarians, or
uneducated and unlearned. d) Scythians or untouchables. e) Slaves, or poor
people owned by the rich. f) Masters who own servants.
India’s true believers have to practice Jesus’ equality, and put away caste
divisions, in order to reach its people. This will be a revolutionary mental
change for most Indians. Many people will be attracted to the love of Jesus this
way. This must be a visible demonstration in our prayer halls and assemblies.

In the Sikh Gurdwara, everyone sits as equal. Believers in India must remove
caste distinctions also to show equality in Jesus.
WE MUST PUT ON NEW SPIRITUAL FABRIC
I) Col. 3:12 -We Show Jesus To Others By The Fabric Of:
a. Compassion that moves us to action for others.
b. Kindness, or a gracious approach, to all “kinds” of people.
c. Humility which moves from our self-centered “I” to the inclusive other-
centered “we”.

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d) Gentleness mastered by patience with difficult people and
e) Long-suffering and victory in tough circumstances.
ii) Verse 13-And By Being Clothed In A New Way In
Dealing With People By Spiritual Help in:
i) Allowing for others’ weaknesses.
ii) Always forgiving others t0 the same depth and extent as Jesus forgave us.
iii) Col. 3: 14-15- So That Love Is Seen In Our Actions:
a. Because heavenly love (agape) is God’s glue for unity.
b. And (agape) love ruling in the heart brings heavenly peace (v. 15).
c. And love and peace is the best atmosphere for thanksgiving to grow.
Where there is thanksgiving for Jesus’ Cross and for each other, dividing
doctrine cannot easily survive.
2c) DRESS YOUR HEART IN GOD’S WORD- COL 3:16-17
I) Make A Home For God’s Word Inside –Verse 16
i) By receiving and practicing Bible teaching, and ii) by counseling one another
by the use of:
(a) God’s Word, Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. This singing must be
"spiritual" or devotional worship and may include musical instruments. This
worship must be aided by the Holy Spirit’s gracious inspiration and energy.
Jesus’ name and sacrifice must be the theme of every true spiritual
song. Otherwise, the song is of little spiritual value.
II) Col. 3:17-Put On Thankfulness In All Things:
A) By being thankful in all things (not for all things).
B) And show thankfulness by doing all things in harmony with Jesus’ name,
which means according to His character and purposes for your life.

Jesus As Lord In Our Personal Devotions And Witness To

Others. See Colossians 4:2-6 (*continued from 3:18)

JESUS’ LORDSHIP IN DAILY LIFE Col. 3:18 To Col.

4:6
A) Col. 3:V18-21-Jesus As Lord In Our Family Life-
a. Learn to look at Colossians 3:18-21 as one topic, seeing husband, wife, and
children as one family unit of different abilities and gifts. Each member

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 of the family unit should take Jesus as “Kurios Famalias [Lord’s family
model]” and thus rise above the Greek and Roman “pater famalias [human
father family]” and societies’ models.
b. Wives, help your home to be orderly. Serve in the Lord’s army under your
husband’s leadership. Make Jesus Lord over the whole home, 3:18.
c. Husbands, lead your family by sacrificial love (agape) and without bitterness.
Just as a good sergeant would die for his men, look after your wife and children
who have been given under your charge by the “Captain of your salvation”, 3:19.
d. Children, obey the loving team of mom and dad in the things of the Lord.
Your obedience helps family unity and stability. Obedience also builds a solid
foundation for your child’s future since respect and obedience are requirements
for adult success. * A child’s obedience invites Jesus’ blessing upon that child,
Eph. 6:2.
e. Fathers must encourage their children and not frustrate, put down, or
discourage them. Nurture, counsel, teach and raise them to deal properly with
the tough realities of life. Since children belong to Jesus too, raise them so they
may be used for His purposes, 3:21!
Col. 3:22-25 -Jesus As Lord In Our Employment/ School Life
The requirement of servants (workers) to the (earthly masters) employers and
teachers is obedience at home, school, and work because:
(1) Jesus is watching you work, and He wants you to do it well. When you do
your work and study with joy, it pleases Jesus especially if the teacher or
supervisor is not watching.
(3) And as you please Jesus, He will help you and reserve your reward in
Heaven for your faithfulness in daily life.
(4) And, if employers or teachers mistreat you here, they will later have to
answer to Jesus, the Master of the Universe.

COLOSSIANS CHAPTER FOUR

SESSION One- Verses 4:1-6

Chapter four continues to deal with our daily work in

the light of our Heavenly Master, The Lord Jesus.
Our work is to be done with a prayerfulness and
thankfulness. In Colossians 4:2-6, we learn that we are
to live a life of witness by our words and conduct and

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by making the most of our time on earth. We do this by personally knowing God
and knowing how to relate to people.
In the remainder of chapter four (4:7-18), we see the necessity of building
relationships with other faith communities: The Colossians relationship to the
Laodiceans is an example of how to function as members of the same “team”
or “body.” As we grow as a team, we can fulfill God’s will together on earth.
Also in chapter four, we will also discover things that would lead us away from
God’s purposes. These examples are also personal warnings against spiritual
unfaithfulness.
We must commit others and ourselves to the “grace
of God. This grace is sufficient even if we are in prison Fig 4:1- Team
as was Paul, or if we are free to travel, as was Epaphras Gandhi, Nehru
and Azad
( 2 Cor. 12:9). May God find us always and everywhere
checking the
obeying, loving, and working under His grace as “one time, Wardha,
unit” for the “Good News” of our Heavenly Master. India, August
1935

JESUS AND HIS TEAM AT WORK

AND AT WITNESS- 4:1-6

Everyone likes a winning cricket team. Some have

called cricket the sport’s religion of India.
In Colossians chapter four, we discover Jesus as
Team Master. Every believer is a needed member on Figure 4:2-India
the one team. For example, coir comes from the fiber Vs England 2006
husk of coconuts and is used in India to make rope.
Remember, every strand of coir woven together makes
the rope stronger. As part of God’s team, our love and prayers weave us together
making us strong. Praying team members will be able to take God’s Good News
about Jesus to every door the Lord opens.
The grace of God works greatly when we are a team. We become so busy with
the real story of Jesus’ love that we l have no time for empty and false teachings.
They are not worthy of our time. Only Jesus our Lord and Master is worthy.
From Colossians 3:25 to Colossians 4:1 form “one thought” or one paragraph
about Jesus our Heavenly Master.

Col 3:25, “For he who does wrong will receive the consequences
of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.
Col 4:1, Masters [employers], grant to your [workers] slaves
justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in
heaven.”

* Jesus as Lord In Our Personal Devotions And Witness

To Others continues as an overlap in Colossians 4:1-6.
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We May Outline Chapter Four As Follows:

Jesus is the Heavenly Team-Master - 4:1-7

a) He gives us a team voice in prayer, thanksgiving, and witness-4:2-6

Team Members Have Different Gifts, Yet On The Same Team- 4:7-17
1) Ten team members are given as examples.

Concluding Remarks To Team Members 4:18

i) Signed by a genuine team member- 4:18
ii) Remember an imprisoned team member- 4:18
iii) Grace be upon all members of God’s team- 4:18

Jesus Is The Heavenly Master Of This Team Col 4:1-7

Col 4:1 “Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness,

knowing that you too have a Master in heaven.” NASB

Rich or poor, you have a perfect Heavenly Master in Jesus. He is the Lord,
boss, and supervisor of the universe, the angels, and His body of believers. On
earth, He was able to direct 12 disciples of different personalities and form them
into the foundation for His worldwide people who now number millions of
crores (an Indian crore is 10 million). Jesus is an expert Team Supervisor.

Our Loving Master 4:1

The earthly master or boss is reminded that He has a Heavenly Master. This
tells us that some slaves, slave-owners, and wealthy people in Colosse had
turned to Jesus. In Jesus’ eyes, there are no “poor” or “rich” people. There is
simply “one people” called “His people” and He is their loving
Master.
HE CALLS US HIS OWN POSSESSION AND BINDS US TO HIMSELF
IN EVERLASTING LOVE AND BLESSING
“However, you are chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, people
who belong to God. You were chosen to tell about the excellent qualities of God,
who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. “1 Peter 2:9, God’s
Word Translation.

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Spiritual life is different from normal life. In spiritual life, having Jesus as
your Master actually sets you free from selfish enslavements so that by giving
your all to Jesus, you become spiritually full (Matthew 5:6).

“Slaves (doulos)”, in verse one, of chapter four, was the common Greek word
for a household servant. In Hebrew culture, this term pictures a bonded-slave.
Sometimes, when set free, he loved his master so much that he asked to stay
and serve him. Thus, the bonded slave is now a “love-slave” (Deut. 15:12 & 16,
Exodus 21:5 & 6). A bond servant is not like the bonded labor exchange existing
in India’s villages where child’s labor is exchanged for a loan given to the family.
Paul uses “bond servant” in a positive meaning of “binding" to another in love.
We no longer serve God because we are bound to obey His commands and laws.
Now we love Him so much that we want Him to be our love-Master. We are no
longer bound by sin, Satan, man, or religious laws. We are bonded to our new
Master, Jesus, with a strong love which begins with “no condemnation” and
ends with “no separation” (Romans 8:1 & Romans 8:39).

We are team-servants whose job it is to live out “Christ in us” (Col. 1:27) as the
result of “us in Christ” (Romans 8:1). We do this in our devotions, our family,
our work, our studies, business, and our witness to others because the Holy
Spirit gives us the ability. In six passages in Colossians the importance of Jesus
Lordship in our daily affairs is commented upon: 3:18, 20, 22, 23, 24, and 4:1.
Under his loving Lordship, our lives find fullness and purpose. Every role and
relationship connects us to His purposes for us in eternity. Instead of good
deeds of karma for better reincarnations, they connect to eternal reign and
service to Jesus in that one world to come.

THE HOW TO OF PRAYER

A Team Voice For Prayer, Thanksgiving,
Andhave
Once used for evil, our voices Witness-4:2-6
new purposes of prayer, witness,
andCol. 4:2-6 “V2)These
thanksgiving. A] Devote yourselves
purposes to prayer,
are listed B] keeping
in Chapter Four, verses
twoalert
to six.
in it with an attitude of C] thanksgiving; V3) praying at
the
A]PRAYER- same
“Devote DO time
NOTforGIVE
us as
(proskartereo)” well,
IT UP,D]that
Yourself STAY God
ALERT
To Prayer may INopen upDevote
IT AND
(proseuche)." to us a
OFFER
ITdoor
means “to for
WITH the word,
THANKSGIVING
persevere” so that
and not weup.
to give may speak
Prayer forth the
suggests bothmystery of
a consciousness
of facing
Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; V4) in order and
God and a bold fervency. These prayers seek the will of The King
the kingdom of God first and continually.
E] that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.
V5) F] Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders,
making the most of the opportunity. V6) G] Let your speech
always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that
you may know how you should respond to each person.”

NASB
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B] “Keeping Alert in it [prayer]” means to be alert to requests which are on
God’s heart. The best prayers ask “What or who does God want me to pray for
today?” Watchful prayer finds daily victory over temptation (Mark 14:38).

C] “Thanksgiving (en eucharistia)” means gratefulness in heart and word. The

best prayers include giving thanks which mean “speaking well” of God. Let us
start our prayers with a grateful “hallowed be thy name.” Let us not be afraid to
say “thank God” when speaking of His blessings on our lives.

PRAY ALSO FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO SPEAK ABOUT JESUS

IN A CLEAR AND INTERESTING WAY.

PRAY ALSO FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO SPEAK ABOUT JESUS IN A

CLEAR AND INTERESTING WAY.

Personal and Team Sharing Of Jesus’ Good News

D] Pray That Doors May Open For Jesus’ Message Everywhere.

“Doors (thura)”, mean “entrance” (2 Cor. 2:12 & Eph. 6:19). Prayer is the key
that opens doors for God’s Word.

E] Then, Pray For Clear Speaking Ability About Jesus To Others As

We Go Through That Door.

F] Pray For Good “Conduct (Peripateo)” Or That We “Walk” And Live

Wisely, Taking Every Opportunity Which God Gives.

G] Finally, Pray That We Will Be Able To Speak In An Interesting

Way That Makes Others Want To Know More About Jesus.

Pray for i) wisdom v.5, ii) grace v.6, and iii) salt v.6, as necessary in
our words when sharing the Gospel.

GOD GIVES YOU TEAM MEMBERS. YOU ARE A TEAM-MEMBER TOO!

Beside our personal prayers, thanksgiving, and witness, we are called to be part
of God’s team. We are active partners with the Lord Jesus in spreading His
Good News and establishing His Lordship in people’s lives both at home and in
other states and lands.

Romans 12:4, “4)For just as we have many members in one body and all the
members do not have the same function, 5) so we, who are many, are one

121
body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6) Since we have
gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise
them accordingly...”

COLOSSIANS FOUR- SESSION TWO

 Different Abilities, Yet On The Same Team Col.4:7-17

Col. 4:7-8 “7) As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved

brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the
Lord, will bring you information. 8) For I have sent him to
you for this very purpose, that you may know about our
circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts;… ”
NASB

PAUL’S TEN TEAM MEMBERS HERE IN COLOSSIANS

TEAM MEMBER # 1 TYCHICUS: A Faithful Asian
In India, many are
named after gods.
Some who begin to
follow Jesus change
their former Indian
name to a
“Christian” name.
It does not matter
which god you have
been named after.
Like Tychicus,
allowing “Christ in
Tychicus’ name (Tuchikos) means good fate or
fortune. He was an Asian man (Acts 20:4). Keep
looking for other Asian believers here in chapter
four. Asians were key members of God’s
team in the early history of the Gospel.
Paul calls Tychicus his spiritual brother. We
must approach all believers as equal brothers
and sisters. Never force another believer to be
your servant. This would take away his/her
opportunity to serve you by love, Galatians 5:13.
We are to serve one another in the same spirit of
love through which we serve Jesus. Tychicus is
one example of this.

Tychicus traveled with Paul in later years. Verses 7 and 8 show us the
character of this man. How much like him are you?

“Beloved” - He is a much-loved “brother” by other believers.

“Faithful” - He is faithful to Jesus in all assignments.

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“Servant” - He is one who leads others by serving them.
“Communicator”- He is trustworthy to give/receive sensitive information.
“Good Health”- He took care of his health. Good health is needed to travel to
teach Jesus’ words in physically challenging places and conditions.
“Encourager” – He had the ability to motivate and comfort others.
Paul saw Tychicus as an equal brother and fellow team member. Because Jesus
has saved us from our sins and forgiven our past evil deeds we are all equal
before Him. Jesus said, "One is your Master; all you are brothers" Matthew
23:8. We are servants of The Master together. We must not set ourselves up
over others by boasting of higher titles or degrees through the god of education
and religious accomplishment. We are all equal spiritual brothers and sisters!

Paul calls Tychicus his “fellow bond servant”. Tychicus and Trophimus were
two Asian believers who first joined Paul in Troas, a city in Asia Minor (Acts
20:5). Paul treated them as equal to himself.
The name Tychicus means “fateful". It comes from “Tyche”
who was the daughter of Zeus, the Greek goddess of
fortune. Tyche’s name is from tynchano, which means
rolling dice rolling at birth to decide the new person’s fate.
When the Romans conquered Greek civilization, they
adopted Greek gods renaming “Tyche” to “Fortuna”, or
fortune.
Tychicus’ parents must have wanted good fortune for him.
His parents had hoped the gods would smile on him and
that fate would bless their son. But the one who could have
sought good personal fate became known as the “faithful Figure 4:3
servant” who looked after others. His faithfulness is still in
Tyche, or
the Holy Bible as our example after 2,000 years.
“Fortuna”
Tychicus name appears in four other places (Acts 20:4, 5;
followed by Ephesians 6:21; Titus 3:12; and 2 Timothy 4:12).
These references stretch over a ten year period of service from about 58 to 68
C.E. (A.D.).
Tychicus was from Thessalonica and had traveled much with Paul. He was part
of the group sent by the Macedonian believers with Paul to take a special
donation to the poor and needy famine-hit believers in Jerusalem. Later, Paul
sent him to Ephesus to take Timothy's place in that city. Possibly, as the letter to
Titus suggests, Paul then sent Tychicus to Crete.
During Paul’s Third Good News Tour, he faced a riot with Paul in Ephesus.
This was led by the craftsmen who made idols of silver. Because the people
stopped worshipping idols, business fell off. Some were in danger of

123
unemployment as a result. Some genuinely loved the goddess Diana (Acts
19:23-40).
Even the highest scriptural authority in Hinduism known as the Shruti has said,
“They who worship natural objects, fall into utter darkness.” See Yajurveda
40:9 and Isha Upanishad 12. (* See aforementioned works of Acharya Daya
Prakash Titus, Fulfillment of the Vedic Pilgrimage in the Lord Jesus Christ,
page 211)
Following the riot, Paul went into Greece for three months, Acts 20:3.

Paul was planning to go into Syria, but heard that some opposing Jews there
wanted to kill him. So, Paul decided to go from Greece through Macedonia
instead. Tychicus then joined Paul at Troas, Asia Minor [Turkey] on the trip up
to Jerusalem for The Feast Of The
Jewish Harvest, or Pentecost. In
Paul traveled 6,000 Jerusalem, again a Jewish riot against
kilometers on Good News Paul broke out. The Roman Authorities
Trips number two and three. arrested Paul in Jerusalem, but also
India is 3,214 kilometers protected him, (Acts chapters 21 & 22).
from Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, They later took Paul to the prison in
in the South to Jammu & Caesarea’s fort for two years. Having
Kashmir in the North. To presented himself in five different trials,
travel back and forth would he appealed for a trial as a Roman
be similar to the kilometers citizen by Caesar in Rome. Nero was the
traveled by Paul in his ruling Emperor [The Caesar] of the
Roman Empire at that time. Finally,
called to a trial in Rome, Paul and his supporters
made a sea trip to Rome. But along the way, a
shipwreck put them on Malta’s (Melita’s) beaches.

Tychicus was still with Paul upon his arrival in

Rome. Paul then gained freedom after his first term
in jail there.
Figure 4:4 -Believed
to be the entrance to
Paul’s Roman prison cell When Paul wanted to see Titus the bishop (episkopos)
now under St Guiseppi who was the superintending leader (poimen, or
Church in Rome, Italy. spiritual shepherd) of Crete, Tychicus went to serve in
Crete as interim until Titus got back from visiting
Paul in Rome, Titus 1:7 & 3:12.

Finally, Paul finds himself in prison in Rome for a second time. There he wrote
2 Timothy. He sent Tychicus this time to relieve Timothy (2 Tim. 4:12) who
came to Rome to visit the imprisoned Paul.

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From Fate To Faithful- Team Member Tychicus
The man Tychicus, named for good “fate” by his parents
became “faithful” to God.

Later, Tychicus left Paul in Rome, crossing the land and seas to take Paul’s
“Spirit-inspired letter” to the Colossian believers. What a journey it was for
Tychicus as he left Rome to go all the way to Colosse! Tychicus, going East
from Rome, would cross Italy on foot, then sail East across the Adriatic Sea, go
further East through Greece on foot, and then sail East again across the
Aegean Sea to the coast of Asia Minor (Fig.4:5).
After all that, he still faced a journey of nearly one hundred and sixty
kilometers by foot to reach Colosse in Asia Minor. This was a rugged journey of
about 1,126 kilometers. Paul was not there to watch him and the priceless
letters, which were on scrolls, had to be well cared for during this long journey.
His performance of courier was done with excellence in the eyes of His
Heavenly Master.

Figure 4: 5 From Rome to Colosse is similar in distance from

Mumbai to Agra which is 1197 kilometers by road.

Tychicus faithfully carried five of Paul’s letters to their final destinations. They
are: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon and were written
during Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome, Acts 28:15-31. Later, Paul wrote

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Second Timothy while confined by a Second Rome imprisonment (2 Tim.
1:17).
TEAM MEMBER # 2- ONESIMUS
A MAN FREE FROM SPIRITUAL SLAVERY

Col. 4:9 “And with him Onesimus our faithful and beloved
brother, who is one of your number. They will inform you
about the whole situation here.” NASB

“And with him Onesimus.” Onesimus means “profitable”. Tychicus would

have the company of Onesimus all the way from Rome to Colosse. Onesimus
was a slave who had run away from Philemon, his Colossian master. He
had not lived up to his name and become unprofitable ending up in the large
city of Rome. Somehow, in Rome, Onesimus met Paul. Paul wrote a letter to his
Colossian Master Philemon about receiving Onesimus back again. That story is
told in the small well-crafted Philemon.
We notice in that personal letter from Paul to Philemon, that Philemon had
believers’ meeting in his house in Colosse (Philemon 1:1). Philemon, a respected
man, was most likely wealthy and had slaves or servants. He had a large house
which he was using for a Prayer Hall. In India today, many believers groups also
meet in someone’s large house.
Paul shared the Good News of Jesus with this run-away slave, Onesimus
received Jesus as Savior and Lord. In Philemon 1:10, Paul writes “I beg of
you [Philemon] please, for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my
[prison] bonds...” Paul calls this changed slave, “a son.” It is like the run-away-
son going home again in the story Jesus told. He needs to know if he will be
received home again (Luke 15:11-32).

Paul was graciously requesting Philemon to receive this former run-away back.
“Yet for love's sake I rather beg of you please, being such a one as Paul the
aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.” Philemon. 1:9- The
Expanded Of The New Testament, Kenneth Wuest.

Paul urging Philemon to forgive Onesimus for running away this caused a loss
of production and profit. He asks Philemon to welcome him as a brother in
Jesus. Onesimus needed to go back and face his responsibilities. Furthermore,
Paul must have also been a person with money. He hired his own private house
in Rome, even though under house arrest for two years and awaiting a Roman
citizen’s trial (Acts 28:30). And, he promises to make up to Philemon whatever
funds he was short because of Onesimus’ absence (Philemon 1:19). Onesimus
would start on a clean sheet in his own city.

126
We may also say that Onesimus, in running away from Colosse, ran right into
the arms of Jesus. Paul spiritually trained and mentored him. Like Paul, this
earthly slave learned to become a love-slave to the Master. We read in
Philemon 1:13, “Whom (Onesimus) I would have kept with me, that in your
stead he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel.” I think that
on those hundreds of kilometers from Rome to Colosse, as Tychicus and
Onesimus traveled back with these letters they took time to share Jesus’
message with many others during this journey.
They must have spoken together about Jesus and their hearts burned within as
did the earlier disciples on the Emmaus Road (Luke 24:32). They must have
remembered how Paul and Silas had shown that Jesus was the Savior sent to
restore all humanity (Acts 17:2 & 3). You too are part of the team that helps
people come home to restoration to their Heavenly Master.

TEAM MEMBER # 3 –ARISTARCHUS: A RULER RULED BY

JESUS- (VERSE 10 A)

Col. 4:10 - -“10) a) Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends

you his greetings; and also Barnabas's cousin Mark (about
whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome
him)…” NASB
“Aristarchus, My Fellow Prisoner, Sends You His Greetings”
Aristarchus means “the best ruler.” Here is a Jewish believer with a Greek
name. He was also a native of Thessalonica, Macedonia (Acts 20:4; 27:2).

Aristarchus first appeared during Paul’s years of

ministry at Ephesus in Asia Minor. Earlier, we Figure
noted that a riot boiled up in Ephesus when its 4:6-
idol craftsmen feared that citizens would exchange goddess
witchcraft books and statues of the goddess Diana-
Dianna for Jesus: They could lose their livelihood Picture is
as a result. But God always provides for those who © 1999
turn to Him. JBL
Statues
Aristarchus was teaching the Good News with
Paul and became caught in this riot. The account of the riot says, “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 theater.” (Acts 19: 29).

127
 Aristarchus also went on with Paul to Jerusalem,
and then to Rome (Acts 20:4, and Acts 27:2). Most
likely he was with Paul in the two years in prison in
Caesarea. “And he commanded a centurion to keep
Paul, and to let [him] have liberty, and that he should
forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come to
him.”( Act 24:23). He was still with Paul on the ship
to Rome and became shipwrecked in Malta.

As Paul writes to the Colossians from his prison in

Rome, Aristarchus was still with him. This man who
had been a ruler of men had become the servant of
Fig. 4:7-Paul Jesus and other believers. He was now serving Paul in
shipwrecked at Malta- Nero’s prison. Do you know that you will be at your
Public Domain best when your heart is ruled by Jesus and you serve
others, even if you feel imprisoned by your
circumstances?

TEAM MEMBER # 4 -JOHN MARK: A LESSON IN

FORGIVENESS AND SECOND CHANCES

“And Also Barnabas' Cousin Mark” “Mark (Markos)”, in Greek means

dedicated to the god Mars. John (Ioannes) in Hebrew means “the Lord is
gracious.” John Mark had been with Paul and Barnabas on their first Good
News journey (Acts 13:5) but Mark’s desertion caused Paul to lose faith in
him. When Barnabas wanted to take his cousin Mark along again on the
Second Good News Journey, Paul refused. This disagreement caused Barnabas
and Paul to separate from each other (Acts 15:37-39). In God’s good design,
this separation caused the Gospel to reach two places instead of one; # 1, Asia
Minor through Barnabas, and John Mark. But Paul and Silas were forbidden
to enter Asia by the Holy Spirit, Acts 16:10. # 2, Europe was the new place to
which God directed them by a vision of a man of Macedonia. From there, they
preached in other places in Europe (See Acts 16-18).

When we meet Mark again in Colossians he has matured. He had been restored
to usefulness, probably through the ministry
JESUS IS THE ONE WHO GIVES of Peter. Peter, being a friend of Mark’s
family knew him better than Paul. It was to
US SECOND CHANCES! Mark’s mother’s house in Jerusalem that
Peter had earlier found refuge after his
supernatural release from prison, Acts 12:12.
So, Peter acted as a spiritual father and mentor to John Mark and taken him on
as a Bible training student.. 1 Peter 5:13, “She who is in Babylon [a code name
for Rome], chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my
[spiritual] son, Mark.”

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Peter had also known failure and did not give up on young John Mark. Maybe
Peter remembered the prayer that Jesus prayed for him when he had failed
(Luke 22:33). We, t00, could learn to use our failures to give strength to others.

What has changed in this story? Paul now names Marcus or John Mark among
his co-workers. They are: “Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellow
laborers” (Philemon 1:24). Paul had once rejected this young man because of
his failure; however, Paul welcomed John Mark back after Peter had trained
him. You never know who God will send to work with you in the future; treat all
people well.

Paul tells Timothy, “Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to
me for service.” (Second Timothy 4:11). Paul had the courage to write about
John Mark. It does take courage to give a second chance to people who have
failed. But isn’t this what Jesus does for you?

Mark was a product of the training of Peter and Barnabas. Paul told the
Colossians that if Mark came to them, they were to obey his instructions and
welcome him. They were not to reject him because of his previous failure. We
call Mark “the man with a second chance.” His life is a testimony to
God’s ability to use people who have failed and been rejected by others.

Mark later received a privilege shared by only three other men in history; the
writing of a first gospel: The Gospel Of Mark. Moreover, this was the first
recognized written history of our Lord Jesus. Are you giving others a second
Stopped
chance? Mark’s experience reminds us to be patient, give more editing
training, and
here July
give second chances to help people become good team members in Jesus’ 15-08
body.

TEAM MEMBER # 5 -JESUS JUSTUS: A HEBREW-ROMAN

MAN WHO MET THE JUSTIFIER OF JEW AND GENTILE

Col. 4:11) and also Jesus (Joshua) who is called Justus these
are the only fellow workers for the Kingdom Of God who are
from the circumcision [Jewish], and they have proved to be an
encouragement to me.” NASB

Jesus Justus is a combination of a Hebrew and Latin (Roman) word. Jesus is

“Joshua”, in Hebrew. It means “Jehovah saves”. Justus (Ioustov) is a Latin
word and means “Just”. Heaven’s culture conquered the Roman and Jewish
cultures in the heart of this Roman-Jew. Now, his loyalty is to Jesus alone. His
life’s deepest meaning is being a worker with God and other believers.

“They Have Been An Encouragement (Paregoria) To Me.” Justus was like

a medicine of comfort to Paul in prison. Paregoric is a medicine you can still

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buy. (See site www.britannica.com/eb/article-9058443)

Paul’s demand for a

Figure 4:8-Treatment for a Roman trial had
headache in Karnataka brought him to Rome,
State. Herbal paste applied the city of the Roman
and covered by a leaf. Empire, the center of
then known world.

Lonely and restricted in movement, he would now write the great foundational
letters of the New Testament. In loneliness, he too needed encouragement. It is
not good to be alone ( Mark 6:7).

Are you a good medicine (Paregoria) of encouragement to other team-members?

As Jesus’ Team Members we are to bring His healing influence to each other
and our world. The best way to lessen someone’s sorrows and trials is to take
the ointment of love and prayer to their hearts and minds.

TEAM MEMBER # 6- EPAPHRAS: A DEVOTED AND LOVING

SPIRITUAL FATHER.

Col. 4:12-13 “12) Epaphras, who is one of your number, a

bond slave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always
laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you A) may
stand perfect and B) fully assured in all the will of God.”
(13) “For I testify for him (Epaphras) that he has a deep
concern for you #1) [Colossians] and for those who are in
#2) Laodicea and #3) Hierapolis.” NASB (outlined by author)

Epaphras is from Epaphroditos and means “devoted” to Aphrodite or Venus. It

means “lovely”. Paul especially noted this man’s prayer ministry. He is a “love
slave” of Jesus and is actually found in prison with Paul in The Philemon Letter,
chapter 2:23. Love for Jesus motivated his great prayers for his fellow believers.
No wonder his prayers were answered! His prayers were “prayers of faith,
working by love” (Galatians 5:6).

He “sends you his greetings.” Greetings (aspazetai humas)” mean a

spiritual “embrace”. In this he is like the Lord Jesus who spiritually embraces
us and constantly prays for us in Heaven.

“Always (pantote)” or “at all times.” Epaphras prays

constantly (4:2), fervently, personally, and he prays for
individuals’ needs.

“Always laboring (agonizomai) earnestly for you

Figure 4:9- Jesus
prays in the garden
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in his prayers.” Luke used this same word for labor to describe Jesus’ praying
in Gethsemane (Luke 22:44). Paul and Epaphras both “wrestled” and agonized
in prayers for others. Many of our prayers would be answered if we loved
others more and labored in prayer for them.

“For you in his prayers.” Lovingly praying for others is the work of “spiritual
priests.” When someone keeps coming to your mind
and heart, it is an indicator the Lord Jesus wants you FALSE TEACHERS
to pray for this person. Yes, we are Jesus’ kings and DO NOT LABOR IN
priests on earth praying for others (First Peter PERSONAL PRAYER
2:5).We are team members, serving the Master and FOR YOU
answering as He calls us to prayer.

“WHAT” EPAPHRAS PRAYED FOR IN COLOSSIANS 4:12

#1 #2 #3 -
# 1- That You May Stand Perfect
This Greek word for “perfect (teleioi) is mature”. How will we know when we are
spiritually mature? Jesus made us righteous in our standing at The Cross when
he covered us with the gift of His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). But that is
not maturity. That is our free spiritual standing given in Redemption. We can
never add any good work to that! Since He has already declared us righteous,
what is meant by perfect here?

Our advancing personal relationship with God our Father must continue after
we believe on and receive Jesus as Savior and Lord. We must grow until we love
Him with our whole heart, strength, mind, and soul and we stand firmly in this
love. We must grow up to God’s standard of love for others. In First John 4:18
the same word for being “perfect (teleioo)” describes maturity as growing up
fully in God’s love (See also Matthew 11:30, 2 John 1:6, and Romans 13:10).

When we pray for others, let us pray that they may stand. Having done all to
stand, we stand on holy ground letting the Lord fight our battles (Ephesians
6:13). How shall we stand? We can stand perfectly when we stand perfected in
love. Let us all submit to the Father of love and let Him work out His perfect
love through us as He matures us.

# 2- “Fully Assured (plerophoreo)” is bold assurance. The Heavenly Father

calls each believer to a sure relationship. Know your Bible and Jesus so well
that no one will be able to shake your assurance. Full spiritual assurance is also
maturity (I John 5:13 and Second Timothy 1:12).

1 John 4:16-17, “And we have known and believed the love that God has to us:
God is love; and he that resides (meno) in love is in residence (meno) in God,
and God in him [Christ in us the hope of glory]. (17) Herein is our love made

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perfect [mature], that we may have bold assurance (parrhesia) in the coming
Day of Judgment: because as He is, so are we in this world.” * See Acts 17:31.

God’s mature love within us gives full and bold assurance for present day,
and also for that day in which we will see Jesus. Love and assurance fully
satisfy the heart and are great garments to keep the bugs of false teaching out
of our hearts.

# 3- “In All The Will Of God.” God’s will (thelema) is not a game of hide
and seek. God’s will is found in God’s Word. Ephesians 2:3 uses this same word
for “will” to describe the desires (thelema) or the will of the old sinful nature and
mind. The first step in knowing God’s will is to obey God’s Word and not the
will of our sinful desires and reasoning. When we obey God’s general will as
revealed in the New Testament, and when we seek His kingdom (kingship over
our life), then His personal will for our lives will begin to be easily understood.
We will discover what He wants us to do in our lives and who He has assigned
us to do it with.

God is always more concerned with what you are than with what you are doing.
It is amazing how much spiritual assurance fills our lives when we live out
God’s mature love toward others. That is His ultimate will in us. His goal in
placing us in Jesus and placing Jesus in us is to mature us in love. When we do
His will, we shall stand forever profitable and unmovable, 1 John 2:17.

Philippians 2:13 “For it is God who is producing in you both A)the desire
and B)the ability to do what pleases Him.” International Standard Version
(ISV).
VERSE 13- “He [Epaphras] has a deep concern
for you [Colossians], and for those in
Laodicea, and Hierapolis.”

God called Epaphras to pray for all believers

in at least three cities in Asia Minor:

1) Colosse, means very large. For example, Kolkata,

India is a very large city. No city is too large for prayer
or Jesus’ message of love.

2) Laodicea, means “people’s justice.” It was a few

miles away from Colosse and Hierapolis, and is
known today in Turkish as Eski-hissar. The Syrian
King, Selucus II, named it after his wife, Laodice. It
was a commercial center and was later destroyed by Figure 4:10-
an earthquake and rebuilt by its wealthy citizens Love India for
Jesus

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without any help from Rome. At the moment, Mumbai is the wealthiest city in
India. Wealthy cities need prayer too.

3) Hierapolis means “holy city.” India has seven holy cities. Varanasi or
Benares is the most famous. Like India’s holy cities, Hierapolis had many
temples to the gods. It is believed that Epaphras started Prayer Halls in these
three cities of Asia Minor. He prayed that God’s holy love would rule the lives
of the residents.

This is congregational planting by specific prayer. Mature people want others

to have the Good New of Jesus too. God called Epaphras to pray for the
believers in these three cities. Has God placed any of India’s 500,000
villages, or all of India on your heart so that you just feel you must
pray for them? He can and He just may! As team members, let us pray for
other believers, other people, other villages, and cities.

Team Member # 7 Luke: BELOVED DOCTOR

Col. 4:14 “Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his

greetings, and also Demas.” NASB

Luke (Loukas) is a Roman name. It means “bringer of light”. From this verse we
know that Luke was a physician and that he was well loved by many. Greek
doctors were considered to be medically superior by training. We also meet
Luke in Philemon 1:24 and 2 Timothy 4:11. He was with Paul on his voyage to
Rome (Acts 21:2). Luke was Paul’s personal doctor as well as his close friend.
He was a Greek Gentile who had traveled with Paul on Good News voyages.

In Acts 16:10-12, Luke shows he was with Paul when he

uses the terms “we” and shows that he was by then a
part of Paul’s team. Like Paul, he was an educated and
cultured man. Scholars tell us that his advanced Greek
writing style in his Gospel Of Luke and Acts Of The
Apostles shows his high education. The educated Paul
would enjoy Luke’s scope of knowledge and precise
thinking. Luke was with Paul on the second Good News
expedition, and he was with him for most of the rest of
his life. He attended to Paul’s needs in Rome’s prison.

He was a fit team member for fellowship and discussion

with the equally educated Paul. Jesus needs intelligent
Fig 4:11- Faithful people too. Ask the Lord to make you a “fit team
Dr. Saint Luke member” to encourage others who have similar
interests or training. This is a good place to start to
relate to others on a natural level. Let us become “as” all things to all people in

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order to relate to people and win some (1 Cor. 9:22).

TEAM MEMBER #8– DEMAS: LOSER OF FIRST LOVE.

“And also Demas.” The name Demas comes from Demetrios and means a
follower of the Roman goddess of the harvest, Demeter. Demas seemed fully
devoted to the Lord and was with Paul in Rome’s prison sending greetings to
Colosse. However, in Paul's last letter, Second Timothy, written five years
later, Demas had deserted Paul. He must have shared his frustration with Paul
because Paul tells us why he left the work in 2 Timothy 4:10. Demas loved
(agapao) worldly things and luxury more than God.

“For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and
is departed unto Thessalonica; …”
Second Timothy 4:10

In fact, Paul used a rare word for love to show that

Demas loved the world as his god. True, traveling
Figure 4:12- Box of with Paul meant heat, cold, hunger, night’s awake
Indian sweets for and physical beatings: It was no box of sweets.
happy times. Yet, in difficult days, God gives grace to each
suffering team member; He sends the sweet of
peace and grace to those who keep focused on Him.

TEAM MEMBER #9- NYMPHA: A HOME FOR THE CHURCH

“THAT IS IN THEIR HOUSE” IN LAODICEA.

Col. 4:15-17 “15) Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea and
also Nymphas and the (ekklesia—or called out believers) that
is in his (Nympha’s) house. 16) When this letter is read
among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans;
and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from
Laodicea . 17) Say to Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry
which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it."
NASB

The name Nymphas (Numphas) may be male or female. There are opinions
on both sides. We do know that this person was generous and had a house
where believers met for worship.

This person may have been a wealthy woman. There are many verses

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describing godly women in key roles in the Bible: Miriam, who was Moses
sister, Deborah (judge, military leader), Esther (queen), Hulda, and Noadiah.
Then, elderly Anna was in The Temple at Jesus’ dedication. There was Mary
Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna and "many others" (Jesus’ disciples), the
daughters of Philip (prophets), Priscilla (teacher), Chloe, Mary the mother of
John Mark, Lydia, and Phoebe (deacon, not "deaconess" as translated in the
KJV). Let us admit that some women filled some high offices of leadership
unto the Lord. Elders in Timothy and Titus were required to be males.
However, the Lord does not see women as unequal to men.

The point is not to prove if Nymphas was male or female. The point here is this
person’s example of using what she/he had for the Lord and the brothers and
sisters in Jesus at Laodicea.

For many years believer groups met and grew in the homes of believers as they
did in Laodicea (See Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Philemon 1:2).

Academic, Francis Schaeffer, in his book The Church At The End Of The
Twentieth Century wrote, “There is no biblical norm as to where, and where
not, the church should meet. The central fact is that the early concept of the
church had no connection with a church building. The church was something
else: a group of Christians drawn together by the Holy Spirit in a place where
they worked together in a certain form.”

We know that believers first met in Jerusalem in Herod’s Temple and in houses.
They had close fellowship, few expenses, and focused on helping the poor,
widows, and orphans. Their ministry was service- focused toward needy people.
We must ask today if believers should not spend more on Jesus’ heart for
unreached people, the poor, and orphans and widows. Jesus did not die for
fancy buildings and super ministries. Jesus died and arose for people and they
must hear it! This may require us to construct inexpensive buildings and use
our funds to focus more on services to the lost souls around us.

Verse 16 speaks about a letter Paul sent to the Laodiceans. “It is well
known that the words "at Ephesus" (Ephesians 1:1) in the inscription of the
epistle are very doubtful. The Revised Version (British and American) reads in
the margin, "Some very ancient authorities omit ‘at Ephesus.' Among the
authorities which omit "at Ephesus" are the Vatican and Sinaitic manuscripts,
the best and most ancient authorities existing.” The International Standard
Bible Encyclopedia.

The same source gives other strong evidence that Ephesians was a circular letter
sent to Laodicea and that there is no lost Laodicean letter as some claim. The
people in Laodicea received Ephesians and exchanged copies for the Colossian
letter with the Colossians.

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TEAM MEMBER #10 -ARCHIPPUS: One In Training
“And say to Archippus take heed”. “Hippos” means horse in Greek, and
arch means first “ruler.” Archippus means “horse tamer and ruler”. It takes a
lot of patience, understanding, and skill to tame wild horses. Some people now
following Jesus previously lived a wild lifestyle and must now be spiritually
tamed.

In Philemon 1:1-3 we read, “ 1) Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy

our brother, To Philemon our beloved brother (adelphos) and fellow
worker, 2) and to Apphia our sister (adelphe), and to i) Archippus our
fellow soldier, and ii) to the church in your house: 3) Grace to you and
peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Philemon was a rich believer in Colosse from whom the slave Onesimus had run
away. He was a fellow worker and a beloved brother which means that he was a
key leader. The Colossian assembly met in his house. His wife’s name was
Apphia and she also filled an important role among Christ’s people there. She is
raised to the status of a spiritual sister, a term of equality in Jesus. Associated
with them in the same breath is Archippus. He is important to the believers too.
Robertson’s Word Pictures says, “It is uncertain whether he is the son of
Philemon or not. Apparently he is prominent in the church in Colosse, possibly
even pastor…” At any rate, this notable Archippus is given counsel by Paul.

IMPORTANT ADVICE: STAY FAITHFUL TO JESUS!

Paul’s Counsel to Archippus is “Take heed (blepo)”. “Take heed” is a Greek

verb used for bringing a ship to land. Think of spiritual life as a "ship of faith"
moving through the fog of life. You may avoid dangerous reefs by keeping your
focus on Jesus the Lighthouse. The sea of life will surely
be rough at times; your life will be tossed. If you allow
Jesus to guide your life by His light, then you will finish Figure 4:13-The
your trip with joy! author traveled in
one of these ships
TO THE MINISTRY (diakonia).” Ministry means on the Bay of
“service”. Paul reminded Archippus that his service was Bengal, A.P., India.
a gift from God. Service is not something we do for
God; it is something God does in and through us. This
introduces a radically new attitude toward ministry.
Service (diakonia) is not a lesser person serving a greater
person; Jesus puts servants at the top. Jesus said “I
have come to serve you, not to be served.” Archippus,

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or his family, may have kept and trained horses for service as his name
suggest. Now, he was to allow Jesus to train him for fruitful spiritual service
which was far more important. Spiritual leaders, let us make faithfulness to the
Lord Jesus central to our lives and service so that we may train others.

Could it be that the Holy Spirit placed Archippus’ name last for both
the Colossians and us? The counsel given to him so long ago is still the
counsel we need at this hour: “Stay Faithful To Jesus!” Let the Lord Jesus
train your new spiritual nature so that “Christ In You” may enter our world
again daily through the meekness of a heart tamed by the Master (Matthew
11:29, and Matthew 21:15).

Our list of “team members” started with A) an example of a faithful man,

Tychicus, and ends with B) a charge to a man, Archippus, to be faithful to his
personal ministry. Indeed, this is the charge that the Holy Spirit
through Paul gives to all team members. We are all reminded to
“Stay faithful!”

Why be faithful? Because we have received our appointment to this team “In
The Lord.” We are responsible to Him to “fulfill” his service unto Him.

“Therefore, seeing we have this ministry [service], as we have

received mercy, we faint not” (2 Cor. 4:1).
God’s purposes can be completed in each individual life. Remain faithful to
the service of the Lord Jesus and do not “jump ship”. Hear Him say, “Well
done good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of the Lord.” (Matthew
25:21).

 -Concluding Remarks To Team Members-Col 4:18

Col. 4:18 “18) 1) I, Paul, write this greeting with my own

hand. 2) Remember my imprisonment. 3) Grace be with you.”
The End

1) Signed By A Genuine Team Member- 4:18 - The final greeting at the

end is in Paul’s handwriting. It is an original signature that could be proven to
be Paul’s in a court of law. Personal signatures at the end of a letter guaranteed
genuineness.
Figure 4:14-Paul When Paul signed this letter and gave it to Tychicus
going to prison in to carry some 1100 kilometers, he was showing
the city of Rome- great care and friendship for the Colossians. Now
Public domain

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the Lord has taken great care and sent this letter down through the spiritual
ages to you for your learning, protection, and inspiration. You too are loved!

2) Remember An Imprisoned Team Member 4:18

“Remember My Imprisonment.” Even in signing the letter, the chains on Paul’s
hand filled his Roman prison cell with noise. Was he free? Paul was chained to a
guard. Unlike many false teachers, Paul was prepared to suffer and die for the
genuine truth he had received. In Acts 21:13 we read, “Paul answered, “What
are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be
bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

There are many different kinds of prisons and confinements; the worst being
inwardly empty and imprisoned in heart and mind. That is why Jesus came to
make us full and free. He said in John 8:36 "So if the Son makes you free,
you will be free indeed.” The words “make free (eleutheroo 1659 and 1658 in
Strong’s Concordance)” mean to “liberate”. It was used in the middle of a
discussion where the Jews claimed that they were free because they came from
the physical ancestral line of Abraham.

The word “indeed (ontos)” is translated “in reality.” Hebrews 3:6 says,
“But Christ was faithful as a Son over His house--whose house we are, if we
hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end.” It is the
Son making us His house (Christ in you) that makes us free [liberated]. It is
not our lineage from any other household on earth or our connection to any
religious system. Liberation [moksha *sk] becomes a reality the moment we
give our hearts fully to Jesus as His home on earth. His liberating Spirit comes
to dwell there until our earth-journey is over. If The Son shall make you
liberated, you shall be in the present reality of true spiritual liberation
[freedom].”

While it is not pleasant to be in a physical prison, we will never be really

imprisoned by any jail or circumstance when Jesus lives inside. Still, Christian
love calls us to pray for those who have lost their civic and public freedom
because of their witness for Jesus (2 Timothy 1:8; Hebrews 13:3).

3) Grace Be Upon All Members Of God’s Team 4:18-

“GRACE (charis) be with you.” Grace can also be translated “help”.
Colossians taught us that Jesus is first in everything. He gave us full spiritual
freedom and overflowing fullness. Knowing Him, our spiritual search is over;
Jesus empowers us to live in freedom and fullness now. He does this
by living His life “in us”.

Together, as members in one team, we serve under Jesus’ Lordship. Under His
grace, we stay faithful. His Holy Spirit now lives in us, helping us operate as a
team, until Jesus’ personal return by which He takes us to Heaven. There, we

138
will continue on as one team in one blessed eternal meeting around God’s
throne [satsang- * sk , fellowship around The Truth]. We are God’s eternal
family doing His will while on earth until we enter Heaven and continue to do
His work for eternity. Today, no matter what personal problems,
imprisonments, or confinements we have, His grace is leading us into greater
victory.

Colossians begins and ends with this note of Amazing Grace, Col. 1:2 and
Col. 4:18. “The grace of God be with you; Amen.” Wilson Ji.
Photo Credits Chapter Three
1. Figure 3:1- Sitar musical instrument-
www.chembur.com/instruments/sitar/sitar.htm
2. Figure 3:2- One of our workers, Yummuna, getting daily water in
Maharashtra State, India (property of author).
3. Figure 3:3- Mammon- 1884-5, George Frederick Watts-Public domain.
4. Figure 3:4 - www.theglobalfund.org/en/in_action/stories/tb_india
5. Figure 3:5 - Marwari horse -www.findaridingholiday.com/marwari.
6. Figure 3:6-www.news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/low/cricket/rules_
7. Figure 3:7 –www.flickr.com/photos/milapsinhjadeja
8. Figure 3:8 –Marathi women- the author
9. Figure 3:9- Roman mother and child-
www.pbs.org/empires/romans/empire/family.html
10. Figure 3:10–South Indian bride- unknown
11. Figure 3:11- Sikh weeding-www.sikhs.org/wedding/wed8.html
12., 13, & 14. Figures 12 to 14– distinguished India women- Various internet
pictures- search http://www.webindia123.com. Oct 2006.
15. Figure 15 –Father with children-www.hanshendriksen.net/pics/
/raj42.htm-Dec 2006
16-Figure 3:16 –Slaves-www.lr.k12.nj.us/Cherokee/library/slavery-Oct 15-2005
Photo Credits Chapter Four
1.4:1 Team Ghandi -www.mkgandhi.org/gphotgallery/1933-1948
2. Figure 4:2-www.cricketweb.net/news/photos/1020060323035123
3. Figure 4:3- Tyche/Fortuna- www.crystalinks.com/fortuna.html
4. Figure 4:4 - www.bibleplaces.com/annotations.htm
5. Figure 4:5 - www.matthewmcgee.org/paultime.

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 COLOSSIANS CHAPTER FOUR
TEACHING AND SPEAKING OUTLINE 6.

Figure 4:6- goddess Diana-Picture is © 1999 JBL Statues

7. Figure 4:7 -www.ayurindus.com/user/Rej
8. Figure 4:8 -Praying_at_Gethsemane.htm?

9. Figure 4:9 –Love India-worldatlas.com/ webimage/countrys/ asia/

lgcolo8.
10. Figure 4:12-Box of sweets- www.saharacarehouse.com/landing-
page/index-sweets.asp?gclid=CM68
11. Figure 4:11- Faith saint Luke. Orthodox Saints by Fr George Poulos
Holy Cross Orthodox Press
13. Figure 4:13-The author- Bengal Bay area, South India.
14. Figure 4:14 –Paul going to prison in Rome, public domain.
www/biblia.com/jesusm/paul3.htm

 Jesus- The Heavenly Master Of His Team (V4:1).

a) Masters/employers are to treat workers fairly.
b) They must know that they also have a Lord (Master) who is watches from
heaven.
c) Jesus is the Heavenly Master of all.
1) A Team Voice In Prayer, Thanksgiving, And Witness
(4:2-6)
A) Devote yourself to confident prayer in facing the Heavenly Father -
Verse 2.
B) And keep spiritually alert by seeing what or who God wants you to prayer
about-Verse 2.
C) Practice thanksgiving in frequent and persistence prayer – Verse 2.

D) In these prayers, ask that God may open a door for giving out His Word;
Ask that as the Good News of Jesus is given out, it may enter many open hearts

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and open doors to ever larger group. For this plan, Paul has been placed in
Rome’s jail. However, God’s Word can’t be jailed behind any door of opposition
or confinement –Verses 3 & 4.
E) And, pray that those who announce Jesus will speak with such clarity
that they will bring clear spiritual light to the hearers –Verse 4.
F) Believers Must Behave Wisely Among Unbelievers- Verse 5:

i) By making the most of every opportunity as a gift from God.

ii) In every God-given opportunity they should always speak graciously and with
deep humility.

G) Speak wisely (4:6), i). In a seasoned way use interesting words, ii)which
act like salt and masalas [spices], and which give speech an appealing flavor.

ii) Believers are to use wisdom when speaking to each person (hekastos heis)
or different personality type since different people are under different
circumstances. We must speak into their situation (Col .4:6).

 Team Members – Different Gifts - SAME TEAM

Serving Jesus Requires Team-Work.

A) Lessons From Ten Different Team Members:

#1-TYCHICUS (7-8) is from Colosse and is sent back from Rome to tell the
Colossians all the news about Paul (4:7-8).

a. Tychicus is an example of i) a beloved brother, ii) a faithful servant, and iii) a

fellow love-slave in the Lord.

1. Paul had sent him to Colosse from Rome to deliver the Colossian letter:
2. To learn of the Colossians’ spiritual progress, their trials, and to bring
greetings from Paul’s prison cell in Rome.

3. He was to comfort the Colossians’ hearts. Let us also allow God to make us a
comfort to others.

Summary: Team members must be faithful, serving Jesus wholeheartedly,

interested in other people’s spiritual progress, and be people of comfort, and
encouragement.

#2-ONESIMUS (4:9) - A RETURNING RUNAWAY SLAVE:

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 a. Who will travel from Rome to Colosse with Tychicus.
b. He has now become a faithful and beloved brother and he needs
a clean start and restoration to his legal master Philemon.
c. He too is from Colosse.
d. Along with Tychicus, he will tell the Colossians how and what
Paul is doing while in prison.

Summary: Let us also be faithful, willing, and bring good reports. Let us
help people come back home to their Heavenly Master. He will receive
them and give them a new life with a clean record.

#3-ARISTARCHUS, a fellow-prisoner: a) He sends his greetings (aspazomai) or

“embrace”. By this, he tells the Colossians they are loved (4:10).

Summary: The name of this man means best ruler. Let us be ruled by Jesus as
was A-rist-arch-us so that we are ruled by the “Best Ruler”. The best rulers are
always ruled by “The Best Master (Jesus)”.

# 4-JOHN MARK (4:10) - THE MAN WITH A SECOND CHANCE

1. He is a nephew of Barnabas and he received a second chance when Paul gave
him another assignment.

2. Peter had believed in him and trained him.

3. If he comes to Colosse, the believers are to receive him. The reunion between
John Mark and Paul is to be publicly shared with other believers.

Summary: Like Peter, you and I can make a difference in lives of people by
training and giving them a second chance. Never rule anyone out of God’s
service due to their past failure. God has not ruled you out in your failures.

#5-JESUS-JUSTUS (4:11)
a) He also sends greetings.

b) The above three men (# 3 Aristarchus, # 4 John Mark, and # 5) Jesus Justus
are Jewish; they are Paul's fellow workers for the kingdom of God; and they
have been a good medicine to Paul’s heart and mind. Summary: Let us follow
their example of encouraging our spiritual leaders often and being a healing
medicine to our brothers and sisters around us.

#6-EPAPHRAS (4:12-13) - is from Colosse and is in Rome.

a. He serves Jesus because He deeply loves Him.
b. He sends his greetings.

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c. He agonizes fervently in prayer for the Colossians that they may stand mature
(perfect, KJV) and complete in all the will of God in daily living.
d. Paul confirms Epaphras’ deep care for the Colossians, for those in Laodicea,
and for those in Hierapolis.

Summary: Your care for others is your best character reference. Love much,
greet much, pray much for whole cities and villages, and care much for others.

#7-LUKE (4:14) - the beloved doctor sends greetings. Although he had

exceptional medical skill and degrees he is know more for his love and
helpfulness. Here, he was Paul’s helper.

Summary: Be known for what you are, not what you do. Is the Lord
calling you to be a helper to someone doing a special work for the Lord?

#8-DEMAS (4:14) - he also sends greetings and is with Paul as a team

member in his Roman imprisonment. Later, he forsook Paul because he loved
temporal and material things.

Summary: This is a warning about how love for the world’s goods and
pleasures can trip up even a believer. Learn to love Jesus more than material
possessions. Ask for grace to pay the cost to follow Him even if others turn back
and forsake God’s work: God’s grace is always greater than our hardships.

CLOSING REQUESTS: For the believers in Colosse to greet the

believers in nearby Laodicea (4:15-17). The International Standard Bible
Encyclopedia gives good reasons showing Ephesians as the circular letter which
the Laodiceans received. There really is no lost Laodicean letter.

Summary: Let us fellowship with all believers around us in other nearby

villages or cities. We are to joyfully receive and give fellowship and teaching to
all of God’s children.

#9-NYMPHA - is to be greeted along with the believers who meet in their

house. If your home or anything is needed, use it for the work of Jesus.

Summary: As a team member, whether female or male, put what you have to
good use, which is God’s use.

OTHER INSTRUCTIONS: 1) TRUTH IS FOR ALL. A) Learn As

Much About Jesus As You Can And, B). Pass on good teaching to
others. See that Paul’s letter, sent to Colossians, is read by the believers
assembled in the city of Laodicea, so that believers there may learn more about
Jesus, Col. 4:16. * Note that some in the assembly did not have opportunity to
learn to read and write for themselves yet.

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2) Receive good teaching from others: read the letter sent to the
Laodiceans (The Ephesian Letter), so that the believers in Colosse may also
learn more about Jesus.

# 10-ARCHIPPUS: "Keep an eye on" your service to Jesus, or stay with the ship
until it reaches land. Just as you may have guided and trained horses for the
highway, so train your heart and guide it to Heaven’s highway.

Summary: We all receive the same charge from the Lord Jesus as
this last team member. If you remain faithful to Jesus, and train yourself for
godliness, you always remain spiritually full and free.

 Concluding Remarks To Team Members- 3:18

i) Signed By A Genuine Team Member- Paul’s personal
signature at the end confirms the letter’s genuineness and his team work
with the Colossians (4:18).

ii) Remember An Imprisoned Team Member-1) Receive Paul’s

letters; 2) Remember his prison chains which physically restricted even as he
signed this letter, 3) Pray that God may bless his prison ministry (4:18), and 4)
Pray for all those who suffer for sharing God’s Word.

iii) Final Blessing :"(The) Grace Be With You" (4:18)

Kenneth Wuest reminds us of the use of the definite article (“the”) here, as
“The Grace”. Since Hindi has no definite article (the), we must picture Paul
pointing to God’s grace and saying in Hindi “Ye (this) ek (one)” as a man would
point exactly to which mango he wants when in a shopping bazaar in India.
Paul points to “this one” exact grace of God he mentioned in Colossians 1:2.
This grace comes only from the Father and only through the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is this grace and no other.

In Colossians 1:6, he told them that the Gospel was the grace of God in truth.
This is the “One True Grace”. It will be “with (meta)” you. Thayer says grace
will be [meta] a) with, b) after, and c) behind you. Shanti! Prasada! Peace
and grace covers your whole life through Jesus.

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 God’s grace, which found us when we were lost,
remains with us. It takes us home to the fullness of
Heaven. Then our freedom from the power of sin
will become freedom from the very presence of sin.
Until then, God’s grace be with you all giving you
spiritual fullness and freedom every day.
Sincerely, Wilson Ji

LOOK FOR COPIES OF THIS BOOK IN OTHER MAJOR INDIAN

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wilz007@rediffmail.com

THE END

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