The Fullness Christ

connect 360

STUDY GUIDE The Fullness of Christ Doctrine and Duty a study of Colossians

Tom Howe Ed Jordan Patrick Wilson

BIBLE STUDY GUIDE

Dallas, Texas The Fullness of Christ: Doctrine and Duty (A Study of Colossians)— Connect 360 Bible Study Guide

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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations in “Introducing The Fullness of Christ: Doctrine and Duty (A Study of Colossians),” and in lessons 1–4 and 9–13 are taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations in lessons 5–8 are from the 1995 update of the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission. NASB refers to this edition of the New American Standard Bible®.

BAPTISTWAY PRESS® Leadership Team Executive Director, Baptist General Convention of Texas: David Hardage Associate Executive Director, Baptist General Convention of Texas: Steve Vernon Publisher, BaptistWay Press®: Bob Billups Marketing Coordinator: Stan Granberry Publishing Specialist: Nancy Feaster

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First edition: September 2019 ISBN-13: 978-1-948618-10-6 How to Make the Best Use of This Issue

Whether you’re the teacher or a student— 1. Start early in the week before your class meets. 2. Overview the study. Review the table of contents and read the study introduction. Try to see how each lesson relates to the overall study. 3. Use your Bible to read and consider prayerfully the Scripture passages for the lesson. (You’ll see that each writer has chosen a favorite translation for the lessons in this issue. You’re free to use the Bible translation you prefer and compare it with the translation chosen for that unit, of course.) 4. After reading all the Scripture passages in your Bible, then read the writer’s comments. The comments are intended to be an aid to your study of the Bible. 5. Read the small articles—“sidebars”—in each lesson. They are intended to provide additional, enrichment information and inspiration and to encourage thought and application. 6. Try to answer for yourself the questions included in each lesson. They’re intended to encourage further thought and application, and they can also be used in the class session itself.

If you’re the teacher—

Do all the things just mentioned, of course. As you begin the study with your class, be sure to find a way to help your class know the date on which each lesson will be studied. Here are some suggestions to guide your lesson preparation:

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A. In the first session of the study, briefly overview the study by identifying for your class the date on which each lesson will be studied. Lead your class to write the date in the table of contents on page 9–10 and on the first page of each lesson. • Make and post a chart that indicates the date on which each lesson will be studied. • If all your class has e-mail, send them an e-mail with the dates the lessons will be studied. • Provide a bookmark with the lesson dates. You may want to include information about your church and then use the bookmark as an outreach tool, too. A model for a bookmark can be downloaded from www.baptistwaypress.org under the “Teacher Helps” menu. • Develop a sticker with the lesson dates, and place it on the table of contents or on the back cover. B. Get a copy of the Teaching Guide, a companion piece to this Study Guide. The Teaching Guide contains additional Bible comments plus two teaching plans. The teaching plans in the Teaching Guide are intended to provide practical, easy-to-use teaching suggestions that will work in your class. C. After you’ve studied the Bible passage, the lesson comments, and other material, use the teaching suggestions in the Teaching Guide to help you develop your plan for leading your class in studying each lesson. D. Teaching resource items for use as handouts are available free at www.baptistwaypress.org under the “Teacher Helps” tab. E. Additional Bible study comments on the lessons are available online. Call 1–866–249–1799 or e-mail [email protected] to order the Premium Commentary. It is available only in electronic format (PDF) from our website, www.baptistwaypress.org. The price of these comments for the entire study is $5 per person. A church or class that participates in our advance order program for free shipping can receive the Premium Commentary free. Call 1–866–249–1799 or see www.baptistwaypress.org to purchase or for information on participating in our free shipping program for the next study. How to Make the Best Use of This Issue 5

F. Additional teaching plans are also available in electronic format (PDF) by calling 1–866–249–1799. The price of these additional teaching plans for the entire study is $5 per person. A church or class that participates in our advance order program for free shipping can receive the Premium Teaching Plans free. Call 1–866–249–1799 or see www.baptistwaypress.org for information on participating in our free shipping program for the next study. G. Enjoy leading your class in discovering the meaning of the Scripture passages and in applying these passages to their lives. H. You may read a preview of each new lesson from the Baptist Standard at www.baptiststandard.com. Click on the “Resources” tab. The Baptist Standard is available online for an annual subscription rate of $10. Subscribe online at www.baptiststandard.com or call 214-630-4751. (A free 90-day trial subscription is currently available.)

Do you use a Kindle?

This Connect 360 Bible Study Guide, along with several other studies, is available in a Kindle edition. The easiest way to find these materials is to search for “BaptistWay” on your Kindle, or go to www.amazon.com/ kindle and do a search for “BaptistWay.” The Kindle edition can be studied not only on a Kindle but also on your smartphone or tablet using the Kindle app available free from amazon.com/kindle.

Writers for This Study Guide

Tom Howe wrote lessons one through four. Tom serves as the Associate Director of Missions for Texas Baptists (BGCT). Prior to this new position he served as the Senior Pastor of Birdville Baptist Church in Haltom City, Texas. Dr. Howe is a graduate of East Texas Baptist University (B.S.), Beeson Divinity School at Samford University (M. Div.), and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (D. Min.). He and his wife Amy have three children: Julia, Rhett and Grant.

Ed Jordan wrote lessons five through eight. Dr. Jordan is a graduate of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. He has written and edited a 52-lesson curriculum for new church plants, and two hermeneutic books. He writes a weekly award-winning column for the Idaho State Journal and Gloucester Gazette-Journal, a quarterly column for the Danville Register & Bee’s Southern Virginia Living Magazine, and a weekly blog for the Baptist General Association of Virginia (BGAV.org). He and his wife live in Virginia where he serves as the pastor of Gwynn’s Island Baptist Church.

Patrick Wilson wrote lessons nine through thirteen in this Study Guide and the accompanying teaching plans in the Teaching Guide. Patrick serves as the pastor of Salem Avenue Baptist Church in Rolla, Missouri. Dr. Wilson is a graduate of Baylor University (B.A.), Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (M.A.Th. and Th.M.), and Logsdon Seminary (D.Min.). A native of Texas, he formerly pastored in Austin and the Dallas metroplex. In addition to pastoring, he has taught seminary courses in Old Testament, Hebrew, and pastoral ministry. Patrick lives in Rolla, Missouri, with his wife, Michelle and son, Joel.

The Fullness of Christ: Doctrine and Duty A Study of Colossians

How to Make the Best Use of This Issue 3 Writers for This Study Guide 7 Introducing The Fullness of Christ: Doctrine and Duty (A Study of Colossians) 11

DATE OF STUDY

LESSON 1 �� Great News! COLOSSIANS 1:1–8 15 LESSON 2 �� Paul’s Prayers COLOSSIANS 1:9–14 23 LESSON 3 �� Who is Jesus? COLOSSIANS 1:15–19 31 LESSON 4 �� Hold On to Hope COLOSSIANS 1:20–23 39 LESSON 5 �� The Mystery of Christ COLOSSIANS 1:24–29 47 LESSON 6 �� A Genuine Church COLOSSIANS 2:1–7 57 LESSON 7 �� Fullness in Christ COLOSSIANS 2:8–15 65 LESSON 8 �� Spiritual Intimidation COLOSSIANS 2:16–23 73 LESSON 9 �� How Should I Live? COLOSSIANS 3:1–9 81 LESSON 10 �� Dressing in Style COLOSSIANS 3:10–17 89

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LESSON 11 �� Wisdom for Relationships COLOSSIANS 3:18—4:1 97 LESSON 12 �� A New Message COLOSSIANS 4:2–6 105 LESSON 13 �� Paul’s Unsung Heroes COLOSSIANS 4:7–18 115

Our Next New Study 125 How to Order More Bible Study Materials 127 Introducing

The Fullness of Christ: Doctrine and Duty A STUDY OF COLOSSIANS

Who is Jesus Christ? Two thousand years ago the Apostle Paul wrote a letter to a church in modern-day Turkey to help them answer this question. He wrote this letter because there were teachers called “Gnostics” who were teaching that Jesus really wasn’t God in the flesh. To correct this growing heresy, Paul hammered out some simple, yet profound truths about the identity of Jesus Christ. Although this letter was written long ago, it contains principles and lessons that speak straight to the needs we have in our 21st Century culture. What does it mean to experience God’s fullness? How do you know when you’re full of God? The secret to a fruitful Christian life is found in the fullness of Christ. Need faith? Jesus gives us faith in the fullness of knowing him. Need help loving unlovely people? It is his love flowing out of us that spills out on those close to us. Need hope? It comes when we realize that the “Christ in me” gives us absolute assurance of heaven. The theme of Colossians is “fullness.” The key passage of Colossians reveals the dual aspects of fullness: “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness . . .” (Colossians 2:9–10).

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Each fall our Connect 360 Bible Study series focuses on a book from the New Testament. For a complete list of our studies see www.baptistwaypress.org.

Background on the Church at Colossae

It may be a surprise to know that Paul did not start the church at Colossae (2:1). The founder of the church was Epaphras. The scriptures tell us that the Colossians heard the gospel from him (1:5–7). He was a native of Colossae and planted the church after returning from a trip to Ephesus during Paul’s visit there. His concern for the church was so great he traveled over 1,000 miles to Rome to visit Paul in prison. Paul’s subsequent letter was to warn the church against the growing heresy that contained elements of paganism and Judaism. The pagan culture of Colossae worshiped many gods. The temptation to return to the old way of life must have been strong within these new Christians. Also, Judaism added works to salvation which denied the sufficiency of Christ (2:11; 3:11). Therefore, the sufficiency of Christ or better yet, the fullness of Christ, becomes the theme of the Book of Colossians (2:9–10).

The Book of Colossians in Our Day

In Jesus Christ we see the fullness of God. But the personal application of that doctrine is that we have been given the fullness of Christ. Colossians follows the pattern of truth followed by application. In chapters 1–2, the Apostle Paul provides the doctrinal foundation for who we are; then in Chapters 3–4 we learn what to do. To put it another way, chapters 1 and 2 teach us what to believe, and chapters 3 and 4 teach us how to behave. The pattern of doctrine followed by duty is repeated in many of Paul’s letters. In other words, the Bible teaches us what to believe (doctrine), but then teaches us how to behave (duty). Christianity is more than just knowing the truth. It is living the truth. How will you live? Introducing The Fullness of Christ 13

THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST A STUDY OF COLOSSIANS Lesson 1 Great News! Colossians 1:1–8 Lesson 2 Paul’s Prayers Colossians 1:9–14 Lesson 3 Who is Jesus? Colossians 1:15–19 Lesson 4 Hold On to Hope Colossians 1:20–23 Lesson 5 The Mystery of Christ Colossians 1:24–29 Lesson 6 A Genuine Church Colossians 2:1–7 Lesson 7 Fullness in Christ Colossians 2:8–15 Lesson 8 Spiritual Intimidation Colossians 2:16–23 Lesson 9 How Should I Live? Colossians 3:1–9 Lesson 10 Dressing in Style Colossians 3:10–17 Lesson 11 Wisdom for Relationships Colossians 3:18–4:1 Lesson 12 A New Message Colossians 4:2–6 Lesson 13 Paul’s Unsung Heroes Colossians 4:7–18

Additional Resources for Studying the Book of Colossian1

William Barclay. The New Daily Study Bible. The Letters to the Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press, 1975, 2003. Bruce Barton. Philippians, Colossians, & Philemon. Life Application Bible Commentary. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1995. G. K. Beale. Colossians and Philemon. Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2019. F. F. Bruce. The New International Commentary on the New Testament. The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1984. David E. Garland. Colossians and Philemon. The NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1998. William W. Klein, David E. Garland, Todd D. Still, & Arthur A. Rupprecht. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary. Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2017. Bruce W. Longenecker, Todd D. Still. Thinking Through Paul. A Survey of His Life, Letters, and Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2014. Max Lucado. Life Lessons from Colossians & Philemon. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2018. 14 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

John MacArthur. The MacArthur New Testament Commentary. Colossians & Philemon. Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute, 1992. Alister McGrath, J. I. Packer. Colossians and Philemon. The Crossway Classic Commentaries. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 1997. Douglas J. Moo. The Pillar New Testament Commentary. The Letters to the Colossians and to Philemon. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2008. Kathleen Buswell Nielson. Living Word Bible Studies. Colossians & Philemon. Continue to Live in Him. Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Publishing Company, 2007. David W. Pao. Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. Colossians and Philemon. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2012. Charles Spurgeon. Commentary on Colossians. Waikato, New Zealand: Titus Books, 2014. Charles R. Swindoll. Swindoll’s Living Insights New Testament Commentary. Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2017. Warren W. Wiersbe. Be Complete NT Commentary. Colossians. Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 1981. Ben Witherington III. The Letters to Philemon, the Colossians, and the Ephesians. A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary on the Captivity Epistles. Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2007. N. T. Wright. Paul. The Prison Letters. Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Louisville, Kentucky: Westminster John Knox Press, 2004.

Notes

1. Listing a book does not imply full agreement by the writers or BAPTISTWAY PRESS® with all of its comments. FOCAL TEXT BACKGROUND Colossians 1:1–8 Colossians 1:1–8 lesson 1 Great News!

MAIN IDEA Paul thanked the Colossians for their love, faith, and hope in Christ.

QUESTION TO EXPLORE Does my love, faith, and hope in Christ help me to find meaning in my Christian life?

STUDY AIM To understand that we need to take practical steps to experience the fullness of Christ in our world

QUICK READ You can discover depths of love, faith, and hope that can help you experience a greater fullness BIBLE of Christ and fill any spiritual STUDY GUIDE emptiness you may have.

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Introduction

Colossae, an ancient city that was a leading commercial center for more than 500 years, lost its preeminence to neighboring Laodicea. Like our multicul- tural municipal and commercial centers of today, it was a city with many competing and blended religions. There was even a growing heresy within the early Christian community. Its adherents taught that Jesus was not God in human flesh, but instead, a spiritual emanation that appeared as a human to reveal how one could overcome mental ignorance and the confines of the human body. To that heretical group, knowledge was the key to release from the physical world. The Greek word for knowledge, gnosis, would later give this group its name—the Gnostics. Paul took the Gnostics on directly throughout this letter to the Colossians, while also giving practical guidance about how to experience and live out fullness in Christ. Though mainstream Christianity has long forgotten Gnosticism, its vestiges have held on and even crept back into the contemporary worldview through philosophies and theologies found in New Age thinking and Hinduism and Buddhism, among others. Paul wrote to affirm the coming of Jesus as divine in human flesh (Colossians 1:19; 2:9) and that we are redeemed entirely, including our physical bodies. Paul also wrote about our fullness in Christ and the completion of the spiritual journey—that we are to live worthy lives, bear fruit, grow in the knowledge of God (Col. 1:10), and that we can be brought into fullness in Christ (Col. 2:10). As in his other letters, Paul stated his doctrinal principles in the first half of the letter; then he described how to practically live out Christian lives in the latter half of the Book of Colossians. Though Colossians showcases many theological truths (Jesus: the all-sufficient, supreme, wholly man/entirely God Savior who is the creator, redeemer and sustainer of all things), it offers encouragement and practical steps for us to become completely devoted disciples of Christ. This beautiful epistle should be read as a challenge and a guide to walk the Christian journey. In other words, Paul told us what to believe and how to behave. Facing direct opposition, Paul took a swipe at the Gnostics, who focused solely on knowledge, and challenged believers to go beyond mere knowledge and follow the living truth provided by Jesus, who is indeed truth in human flesh (John 1:14 and 14:6). Lesson 1: Great News! 17

Unlike many other churches in the New Testament, Paul did not start the church at Colossae. He was aware of them but had not met them (Col. 1:4, 9; 2:1). However, two things are true: Paul had great concern for them–and what he heard about them, he liked. He knew the challenges they faced and was confident they would stand firm in the faith.1

Colossians 1:1–8

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God our Father. 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— 5the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel 6that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

Paul Heard of Their Faith (1:1–4a)

Paul commended the Colossians for their faith about which he had heard. Their reputation preceded them. The Greek word for faith is pistis, and it is the combination of belief, trust, and loyalty. It is believing something so much that one acts. It is not merely mental agreement, but the difference between the missionary who goes and stays in a harsh place, and the person who thinks it would be an excellent idea to go and serve in difficult circumstances. It is the faithful pastor who leaves his family, friends, and community, and launches a church in another part of the country—and has the sticking 18 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST power to stay when others would give up. It is the husband or wife who sticks with his or her spouse even when life gets overwhelming and hard. Paul knew that the Colossians had abounding, steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, even in the presence of those who were contentious within their midst. They were committed and loyal disciples, totally trusting Jesus to guide them through all the tough things life would throw at them. Do you have abounding faith when your family rejects Christ and ridi- cules you for following him? Do you totally trust Jesus when you hear the dreaded diagnosis from a doctor? Is your faith steadfast when you stare at the negatives of your finances? There have always been, and there exists even today, Christian martyrs throughout the world who demonstrate a confident faith in Jesus even in the face of death and persecution. Do you have such faith? Do you have an active faith that is loyal to Christ in all ways like the Colossians? “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1–2).

Paul Heard of Their Love (1:4b)

The evidence of the love the Colossians had “for all the saints” had reached Paul. Love is an action verb. The Greek word agape denotes the highest form

The Greatest Hope

Christian hope is a lifeline for believers as we navigate the uncertainties of living in this sin-tainted world. Not diminishing the realities of hope the gospel presents for us in daily life, the greatest hope rests in eternal life, where we will complete the final transition into what God has designed us to be, namely like Jesus. “But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2b). Our hope will be made complete in heaven, where we will embrace the presence of God and dwell forever with him: “. . . we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf” (Hebrews 6:18–20). Lesson 1: Great News! 19 of love one can have for another individual—unconditional, sacrificial, and dynamic love that propels one to support or assist another despite the circumstances. The fruit of the Spirit is love (Galatians 5:22). John wrote, “let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7). Love is patient and kind; it always protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:4, 7). Biblical love is more than emotion or sentiment; it is action. Love is more than wishing someone well; it is taking the burden of caring for his or her well-being. A husband demonstrates love by sitting by a sick wife and making sure she has medicine and food. A sister shows love by listening to the woes of a tough day at work. A friend loves when he maintains the yard of an injured neighbor. A stranger shows love when he cares for one found beaten on the side of the road and left for dead (Luke 10). The Colossians had such love.

Paul Heard of Their Hope (1:5)

Paul wrote, “. . . the hope laid up for you in heaven. . .” (1:5). Hope is the basis for the two actions of faith and love. The Greek word elpis means a “confident expectation,” particularly of joy. It is not blind optimism such as, “I wish upon a star that I might win the lottery,” but rather the hope that is found in a lighthouse being a beacon of certainty in the darkness of the ocean waters. It is also not self-reliant, self-sufficient hope built on personal accomplishment and independence but peace-giving confidence grounded in the person, work, and teachings of Jesus Christ. In Colossians 1:5, Paul designated the true foundation of hope: the gospel. As pastor Edward Mote penned almost 200 years ago, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” Hope is something built through the problematic experiences each follower of Jesus endures, “and not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope” (Romans 5:3–4). Jeremiah spoke of this hope when he wrote, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jeremiah 29:11). The prophet did not write 20 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST about a “name-it-and-claim-it” prosperity gospel, but that as the children of Judah entered into multi-generational, decades-long captivity, God still had a plan that included blessing, hope, and a future for them. Most who first heard these words likely never saw Jerusalem again. They were encouraged to build homes, plant gardens, and raise children and grandchildren while seeking the peace and prosperity of the foreign land in which they dwelled. This was not a hope like the immediate resolution of a thirty-minute sit-com television show. It is a generational confidence that God is in control. It is a reminder for those serving faithfully in harsh situations to stay the course. It is an encouragement for those enduring hardships that God is in control—and that confidence rests securely in him.

Faith, Love, and Hope Produces Meaning in the Christian’s Life (1:6–8)

Authentic Christian discipleship is a plan that leads to gospel-based fullness in Christ, that also has recognizable and measurable fruit. Faith, love, and hope are pieces of evidence of Christian growth, but also the ingredients of it as well. The more you lean into authentic faith (trusting, loyal belief), the more you grow into the person Christ has designed you to be as he empowers you to transform into his likeness. The more you love, the more like Jesus you become. The greater your confidence in Jesus grows, the more you trust his plan for your path. Conversely, the more you grow in Christ, the greater your capacity for faith, love, and hope. It is like developing spiritual muscles. The more you exercise them, the stronger they become. When you neglect the intentional development of your faith, love, and hope, spiritual atrophy can set in. As a disciple of Christ, this growth should permeate the entirety of your Christian journey. Discipleship is the process of moving toward Christ— developing the disciplines, character, and practices to become more like him and strengthening your dedication to him. It includes service, devotion, ministry, worship, and more. Certain aspects of spiritual growth develop from being in community with other believers These include cultivating a vibrant prayer life, fasting, Christian meditation, Scripture reading and memorization, Bible study, Lesson 1: Great News! 21

Practical Need for Faith, Love, and Hope

Imagine that conflict and personal attacks have shattered your small group at church. Although it might be easier to allow the group to dis- solve, what are the practical unification steps of biblical restoration that demonstrate a biblical kind of faith, love, and hope toward one another? confession, evangelism, and many other disciplines. All these disciplines for- tify faith, love, and hope. Whatever we lack in these areas identifies a need in our own spiritual formation; an opportunity for discipleship and spiritual growth. Every Christian—regardless of age, maturity level, or longevity as a believer—has growth areas as a disciple. Let us strive to continue to find our fullness in Christ by growing more and more into him.

Implications and Actions

Paul wrote a letter to the Colossians because of what he had heard about them. Stop for a moment and imagine what others have heard about you. Extended family, coworkers, friends, acquaintances, neighbors, business associates, and fellow church members all have an opinion of you. Now imagine what they have told others about you—good and bad. How has your discipleship impacted your reputation, especially for those who do not know you well, or at all? If the Apostle Paul were to write you a letter today, would he say he had heard good things about you? The answers to the last two questions may very well be your witness for Jesus Christ on planet Earth. Questions

1. Think through the phrase “the fullness of Christ.” Explore what that means to you. 22 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

2. Do you have “belief-only faith”—or faith that has unwavering trust and determined loyalty resting in Jesus? How has that faith helped you in the past?

3. Think of your home life, work life, and church life. In what ways have you demonstrated authentic and active agape love? In what ways have you failed to show agape love? How have you experienced it?

4. How would you contrast the definitions of blind optimism versus confident certainty? When have you demonstrated each kind of hope?

5. Can you look back and see measurable growth in your discipleship? What disciplines are you interested in exploring?

Notes

1. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations in lessons 1–4 are from the New International Version (1984). FOCAL TEXT BACKGROUND Colossians 1:9–14 Colossians 1:9–14 lesson 2 Paul’s Prayers

MAIN IDEA In Christ, we can live lives of fullness and meaning.

QUESTION TO EXPLORE How can I experience a fulfilled life in this physical world, as well as in the spiritual?

STUDY AIM To understand God’s will and live it out as believers empowered by the Holy Spirit

QUICK READ You can know God’s will and do it.

BIBLE STUDY GUIDE

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Introduction

Many people live empty lives, searching for meaning and purpose. In his prayer for the Colossians, Paul provided a solution that is as effective today as it was then (Colossians 1:9–14). In these verses, Paul introduced four foundational themes Christians should apply to their lives: know God’s will, live virtuous lives, receive empowerment, and overcome the dominion of darkness.

Colossians 1:9–14

9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Know God’s Will (1:9)

Here’s the often-asked question to discover life’s path: What is God’s will for my life? The Apostle Paul prayed that the Colossians would know God’s will (1:9). Paul would not pray in vain for something that could not happen. He was confident the Colossians could know God’s will. Likewise, it is equally possible for us to know God’s will today. We all should know God’s general will: act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before the Lord (Micah 6:8), love him and our neighbors (Matthew 22:36–40), and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). These are the foundational tenets of the Christian faith. If anyone ignores Lesson 2: Paul’s Prayers 25 the general will of God, why would he or she expect to receive more specific instruction? Knowing God’s general will teaches us to discern God’s specific will. • You must first surrender your will to him; that is, count yourself as dead, you no longer belong to yourself. “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). “You are not your own; you were bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). • You must spend time with God through Bible study and prayer. Knowing God’s written word leads to knowing his will. • Seek and trust God’s guidance and will to be done. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5–6). “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt. 6:33). • Avoid the desires of this world and allow God to renew your way of thinking through Scripture. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2). • Be obedient in as much as you know, and God will reveal additional steps. “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much” (Luke 16:10). • Ask the advice of godly leaders and mentors in your life. “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed” (Prov. 15:22). • Remove the obstacles of sin and persevere through what God has already shown you. “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1). • Look for open and closed doors, like Paul when the Spirit of Jesus blocked him, but the vision of the Macedonian called him to go into Europe for the first time (Acts 16:6–10). 26 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

Live Worthy Lives (1:10)

We can live worthy, fulfilling lives of meaning and purpose. In fact, as followers of Jesus, we are expected to live eternity-changing lives. This calling is not just for those who serve in full-time ministry-related vocations. The calling to impact the world for Christ is for all people: from both genders and all languages, races, ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. A worthy life may be that of a woman who seeks to live out Proverbs 31, or an individual who wants his or her character to be defined by the qualities of Philippians 4:8: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” As my friend Royce was dying, he told me the Bible verse he wanted high- lighted at his funeral: “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold” (Prov. 22:1). Years earlier, when Royce was attending a Christian university, a professor stopped him on the campus lawn one day and challenged him to let that verse guide him throughout his life. Royce never forgot the encounter and made sure it permeated what he thought and did, the way he treated people, and how he reacted every day the rest of his life. I was honored to share that verse at his funeral because I could faithfully say, and every attendee would readily agree, that Royce had a good name and was highly esteemed as he walked humbly before the Lord. We are called to live worthy lives. We must make a choice to do so, put the right safeguards in place, and commit to living a way that demonstrates obedience and honors God. Living a worthy life is pleasing to God in every way (Col. 1:10). It enables us to bear good fruit and grow in the knowledge of God. Growing in the knowledge of God means more than learning details about him; it means that we develop a deeper relationship as we bond with God. A wife wants to know more than the basic facts about her husband. Their relationship is more than knowing his birthday or how tall he is. She wants to know him intimately and personally. God is the same. We need to know that God is our omnipresent and omniscient Creator, but he also wants to know us intimately. “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness” (Jeremiah 31:3). “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned Lesson 2: Paul’s Prayers 27

The Illumination of the Holy Spirit

Colossians 1:9 showcases three important words that have slightly different meanings: knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. This translation of the word knowledge is from the Greek word epignosis, meaning above knowledge, over knowledge, or more precisely complete knowledge, which is God’s will for us. The word “wisdom” comes from the Greek word Sophia, meaning dis- cerned truth. “Knowledge” is being aware of something; wisdom then is being able to determine how the value of information can be applied to a given situation. “Understanding” comes from the Greek word synesis, which means the ability to make good decisions based on truth. By grouping these words, Paul was praying for the Colossians to experience the entire illumination that the Holy Spirit gives—illumination that is available to us today. In the fullness of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding, and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can discern God’s will. you by name; you are mine. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you” (Isaiah 43:1, 4).

Receive Empowerment (1:11–12)

In these verses, Paul used the same root words for “power” (dynamei) and “strengthen” (dyanmounoi). One is the noun form, and the other is the verb. Verse 11 could translate “with power, you are being empowered with the glorious might of him.” The word dynamite derives from the same Greek word. The explosive power of dynamite is a good picture of the type of capacity we have in Christ. Paul used the same word in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” Christians have a reservoir of dynamic power from which to draw to accomplish God’s will and live worthy lives. The words “I can’t” should never be part of the vocabulary of a follower of Jesus. Our Savior has empowered us to do incredible things. He has also empowered us to endure harsh and 28 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

The Transference of Redemption

Colossians 1:14 teaches that redemption predicates our transference from the dominion of darkness to the kingdom of the Son. Redemption is the deliverance from sin, specifically from the consequences of sin (judgment), and from the power of sin’s control. Judgment is averted because sins have been forgiven, and thus the individual has a right standing before God (justification). We also have the growing ability to withstand the power of temptation in our lives (sanctification), but we must exercise that ability to ensure perpetual growth.

horrible things. Colossians 1:11 teaches that being strengthened by God develops endurance and patience. As we grow in Christ, those qualities should improve. If the same agitations set us off now, as would happen when we are younger, then perhaps we have not grown as much as we would like. Endurance is the ability to stand with confidence through all the storms of life.

Overcome the Dominion of Darkness (1:13–14)

Flip Wilson was a comedian in the 1970s who coined the phrase, “The devil made me do it.” He got laughs, and the phrase became an easy crutch for whenever someone did something wrong, no matter how egregious the act. Behind those words is a complex, twisted view of sin and the compulsion to commit wickedness: • By leaning on this phrase, we are transferring blame and rejecting personal responsibility for sin. Of course, that reaction goes all the way back to the original sin, when Adam said, “The woman you put here with me–she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it,” and then Eve said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate” (Genesis 3:12–13). Like Flip Wilson, Eve blamed the devil. Adam’s transference was Lesson 2: Paul’s Prayers 29

even worse; he blamed Eve and indirectly implied God was also guilty because he put the woman in the Garden of Eden with Adam. As a pastor, I have heard similar words when confronting others with sin. “I had no other choice; I needed to take care of my family.” “I know God wants me to be happy with him (someone other than her husband).” This transference ignores or shifts responsibility from self to another person or some other circumstance. There are always extenuating circumstances, but that does not remove personal moral responsibility. • The “devil made me do it” viewpoint also suggests an inevitable inability for us to deal with sin in our lives, that somehow we are powerless under the paw of the prowling lion, the devil (1 Peter 5:8). That is not true! Jesus did not die on the cross for us to be spiritual wimps. Colossians 1:13–14 assures us that we have been rescued from darkness and set up in the kingdom of the Son through redemption. True discipleship does not duck responsibility, and it is not powerless against the dominion of darkness: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm” (Ephesians 6:12– 14a; see also 1 Peter 5:8–9).

Implications and Actions

We should further examine each of these themes. They are four tracks laid that will guide an individual to true discipleship and lead to a fulfilling, purposeful life. Paul’s prayer for the Colossians showed his concern for them, as well as his expectation that God was doing a good work in them—one that would continue to grow. 30 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

Questions

1. Discuss the difference between God’s general will and his specific will. How have you been able to discern God’s will in the past?

2. What challenges have you experienced as you have tried to live a virtuous life?

3. How has the Holy Spirit empowered you to act virtuously when you inherently would not? How has God’s empowerment helped you endure hardships and overcome challenges?

4. Discuss the difference between being under the dominion of darkness versus being in the kingdom of the Son (Col. 1:13) and the implications for your life. FOCAL TEXT BACKGROUND Colossians 1:15–19 Colossians 1:15–19 lesson 3 Who is Jesus?

MAIN IDEA Jesus deserves praise as both the supreme and sufficient God.

QUESTION TO EXPLORE How am I acknowledging Christ as both supreme and sufficient in my life?

STUDY AIM To understand the creative, sustaining, and reconciling work of Christ

QUICK READ As the image of God, Jesus is the creator, sustainer, and supreme fullness of God in human flesh. BIBLE STUDY GUIDE

31 32 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

Introduction

Foundational Christian theology saturates Colossians 1:15–19. In these verses, Paul covered central themes of Christology (the study of Jesus Christ), along with practical guidance for living the Christian faith. These verses contain content for a series of sermons, and each of the six topics could be a series unto itself. Therefore, this lesson cannot cover every possible aspect of each topic but provides an excellent introduction and a foundation for further study.

Colossians 1:15–19

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, . . .

The Image of God (1:15)

Jesus is God in the flesh, the physical image of God (Colossians 1:15, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Hebrews 1:3). There is no other. Some religions believe that God the Father has a body (e.g., the Mormons), but that belief is false since Jesus said, “God is Spirit” (John 4:24) and “Spirit has not flesh and bones” (Luke 24:39). The Greek word for image is Eikon; the English word icon derives from it and means image, likeness, and representation. Under the Covenant of Adam, humans were created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27; 5:1). The image of God in humanity was revered in the first salvation story of humanity when Noah and his family were saved (Gen. 9:6); this image was to be protected at the highest cost. The second commandment warns, “Do not make any graven images” (Exodus 20:4–6), so that no other image would divert human’s focus from worshiping the one true God. Lesson 3: Who is Jesus? 33

Jesus Christ is the ultimate, legitimate image of God, and thus worthy of praise (Revelation 5:12–13). God made us in his image. Additionally, when we give our lives to Christ, we are remade in his redeemed image “in Christ” (Romans 8:29; Ephesians 4:24; Col. 3:10). This truth is both essential and practical. We are remade to be in Christ, like Christ, and empowered to do so with Christ in us as we are in him. If the image of God is so important and set aside as holy, then we must be diligent in our obedience to be all that we can be in the grace that Jesus provides. Our hearts’ desires should be to magnify our God, living as his appropriate representatives on earth, his creation.

The Son, the Firstborn Over All Creation (1:15–16)

Being the firstborn over all creation signifies two significant truths: 1. Jesus was born, that is, he took on human flesh. Paul was writing to counter those who denied the physical reality of Jesus. Jesus was more than a spirit. 2. Jesus was first. He predates his earthly birth. He was created in the sense that humans are created. There was never a time that Jesus did not exist. He is from eternity past and will be in the eternal future (Revelation 1:4). Jesus said about himself, “before Abraham was, ‘I am’” (John 8:58), taking on the Old Testament name for God, “I am.” Jesus existed before there was a beginning. Furthermore, not only was Jesus the firstborn of all of creation, he is the firstborn of the new creation, especially as the firstborn from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:20; Col. 1:18; Rev. 1:5). His resurrection provides the power that allows us to be raised again too!

Jesus’ resurrection has two meanings for his followers: In the initial and most basic sense, it refers to the moment in time when all believers are raised immortal at the last trumpet. Also, we are raised with Christ and empowered to walk in a new way in this life (Romans 6:4). We are made in the image of God in Christ, so let us live like it. 34 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

The Creator and Sustainer (1:16–17)

When God spoke and created everything, it was with the voice of Jesus (Genesis 1). Do not rush past this truth. When asked, “Who created everything?” most Christians respond, “God.” Rarely is the response “Jesus.” However, Scripture is clear. The physical universe came into being through the physical person of Jesus (John 1:3, 10; Acts 3:15; 1 Cor. 8:6; Col. 1:16; Hebrews 1:2). Jesus was not just present at the time; anyone other than Jesus made nothing; he made all things. The entire Trinity was present at Creation, hence, “Let us make mankind in our image” (Gen. 1:27). Hopefully, this lesson ignites the desire to study more about “personhood” as it relates to human beings made in the image of God. With the backdrop of Jesus as the Creator, it’s obvious as to why he can heal the deaf and blind, cause the lame to walk again, cast out demons, calm the seas, and make wine out of water, and meals for thousands out of a few fish and loaves of bread. Those miracles were evidence of his creative and re- creative power, and further testimonies that he can do the same in our lives

Imago Dei

The Latin phrase Imago Dei describes the image of God. Jesus is the image of God, and he has redeemed each of us in the image of God. How should that affect how we regard and treat one another? How should we recognize the godly leaders in our lives if they represent the image of God? How should we lead? How do we treat our spouses, who are created in the image of God? How should this reality impact how we treat our enemies? How should our hearts be motivated toward the unre- deemed in our world, those with the tarnished image of God, yet still bearing the image of God nonetheless? In 2 Corinthians 5:18–20, we learn that we are ambassadors for Christ, having both a ministry and message of reconciliation based on the fact that we first have been reconciled ourselves. The core of that reconciliation is the restoration of the image of God in all people. Let’s seek to repair the image of God in our broken world, bringing praise and glory to him once more. Lesson 3: Who is Jesus? 35 today. Jesus can reclaim a dying church, heal a broken marriage, and pull an addict from the brink of personal destruction. We must trust him and open our lives to him without reservation. Jesus is the Creator God, but Jesus is also the Sustainer God. All things hold together in him, meaning that he sustains all things (Heb. 1:3). Without Jesus, nothing would remain alive, steady, or viable. Whether it’s our faith, relationships, or our church, Jesus will sustain us as we trust and lean toward him. We must believe in his grace for “new creation” salvation (justification), and we must trust in his grace for “sustaining” salvation (sanctification).

The Supreme One (1:18)

Jesus is supreme over creation, and as the head, he is supreme over the church. The Bible uses several images when describing the church: body, bride, building, city, field, and others. Some of these convey the idea of the church as an organism, while others as an organization. Both are accurate, and each gives essential insights as to the nature of the church. The church is organized with structure, leadership, purpose, and goals. Organically, the church is alive and ever-moving with the heartbeat of our heavenly Father’s guiding hand. Describing Jesus as the head of the church taps into both analogies. Jesus is the brains—the intelligent, willful, thoughtful planner of us all, but he also provides the experiences of joy and peace, along with the rhythm of life in this world and the world to come. Paul then wrote that in everything Jesus has supremacy. Jesus is the object of worship of everyone. Romans 14:11 and Philippians 2:10–11 reference Isaiah 45:23: “At his name every knee will bow and every tongue worship.” Isaiah 45 is a declaration of the supremacy of God in which God six times declares, “I am Lord [God], and there is no other” (vv. 5, 6, 14, 18, and 22.) God also refers to himself as creator, sustainer, savior, vindicator, and so much more in Isaiah 45. Paul wrote of Jesus in those same terms, making it evident that Jesus is God—and he is supreme. 36 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

How to Experience the Fullness of God

• Pray without rushing, allowing long silences. • Sing and worship. When you sing, focus on the words you speak, which does not always occur when you merely listen to songs. • Give thanks for many things. • Serve others.

The Fullness of God (1:19)

Paul established the divinity of Jesus in the preceding verses and then validated his humanity in verse 19. The “fullness of God in Jesus” means that Jesus is not like the rest of us, who have a dousing of the divine. Jesus is not just a little bit God or part God. He does not merely represent God or have a lesser amount of God in him. Jesus is not a semi-version of God. All that is God (the fullness) is in Jesus—and more so in the flesh of Jesus (bodily form). God is more than Jesus; he is Father and Spirit, too, but Jesus is wholly God. Jesus is also one-hundred-percent God while fully human. He is not a fifty-fifty blend, bouncing back and forth between the two. He experienced this world as Creator and the created, as infinite and finite. God was at work in Jesus and through Jesus. Neither aspect of Jesus is diminished. Being human, he identifies with us; being divine, he saves us. Incidentally, in Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians (3:14–21), the apostle prayed for the Ephesians to “be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (3:19). Specifically he prayed for them to experience all of the love of God. Paul did not say that we are equal to Jesus (or God), but in as much as we are in Christ, we can experience God in a significant way. The difference is obvious: We are not in any way divine, but “in Christ,” we can be filled over and again with an ever-increasing capacity. This reality is why followers of Jesus never max out as disciples. There is more fullness of God to experience as a direct antidote to spiritual stagnation. Lesson 3: Who is Jesus? 37

Implications and Actions

Jesus is both divine and human. He reconciles the two and makes a way for us to embrace full reconciliation with God. He created us in the image of God. He redeemed us and reclaimed us as the new creation. Jesus is our sustainer and the supreme one worthy of our worship and adoration. During his time on earth, Jesus was more than a good teacher or a moralist. He was not just a leader of a movement. He was and is the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace, Eternal Father, object of our affection and the infinitely perfect God who also dwelt among us as human.

Questions

1. How do you respond to knowing that Jesus is the image of God and that he is restoring that image in you?

2. Discuss the difference between Jesus as the firstborn of creation versus the firstborn from the dead. Describe how Jesus is the firstborn of creation, as well as the immortal from eternity past. 38 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

3. Have you considered that Jesus is the Creator and Sustainer God? As you think about such things, what are the implications for your life and those of others in the world?

4. Jesus is supreme. How does this set Jesus apart from other religious leaders?

5. How can we seek to be filled with the fullness of God? Have you or are you seeking such a filling? FOCAL TEXT BACKGROUND Colossians 1:20–23 Colossians 1:20–23 lesson 4 Hold on to Hope

MAIN IDEA Christ’s work on the cross of reconciling us to himself provides gospel hope.

QUESTION TO EXPLORE What message of hope did Paul offer to the Colossians that also applies to us?

STUDY AIM To understand Christ’s hope is connected to his reconciliation

QUICK READ We are alienated from God by our sin, but he loves us and has provided a plan for reconciliation if we will BIBLE respond. STUDY GUIDE

39 40 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

Introduction

A husband and wife came to me for counseling. They despised each other but decided to stay together for a series of reasons. They thought no one knew how unhappy they were and wanted to keep up appearances. (Others recognized there were problems because the hostility was evident.) The couple also wanted to keep a stable home for their children—and that was somewhat admirable. They did not have the money, energy, or time to live in separate households or go through a divorce. They were busy people, and they decided it would be easier to stay in a manageable but loveless relationship. Neither wanted to hear my advice about how to step toward full reconciliation. They had alienated themselves from each other and felt this was the best they could do. I prayed for them and secretly prayed that God would rekindle their love. However, they were satisfied with the separation of pretention instead of the rebirth of reconciliation. God is not interested in that sort of arrangement with us (even though we are sometimes). Romans 5:8 teaches, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” He went way above and beyond whatever could be expected to draw us close to himself again.

Colossians 1:20–23

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. Lesson 4: Hold On to Hope 41

Alienation from God (1:20–21)

Sin separates. The ultimate result of the separation caused by sin is the chasm between God and humanity. Sin also created disorder in God’s creation. All things were created through him [Jesus] and for him, but because of sin, all things were not as they were intended. The curse of the Fall was laid upon creation itself, not just humanity. Romans 8:19–23 tells us,

For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of child- birth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.

Paul used two words to describe this separation: alienated and enemies. Alienation means not to belong, to be foreign, not natural. The third child of Hosea’s promiscuous wife, Gomer, was a son. Gomer named him Lo-Ammi (Hosea 1:9), which means “not my people” and essentially means, “Boy, you do not belong to me.” That differentiation provides a good illustration of what alienation from God means: We do not belong to him, at least not in the state of sin before redemption through Jesus. Of course, one of the most beautiful parts of that story was when Hosea changed the name of the boy to Ammi—“my people” or essentially “You do belong to me!” (Hosea 2:23). My wife and I moved away from our home state early in our marriage. We met a few friends who we thought would fill the void of old ones left behind. After a little time passed, we struggled to connect with the new friends in the ways we had with previous ones. We moved again, and the experience repeated itself. We thought perhaps we were just the odd ones. Then, after a ten-year absence, we returned to our original home state. We immediately fell into relationships like the ones we had initially. We did not have to explain ourselves and did not need our newest friends to explain themselves either. We implicitly understood one another. We were no longer 42 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST aliens; we were home. How much truer will it be when we enter our eternal home? This world is just a temporary dwelling place, a tent compared to our home in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:1). Sin and evil have corrupted what God made good—and thus created our alienation, which is the breaking of fellowship and shalom between God and us, as well as the shalom of creation. God reversed that alienation in the person and work of Jesus on the cross through the process of redemption. The ultimate realization of the redemption of creation will come when the new heaven and earth are ushered in at the end of time (Revelation 21:1–2). But like us, creation has elements of the redemption here and now too.

Reconciliation (1:22)

There are several aspects of reconciliation to consider. 1. God has provided general reconciliation of all things on earth and in heaven. (This does not mean universalism, which is the belief that God will save all people and things out of his goodness. The Bible covers the topics of judgment and hell quite extensively.) General reconciliation means that, in a general sense, God has brought peace and order to his creation that sin and Satan led into chaos. God has set up the framework in which he is orchestrating his kingdom, the church. 2. God has provided specific reconciliation for everyone who believes in the name of the Lord and experiences salvation in Jesus. Each one of us must be reconciled to God. Paul wrote of the purpose and the process of reconciliation. The goal of reconciliation is to restore those who were once enemies of God to become the friends of God.

Jesus desired to call his disciples friends, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15). We are moved from the ledger’s designation of “away from God,” to “belonging to God (in Christ).” As friends (no longer enemies) of God, we are to be presented without blemish or accusation (Col. 1:22). See also Ephesians 5:25–26, where Jesus is compared to the bridegroom, and Lesson 4: Hold On to Hope 43

Shalom

Shalom is a Hebrew word with rich and complex meaning. Traditionally translated peace, shalom means more than that; it represents completion or wholeness, health, prosperity, and well-being without fracture, divides, weakness, tarnish, decay, or threat. Being the peace that passes all understanding, it provides serenity and confidence of mind, with no doubt or fear— everything is going to be OK, even in the most challenging circumstances. It represents the safety and security of body, mind, and society. This is the peace that God desires to restore to us in Christ, and eventually to all of creation, which now sits in a constant state of a misfire. There are always health crises, natural disasters, threats of famine, wars, tensions, and conflicts between countries, races, and individuals. All are signs of creation’s groaning, longing for permanent peace. Shalom is the opposite of the feeling of “there is just something not right” when referring to another person or a situation. Shalom is the feeling that everything is just as it should be, elusive in this world but sure in the world to come.

we are the bride. Jesus will present us as radiant, beautiful, spotless, and cleaned—like a bride on her wedding day. He redeemed us from the curse and power of sin, as well as from the accuser. The process of reconciliation from God’s point of view is “by Christ’s physical body through death,” (Col. 1:21), “making peace through his blood, shed on the cross” (Col. 1:20). Hebrews 9:22 adds, “In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Jesus was both God and a man. He united the two, and through the cross, he was able to do something in the physical world that affected the spiritual world. He made us right with God. God has also called us to respond to this reconciliation by becoming agents of reconciliation in behalf of others. In 2 Corinthians 5:18–19 we read,

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling 44 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

There are three ways listed in these two verses as to how we should respond to God’s reconciliation: 1. We have the ministry of reconciliation. We must look for others who need restoration with God and minister is such a way that we connect them back to him. 2. We have a message of reconciliation. It is not good enough to simply be part of a ministry or a church. We must spread the news individually. We share best when we speak out of the dynamic vitality of our own experiences, which must be continuously refreshed and updated. Our evangelism births from our devotional life. Without vibrant, authentic devotional lives, we will never be robust evangelists. We can never be coerced or cajoled enough to want to tell others about Jesus; it must be the overflow of what Jesus is actively doing in our lives. 3. We are ambassadors for Christ everywhere we go, so we are representing him well or poorly. The Royal Ambassador’s pledge is a beautiful statement of commitment to Christ:

Reconcile

Katallasso is the Greek word translated “to reconcile,” which means “to exchange for equal value” or “to change something that’s unequal or make in agreement that which varies.” It is an accounting term of making things right, balancing the scales (in the ancient world), or balancing the books (in modern times). God has made things right between you and himself. How can you do the same at work, in your marriage, in your family, with friends, or in your community? How can you be a minister of reconciliation? Lesson 4: Hold On to Hope 45

As a Royal Ambassador, I will do my best: to become a well-informed, responsible follower of Christ; to have a Christlike concern for all people; to learn how to carry the message of Christ around the world; to work with others in sharing Christ; and to keep myself clean and healthy in mind and body.

Faith and Hope (1:23)

The process of reconciliation from our point of view is faith and hope. Paul encouraged us to continue in both. Remaining faithful means to keep expanding our knowledge of God and practicing spiritual disciplines as disciples of Jesus, as well as continuing to focus on the object of our faith (Jesus) and the work at hand. We must remember our calling, our salvation, and that we live in a mortal world that has a shrinking lifespan—but an eternity waits for us. We need to stay strong despite the challenges and trials that eventually come. Paul urged the Colossians to remain established and firm—to remain locked into place along the path that God had placed before them. A building has a braced foundation, but the wind can throw a tent. An anchored ship is firm, but without the anchor, a boat will bob along wherever the current decides to go. Paul also mentioned that he had heard of the Colossians’ hope (Col. 1:5), and reaffirmed the faith they had, which was not misguided but well-placed in the person of Jesus Christ, who is Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, and Reconciler. “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf” (Hebrews 6:19–20a). Biblical hope is grasping something certain, not random luck. Hebrews 11 is one of the great faith passages, recounting the faith of all of those who are examples for us to follow. “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). 46 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

Implications and Actions

The couple that came to me and decided they would live in a manageable but loveless relationship found that neither of those two happened. Like any other relationship, it was as manageable as a room of preschoolers who just consumed birthday cake and ice cream, but it was not loveless. They had to work to get through life’s up and downs, but in that process, they found new care, devotion, passion, and love for each another. We all have our spiritual ups and downs, but God wants a long-term relationship with us, a progressing journey to know him more. We cannot give up even when we are frustrated with him or when we feel as though we have made too huge a blunder. There is nothing so colossal that causes us to fall beyond his caring eye or loving heart.

Questions

1. When have you felt alienated from God? When have you felt alienated from others?

2. Have you tried to have a partial reconciliation with God? If so, what happened?

3. Discuss the difference between general reconciliation and the specific reconciliation that those who follow Jesus can experience.

4. When have you demonstrated steadfast faith and anchored hope? Who have been examples of great people of faith in your life? How has their influence shaped you? FOCAL TEXT BACKGROUND Colossians 1:24–29 Colossians 1:24–29 lesson 5 The Mystery of Christ

MAIN IDEA “Christ in you” is God’s provision for restoring humans to live with glorious God.

QUESTION TO EXPLORE Why is “Christ in you” the hope of glory?

STUDY AIM To experience the mystery of Christ in our daily living

QUICK READ The mystery of Christ is Christ in you, the hope of glory. In Jesus, we have all we need to live with glorious God, both today and forever. BIBLE STUDY GUIDE

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Introduction

What comes to mind when you hear that something is a mystery? Typically, we think of a mystery as something that’s hard to understand, or a puzzle that remains unsolved. If you have 500 puzzle pieces with no photo to refer to, you have a mystery—and you are clueless about what the assembled puzzle will reveal. It’s no mystery that it’s a jigsaw puzzle, but the completed picture remains an enigma. In this lesson, we will explore a Bible mystery, the meaning of which was hidden for ages. However, the use of the word “mystery” in the New Testament describes something that was once undisclosed, but now is understood because the answer has been revealed. Christ’s redemptive work assembled the puzzle pieces for us, so we can now see the whole picture. As we begin, we must realize that, in Christ, we have the explanation of a previous mystery, and also the solutions to many formerly unanswered questions.1

Colossians 1:24–29

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. 25 Of this 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, 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. 28 We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. 29 For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. Lesson 5: The Mystery of Christ 49

The Mystery of Joy in Suffering (1:24–25)

The Book of Colossians indicates that Paul had never met the people who made up the church in Colossae (Col. 2:1), except for the church’s leader, Epaphras. Paul began his letter by identifying himself and explaining why he hadn’t visited the Colossians, and why he was suffering. He also explained that when Christ lives within someone, joy exists even during the most difficult circumstances. In verse 24, Paul said that he rejoiced that he could, as a servant of Christ, shoulder his share of suffering on behalf of Christ and his people. The phrase “in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions” has led some to mistakenly think Paul was saying that Christ’s sufferings were not sufficient, and that Christians need to add their own sufferings to Christ’s finished work. Of course, Paul would never say that Christ’s suffering was inadequate, so that cannot be the meaning. What does the phrase mean? Paul knew and proclaimed that those who walk with Jesus and obey God would meet opposition—and likely suffer. During his conversion experience on the road to Damascus, Paul was told that in his service of taking the gospel to the Jews, Gentiles, and kings, he would experience suffering on behalf of Jesus (cf. Acts 9:15–16). Paul saw suffering as an affirmation that he was serving Jesus and was pleased, as were many of the early followers of Jesus, to be considered worthy to share in suffering with Jesus in bringing salvation to others (cf. Acts 5:41). Through the indwelling presence and power of Christ, Paul could do whatever was necessary to bring praise to God (Philippians 4:13). In Colossians 1:25, Paul explained several truths about those who are called to proclaim the gospel of Jesus to others. The apostle said that he was entrusted by God to share the gospel with others, including the church at Colossae. Paul’s service was to benefit Christ and his church, not himself. His message was the word of God, the mystery which had been hidden from past ages and generations but was no longer shrouded. What was his message? What was the hidden message revealed by God? Paul called it the mystery of Christ, the life-changing event of having Christ living within— our only hope of experiencing God’s glory. 50 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

The Mystery of Christ Living in You (1:26–27)

What was the incomprehensible mystery of Christ that had been unrevealed for centuries? Going back to our puzzle illustration, some of the earliest revealed pieces of the puzzle were that when humans had sinned, that sin removed us from intimate fellowship with God, notably from the Garden of Eden. But even at that time, God gave hints (or puzzle pieces), that he would send a deliverer who would crush the head of the serpent and restore man’s relationship with God (Genesis 3:15). Throughout the Old Testament, more puzzle pieces surfaced. Most Jewish theologies focused on a Messiah for the Jews, but there were occa- sional hints that salvation would be for the Gentiles, as well (cf. Isaiah 45:1, the Persian King Cyrus called God’s anointed one). Those waiting for the Messiah had gathered together many of the puzzle pieces and told Herod

New Testament Mysteries

In the New Testament, the Greek word mysterion references truth which was undiscoverable without divine revelation. It is truth which was a mystery but now is understandable and distinct in its meaning. Some mysteries in the New Testament2 include: • Ephesians 1:9—the mystery of God’s will in dealing with the world. • Ephesians 3:3–9, 15—the mystery of the Gentiles as fellow heirs and partakers of salvation through Jesus. • Ephesians 5:32—the mystery of the union between Christ and the church, his bride. • Ephesians 6:19—the mystery of the gospel: salvation in Christ for all who will believe. • Colossians 1:26–27—the mystery of Christ in you, the hope of glory. • Colossians 2:2–3—the mystery that all true knowledge is found in Christ himself, in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. • Colossians 2:2–3—the mystery of reconciliation with God, and the accompanying gift of eternal life through faith in Christ. Lesson 5: The Mystery of Christ 51 that Bethlehem would be the birthplace of the Messiah, and that he would be of the seed of David (Luke 2:4). The first part of the mystery, which is now fully revealed, is that Jesus is the Messiah, the long-awaited deliverer. God had elected Abraham, in whose seed (singular, ultimately referring to Christ, see Galatians 3:16) all the nations of the earth would be blessed. The second part of the mystery of Christ is that Jesus came to save people from every tribe, ethnic group, language, and people (Matthew 28:19–20; Revelation 5:9–10), and to incorporate them into the church, the body of Christ. People who are born again comprise the church, and the Spirit of God inhabits them (cf. John 3:1–21; Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 1:7–8; Acts 15:6– 11; Gal. 3:6–7, 13–14, 16, 26–29; Ephesians 2:11–22; Col. 3:9–17). Paul was God’s instrument to bring the gospel to Gentiles, kings, and the sons of Israel to expand the church as the body of Christ, the new people of God (Acts 9:15). The third and most fantastic aspect of this mystery of God is found in the phrase, “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:26). This indwelling is what no one understood until after the day of Pentecost (Acts 1:8–9, Acts 2). Jesus told the disciples that he would not leave them alone, that it was better for them if he went to the Father so that he could then send them a Comforter, the Spirit of Truth. Jesus said that he and the Father would come with the Spirit and live within the believer (John 14:23). In John 14:12, Jesus said that the works he did, we too will do, and even greater works than those because God will come to live within us forever (John 14:16–21). The world changed on Pentecost when Jesus came to live within every believer through the Holy Spirit. Salvation no longer came from following rules, but from being inhabited by Jesus (cf. 1 John 5:11–12). Christ is the perfection of God, along with his righteousness, wisdom, power, love, glory, beauty, peace, comfort, forgiveness, and patience. Jesus and all God’s resources now live within us. Under the Old Testament Covenant, God stated what he expected, indeed demanded, if someone desired to please him. But sin reigned within, so no one had the power to accomplish what was required. How could sinners be forgiven? How could they have the ability to say “No” to sin? Thankfully, under the New Covenant, the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all unrighteousness. Christ is the only one who could say “No” to sin, 52 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST and it is that same Christ who lives within us. Since Christ is living in us, he is our ultimate “Yes” to all the righteous requirements of God. Christ in us brings forgiveness, restored fellowship with God and people, success in con- quering sin, power to serve God, and truth to keep perspective. Jesus speaks through us, blesses through us, moves through us, and assures us that we will survive death because he is alive in us. Christ in you is the hope of glory. When Moses wanted to see God’s glory, God told him that he would let “all my goodness pass before you” (Exodus 33:18–19). The hope of ever being good, and ever being comfortable in the presence of the total holiness of God, is Christ—the holiness of God—living inside us. Christ in you is the hope of glory—that which used to be hidden is now freely available to anyone who will turn to Jesus and surrender their lives to him. That is the best truth in the world!

The Mystery of Effective Christian Ministry (1:28–29)

Jesus is the keystone of Christian ministry and proclamation (Col. 1:27). Since Jesus is the hope of glory, he is also the theme of our lives and ministries. If we take Jesus out of our teaching or preaching, we have no message that can offer hope to the world. Jesus is the one name given among men whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12). We must be born of the Spirit (from above) to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3–5). Through Jesus comes forgiveness of sins, the indwelling Spirit of God, and everything necessary for life and godliness. Paul did not get into a debate with the Gnostics about religion. He proclaimed Christ—the power and wisdom of God, our only Lord and Savior–who saves, purifies, empowers, guides, and comforts us. Ministers, pastors, teachers, and everyday believers are to proclaim Christ, encouraging people to align their lives with him. When we share the gospel, we are not just passing on information; we are passing on the person of Christ. Our message should be personal, personable, practical, and priceless. The goal of our ministries should be to develop maturity, depth, width, diversity, and flexibility in the lives of people. Believers need to look like Jesus—thinking, loving, serving, praying, and encouraging people as Jesus Lesson 5: The Mystery of Christ 53 does. The goal is to present each person mature in Christ, fulfilling their full potential in him. Teleios is the Greek word for “complete,” and it means “to arrive at the goal or the end.” Any ministry we provide must be done with all we have and by the power of Christ living in us and working through us. The word “striving” means being fully engaged. Since ministry is Christ’s work, he gives us the abilities, insights, desire, and power to do our best for his glory.

Implications and Applications

What did the phrase, “Christ in you, the hope of glory” mean to you before studying this lesson? Was its meaning clear and exciting, or familiar and boring? Has “Christ in you, the hope of glory” become more than a just a slogan, now that you understand it in a broader context? I spent the first twenty years of my Christian life living a religion. My faith was all about attending church, tithing, asking the blessing before a meal, and trying not to curse or think evil thoughts. I loved God as much as I could but had no idea what that meant. The real nature of the Christian life was hidden from me, even though I did a bunch of Christian things. My whole life changed in college when I realized that the Christian life is Christ living in me, Christ empowering me to do things he would do. When I grasped the empowerment of allowing Christ to live his life in and through me, I understood what I had been missing. Give some thought today as to how Christ living in you can bring a vibrant new quality to your Christian faith this week. 54 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

Questions

1. Because of this lesson, is there a new mystery in your life? Did God take a theme or truth that you thought you thoroughly understood and expand your understanding of that concept? What was once not understood that now makes more sense?

2. What is the difference between having mental information about Christ versus having the resurrected Jesus flowing in and through your life during the day? Lesson 5: The Mystery of Christ 55

3. What area of your life needs Christ’s manifestation to evoke change?

4. Do you find your life as typified by the Old Testament model, where you are overwhelmed by the expectations you feel God places on you? Is your faith more about doing things so you don’t feel guilty or so that God will bless you? Or do you find your life more like the New Testament model, which focuses on listening to God and trusting him to provide the strength you need to follow him? 56 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

5. What do you need Christ to be in your life this week? The hope of staying energized through a long day’s work? The hope of speaking kind words to people who frustrate you? The hope of showing you the wise choice in making a big decision?

Notes

1. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations in lessons 5–8 are from the New American Standard Bible (1995 edition). 2. Curtis Vaughan, Colossians, Vol. 11, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1978), 191. FOCAL TEXT BACKGROUND Colossians 2:1–7 Colossians 2:1–7 lesson 6 A Genuine Church

MAIN IDEA A church is a living organism, the body of Christ, living out his character and mission in the world.

QUESTION TO EXPLORE What things characterize an authentic church?

STUDY AIM To encourage church members to be active participants in a living organism—the body of Christ— through which Christ impacts the community and world

QUICK READ An authentic church is a living BIBLE organism, the body of Christ. A STUDY GUIDE healthy body, or church, has many systems working together to fulfill its purpose.

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Introduction

When you hear the word church, what comes to mind? Do your thoughts turn to a specific building or group of people? Is the church primarily a building, an organization, a charity, a social network—or is it a genuine expression of the love and mission of Christ? In this lesson, we will learn the characteristics of an authentic church as described in Colossians 2:1–7.

Colossians 2:1–7

1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument. 5 For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.6 Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude.

Living Bodies Are Relational (2:1–2)

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul wrote to encourage the churches in and near Colossae to be the active presence of Christ in the Phrygian region. Paul wrote to people he had not met, and yet with whom he had an organic relationship. This rapport is one of the unusual characteristics of the church—the sense of interconnectedness with other followers of Jesus. Jesus lives in us, and that living bond of Jesus creates a living relationship with others. Paul agonized over the Colossians, praying for them as they lived and grew in a hostile environment. He wrote to them out of love and concern—to Lesson 6: A Genuine Church 59 both encourage and warn them (2:1–2). False teachers and their doctrines pervaded the town, infiltrating the church, and jeopardizing its growth and fellowship. We are not sure which prison Paul was writing from in this letter, whether in Rome or Ephesus, but his thoughts were not about himself and his suffering. He was, most likely, chained hand and foot in a dark, dank cell. However, his thoughts were founded on the new expressions of life in the churches of Colossae and the surrounding areas, such as Laodicea (Col. 2:1). Even though the apostle had not met the people there, he loved them and was more concerned for them than his personal well-being. The fact that he included several churches in the area as the recipients of the letter confirms that the church was more extensive than one group. Each church should have networks they minister to beyond the people who enter their building. People in a living church pray for one another and others because their mission is more important than themselves. Paul was not solely concerned with himself or his situation. He was praying for and communicating with others, even people he had not met. We should do this as well.

Genuine Churches Have a Heart (2:2)

Paul wrote to encourage their hearts (Col. 2:2). Isn’t that an incredible statement? The people were living organisms with hearts, but together they also formed the church, another living organism with a shared core. The church is more than just information, facts, calendars, agendas, offerings, and goals. It is the living body of Christ and should have a heart filled with the love of Jesus, reaching out to touch others. Much of our motivation for living flows from our hearts, our feelings. When we meet others, we can usually tell if they are happy to meet us or merely following social conventions. We can organize and train people to follow scripts, but the real impact comes from genuine people speaking spon- taneously from their hearts. We can tell the difference—and so can others. There is a need in all of us to have our hearts encouraged—and to encourage the heart of others. Paul spoke of our need to realize that our hearts are knitted together in love. The phrase “having been knit together” (Col. 2:2) means that it is a one-time event in which we are the recipients of the action. 60 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

We do not do the knitting; Christ knits all true believers together when lives are committed to him. We are bonded; therefore, we should be encouraged in our hearts and live lovingly with one another. My family often experienced this bond of love on the mission field. We would meet Christians from other countries who spoke different languages and had diverse cultural expressions and denominations—and yet we instantly became family because Christ lived in our hearts. Christ lives within each believer and gives us the love of God that we need. We are to come to this understanding so that the love of God fills us up with the full love of Christ. This fullness is part of the mystery of God, which is Christ (Col. 2:2). Christ—the embodiment of the love of God—lives in us and wants us, both as individuals and as the church, to experience and share his divine love with others (Col. 2:2).

Genuine Churches Also Have a Mind (2:2)

In verse 2, Paul described the body as more than just a heart filled with emotions. In receiving Christ, we have the wealth which is in Christ— resources for the soul and the mind. Mentally, God provides us with factual knowledge of his wisdom, his mystery, which is in us through the living Christ (Col. 2:2). The phrase “true knowledge” depicts experiential and validated knowledge. In the next lesson, we will study in more detail the superiority of the knowledge that is ours in Christ Jesus. In this lesson, however, we want to understand that the church, as the body of Christ, is not expected to check its brain at the door before entering to worship. As individuals and as the living organism called the “church,” we are to have hearts and minds—and we are to employ both. Our minds are to be adept in two types of mental information: knowledge, which involves factual and truthful information; and wisdom, which is a God-given ability to know how to apply and use such knowledge. Knowledge alone is not adequate. Knowledge and information are merely tools; wisdom is God working through believers by giving us the ability to use information in solving problems and accomplishing wise and helpful things on God’s behalf. Lesson 6: A Genuine Church 61

The Church as the Body of Christ

Metaphors are word pictures which use a physical concept to convey similar truths in another context. Many things which characterize a human body also describe the church, which Paul called “the body of Christ.” Some examples include: • Human bodies consist of many parts (members) working together, as does the church. • A body has a head that serves as a control center; as does the church. Christ is the head. • A body carries out many simultaneous functions; as does the church. • A healthy body is alive, i.e., filled with life and multiple coordinated systems; so is a healthy church. • A healthy body grows; as does a healthy church. • A body carries out individual and group functions to fulfill the person’s purpose in life; as does the church. The church is to carry out Christ’s purposes. • If one body part continually fails to fulfill its function, the body’s efficiency plummets. The same is true in a church.

Genuine Churches Live in Christ (2:2–4)

Paul reiterated the importance of Christ living within us and through us. Christ is our hope of glory (Col. 1:27), and our source of love for our interper- sonal relationships (Col. 2:2). He is also the spring of full knowledge and is God’s revealing presence living within us. Jesus gives us the wisdom to know the significance and wise use of any knowledge (vv. 2–4). A group of false teachers known as Gnostics, who marketed secret knowledge to lead people into their Gnostic philosophical proposals, had nothing to offer Christians. Christ is the wellspring of all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. As believers, Christ is living in us and living through us as a church. All the treasures of knowledge are already ours because they reside in Jesus, who lives in us. All the treasures of wisdom are already ours because Christ, who is the wisdom of God (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:24, 30), lives 62 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST in us and through us as a church. The cheap imitation trinkets of con-artists marketing secret knowledge should not even catch our eyes, let alone our hearts or minds.

Genuine Churches Have Spiritual Discipline and Steady Faith (2:5)

Paul also rejoiced in two spiritual characteristics that the Colossae believers were demonstrating, namely discipline and stability in their faith (2:5). Discipline is related to wisdom; it determines when and how to do something and perseveres in what God directs us to do. The Colossians also had an active faith in Christ, which was unwavering, stable, and consistent (2:5).

Genuine Churches Are Active, Moving, and Going Organisms (2:6–7)

Receiving Christ is the catalyst for moving forward with him. Christians are to be animated by Christ. Christ came to us while we were spiritually dead. When we receive Christ by faith, he animates us with his Spirit (Ephesians 2:4–6). Jesus made us alive, and he makes a church come alive too. We are to walk (i.e., follow Christ), and live our lives animated by Christ living in and through us (2:6). We received Christ by faith—and by faith we should take action to be Christ’s voice, hands, mind, and heart. When Jesus came into us, he began to produce fruit and growth (Col. 1:6). Paul used three metaphors in Colossians 2:7 which delineate directional movements for believers as individuals and the church.

Rooted. We are deeply planted and rooted in Christ. Like trees, our roots need to go deep down into Christ, indicating that God has once and for all planted us deep into Christ. We should cooperate with God as he stimulates our roots to dig deeper into Christ and his word so that we will never be uprooted by that which is false. Lesson 6: A Genuine Church 63

Built. Christ continually builds us up by establishing (i.e., solidify- ing) our faith. We must cooperate as God builds us up taller in Christ and stouter in our faith. This is a step-by-step building process in which God continually adds to our lives and the church. We need to grow to be more like Christ, actively exercising faith in him.

Overflowing. The third metaphor must always be present and active in us, but it is different from the others because the outward action must be done by us rather than by God. We are told to be overflowing with gratitude. To overflow, one must first be full. That means we need to fill our lives with gratitude and demonstrate that appre- ciation by actively giving thanks, being thankful, and telling others. We are to overflow with gratitude, leaving the gratefulness spigot on all the time so that thanksgiving constantly gushes from our lives.

Implications and Actions

Paul wrote his letter to the Colossians—and us. As believers, the characteristics which belong to Christ’s church should manifest themselves in our lives too. We need to be authentic Christians and live to help the church genuinely represent the body of Christ. The mission of the church is more important than our personal preferences. We should be active in serving God through the church while praying for our church, its members, and its ministries. God has knit all believers together in Christ. We don’t need to earn God’s love; we need to show it to others. God wants us to invest our hearts in Christ’s agendas and use our minds to process and utilize knowledge in wise ways. We need to be rooted in Christ and he should permeate all aspects of our lives. We must become thankful believers who are so full of gratitude that it continually overflows wherever we go. Commit to splash gratitude in your workplace, home, church, and while out shopping, and so forth. The church is comprised of you and me and it will only be as alive and active as we are. 64 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

Questions

1. What three qualities are crucial for a church to be an authentic representation of the body of Christ?

2. Why it is essential for churches to have emotions involved in their activities and ministries?

3. Why is it vital for churches to have logic involved in their operations and ministries?

4. What aspects of the description of the church as the body of Christ help you better understand the functioning of a healthy church? What elements confuse you?

5. If you were to use a metaphor to represent an authentic and healthy church, what word picture would you use to help others understand the church’s functions or mission? FOCAL TEXT BACKGROUND Colossians 2:8–15 Colossians 2:8–15 lesson 7 Fullness in Christ

MAIN IDEA The fullness of God and his work accomplished through Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection brings us complete salvation, forgiveness, and victory.

QUESTION TO EXPLORE What did God provide for us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus?

STUDY AIM To understand and embrace how God’s work accomplished in Jesus provides all we need for life and godliness BIBLE QUICK READ STUDY GUIDE Jesus is unique. He embodies the fullness of God. In Jesus, we have been made complete in God’s eyes.

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Introduction

Humans hunger for value and significance, and have an unquenchable desire to know more, do more, and be more. This aspect of human nature is both a blessing and a curse. On the blessing side, the desire to improve can moti- vate positive behavior. On the curse side, it can become an uncontrollable impulse that drives us to make unwise decisions and take dangerous risks. This juxtaposition was the situation facing the church in Colossae—and continues to challenge us today.

Colossians 2:8–15

8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces[a] of this world rather than on Christ. 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; 11 and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; 12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.13 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, 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. 15 When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.

False Philosophies and Phonies (2:8–11)

In Colossae, subtle philosophies and people pushing empty deceptions enticed the Christians. In Colossians 2:8, Paul warned the Christians to Lesson 7: Fullness in Christ 67 guard against false doctrines and theories. While we cannot identify the specific threats or groups assailing the Colossian believers, verses 8–11 provide some hints about their deceptive messages and tactics. Several groups, or a merger of the two factions, advocated Christianity but avowed additional things were needed to make it complete. The Gnostics taught that matter was evil, so God, who was spirit and good, could not have become flesh and lived bodily in Jesus. They also advocated that Jesus had a ghostlike body, not one made of flesh. This assertion attacked the heart of the gospel message and the incarnation of Jesus, and was therefore heretical. The Jewish element of the group taught that elements of Judaism needed to be added to the Christian faith for individuals to know God: circumcision, what a person could eat and when, and so forth (Col. 2:11, 16). They purported the incorporation of elements of both religions for true completion. In Colossians 2:9–11, Paul refuted all these additional teachings by emphatically stating that Jesus is God (John 1:1, 14; Col. 2:9). God became flesh in the person of Jesus (John 1:1, 14; Col. 2:9–10). God’s dwelling in fullness in Jesus gave him the power to defeat sin by living a perfect life and paying the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross (Col. 2:11). In Colossians 2:8–10, Paul refuted the Gnostic philosophy. Paul sarcas- tically used the Gnostics’ term “elementary principles” (their term for the ABC’s of Gnosticism), to state that the full knowledge and expression of God is found in Christ, not in the elementary ABC’s of Gnosticism (2:3, 9–10). Christians already have the full and meaty truth, so Christians shouldn’t exchange the wholesome gospel for Gnostic junk food. In Jesus, we have everything. We are made complete and lack nothing. Knowing God comes by knowing Jesus. Nothing more is required for us to know God. Paul also dealt with the Jewish elements of the group by correcting their error regarding certain additives from Judaism, such as circumcision. Rather than challenge the concept of circumcision, Paul redefined the kind of circumcision God desires (Col. 2:11). Human circumcision was something done before Christ had come to accomplish his saving work. Now, when we turn to Christ in faith, we experience a circumcision of the heart performed by God, and human circumcision of the flesh is no longer required (Col. 2:11). God wants our commitment to be a vow of our heart to him. 68 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

The Manifold Blessings of Life with Jesus

Notice all the things that accompany Jesus coming to live within us. Colossians 2 reveals that in Jesus, God gives us: • The wealth of knowing God (2:2) • The revealed mystery of God (2:2) • All God’s wisdom and knowledge (2:2) • Stability and growth in our faith (2:7) • Completeness (2:10) • He who is head over all rule and authority (2:10) • Union with Christ through circumcision of the heart (2:11) • Burial with him in baptism (2:12) • Resurrection with him through faith (2:12) • Life with him forever (2:12, 13) • Forgiveness of all our sins (2:13) • Cancellation of all our sin-debts and penalties which were nailed to the cross with him (2:14) • Reconciliation and restoration of relationship to God (2:14) • Freedom from the disarmed rulers and demonic forces, and victory over them (2:15) • His triumphs and victories (2:15)

Christian Faith and Fullness (2:9–15)

In the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, God provided three realities for everyone who places faith in Jesus. The first is full salvation. Jesus lived a sinless life we could not have lived. Jesus experienced temptation, but by the power of God, he said “No” to sin. After we embrace Christ, God comes to live within us, and he gives us the strength to say “No” to sin. While we don’t always say “No,” God will give us victory over temptation when we let him reign in us. As the one person who never sinned, Jesus is the Lamb of God—without blemish, and therefore the perfect sacrifice. By being tempted in every way, he is a sympathetic high priest for us (Hebrews 4:15). Because he is sinless, when we confess our sins to him, his blood cleanses us from all Lesson 7: Fullness in Christ 69 unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Since Jesus was fully God and fully man, our union with Christ fills us with God, who then provides every available resource to fill us to fullness (Col. 2:10). When we place our faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we experience the full power and accomplishment of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. We are buried with Christ in baptism, dying to our old self, dying to sin (Col. 2:12). By faith in Jesus, we were also in Jesus when he rose from the dead; thus, by faith, we have died to sin and our old life. Just as Christ physi- cally rose from the dead, we spiritually rise as new creatures in Christ, given a new nature that desires to please God (Col. 2:12). This complete salvation allows God to crucify our old sinful self and raise us as new creatures in Christ (Col. 2:13). By faith, we have been raised, given a new quality of life, and a new power to live it. God saves us, once and for all, and reconnects us to his eternal and life-giving presence. The second remarkable thing God accomplishes for us as we join our lives to Jesus is the complete forgiveness of our sins. God nailed all our transgressions and sins to the cross with Christ. All the sins of our lives were transferred onto Jesus that day, where the wrath of God incinerated our sins. “Forgiveness” is a beautiful word. It is a word which, in the Greek language, describes untying a boat from a dock and letting it go out to sea. When we turn to Christ, all the filth, hurt, destructiveness, and guilt associated with our sin and tied to our lives, is untied and taken away. God frees us. He takes our vessels of sin over the horizon. They are gone, forgiven, and no longer tied to the dock of our lives. When we recall a sin, we can know that God has already taken that boat away because the blood of Jesus paid for all sins—past, present, and future. God’s word promises that if we confess (agree with God regarding) our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to keep on cleansing us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Because of our faith commitment to Jesus, God nailed the charges filed against us to the cross, and canceled our debts (the penalties from our sins and transgressions). There is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus who live according to the Spirit and not the flesh (Romans 8:1). God negates all our debt. We are completely forgiven. When we entrust our lives to Jesus, we become new creatures in Christ. This transformation was God’s plan from the time sin entered the world. 70 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

It is the experience of Christ in us, which is the hope of glory (Col. 1:27). In Philippians 2:13 we read that it is God who works within us, both to will (give us the desire), and to do (the power to accomplish), God’s good plea- sure. Christ living in us each day is indeed the hope of glory, the promise of being good, and defeating temptation; the power to choose good and do it. Christ accomplishes all of this by living his life in and through us every day, as we cooperate with him (Galatians 2:20). Jesus’ complete victory is the third awesome aspect of the salvation God provided for us. Jesus defeated temptation and sin. He successfully resisted the devil when tempted (Matthew 4:1–11). Jesus began to overcome Satan’s dominion and power on earth as he cast out demons and set the captives free (Matthew 11:25–29; Luke 11:17–22). When Jesus rose from the dead, he disarmed the rulers and authorities, making a public display of them (Col. 2:15). He disarmed them, stripping the evil forces of their greatest weapons, and publicly revealed their defeat. Satan thought he had won by killing Jesus, but God turned all of Satan’s apparent wins into losses. Jesus’ death brought the forgiveness of sins and the conquest of guilt. Jesus’ resurrection removed fear: the fear of death, and death itself out of Satan’s armory (Hebrews 2:14–15). Through Christ, we have been set free from guilt, fear, death, and hell (Revelation 1:18). We are able to overcome temptation through the Spirit of God. We have received complete salvation, total forgiveness, restoration of life with God, and victory over the devil. All of these realities assure us of eternal life with God.

Implications and Actions

We need to give more than casual thought to all that God has provided for us in Christ Jesus. Think of all that God has accomplished and provided to us through the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. There is no other means of salvation that comes close to what God has provided through Jesus Christ. He has dealt with our sins, forgiven us, restored us into a healthy relationship with himself, and he lives in us to give us the power to live for him. Life is complete in Christ. We should never even think of finding a “better” salvation. Christ went through anguish, attacks, suffering, and Lesson 7: Fullness in Christ 71 death for us. God has forgiven us in Christ, canceled all our sins and crimes and has raised us from death. Why then do we find it so hard to sacrifice even a few hours a week for Jesus?

Questions

1. What things were the Colossians tempted to add to faith in Jesus?

2. What additives to faith in Jesus permeate our culture today?

• Jesus + ______

3. What surprised you in this lesson? 72 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

4. What fears prevent you from making a deeper commitment to Christ?

5. What fears keep you from serving Christ in the church?

6. How does the resurrection of Jesus from the dead affect your view of life? How does it impact your view of death?

7. What areas of your life need the fullness of Christ? FOCAL TEXT BACKGROUND Colossians 2:16–23 Colossians 2:16–23 lesson 8 Spiritual Intimidation

MAIN IDEA Christians must recognize spiritual intimidation and not allow it to sway them from the truth, or the practice of their freedom and mission in Christ.

QUESTION TO EXPLORE How do I remain focused on Christ and how he wants me to live?

STUDY AIM To learn not to allow others (or their rules), to take Christ’s place in directing my life

QUICK READ Christians are to live their lives BIBLE under the guidance of Jesus, instead STUDY GUIDE of being intimidated to conform to the secondary demands of other people, experiences, or things.

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Introduction

Can you recall an experience when others tried to coerce you into doing something? Do you remember how you felt? Did you realize at the time that they were browbeating you to become what they wanted you to be, instead of encouraging you to live God’s design for your life? Or did you only recognize it as coercion after the fact? Paul wrote to encourage Christians in Colossae who were being spiritually browbeaten by others to add more things to the complete salvation God had provided for them. Their tactics came in three forms: legalism, mysticism, and asceticism. People today practice numerous types of spiritual intimidation. They insist Christians need to do things to improve their standing with God. Sometimes, the coercion is transmitted through lists of rules that people must follow. The most insidious strong-arming connects cultural biases, values, or agendas with the mandate: Real Christians believe this! The clear implication is that if you have a different opinion, your faith must be fraudu- lent. Paul delineated a few types of spiritual bullying in Colossians 2:16–23.

Colossians 2:16–23

16 Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day— 17 things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ. 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 fleshly mind, 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. 20 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!” 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 Lesson 8: Spiritual Intimidation 75

and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.

Legalism as Spiritual Intimidation (2:16–17)

Legalism purports that one’s standing with God can improve through doing things. In verses 16–17, Paul addressed spiritual bullies trying to pass judgment on what others do or don’t do. Notice that Paul’s first word in verse 16 was “therefore,” which introduces a conclusion based upon what was said beforehand. Paul emphatically stated that you are not to let anyone judge or intimidate you. Why? Because Jesus has saved you completely. In Jesus, you have everything. The fullness of God dwells in you through Jesus. God made you complete in Jesus. Jesus fulfilled the law required by God; he paid your violation penalties in full and removed them from your record. After receiving Jesus and choosing to live your life in gratitude to him, there’s nothing you can do to impress God, Because you are raised with Christ (Col. 2:12–13; 3:1), and he is seated at the right hand of God, the secondary things of this world are minor. You’ve been declared acceptable in Christ and are already living in the presence of God. You cannot improve on that. Don’t let others judge you or make you feel incomplete through intimidation. Legalism flourishes in religions, much like squash in a fertile garden. Legalism uses rules to bring people under control. Religions use it to control and intimidate followers to adopt some habits and avoid others. Paul listed some of the symptoms of legalism in Colossians 2:16: food and drink restrictions, religious services mandates, celebration protocols, and so forth. Lastly, he touched on the Sabbath, which itself had a myriad of rules and regulations from Judaism. The apostle explained how to keep the Sabbath holy and not violate it. Paul explained that such things are shadows, not realities. Christ is the reality; the additional things are shadows which may offer small glimpses of life with God, but have no substance. Most shadows are poor reflections of 76 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST our true selves; they are synthetic rules and regulations that are accomplishing nothing but exhausting us. I grew up when American Christianity brimmed with good-intentioned religious rules. I remember going to church camps where our Bible studies were about why Baptists don’t drink, smoke, dance, date non-Christians, listen to rock music, or gamble. Even as a young teenager, I sensed that those were not the main topics in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. They were things Christian parents desired to use to curb bad decisions young believers often make. Every culture, if not alert, will bring cultural biases into Christianity and make them synonymous with the faith. As a believer, you must stay alert to what is gospel truth and be able to identify cultural shadows added to the message as an attempt to control you or others. The substance of Christianity is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Let the living Christ guide you into what you should do or not do. The indwelling Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth (John 14:16–17, 23–26; 16:7–13), by reminding you what Jesus taught and did, and by speaking to you through the Bible.

Mysticism as Spiritual Intimidation (2:18–19)

Mysticism is hard to define, but it generally involves so-called “secret knowledge” or experiences that purportedly give one the edge spiritually when it comes to a deeper life or a more mystical understanding of spiritual things. In the context of the Colossians, the mysticism was rooted in a Gnostic

Living in Liberty

Legalism is being controlled, bound, or stifled by rules. Legalism is attrac- tive because the rules supposedly produce positive results, and when they don’t work, we can blame someone else. Licentiousness is living with total abandonment to self-gratification. Licentiousness is the easiest and most destructive thing: Doing whatever one feels or wants to do with no regard to anyone else nor to the harm done to self or others. Liberty is living a life that is not controlled by legalism, nor ego, but rather by Jesus and his life-principles. Lesson 8: Spiritual Intimidation 77 philosophy which purported that invisible forces were emanating from planets and other heavenly bodies (such as the moon), which could influence humans on earth. They also thought angels controlled various celestial bodies—and were players in unseen ways in attempts to communicate with God As noted in the previous lesson, and reiterated here, Paul encouraged Christians to focus on Jesus and what God accomplished in the life, death, and resurrection of his Son. This goes forward as the Holy Spirit lives in and through believers for the sake of Christ. Paul bluntly warned the Colossian Christians to remain alert and stop letting religious fads or con-artists swin- dle them out of the prize they had received in Christ (Col. 2:18). The word “defrauding” or “disqualifying” (Col. 2:18) means, “Don’t let anyone deny your status as a Christian.” We still experience similar fraud in our lives today. When I was an active Christian in college, I had several friends who were always trying to coerce me into speaking in tongues. I asked them if they were saying I was not a Christian because I did not follow this practice. They would say, “No, no! We see that you love Jesus and are being used by him to lead others to Christ. But you are missing out on experiencing the fullness of God through speaking in tongues.” They did not bully me into their emotional faith, and we remained friends, but they never eased their pressure. Paul was emphatic—don’t let anyone cause you to doubt what Christ did for you, or get you thinking that you’re missing out on some mystical thing you could experience with their guidance. Christ, and what he accomplished, is the purpose and power of the Christian life. If you have Christ living in and through you, there’s no need to let others rob you of enjoying him while chasing after some mystical encounter. Christ is the substance, the reality of our faith. Other things are mere shadowy impressions of the real being. Paul told the Colossae believers to stop letting others judge them and intimidate them into chasing shadows. By telling them to stop the bully, it’s clear that there was an arrogant, pseudo-spiritual person in the church who was full of himself and his experiences, and was trying to coerce the con- gregation into honoring him and pursuing his arrogance. They were being intimidated into punishing self (perhaps self-abasement via fasting), and worshiping angels (Col. 2:18), and the man was saying his mystical visions were to be followed. 78 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

Christ-compatible Questions

Consider the following questions as you make decisions: • Is this action or principle aligned with the life and teachings of Jesus? • Would Jesus do this in this way? • Does doing this build up others, honor Christ, and align with Jesus’ life and teachings? • Does this principle enslave me to a bad habit or to an unsustainable way of life? • Is this action in line with loving God with all my heart and loving others as Jesus loves me?

But angels are created beings and servants of God. As a believer, you know that Jesus is the Creator, the Master, and the head of all angels and powers. So, don’t replace the Creator by worshiping creatures, even angels. Don’t follow someone who is trying to become the head of the church. Instead, hold fast to Jesus as the head of your life, the church, and your worship (Col. 2:19). Find your place in the church and let Christ, as the head, supply you with all you need. Work together with the rest of the church to become the interconnected, functioning body of Christ.

Asceticism as Spiritual Intimidation (2:20–23)

“Asceticism” originally referred to the physical discipline carried on by an athlete in training. However, from the first century on, asceticism also became associated with self-restraint. It was, and is, embraced in some form among some Christians today. It might include celibacy, as well as restrictions from certain foods and beverages, sleep, owning property, and so forth. These self-restraints are attempts to attain humility, improve the soul, or become like Jesus. Some of these restraints were often present in monasticism. Lesson 8: Spiritual Intimidation 79

The Gnostics were trying to intimidate Christians to add to their Christian faith the gnostic philosophical principles about the forces of the universe and how life worked. Paul rejected self-abasement, saying that as a Christian, your self-driven life died and was buried with Christ. Therefore, you don’t need human-made methods to bring the self under control (Col. 2:20). Why would a freed believer try to resurrect self and control it by restraining access to food, water, or other things? As a Christian, you have died to self and the myriad of rules which try to control you (Col. 2:20). Paul was adamant: do not bring asceticism into your life as the master. Jesus is the Master; let him control your body, self, and appetites. Human-made rules are pointless (Col. 2:21–22). God dealt with those rules at the cross. Christ crucified our flesh, along with the laws that seek to control it. For thousands of years, rules such as “do not handle, taste, or touch” have failed to control people. The only thing that can restrain self is its death with Christ on the cross (Col. 2:20, 23).

Implications and Actions

People may seek to intimidate you into living the way they want you to live. Some are well-intentioned; however, intimidation is rarely a useful leadership or motivational style. God desires believers to be imitators of Christ, not intimidators of others. When Christ controls your life, desires, words, and actions, the self- motivated areas of your life bridle. This truth does not mean there are no benefits found in fasting, watching your diet, or exercising. Paul was not forbidding such things but instead recommended that they do not become the driving forces that control our lives. Paul instead acknowledged that salvation in Christ has provided believers the means for self-control—to live post-resurrection lives by faith in the Son of God who loved us and gave himself for us (Galatians 2:20). 80 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

Questions

1. How do you feel around a person who is trying to intimidate you? How do you react? Have you found a way to confront such an individual, and graciously explain that you don’t appreciate such methods of communication?

2. What legalism is so deeply rooted in you that it is almost a default response in your life? How could you stop that legalistic rule from dominating your life?

3. Have you ever had a mystical type of spiritual experience, such as God using an angel to prevent you from getting in an accident? Or perhaps a time when God orchestrated your schedule so that you met someone unexpectedly? Do you talk about such experiences with others or keep them to yourself?

4. Is there a behavior or bad habit that you have tried to stop, but you still do it? Have you ever taken that habit or behavior to God in prayer, asking Jesus to overcome it in you by the power of his indwelling presence? Have you asked him to control that area of your life and the drive to do that behavior habitually? FOCAL TEXT BACKGROUND Colossians 3:1–9 Colossians 3:1–9 lesson 9 How Should I Live?

MAIN IDEA The power of Christ transforms us through raising us to a new life in Christ and putting to death our sinful ways.

QUESTION TO EXPLORE What sin(s) in my life need to be put to death so that I can live in the freedom and power of Christ?

STUDY AIM To yield to the power of Christ in me for a transformation of heart and mind

QUICK READ Rising from the dead, Jesus reigns as BIBLE the victor over sin and the grave. The STUDY GUIDE power of Jesus in us raises Christ- followers to a transformed life by shedding sin through his victory.

81 82 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

Introduction

In the Marvel motion picture, Avengers: Infinity War, Doctor Strange can look forward in time and see 14,000,605 possible outcomes of the war they are fighting against Thanos. When Tony Stark (Iron Man) asks Doctor Strange, “How many did we win?” the forward-looking warrior replies with a simple answer, “One.” That answer parallels a spiritual truth. Of the millions of possible outcomes to our lives, there is only one way for us to experience authentic, meaningful life—Jesus! In Christ, we are victorious over sin, Satan, and self. The God who created us and loves us to the fullest restores us to himself. Jesus came to give us his resurrection power so that we can live free from the chains of sin and in the power of the Spirit. Jesus is the only way for us to have a purposeful life—both in this world and in the kingdom to come. Focusing on the theological explanation of the first two chapters in the Book of Colossians about the identity of Christ and the “fullness” that believers find in him, Paul then shifted to the more practical section of his letter. Chapters 3 and 4 explain how followers of Christ can find “fullness” in him. In a similar style to his other writings, Paul moved from doctrine in the first part of the letter to behavior in the latter section of the text. Christianity is more than merely understanding who Jesus is; a life of faith necessitates that we live out the truth of Christ in our lives as we surrender to his lordship. How we live our lives expresses what we genuinely believe.1

Colossians 3:1–9

1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must Lesson 9: How Should I Live? 83

rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices . . .

Raised to Life in Christ (3:1–4)

God created time, and he exists beyond the limitations of our world. Hence, Paul spoke of our resurrection with Christ in the past tense (Greek word aorist passive indicative). In other words, our future resurrection as Christians is a reality to God. Our confidence in the resurrection from the ills of this world rests on the achieved victory over death by Christ. Jesus overcomes the grave and promises to return to escort his people into eternal life in the forever kingdom of heaven. Considering what Jesus accomplished for us as his people, we focus our lives on the kingdom of God through setting our hearts on things that are beyond this world. Jesus instructed his disciples, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19–21). The heart reflects choices and priorities. What we value most is what we set our hearts on. Just as Jesus rose from the dead and ascended beyond this world, so we, as his followers, should ascend from focusing on temporal, earthly things to a heavenly perspective on life. Paul realized that the mind is the gateway to the heart. If a Christian desires for Christ to reign supreme over the matters of the heart, he or she must focus on the things of God. So, instead of focusing our thoughts on earthly things, we must filter what comes into our minds. Paul provided such a filter in another one of his prison epistles, the Book of Philippians: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (4:8). Thus, if we have thoughts that do not align with these virtues (or others like them), then it is probably a human thought that does not warrant our focus as Christians. 84 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

In Colossians 3:3, Paul spoke of our death as a completed action (aorist active indicative). Paul was not addressing physical death, though as he wrote from a prison in Rome he may have believed his death was imminent (see Philippians 1:21). Instead, Paul was using a metaphor when he spoke of “dying” to a carnal way of living, so we can experience the resurrection power of a newness of life in Christ. For example, Paul said, “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Thus, Paul was speaking of our death (or crucifixion) from the sinful and tempting things of this world. So, in Paul’s estimation, our death from worldly things is as much a reality as the resurrection of Jesus. We must choose to “hide” in Christ so we can fully experience the ongoing resurrection power of Christ, which is why Paul changed the word tense in the middle of verse 3 to perfect passive indicative.

Coming Out of the Tomb

Easter is the pinnacle of the Christian calendar, a day of commemorating Jesus’ triumphant resurrection over of the tomb. The tomb serves as a symbol of death, sin, and defeat. Jesus conquered the grave and offered victory to his followers. While Christians today claim Jesus as Savior and Lord, we may continue to struggle with feelings of depression, guilt, grief, anxiety, anger, sorrow, and a host of other emotional tombs that prevent us from experiencing the resurrected life of Christ. Like Lazarus, however, Jesus beckons us to follow him out of the tomb—we do not have to stay there (John. 11:43). There is freedom and abundant life in Jesus. Consider these steps to aid you in coming out of the tomb and into the life of Christ: • Be honest with yourself about your struggles. • Pray for God to heal your hurts. • Memorize scriptural promises that speak to your challenges. • Entrust a strong Christian friend to pray for you. • Seek professional assistance to overcome what you have experienced. • Journal your progress. • Celebrate the victories that come. Lesson 9: How Should I Live? 85

The work of Christ is complete, but it remains ongoing as we choose to con- ceal our lives in the daily protection of God. Hence, the psalmist beckoned us: “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1). We are not to live our lives as does the world around us. We are to be ambassadors of another kingdom by representing our King through living by the very nature and character of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). So, not only is our eternity secure in Jesus, we can experience the abundant life that he offers us in this world by letting the Lord have his way in every aspect of our lives. Then, when Jesus appears at his return, we will join him in the glory of eternity around his throne in heaven, celebrating the life we have in Christ.

Raised from Life in Sin (3:5–9)

In the next passage, Paul pivoted to the journey of faith. The apostle com- manded (aorist active imperative) for us to slay everything in us that distracts from our heavenly priorities (v. 5). The means to an empowered life with Christ is to die to the human attraction of all that is not of Christ. Paul provided a partial list of sins, which serves as a representation of all transgressions. Specifically, he named sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, greed, idolatry, anger, rage, malice, slander, filthy language, and lying. These sins are not the only ones that must be crucified, but merely serve as a broad stroke to give us the picture of every form of sin. Paul’s point is not to propel his readers to create a sin checklist, nor did he intend for us to make comparative evaluations of our vices and those of others. The imperative command is that every transgression must be put to death because these behavioral patterns are reflective of our lives before Christ and have no part in the lives we now live in Jesus. God is holy and just. As such, he must condemn all wrongdoing. If he did not do so, he would no longer be holy or just. Therefore, his wrath is coming (v. 6) to condemn all immorality and sinfulness. As Christians, we will have to answer for the choices we make in life. Paul compelled the Corinthians to reflect on this truth when he stated, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10). Our 86 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

Sharing Your Story

Far too often, Christians assume that witnessing requires extensive training. However, our personal stories are unique, and God uses them to communicate his love to those he places in our paths. Consider these steps from the Book of Colossians as you write out and share your story with others: • What was your life like in “the life you once lived?” (3:7) • How did you become aware and commit your life to God through trusting in Jesus? (3:3) • What has God done to transform your heart and mind? (3:1–2) • How is God continuing to change your life from an earthly mindset to a spiritual focus? (3:5–8) • How is your future secure in what Jesus has done for you? (3:4)

salvation is not based on good works or the absence of evil deeds; our eternal security rests in the act of Jesus’ death for all sins and the gift of eternal life as we place our trust in him. As followers of Christ, grateful for his sacrifice on our behalf, we choose to live in the renewing power of our Creator, who continues to transform us into the image of Jesus (Col. 3:10). So, we die to our former way of living in which we pursued what we deemed best for ourselves and surrender to a new life in Christ. We trust him to guide our paths to the most abundant and meaningful life possible (John 10:10). We shed from our lives these evil practices so that we can put on the virtuous life of Christ.

Implications and Actions

Living for Jesus centers on a life raised by Christ. The raised life begins with a transformation of our hearts and minds and leads us to a transformed perspective of sin. When we die to our former lifestyles, we rise into a newness of life. The new life we experience in Christ is one where we take the debacles and destructive ways of sin seriously, casting aside the way we once lived. In Lesson 9: How Should I Live? 87 the place of a sin-driven life, we embrace a new approach to our existence and purpose. We seek to live in such a way that we bring glory to God by focusing on the things above and not on earthly things.

Questions

1. What do you need Jesus to lift you from in this world so you can set your heart on holy things?

2. What helps you to evaluate your thoughts and ensure that your mind concentrates on holy things?

3. What do you keep hidden for safe-keeping? How does this help you understand the importance of staying protected by God? 88 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

4. What sin in your life needs to be put to death again and again? What steps will you take to rid yourself of this sin?

5. Read Ephesians 4:26. When it comes to emotions (such as anger), how do we work through them in a way that is honorable to God?

6. Why do we tend to categorize sins, inferring that some are worse than others? Do you find it easier to condemn sins that you rarely struggle with compared to those that are a constant struggle?

Notes

1. Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations in lessons 9–13 are from the New International Version (1984). FOCAL TEXT BACKGROUND Colossians 3:10–17 Colossians 3:10–17 lesson 10 Dressing in Style

MAIN IDEA The new life in Christ develops our character from the inside out, so we clothe ourselves in the virtues of Christ.

QUESTION TO EXPLORE What attributes do I need the Holy Spirit to develop within me?

STUDY AIM To see the value of dressing in the virtues of the Spirit of God and living them out in our daily lives

QUICK READ In Christ, we are created anew. This newness of life in Christ transforms BIBLE our character from the vices of this STUDY GUIDE world (the old self) to the virtues exemplified in Jesus (the new self).

89 90 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

Introduction

As the weather changes, your wardrobe choices shift. You unpack sweaters and pull out coats in winter. During the summer, you replace boots with flip- flops. You might even change your wardrobe to match fashion trends. In the passage for this lesson, Paul used the metaphor of “clothe yourselves” to speak about the importance of putting on the virtues of Christ. We saw in the previous lesson that we need to get rid of (put to death) whatever belongs to our human nature (immorality, lust, greed, rage, and lying). However, in our human frailty, if we merely discard these vices, we will tend to take them back into our lives. It is not enough to throw them out; we must replace them. Paul showed believers how to clothe themselves in the newness of life in Christ.

Colossians 3:10–17

10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Lesson 10: Dressing in Style 91

The New Self Sees Others Differently (3:10–11)

Paul began verses 10 and 11 by speaking about how our new lives in Christ reflect a transformed view of the people around us. Labels (such as Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free) become immaterial. Modern labels become equally irrelevant. Like the Colossians, we label others by their ethnicity (such as Hispanic, Asian, Anglo, or African-American). We label people by their appearance (depend- ing on if they are formally dressed, tattooed and pierced, disheveled, or tall, dark, and handsome). We label others as conservative or liberal due to a comparative view of their political persuasion. We label other Christians by where they attend worship, or by their denominational preference (such as Baptist, Methodist, or Catholic). We label people based on their educational background. We even tend to label others by their profession (plumber or school teacher). However, as believers, we are made new. In God, labels no longer identify us. If we are in Christ, he is all that matters. Christ should be in all that we do and say, and if he is, then that is enough. We no longer see others through the lens of human-made descriptors; all who have been made alive in Christ stand united as children of the King. All humanity needs the redemptive power of God made available through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. When we embrace the gift of life offered to us in Jesus, Christ comes to dwell in us. He is in all of us as believers, and therefore, erases our labels. Being in Jesus is all that matters. When you see others who are in Christ, look beyond their human nature and see the embodiment of Christ in them. All Christ-followers are being “renewed” to conform to the image of our Creator. No one is without this need, for we are all works in progress. There is no longer a need for labels because we are all under the judgment of God and are cleansed of guilt through the shed blood of Jesus. He unites us as the family of God. Shedding our old selves allows us to be clothed in the newness of Christ that transforms how we see others. 92 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

The New Self Sees God Differently (3:12–14)

Not only does being “in Christ” transform how we see other; it ultimately revolutionizes how we view God. God is not a god of calloused retribution; he is not a selfish deity who demands our allegiance. God offers us a relationship; he chose us to be a part of his family. Paul shifted his message in verse 12 to remind the Colossians that they were “God’s chosen people,” “holy and dearly loved.” John, the Beloved Disciple, reminded us of Jesus’s words: “You did not choose me, but I chose you . . .” (John 15:16). It is out of this chosen state that God sets us apart into his holiness, embraced by the love of Christ. We do not merit such favor from our Creator; he freely bestows it on us because, “in Christ,” we are his chosen people.

A Place of Forgiveness

The act of forgiveness is tough, especially when those closest hurt us. Consider these steps, when trying to come to a place of forgiveness in your relationships with others: • Reflect on God’s forgiveness of you and your many mistakes. • Remember that forgiveness is a gift that liberates your heart. • Pray for God to change your attitude toward the person who hurt you. • Strive to live in the moment and not dwell on the past. • Seek to understand why the person acted the way he or she did. • See forgiveness as an opportunity to learn more about yourself and those around you. • Avoid speaking negatively to others about the person who hurt you. • Accept responsibility for your role in the broken relationship. • Trust God to work in the lives of others rather than trying your pattern of thought. • Consider ways you can extend kindness to the person who hurt you. • Maintain realistic expectations when you build relationships with imperfect people. Lesson 10: Dressing in Style 93

Many Israelites in the time of Paul’s writing believed they had elite status as the chosen nation of God. However, Jesus—and the apostles after him—clearly announced that all who come to faith in Christ are God’s chosen people. Peter wrote, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9). All who put their faith and trust in God become a part of God’s chosen kingdom. As people of the kingdom of God, we should reflect the values of our King. Paul listed a sampling of virtues that Christ-followers exhibit through the power of the indwelling Spirit of God. This list (as with Paul’s list of vices in Colossians 3:5–9) is representative, and not an exhaustive list of the virtues of God. Paul purposefully chose attributes that depict the heart and nature of God toward sinful people. If we are to represent God in this world and live in the newness of life, we must “clothe” ourselves with these divine attributes. Paul’s list includes compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love.

The New Self Sees Ourselves Differently (3:15–17)

In Colossians 3:14, Paul concluded that love must be the supreme virtue in our lives. This edict echoed Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13 (a chapter typically used at wedding ceremonies to exemplify the godly love shared between spouses). Indeed, sacrificial love (agape) is the goal of marriage, but it should reign supreme in all relationships and interactions with our fellow human beings, regardless of who they are or the depth of the personal connection. Paul concluded in 1 Corinthians 13:13: “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” As in Colossians 3:14, Paul designated the superiority of love. Whereas faith rests on the history of what Christ accomplished for his people, and hope embraces the future reality of what Christ will do for his people, the present mandate is that we love others the way God loves them. We are called to be the presence of Christ is the world. We do this when we let love reign supreme. Such love 94 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

“binds” together all other virtues and exemplifies the nature and character of Jesus. When we see others differently and God differently, it changes how we view ourselves and the circumstances of our lives. The peace of God comes over us, ruling over the emotions and decisions of our hearts. Paul echoed the teaching of another of his prison epistles: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7). When we let God have his way in our lives, we experience the inner peace of knowing that he is in control. Stop and consider this truth: God knows what he’s doing! When we see life through the lens of God’s sovereignty, we experience peace because we can trust him with everything happening in our lives. Our outlook changes to one of being thankful for what he has done, is doing, and will do in our lives. Possessing this peace leads us to a heart of worship. When the message of trusting Christ dwells within our hearts, we burst forth with praise. We can share from the overflow of our hearts, teaching and testifying to others about the miraculous work of God in our lives. We can worship him through a variety of different means: psalms (singing Scripture), hymns (singing the traditional songs of the past), and songs of the Spirit (praising God through modern music). All methods of worship have merit and significance when they come from a heart of peace and thanksgiving. What matters when we worship is not the type of song but the spiritual health of the heart. We are

The Scythians

Scholars continue to debate the reason for Paul’s inclusion of the Scythians in Colossians 3:11. He specifically listed the Scythians—a nomadic, tribal nation that originated north of the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea in modern-day Ukraine. The Scythians were well-known as warriors, skilled archers, and raiders. It may be that this term serves in some way as a comparative to the term barbarian much like the other word pairs in the list (Gentile and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, slave and free). Lesson 10: Dressing in Style 95 to sing the message of the gospel’s good news “. . . to God with gratitude in [our] hearts” (Col. 3:16). When we are transformed we view all that we do with different eyes. Whether we are at work or home, alone or in a crowd, among friends or strangers, or with believers or unbelievers, we are to speak and act in God- honoring ways. This transformation means that everything we do is done “in the name of the Lord.” Out of thanksgiving for all God does for us—all the promises he gives to us in the Bible and in prayer and all the work he does for us to save us and bless us—we celebrate him through our words (teaching, admonishing, and praising) and our deeds (working, going, and serving). We give thanks to God through our time, treasure, and talents all being used to point others to the transformational presence and power of Christ.

Implications and Actions

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told the story of a man who wanted to take someone’s shirt (tunic). Jesus taught that the appropriate response was to go the extra mile to give one’s coat (cloak) to another (Matthew 5:40). While Jesus was talking about providing clothes to those in need, Paul used the metaphor of “clothing” to model putting on the virtues of God. As we “clothe” ourselves in Christ’s nature, we live the way he did. This emula- tion enables us to see God, others, and ourselves differently. As we put on the characteristics of Jesus, it will change how we see the world around us, including everyone in it.

Questions

1. What labels are prevalent in your life, church, and community? In what ways should these delineations be minimized considering everyone’s need of Christ’s love and grace? 96 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

2. How is Christ “in all” of the areas of your personal life? Is there an area where “he must become greater” (John 3:30)?

3. How does it impact how you see God when you know he has chosen you? How does this influence how you see yourself?

4. Of the virtues mentioned in Colossians 3:12–14, which ones are most evident in your life? Your family? Your class? Explain your answers.

5. Do you prefer to worship through psalms, hymns, or spiritual songs? Why is this your preference?

6. How can you take normal, everyday activities and “do it all in the name of the Lord?” FOCAL TEXT BACKGROUND Colossians 3:18–25; 4:1 Colossians 3:18–25; 4:1 lesson 11 Wisdom for Relationships

MAIN IDEA The new life in Christ changes how we view relationships in the home and workplace.

QUESTION TO EXPLORE How is a Christ-follower to approach marriage, parenting, and employment?

STUDY AIM To honor Christ in the way we relate to others in our homes and places of employment

QUICK READ In Christ, we seek to recognize and honor the value of others. BIBLE Relationally, we demonstrate this in STUDY GUIDE how we treat others, especially those with whom we live and work.

97 98 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

Introduction

George Mueller was an evangelist, pastor, and the director of the Ashley Down orphanage in Bristol, England. When asked to explain the secret of his long-time service, Mueller stated, “There was a day when I died, utterly died; died to George Mueller, his opinions, preferences, tastes, and will; died to the world, its approval or censure; died to the approval or blame even of my brethren and friends; and since then I have studied to show myself approved only to God.”1 Throughout the Book of Colossians, the Apostle Paul challenged Christ- followers to die to ourselves “to show [ourselves] approved only to God.” We are to “put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to [our] earthly nature” (Col. 3:5) and to “clothe” ourselves in the virtues of Christ (Col. 3:12). Then, we must seek to apply this transformation in how we see, relate to, and interact with others in our homes and workplaces.

Colossians 3:18–25

18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. 22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

Colossians 4:1

1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. Lesson 11: Wisdom for Relationships 99

The Husband and Wife Relationship (3:18–19)

In the first four verses of Colossians 3, Paul spoke to specific family members. In verse 18, he encouraged wives to “submit.” Unfortunately, this passage and Ephesians 5:22–24 have mistakenly led some to conclude that Paul was a male-chauvinist and minimized the value of women. However, stop and consider that Paul was writing to a male-dominant society, and yet, he took time to address women personally. Paul never said, “Husbands, make your wives submit.” Instead, he spoke exclusively to wives and explained that if they want to demonstrate a transformed life in Christ, the best way to do so is to model a submissive spirit in their marriage. Paul’s counsel to wives does not imply that wives are to do something husbands are not to do. In Ephesians 5:21, he stated that we are all to submit to one another out of our awe over the love Jesus has for us. However, there is one need common to most husbands: respect (Ephesians 5:33). Therefore, Paul counseled that the most important thing a wife can do to demonstrate the care of Jesus to her husband is to lift him up with gratitude and loyalty. She is to identify with him in life and commit to walking beside him. This allegiance is what fits with her relationship to the Lord. Jesus is a wife’s only Master; her husband is her partner in life. Through that partnership, a wife exalts Christ as she supports, encourages, and respects her husband. Second, Paul directly addressed husbands (Col. 3:19). He explained that the most valuable thing a husband can do to exemplify Christ in his marriage is to show ongoing, sacrificial love. The word translated love in this passage is not the word for passionate, erotic love (eros), nor the term for a friendly, brotherly love (phileo), but the word for extreme, undeserved love (agape). By using agape, Paul was comparing the love that a husband is to demonstrate to his wife with the love that God has for his people. In Ephesians, Paul compared the love of Christ giving himself up for his followers (the church), with the kind of sacrificial love of a devoted husband (Eph. 5:25–28). Before Jesus ever “gave himself” on the cross, he sacrificed many things. He surrendered his position in heaven to come to earth. He sacrificed his time to minister to the disenfranchised. He forfeited his will to the ultimate plans of the Father. Paul was not just asking husbands to lay down their lives for their wives; he was teaching that the greatest way for husbands to show the power of God in their homes is to sacrifice their 100 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

Civil Disobedience

When studying a passage about obeying human leaders (i.e., parents, employers, government officials), the question arises about when and how it is appropriate to rebel. When facing such dilemmas, consider the following: • Pray. Seek God’s direction before acting in defiance. • Evaluate your reasoning. Make sure your logic aligns with the Bible. • Seek to understand the leader’s position. Try to see his or her perspective. • Make sure you have the facts. Avoid making assumptions. • Remember that two wrongs do not make a right. Evaluate your attitude and actions before proceeding. • Keep your emotions in check. Standing for what is right in the wrong way is detrimental. • Exhaust means of reconciliation. Go the extra mile to communicate and seek harmony. • Maintain humility. Avoid becoming arrogant and argumentative. • Respectfully disagree. Validate the person and views of those you oppose. • Consider the impact on your witness. Discern how your actions may impact others for Christ. • Count the cost. Expect and be prepared to experience consequences for your choices. • Model Christ. Even when Jesus opposed others, he did so with love and grace.

opinions, preferences, ideas, and even their wills to be inclusive of the needs and desires of their wives. Specifically, Paul applied this sacrificial love to our attitudes within the home. Paul taught that we are not to be “harsh” with our spouses. Husbands, just as Paul gave wives advice on what would be especially meaningful for you, he charged you to do what is of most significant value for your wives— treating them with the tender and kind love of Christ (Eph. 5:33). This Lesson 11: Wisdom for Relationships 101 guidance means that you should talk to them and relate to them with compassion. Husbands should realize and treasure the precious gift of a sensitive and caring wife, and should treat her with thoughtful and unpretentious words and actions. Showing such agape love exemplifies Christ.

The Parent and Child Relationship (3:20–21)

In these verses, Paul shifted from the marriage relationship to address children. Adults in Paul’s day often viewed children as insignificant and immature. He specifically addressed them in verse 20, suggesting that children can teach (even their parents), and model the transformed life of following Christ. Children are admonished to obey their parents in all things. The inference here harkens back to the fifth commandment: “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 5:16). The intention is that, as children, we do not have the experience and wisdom of our parents, and we should respect and follow their guidance in our lives. Paul concluded that by obeying our parents, we please the Lord. God is pleased when we reflect his nature to the world. Throughout the Bible, the people of God are referred to as his children. Jesus chose to speak of God as his Heavenly Father. Jesus surrendered his life to be obedient to God (John 6:38). In his obedience, he demonstrated a trust in the Father’s guidance. In the same way, we please God when we strive to bring unity to the home by following the guidance and instruction of our parents. Finally, Paul addressed fathers in Colossians 3:21. While the term Paul used (pater) is masculine, it refers to an individual caring for a child. In our society, this applies to fathers, mothers, stepparents, foster parents, grand- parents, guardians, teachers, or anyone who oversees a child. Paul instructed that we are to cultivate an open and nurturing relationship rather than one that causes embitterment, strife, or discouragement. Caring for the needs of children in our modern society is filled with challenges, but Paul’s teaching remains accurate. The most significant thing parents and guardians can do to strengthen their relationships with children is to cultivate a safe environment for open dialogue and the sharing of life struggles, infusing conversation about the truths and principles of God (see Deut. 6:4–9). 102 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

Defining Submission

The word translated “submit” is the Greek word hupotasso (the same word used in Ephesians 5:21–22). The word comes from the architectural field, and it speaks of a pillar that holds up a structure. In other words, Paul was saying that, without the support of their wives, husbands would collapse. So, a husband needs his wife to come underneath him and help hold him up. While Paul gave this as an imperative, he chose to use the middle voice. This particular form in Greek means that the subject (wives) is to act out the verb (submit) as a voluntary choice. Paul pleaded with wives to willingly submit themselves by coming alongside and boosting their spouses.

The Employer and Employee Relationship (3:22–4:1)

In addition to modeling the new life of Christ in our homes, Paul called on believers to demonstrate an “others-first” perspective in the workplace. In Colossians 3:22–4:1, Paul spoke specifically to servants and masters. Paul was addressing the various relationships in the home, and servants were a part of the home life of that era. However, Paul’s edicts are equitable to our modern-day work environment. Employees are to see their role (much like children in verse 20) as being obedient to the direction and vision of their employers. Paul went even further to elaborate that employees should not just seek to do as they are instructed when a supervisor looms over their shoulder, but they should demonstrate the same work ethic even when the employer is absent because, as Paul previously stated, “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus . . .” (Col. 3:17). We are to commit ourselves with whole-hearted devotion to the benefit of other employees, employers, and the customers we serve. In so doing, we demonstrate our ultimate devotion to Christ and his command to love our “neighbor” as ourselves (Mark 12:31). Paul’s mandate is clear: Our ultimate goal (reward) is not a paycheck, a raise, or a promotion. Instead, we aim for an eternal “inheritance.” Paul was not suggesting that we arrogantly or boastfully act or speak to others with Lesson 11: Wisdom for Relationships 103 arrogant pride. On the contrary, he called us to be servants of Christ by ministering to the needs of others. How we treat others is directly related to how we serve Christ (Matthew 25:31–46). God does not show favoritism. He will hold all of us accountable for how we treat others, whether with respect and love, or manipulation and hostility. Employers must provide for the needs of those under their care, just as parents supply the needs of their children (physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual). For those under our supervision, we are to care for them as God cares for us. The Lord alone is our Master. We serve him, but we do so through ministering to the needs of others in his dominion and by representing his values on earth as it is in heaven (Matt. 6:10).

Implications and Actions

Jesus equates our love for God with the way we care for those around us (Matt. 22:37–40). How we treat others, especially in the home and the workplace, demonstrates the new life in Christ. Relationships are the key to a fulfilling life. Out of the overflow of our relationship with God, we relate to others. Through the Spirit living within us, we can put to death the fleshly desires and treat others with dignity, respect, and love. As husbands and wives, parents and children, and employers and employees, we model God before the world. If we live out the character of God in these relationships, our lives will point others to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and we will experience the abundant life of Jesus.

Questions

1. What does the word “submit” mean to you? Why is this fitting for women in the home? 104 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

2. How did Jesus demonstrate love for us? How are husbands to replicate this kind of love in the home?

3. Why does it please the Lord for children to obey their parents?

4. What do parents do today that causes discouragement in the lives of their children? How can we build up the children in our homes?

5. Why is it tempting to act differently when our employer is nearby rather than when he or she is away?

6. How does showing favoritism cause disunity in the workplace? How can we strive for fairness in the way we treat those under our supervision?

Notes

1. A.T. Pierson, George Mueller of Bristol: His Life of Prayer and Faith, (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1999), 367. FOCAL TEXT BACKGROUND Colossians 4:2–6 Colossians 4:2–6 lesson 12 A New Message

MAIN IDEA The new life in Christ changes how we view and relate to others inside and outside of the kingdom of God.

QUESTION TO EXPLORE How should I relate to others who are already Christ-followers and to those who have yet to become Christians?

STUDY AIM To relate to others, both those inside the church and outside of God’s family, in a God-honoring and Christ-like manner

QUICK READ In our relationships with fellow Christians, we seek to exemplify Christ in how we treat one another through being prayerful, watchful, BIBLE STUDY and thankful. In our relations with GUIDE unbelievers, we aim to exemplify Christ in how we treat one another through being wise, opportunistic, and gracious.

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Introduction

Truett Cathy was born on March 14, 1921. After graduating from high school in Atlanta, Georgia, Cathy served in the army during World War II. Returning to the Atlanta area after the service, he opened a small restaurant called Dwarf Grill, named after its small location. There, Truett and his brother, Ben, created a chicken sandwich that became the staple menu item. As Cathy’s business took off, he continued to expand his restaurant chain, eventually changing the name to Chick-fil-a. Cathy applied his Christian principles to his business practices. Before his death in 2014, Cathy taught Sunday school at First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Georgia, for over fifty years. With a firm conviction that Sunday should be a day for all to attend worship and spend time with their families, Cathy closed his restaurants on the first day of the week. Even today, all 2,000 plus Chick-fil-a locations remain closed on Sundays in observance of Cathy’s relational commitment and biblical conviction. Cathy believed in giving back to others in the community. For over forty years, Chick-fil-a has provided scholarships through the Remarkable Futures program, totaling tens of millions of dollars. In 1984, Cathy established the WinShape Foundation to develop people with a winning spirit and commitment to excellence. In his own family, Cathy fostered children for over thirty years. He received numerous awards and recognitions, including the President’s Call to Service Award, given to him by President George W. Bush. Throughout his career, Cathy’s slogan was: “Put people and principles before profit.” Truett Cathy knew the importance of relationships, and it led to tremen- dous success in his life and his career. If we are going to fulfill God’s call in our lives successfully, we need to learn how to relate well to all people—both believers and unbelievers. The Apostle Paul gave us insight into how to connect and relate to others in a Christ-honoring way. Lesson 12: A New Message 107

Colossians 4:2–6

2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Relating Well with Believers (4:2–4)

Be Prayerful

Paul began Colossians 4:2 by using the imperative to “devote yourself to prayer.” The Greek verb the apostle used here, proskartereo, refers to enduring over a prolonged or continuous period of time. Thus, the idea is that considering the relationships described in the previous verses, there is a need to continuously display devotion to others. Christians have an obliga- tory privilege of relating to other Christ-followers, and collaborating as brothers and sisters in the family of God. As Paul spoke about our relationships with those inside the family of God, he beckoned believers to be devoted to praying for one another. Paul did not ask for the Colossians to pray for his convenience or comfort; he did not request that they pray for his accommodations to improve, for his release from prison, or even for his physical safety and welfare. Instead, Paul asked that they pray for God to “open a door” for the proclamation of the gospel message through their current circumstances. Paul believed that, even in his imprisonment, God was at work. He wanted to utilize this opportunity to share God’s truth with others, not for the opportunity to come to a premature end with his release. Paul believed that he was in “chains” for a God-ordained purpose. He saw his imprisonment and all the events that surrounded it (see Acts 21–28) as a way for him to take the “mystery of Christ” and God’s great love for humanity to Rome, and to the lives of many he would not have otherwise encountered. 108 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

Rather than pray for God to change the circumstances we are in, or asking for him to remove those of other believers, we should petition God to use us and other Christ-followers to share the good news of the gospel wherever we are, even in the most unpleasant places. We should pray for those inside the church who are sick, grieving, and troubled, but in addition to praying for their recovery, we should ask for God to use the circumstances (however grim they may be), in a way that draws others to a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus.

Be Watchful

Paul added that we need to remain vigilant in watching for opportunities to join God in the work he is doing. Paul was watchful for openings to share God’s goodness with those around him, even in prison. He wanted to be clear in proclaiming the mysterious love that God has for rebellious humanity. He remained ever vigilant to observe, discern, and seize the opportunities God gave to him. As you go throughout the day, watch for God. Look for God in the everyday circumstances around you; he is there. Watch for him to show up in unique ways. Be discerning of conversations you have with others. Your words of encouragement might spur other believers on in their service to the Lord (Hebrews 10:25). Your small act of kindness may inspire another Christian to put the needs of others before himself or herself. Your minis- cule sacrifices to invest in the “least of these” might transform the direction of their lives. Be observant of where God is at work and ways that you can join him. In so doing, you will have innumerable opportunities to proclaim the mysterious love of Christ to believers and unbelievers.

Be Thankful

Paul spoke of the importance of thankfulness. Thanksgiving is a single day, but it should characterize the heart of a Christ-follower every day. Even though Paul had been wrongfully accused, mistreated, been on trial, ship- wrecked, and imprisoned, he continued to remain optimistic and grateful. He challenged the Colossians to be devoted to gratitude. Lesson 12: A New Message 109

The Art of Deeper Prayer

When we gather with other Christians at church, we often pray for the welfare (usually physical wellness) of those in the faith family. While it is entirely appropriate for us to share our hearts with the sovereign Creator and the divine Physician, our prayer lives should be much deeper than merely walking through a list of people facing illness, surgery, or recovery. When you pray, consider the following: • Celebrate who God is. Take time to recall how God has worked and shown himself in your life. Adore God for his nature and provision in your life. • Give thanks. Thank God for the blessings you see in what is happening around you. • Share your heart. Openly express emotions that you feel and genuinely request your heart’s desires to God. • Acknowledge trust. Above all, rest in God’s provision and know he is developing you into the image of his Son, even during your most challenging circumstances. • Ask God for clarity. Request for God to open your eyes to see what is happening in the situations around you and give you opportunities to witness to others through these events. • Surrender. Let go of personal expectations and fall into the loving arms of God.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). In this passage, Paul was not suggesting that we need to be thankful just because God wants us to. He was not like the parent who forces his or her child to go over to someone and say the obliga- tory, “Thank you!” Paul wanted what is best for us. It is God’s will for us to experience the best life, and the Lord knows that the most abundant and fruitful life is the one that sees every encounter as an opportunity to receive and share God’s goodness. Our testimony is that God graciously extended goodness to us when we did not deserve it. He not only did this through Jesus’ death on the cross, but he continues to do so in every prison we encounter. Even when life gets 110 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST painfully discouraging and heartbreaking, we can still cling to God, knowing that he is at work all around us. He is weaving his goodness into the troubles of this life in such a way that we can celebrate who he is and how he is working to draw all people closer to himself. We are to be thankful in every circumstance. As believers gather in fellowship, Bible study, and worship, we should celebrate how God is at work in the visible and invisible areas of our lives. His light shines brightest in the darkest places, which gives us reason to praise his name.

Relating Well with Unbelievers (4:5–6)

Be Wise

In Colossians 4:5–6, Paul shifted to speak about relationships with unbelievers. Whereas verses 3 and 4 focused on Paul being the recipient of the Colossians’ prayers, he pivoted to encourage them likewise to seize opportunities to share with others. He began by commanding them to exercise wisdom in the way they acted toward those outside the faith family. Our actions speak louder than our words. If we ever hope to have an audience where we can share about the mysterious love of Jesus and the good news of his mercy, we must make sure our actions demonstrate enthu- siastic commitment to the principles Jesus taught. While believers are not made perfect at the moment of conversion, we are to strive to live by the biblical principles of loving God and caring for our neighbor as we care for

Thanksgiving for Hardships

Far too often, our thanksgiving is conditional on what we perceive as blessings. We count our blessings, and rightfully so, but we fail to see blessings in the areas of discomfort and inconvenience. Our greatest potential for growth as followers of Jesus resides in the opportunities to expand our experiences and understanding. Thus, growth is much more productive in the fertile soil of adversity, tribulation, and pain. Can you see God at work in the hardships you are facing in life? Lesson 12: A New Message 111 ourselves (Matthew 22:37–40). We must be cautious and intentional about the way we live and behave in this world. Often in our relationships with others, it is more important to act right than to be right. Yes, we need to strive to know, understand, and uphold the truth. Far too many Christians strive to uphold the values endeared to them at the expense of treating other human beings with kindness, dignity, and respect. Colossians 4:5 admonishes us to reflect deeply about how we act toward others, especially those outside of the Christian community. When we look at the way Jesus treated those outside the religious establishment, we see a model for how we are to relate to others. Following Christ necessitates that we strive to act in such a way that others see the presence of Christ in us.

Be Opportunistic

Days on this earth are short-lived. The Apostle James compared it to being like a mist or a vapor that is here one moment and gone the next (James 4:14). Life is short, and the importance of spreading the goodness of God’s love is great, so we must “make the most of every opportunity” (Col. 4:5). God does not waste a single moment of life; he is intricately weaving the threads of the lives of believers into the lives of unbelievers so all can come to an awareness of his great love for us. Where we work, our neighborhoods and communities, and even perceived random encounters with strangers are all opportunities for us to reach out to those who do not know Jesus. Making short-term sacrifices in our everyday lives can lead to conversations about eternity and Spirit-empowered encounters to tell others about the reason for our hope (1 Peter 3:15). Consider Paul’s guidance in Ephesians 5:15–16: “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” We live in a time where evil is rampant, and yet, God has not finished his work in reaching people for his kingdom. We must realize the urgency of the matter and strive to make every day count. Living in Jesus, with him, and for him, we can use the opportunities we have to show Jesus, share him, and glorify him in this world. 112 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

Be Gracious

Paul concluded in Colossians 4:6 that our conversations with others are always to be full of grace. We exhibit the love of Jesus best when we put the needs of others before our own. Graciously living in the fruitful virtues of the new life we have in Christ (look back at Colossians 3:12–14), goes against the natural bent of the flesh. By living a life that denies self-gratification, we exhibit a lifestyle that attracts attention and intrigues those outside the community of faith. Paul made an analogy between gracious living and seasoning with salt. Proper seasoning adds zest to food. In comparison, a Christian who lives out the graciousness of Christ adds character to his or her relational inter- action with others that will stand out and cultivate opportunities to share about Jesus. Through such seasoning, we are empowered by God to live with such distinctiveness that those around us will stop and take notice. While we embody the gospel, the Spirit works inwardly on the heart of seekers to draw them to an awareness of the love of God. As we relate and interact with those outside of the church in a God- honoring and gracious way, spiritual conversations are stirred. This will often yield opportunities for us to share the answer to life’s questions. Jesus is the ultimate answer to life, and through God’s Spirit guiding us in wisdom and grace, we are privileged to tell all who are around us about the hope we have in Christ. God’s love compels us to share the goodness of God with those inside and outside of the community of faith.

Implications and Actions

As Christians, we have strategic opportunities to demonstrate our devotion to those inside and outside the community of faith. Among believers, we aim to model dedication to prayer for one another, watch for ways to strengthen one another, and to express thanksgiving. Among unbelievers, we strive to show devotion to being wise in how we act toward others, opportunistic in the way that we interact with others, and gracious in our conversations with others. Through living out the new life of Christ, we live a message of grace as we seek to proclaim Jesus in all we do and say. Lesson 12: A New Message 113

Questions

1. When you pray for other believers, do you pray for what is comfortable and convenient for them, or what is honoring and glorifying to God?

2. Do you watch for the movement of God throughout the day? How can you be more mindful and conscious of how God is working in and around you?

3. For what promises from God’s word are you most thankful? Explain your answer. 114 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

4. When is it better to act right rather than be right? Explain the wisdom behind this approach to relationships.

5. What does “making the most of every opportunity” (Col. 4:5) mean to you?

6. Why is salt used in cooking? How should our conversations be seasoned? FOCAL TEXT BACKGROUND Colossians 4:7–18 Colossians 4:7–18 lesson 13 Paul’s Unsung Heroes

MAIN IDEA Through collaborating with others in the Christian community, we are part of the greater purposes of the kingdom of God.

QUESTION TO EXPLORE Who has contributed to my growth as a Christ-follower and my service to God?

STUDY AIM To give thanks for those who have helped us along the way, and to encourage other believers in their service to Christ

QUICK READ Many Christians serve God outside BIBLE of the limelight. For the kingdom of STUDY God to advance, it takes the entire GUIDE body of Christ serving in varied forms. No one is indispensable or insignificant.

115 116 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

Introduction

None of us would be who we are today if it were not for the unsung heroes who invested in shaping our lives. Dick Roberts was one of my heroes. When I was a young teen, Dick took a group of us under his wing at church. He began to teach us the Bible chapter by chapter. He stayed with our group in Sunday school for several years, establishing a mentoring relationship with us. Dick never sought the limelight, and his influence could have easily gone unnoticed, but he is among those who forever shaped my life as a young Christian. Today, I still treasure a copy of The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary Dick Roberts gave me. On the opening page, Dick wrote: “I hope you always have a strong desire to learn about God’s Word. Maybe this book will help you find answers to your questions.” This book has been a resource in my library for more than twenty-five years. Whenever I open it, I remember my unsung hero, Dick Roberts, and the eternal impact he made in discipling me in the Christian life. I am forever grateful for the sacrifices he made to invest in me. Paul concluded his letter to the church at Colossae by acknowledging some of his unsung heroes in Rome, Colossae, and beyond. Likewise, we would do well to take the time to recognize those who assist and partner with us in ministry. We all need others to help us fulfill God’s call in our lives.

Colossians 4:7–18

7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. 10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, Lesson 13: Paul’s Unsung Heroes 117

also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. 17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Paul’s Unsung Hero in Rome (4:7–15)

Tychicus

Paul first pointed out Tychicus, whom he previously mentioned in Acts 20:4. As Paul left Corinth and traveled to Jerusalem with a gift for the church, Tychicus and other traveling companions accompanied him. Tychicus’ homeland was Asia (modern-day Turkey). Although this faithful servant is relatively unknown to many Christians, he was one of Paul’s most trusted friends. Paul sent Tychicus to the church at Colossae and entrusted him with the delivery of their letter, along with the message to the Ephesians (and probably Philemon). Paul spoke of Tychicus as a “beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant” of Christ (Col. 4:7). Similarly, in Ephesians 6:21, Paul called him “a dear brother and faithful servant of the Lord.” There is little doubt that Paul and Tychicus shared a special brotherly bond and a deep- seated friendship. Paul trusted Tychicus to deliver his message and speak to the churches on his behalf. Paul had confidence in Tychicus to aid in 118 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST mediating the situation between Onesimus and Philemon (see below). Paul believed that this faithful friend was a gifted encourager (Col. 4:7–8, Eph. 6:22). Some scholars suggest that Tychicus was sent to Crete to relieve Titus so that he might visit Paul (Titus 3:12), and that he later did the same for Timothy (2 Timothy 4:12). If so, that made Tychicus a short-term or interim pastor in both Crete and Ephesus. Additionally, Tychicus may be the unnamed brother mentioned in 2 Corinthians 8:22 as having a strong bond with the church in Corinth. Even though the biblical text does not elaborate on the full effects of Tychicus’ ministry, it is safe to conclude that Paul had full confidence in him and that he had an extensive ministry throughout much of the first century.

Unsung Heroes

Like Jesus, Paul reached out and affirmed women who served in leadership capacities in the churches where he ministered. In addition to Nympha (mentioned in Colossians 4:15), consider these additional unsung heroines of the early church: • Junia (and Andronicus): apostles, leaders, and possible founders of the church in Rome (Romans 16:7) • Priscilla (and Aquila): pastoral leaders in the churches in Corinth and Ephesus (Acts 18:2–3, 26, Romans 16:3) • Phoebe: deacon and likely carrier of the letter to the Romans (Rom. 16:1–2) • Lydia: host of the home church in Philippi (Acts 16:13–15, 40) • Chloe: leader and possible host of the church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:11) • Mary, Trypena, Tryphosa, and Persis: hard-working servants in the church at Rome (Rom. 16:6, 12) • Rufus’ mother (unnamed): who was like a mother to Paul (Rom. 16:13) • Euodia and Syntyche: women leaders in the church at Philippi who were involved in a disagreement (Philippians 4:2–3)

From this list, it is evident that Paul had a high view of women and their leadership in the church. Lesson 13: Paul’s Unsung Heroes 119

Onesimus

Onesimus accompanied Tychicus to Colossae with Paul’s letter to that church. However, the circumstances of Onesimus’ return were dramati- cally different. Onesimus was a runaway slave of a man named Philemon. Paul and Onesimus had met in Rome while Paul was under house arrest. The specifics of this divine encounter are missing, but through Paul’s witness, Onesimus came to faith in Jesus. Christ so transformed his life that he believed he should return to Colossae and his master. In Colossians 4:9, Paul spoke of this transformed life when he called Onesimus “our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your number.” Paul likely penned the short letter to Philemon and sent it with Tychicus and Onesimus. In that letter, Paul appealed to Philemon as a spiritual father- figure to the returning slave (Philemon 1:10). Paul spoke of Onesimus with endearing terms, saying of him that he was his “very heart” (Philemon 1:12) and a “dear brother” (Philem. 1:16). Paul shared with Philemon how God had providentially used the events of Onesimus’ flight in a way that he became a brother forever (Philem. 1:15–16). Paul even offered to pay back Onesimus’ debt, so he was free from any lingering obligation (Philem. 1:18). Paul did not doubt the transformation of Onesimus and remained hopeful that, upon his return, Philemon would further mentor him in the faith.

Aristarchus

Like Tychicus, Aristarchus was a traveling companion of Paul in the delivery of the financial gift to the struggling believers in Jerusalem (Acts 20:4). He was a Jew from Thessalonica, and he may have been arrested with Paul. In Colossians 4:10, Paul spoke of him as a “fellow prisoner” in Rome, and previously had mentioned Aristarchus being on board the ship that was taking Paul to Rome (Acts 27:2). This incident was not the first time Aristarchus endured persecution for his preaching. He was among those seized by an angry mob in Ephesus (Acts 19:29). In Philemon 1:24, Paul spoke of Aristarchus as a fellow “worker,” sending greetings to Philemon and the con- gregation in Colossae, which suggests that he remained with Paul and did not travel with Tychicus and Onesimus. 120 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

Mark

Mark, Barnabas’ cousin (Col. 4:10), was an early traveling companion of Paul. For some unclear reason, Mark deserted Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:13). When deciding whom to take with them on their subsequent trip, Barnabas insisted on giving Mark a second opportunity, but Paul was unwilling to do so. Consequently, they went their separate ways with Barnabas and Mark heading to Crete, and Paul, with his new traveling companion, Silas, returning to Asia and on to Macedonia (Acts 15:36–41). Twelve years had passed since this difference of opinion, and Mark had reunited with Paul and was a trusted and valued companion and coworker in the spread of the gospel (Philemon 1:24). Later, near the end of his life, Paul requested a visit from Mark, saying to Timothy, “Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11). Mark’s growth and spiritual maturity eventually led to him authoring the Gospel that bears his name, most likely between AD 55 and 59, based primarily on the reflections of the Apostle Peter.

Jesus (Justus)

There are no additional scriptural references to Jesus, also called Justus, than what is stated here in Colossians 4:11. He was simply another unsung hero, who served with Paul as “. . . a fellow worker for the kingdom of God.” Justus appeared to be a close friend and someone who encouraged and com- forted Paul, even during the persecution of his faith.

Epaphras

Epaphras, formerly mentioned in Colossians 1:7–8, was probably converted by Paul during his extended missionary service in Ephesus (Acts 19:1–10). Most likely a native of Colossae, he returned to his hometown upon his new- found faith in Christ and was instrumental in planting the church there and in nearby Laodicea and Hierapolis (Col. 4:13). Epaphras traveled to Rome and sought counsel from Paul over issues that resulted in Paul writing his epistle to the Colossians. Paul called Epaphras a “bond-slave for Christ” Lesson 13: Paul’s Unsung Heroes 121

(Col. 4:12). He spoke with a great affirmation of Epaphras’ prayers on behalf of the Colossian believers, describing him as “wrestling” in prayer for them to mature and stand firm in the will of God.

Luke

In Colossians 4:14, Paul sent greetings from Luke, “the doctor.” Although this is the only reference to Luke’s profession in the Bible, it makes sense because of his systematic approach to a careful and detailed account of the gospel (Luke 1:3) and the early history of the church. Additionally, Luke was with Paul on some of his missionary travels, as indicated by the change in tense to first-person-plural in Acts 16:10–18, 20:4–21:19, and 27:1–28:30. Luke was with Paul while in prison in Rome, which suggests that he, like Aristarchus, was on board the voyage to Rome, including the shipwreck at Malta. Luke may have been a personal physician to the apostolic leader, and he is the only known person with Paul as he neared the time of his execution, most likely after an additional period of ministry and a subsequent imprisonment (2 Timothy 4:11).

Homestyle Hospitality

Like Nympha, we can use our homes for the Lord. Consider trying one of these means of shaping your home as a center for ministry: • Open your home to guest ministers or missionaries traveling through town. • Use your home for a small-group Bible study. • Establish prayer times for your church, community, and the world. • Offer to host a youth group event in your home. • Reach out to international college students to join you for the holidays, dinner, or a quiet place to study. • Invite friends of your children to come over for meals and playdates. • Organize a neighborhood block party, cookout, or social. • Make your home a place where people with similar hobbies can fellowship. 122 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

Demas

Paul commended Demas as a fellow worker in Philemon 1:24, but nothing is said about him in Colossians. Later, Demas deserted Paul to go to Thessalonica out of “love” for this world, but the specific meaning of this remains unclear (2 Tim. 4:10). Perhaps Paul already sensed that Demas was not ready for greater ministry responsibility, even while Paul continued to invest in him while in prison.

Paul’s Unsung Heroes in Colossae and Beyond (4:16–18)

Nympha

In addition to the unsung heroes with Paul in Rome, the Colossian letter affirmed significant servants in the church in Colossae. In Colossians 4:15, Paul spoke of Nympha, who hosted a house church, most likely in Laodicea, although it could have been in Hierapolis or elsewhere in the Lycus Valley. If so, it would be this church that was admonished to be either hot or cold rather than lukewarm in their service to God, when John wrote his Revelation (Rev. 3:14–22). Apparently, there was a connection to the needs and issues between the churches of Laodicea and Colossae, because Paul requested that, after the church in Colossae heard the letter, it should be passed on to their sister church in Laodicea (Col. 4:16). Likewise, a letter (now extant), was sent to the Laodiceans and subsequently read to the Colossians. Nympha is one of many women who were unsung heroes in the early church.

Archippus

Paul counseled Archippus in Colossians 4:17: “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.” Thus, he was a church leader, most likely in Colossae, and may have served as an interim pastor while Epaphras traveled to visit Paul. In Philemon 1:2, Paul sent additional greetings to Archippus and referred to him as a “fellow soldier.” In so doing, some scholars have speculated that Archippus was a relative (perhaps Lesson 13: Paul’s Unsung Heroes 123 a son) of Philemon. Maybe this subtle caution near the end of Colossians was Paul’s way of seeking Archippus’ assistance in welcoming the return and pardoning of Onesimus. Both in Colossians 4:18 and in Philemon 1:19, Paul spoke of writing these letters by his own hand. Paul was giving his bond and extending the hand of friendship, even from afar. He asked for them to remember his “chains,” perhaps further identifying himself as a servant and relating to Onesimus’ circumstances. Paul’s final plea was for grace to be extended to the Colossians and then through the believers to the rest of the world.

Implications and Actions

Having looked at the lives of these unsung heroes and the various roles they played in the ministry of the kingdom of God, let’s consider some applications. As Christians, we need a spiritual family of believers to aid us in our personal lives and the fulfillment of our calling. Stop and consider those who have invested in your life over the years, shaping your Christian journey to be what it is today. Reflect on those whom God placed in your life for “such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). Consider how God has uniquely placed people in your life to encourage you, hold you accountable, spur you on in your faith, and inspire you to greater commitment and service to him. Think about those who serve alongside you with giftedness that complements, but differs, from what you bring to ministry. We need others who often are taken for granted and overlooked, but who are indispensable to the kingdom of God. Hebrews 10:24 admonishes us: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Who are the unsung heroes who spur you on in your faith?

Questions

1. Tychicus was a trusted friend of Paul’s. Who is someone you trust as a brother or sister in Christ and why do you trust him or her? 124 THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST

2. Onesimus returned to Philemon after coming to Christ. Do you think this was a difficult choice for him? What difficult decisions have you had to make because Jesus is your Lord?

3. Mark was given a second chance by Barnabas and later Paul. Why are second chances risky? Are they worth the risk?

4. Epaphras wrestled in prayer for the Colossians. For whom do you wrestle in prayer?

5. Nympha opened her home for ministry. How can God use your home as a place of ministry?

6. This passage lists some of Paul’s unsung heroes. Who makes up the core of your team as you serve the Lord? How can you encourage your fellow teammates? connect 360 ALL THE BIBLE FOR ALL OF LIFE Our Next New Study (Available for use beginning December 2019)

MIRACLES: THE TRANSFORMING POWER OF JESUS (MATTHEW)

Lesson 1 Overcoming Temptation Matthew 4:1–11 Lesson 2 A Leper and the Touch of Jesus Matthew 8:1–4 Lesson 3 Christ the Healer Matthew 8:14–17 Lesson 4 The Perfect Storm Matthew 8:23–27 Lesson 5 Power Over Death Matthew 9:18–19, 23–26 Lesson 6 A Desperate Touch of Faith Matthew 9:20–22 Lesson 7 A Sabbath Miracle Matthew 12:9–13 Lesson 8 The Miraculous Feeding Matthew 14:14–21 Lesson 9 Get Out of the Boat! Matthew 14:22–33 Lesson 10 From Desperation to Faith Matthew 15:21–28 Lesson 11 Mission Impossible? Matthew 17:14–21 Lesson 12 The Great Dilemma Matthew 17:24–27 Lesson 13 The Master’s Touch Matthew 20:29–34 Christmas The Miracle of the Virgin Birth Matthew 1:18–25 Lesson

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