Transcript Philippians - The Word and The Sword

Philippians
Introduction To The
Philippian Letter
• Author
• Philippians 1:1 Paul and
Timothy, bondservants of
Jesus Christ, To all the
saints in Christ Jesus
who are in Philippi, with
the bishops and deacons:
Paul’s Greetings to the Philippians
Philippians 1:1
• The Greetings:
• From Paul, a prisoner in Rome
• He does not refer to himself as an “apostle”
• He was a “servant” of Jesus Christ to them
• From Timothy
• In Rome, but he planned to visit Philippi
soon (2:19)
• He was as “a son” to Paul in preaching the
gospel (2:22)
• He was with Paul and Silas on their first
visit to Philippi (Acts 16:3) when the
church was established
3
Paul’s Greetings to the Philippians
Philippians 1:1
The Recipients:
 “All the Saints”
 “Elders”
 “Deacons”
 A simple organization of Christians
performing the work of the church in a
local setting
4
THE CITY OF PHILIPPI
Named after Philip of Macedonia, the
father of Alexander the Great, it was a
major city of Macedonia on the road
from Rome to Asia known as the
Egnatian Way. It was the site of a
famous battle in 42 B.C. in which
Antony and Octavius defeated Brutus
and Cassius. In 30 B.C., Octavian made
the town a Roman colony where retired
soldiers could live and enjoy the full
privileges of Roman citizenship (to
which Paul may have alluded in 3:20).
THE CHURCH AT PHILIPPI
During his second missionary journey
(49-52 A.D.), Paul and his traveling
companions (Timothy and Silas) were
making their way across Asia Minor
(Turkey) when Paul received a vision at
Troas. In the vision, a man of Macedonia
pleaded, "Come over to Macedonia and
help us." Perceiving that the Lord was
calling them to go to Macedonia, they
sailed from Troas (Luke having joined
them) and eventually arrived at Philippi
(Ac 16:6-12).
THE CHURCH AT PHILIPPI
With the conversion of Lydia (Ac 16:1315) and the Philippian jailor (Ac 16:2534), the church was established at
Philippi. The lack of a synagogue seems
to indicate that Jews were not prevalent
and so the church may have consisted
primarily
of
Gentiles.
From
the
conversion of Lydia and references in the
epistle itself (4:2-3), it is evident that a
number of women played a role in the
growth of the church.
THE CHURCH AT PHILIPPI
As Paul left Macedonia, the church at
Philippi became a significant source of
support (4:15-16; 2 Co 11:9).
Paul visited the church at Philippi again
on his third missionary journey (Ac
20:3,6).
TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING
Philippians is one of Paul's four "prison
epistles" (1:7,13,17; cf. Ephesians,
Colossians, and Philemon).
The general consensus is that these
epistles were written during Paul's
imprisonment at
Rome (cf.
Ac
28:16,30-31). If such is truly the
case, then Paul wrote Philippians
around 61-63 A.D. from Rome.
The History:
Philippi
Paul first visited the city on his second
journey
He converted Lydia and her household
(Acts 16:14,15)
Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown
into prison
Then, he converted the jailor and his
household
This is the first recorded instance of the
gospel being preached in Europe
Lydia was probably the first European
convert
10
THEME OF THE EPISTLE
Throughout this short and rather personal
epistle, one keynote resounds again and
again. That keynote is joy. Five times the
word "joy" (Grk., chara) is found (1:4,25;
2:2,29; 4:1), and the verb "to rejoice“
(Grk., chairein) occurs eleven times (twice
in 1:18; 2:17,18; 4:4; once in 2:28; 3:1;
4:10). For this reason, the epistle to the
Philippians has often been called Paul's
"hymn of joy" in which the theme is:
"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will
say, rejoice!“Philippians 4:4
Why Did Paul Write to the Philippians?
• One of their members, Epaphroditus, was
visiting and working with Paul in Rome
• He was their messenger
• No doubt he gave Paul a status report on the
church
• He brought a gift from the church
• Paul wanted to share his joy for them
• He needed to express his appreciation
• To thank them for sharing in his tribulations
• They had helped him from their beginning
• He wanted them to remain faithful-stand fast
• He warned them of false teachers
• He encouraged them to press toward the
mark of the high calling of God, just as he
was doing.
12
Philippians 1
Philippians 1:2 Grace be
unto you, and peace, from
God our Father, and from the
Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul’s Greetings to the Philippians
Philippians 1:2
• The Greetings:
• Grace to you
• Paul desired the greatest of “favors”
and blessings for them
• And Peace
• He desired a harmonious and tranquil
state for their souls
• Only God and Jesus Christ can offer
true grace and peace
14
Philippians 1
Thanksgiving and prayer:
Philippians 1:3-11 I thank my God upon
every remembrance of you, (4) Always in
every prayer of mine for you all making
request with joy, (5) For your fellowship in
the gospel from the first day until now; (6)
Being confident of this very thing, that he
which hath begun a good work in you will
perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (7)
Even as it is meet for me to think this of
you all, because I have you in my heart;
inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the
defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye
all are partakers of my grace.
Philippians 1
Thanksgiving and prayer:
(8) For God is my record, how greatly I
long after you all in the tender mercy of
Jesus Christ. (9) And this I pray, that
your love may abound yet more and
more in knowledge and in all judgment;
(10) That ye may approve things that
are excellent; that ye may be sincere
and without offence till the day of Christ;
(11)
Being filled with the fruits of
righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ,
unto the glory and praise of God.
Paul’s Thanksgivings for the Philippians
Philippians 1:3
• The Thanksgivings:
• He had the fondest memories of them
• He thanked God for these memories
• The church was established on his
first visit to them (Acts 16) and,
• He visited them twice on his third
missionary tour (Acts 20:1, 6) going
to and from Greece
• He had been honored by God to have
the opportunity to preach in Philippi
17
Paul’s Prayers for the Philippians
Philippians 1:4
• The Prayer:
• He felt it was a privilege, a joy,
to ask God for the many
blessings he wanted for them
• He was always making a
request for them
18
Paul’s Gratitude for Their Support
Philippians 1:5
• Their Fellowship in the gospel:
• Fellowship is sharing with another
• They shared their money with Paul –
15 Now you Philippians know also that in
the beginning of the gospel, when I
departed from Macedonia, no church
shared with me concerning giving and
receiving but you only. 16 For even in
Thessalonica you sent aid once and again
for my necessities. (4:15-16)
• They shared even to the present time
(4:18)
19
Paul’s Gratitude for Their Support
Philippians 1:5
• Their Fellowship in the gospel:
• There is little doubt that they shared in
the collection of money for the poor
saints in Jerusalem (Acts 20:1-6)
• The group carrying the funds sailed
from Philippi to Troas
• Luke also joined them on this mission
(See the “we” again in Acts 20:6)
• They also shared by giving him moral
support
5
for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now,
20
Paul’s Gratitude for Their Support
Philippians 1:5
• Their Fellowship in the gospel:
• Paul had used them for an example of
giving
• In 2Cor. 8:5, the Macedonians could
give so liberally for the poor saints
in Jerusalem because “they first
gave of themselves to the Lord, and
then to us by the will of God”
21
Paul’s Confidence in Them
Philippians 1:6
• He had great confidence in them:
• The good work that was begun in
them by the Lord would continue as
long as they lived
• Other churches disappointed Paul, but
not the Philippians
• “The day of the Lord” refers to the
coming of Christ at the judgment
scene, or as long as they lived
22
Paul Had Them in His Heart
Philippians 1:7
• They were partakers of Paul’s grace:
• God’s grace always comes to those who do
His work.
10 As each one has received a gift,
minister it to one another, as good
stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11
If anyone speaks, let him speak as the
oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let
him do it as with the ability which God
supplies, that in all things God may be
glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom
belong the glory and the dominion forever
and ever. Amen. (1Pet. 4:10, 11)
23
Paul Had Them in His Heart
Philippians 1:7
• They were partakers of Paul’s grace:
• Paul and the Philippians shared in two
kinds of work
• The defense and confirmation of the
gospel
• Wearing the chains of a Roman prison
• The Philippians Christians were not
ashamed to be identified with this
prisoner
24
Paul Had Them in His Heart
Philippians 1:8
• He greatly longed for them:
• “God is my witness” means that
God knew what was in his heart
• He was telling them the truth
from his heart
• Paul longed [to desire earnestly]
after the brethren in Philippi with
the same tender affection that
Jesus showed his disciples.
25
More Prayerful Requests For Them
Philippians 1:9-10
• He prayed:
• That their love may abound more and
more in:
• Knowledge [facts about worthiness]
• Discernment [reaching sound
conclusions from known facts]
26
More Prayerful Requests For Them
Philippians 1:9-10
• He prayed:
• That they would approve excellent things
• “Approve” is to try or test by the
scriptural standard of right and wrong
• “Excellent things” are things that differ
from others for the better
 Those things which are approved for
us by the Lord
27
More Prayerful Requests For Them
Philippians 1:9-10
• He prayed:
• That they would be sincere and without
offense
• Some versions say, pure and blameless
• Paul wanted them to neither offend
God nor their neighbors
• “Till the day of Christ”
• When Christ comes to judge the world,
or when you are called away from this
earth
28
More Prayerful Requests For Them
Philippians 1:11
• He prayed:
• That they might be filled with the
fruits of righteousness
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love,
joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, 23
gentleness, self-control. Against
such there is no law. (Gal. 5:22-23)
• These same fruits are provided by
Jesus Christ
29
Philippians 1- THE SITUATION IN ROME
Imprisonment has actually created
opportunities to spread the gospel:
Philippians 1:12-14 But I would ye
should understand, brethren, that the
things which happened unto me have
fallen out rather unto the furtherance
of the gospel;
(13)
So that my
bonds in Christ are manifest in all the
palace, and in all other places; (14)
And many of the brethren in the Lord,
waxing confident by my bonds, are
much more bold to speak the word
without fear.
Philippians 1- THE SITUATION IN ROME
Even opposition has provided
opportunity for Christ to be preached:
Philippians 1:15-18 Some indeed preach
Christ even of envy and strife; and some
also of good will: (16) The one preach
Christ of contention, not sincerely,
supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
(17) But the other of love, knowing that
I am set for the defence of the gospel.
(18) What then? notwithstanding, every
way, whether in pretence, or in truth,
Christ is preached; and I therein do
rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.
• Verses 12-18 - Paul’s confidence in
God’s providence:
• God had turned adversities into
advantages (vs. 12).
• The “things that had happened” to
Paul can be divided into things that
happened before he arrived in Rome
and things that happened after.
Some events prior to his arrival
obviously had contributed to the
advancement of the gospel (vs. 12):
Other things that had happened
before he came to Rome were not
so openly positive, but they did
result in furthering the gospel:
• Some events following Paul’s
coming to Rome had also
advanced the Lord’s cause.
• In all that had happened to bring
him to this place and to these
surroundings, Paul could see the
providence of the Lord.
Philippians 1- THE SITUATION IN ROME
By their prayers and the provision of
the Holy Spirit, he knows all will turn
out well for his salvation:
Philippians 1:19-20 For I know that
this shall turn to my salvation
through your prayer, and the supply
of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, (20)
According to my earnest expectation
and my hope, that in nothing I shall
be ashamed, but that with all
boldness, as always, so now also
Christ shall be magnified in my body,
whether it be by life, or by death.
Philippians 1- THE SITUATION IN ROME
Whether he lives or dies, it will
be a blessing:
Philippians 1:21-23 For to me
to live is Christ, and to die is
gain. (22) But if I live in the
flesh, this is the fruit of my
labour: yet what I shall choose
I wot not. (23) For I am in a
strait betwixt two, having a
desire to depart, and to be
with Christ; which is far better:
Philippians 1- THE SITUATION IN ROME
Knowing their need of him at the
present, he is confident of coming to
them once again:
Philippians 1:24-26 Nevertheless to
abide in the flesh is more needful for
you.
(25)
And having this
confidence, I know that I shall abide
and continue with you all for your
furtherance and joy of faith; (26)
That your rejoicing may be more
abundant in Jesus Christ for me by
my coming to you again.
• Verses 19-26 - Paul’s confidence in
God’s faithfulness:
• Paul “knew” [was confident] that
circumstances controlled by God’s
providence would eventually result
in his own “salvation” in either of
two ways:
• This confidence was possible
because of his implicit trust in God’s
faithfulness to supply whatever was
needed for his ultimate good.
• As usual, Paul solicited the prayers
of the Lord’s people on his behalf.
• There would be no shame ahead
for Paul, regardless of the
outcome of his trial.
• In either eventuality, Christ would be
magnified in Paul’s body.
• As an apostle, Paul was an
“ambassador” [official representative]
of Christ to lost men.
• The choice was not really Paul’s.
• Until he was informed about
God’s plan for him, Paul could
only entertain personal thoughts
and feelings about his future.
• Whether it was better for Paul to
live or to die was a decision too
hard for Paul to make, and
without doubt he was thankful
that God would make it for him.
• While he waited on the Lord, the apostle
pondered over what the ultimate
outcome of his situation would be.
• Paul was confident that their love for
him would generate great rejoicing if
they should hear that the had been
released from prison.
Philippians 1- EXHORTATION
TO BEHAVIOR WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL
Stand fast in one spirit:
Philippians 1:27-30 Only let your conversation
be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that
whether I come and see you, or else be
absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye
stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving
together for the faith of the gospel; (28) And
in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which
is to them an evident token of perdition, but to
you of salvation, and that of God. (29) For
unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not
only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his
sake; (30) Having the same conflict which ye
saw in me, and now hear to be in me.
• Verses 27-30 - Paul’s challenge
to the Philippians:
• It was the welfare of the
Philippians, not his own, that
was uppermost in Paul’s mind.
• The basic decision to be made
by the saints at Philippi was to
let their conduct be “worthy of
the gospel of Christ.”
• Giving attention to several matters
would enhance their worthiness…
1. Standing fast in one spirit.
2. Striving together for the faith of
the gospel.
3. Refusing to be intimidated by
adversaries.
4. Regarding suffering for Christ to
be an opportunity.
Philippians 2- EXHORTATION
TO BEHAVIOR WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL
Make Paul's joy complete by being likeminded, having the same love:
Philippians 2:1-2 If there be therefore
any consolation in Christ, if any comfort
of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if
any bowels and mercies, (2) Fulfil ye
my joy, that ye be likeminded, having
the same love, being of one accord, of
one mind.
Philippians 2- EXHORTATION
TO BEHAVIOR WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL
In humility, look out for the
interests of others:
Philippians 2:3-4 Let nothing be
done through strife or vainglory;
but in lowliness of mind let each
esteem
other
better
than
themselves. (4) Look not every
man on his own things, but every
man also on the things of others.
• Verses 2:1-4:
• “Therefore” indicates a connection
between the previous exhortation to
show conduct “worthy of the gospel
of Christ” (1:27) and the various
behaviors encouraged in this chapter.
• “If” raises no doubt about the
existence of these blessings available
to faithful Christians.
Consolation
Comfort
Fellowship
Affection and Mercy
• Verses 2:1-4:
• Although every memory of the
Philippians brought joy to Paul,
there was room for their
commitment to become even
stronger through a deeper love for
good people and good things (1:9).
• The main thing that would make
their discipleship complete was to
be like-minded - literally, “thinking
the same thing.”
• Verses 2:1-4:
• Two things were necessary for likemindedness among God’s people:
Having the same love.
Being of one accord.
• There is no room in the Lord’s work
for competition among the workers.
• Verses 2:1-4:
• Humility toward oneself and a high
esteem for others are the proper
reasons for any act of service.
• Disciples are not forbidden to look
out for their own interests.
Philippians 2- EXHORTATION
TO BEHAVIOR WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL
Follow the example of Christ's humility:
Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in
you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (6)
Who, being in the form of God, thought
it not robbery to be equal with God: (7)
But made himself of no reputation, and
took upon him the form of a servant,
and was made in the likeness of men:
(8) And being found in fashion as a
man, he humbled himself, and became
obedient unto death, even the death of
the cross.
• Verses 2:5-8:
• The magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice of
His own interests for those of a world
of lost and degenerate creatures is
impossible for the human mind to
comprehend.
• We can also understand that His
perfect self-lessness should serve as
the goal toward which our imperfect
relationships with others must reach.
• Verses 2:5-8:
• The enormity of the Lord’s action is
analyzed in verses 6-8…
Prior to His appearance in the
world, He was in the “form” of God.
The Word did not consider His
own divine essence as something
He would “grasp”.
Man’s desperate situation was
enough to prompt the Godhead to
choose the Word to become man’s
Savior.
• Verses 2:5-8:
• The enormity of the Lord’s action is
analyzed in verses 6-8…
The second step was to “take”
[His own choice] the “form” of a
servant.
Taking on Himself the form of a
servant also involved taking the
likeness of men.
The third step that Jesus chose
to take in sacrificing Himself for
mankind was to humble Himself.
Philippians 2- EXHORTATION
TO BEHAVIOR WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL
Follow the example of Christ's humility:
(9) Wherefore God also hath highly
exalted him, and given him a name
which is above every name: (10) That
at the name of Jesus every knee should
bow, of things in heaven, and things in
earth, and things under the earth; (11)
And that every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of
God the Father.
• Verses 2:9-11:
• The Father highly exalted Him to sit
at His right hand of power in heaven.
• The Father gave Him “the” [only]
name which is above every other
name.
• Heaven’s plan decreed that not only
would Jesus receive the ultimate
reward of His faithfulness but also
that His accomplishment would be
acknowledged by every creature
incapable of such an achievement.
Philippians 2- EXHORTATION
TO BEHAVIOR WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL
Shine as lights in the world:
Philippians 2:12-18
Wherefore, my
beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not
as in my presence only, but now much
more in my absence, work out your own
salvation with fear and trembling. (13)
For it is God which worketh in you both
to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Philippians 2- EXHORTATION
TO BEHAVIOR WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL
Shine as lights in the world:
(14)
Do all things without
murmurings and disputings: (15)
That ye may be blameless and
harmless, the sons of God, without
rebuke, in the midst of a crooked
and perverse nation, among whom
ye shine as lights in the world; (16)
Holding forth the word of life; that I
may rejoice in the day of Christ,
that I have not run in vain, neither
laboured in vain.
Philippians 2- EXHORTATION
TO BEHAVIOR WORTHY OF THE GOSPEL
Shine as lights in the world:
(17) Yea, and if I be offered upon the
sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy,
and rejoice with you all. (18) For the
same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice
with me.
• Verses 2:12-18…
• Continue to obey God’s law for
Christians.
• Christ accepted a role of great
responsibility in heaven’s plan,
and He fulfilled His obligations
without exception.
• The salvation to be worked out
is not the initial remission of sins
upon obedience to the gospel.
• God is pleased when His people
are diligent in their work.
• Verses 2:12-18…
• Attitude is as important in serving God
as performance.
• Contrariwise, willing and cheerful
obedience will make Christians
blameless and harmless in their service.
• The world in which Christians serve
their Lord is a world filled with
wickedness.
• Good works often provide an entree to
teach the gospel.
• Verses 2:12-18…
• The obligation of Christians to “hold
forth” the word to a lost world is
often neglected in spite of its great
importance in God’s scheme of
redemption.
• Careful attention to their
responsibilities would bring about
their own salvation and the
salvation of many other people.
• Even if his present confinement
ended in his death, the reward of
souls would be worth the price.
• Verses 2:12-18…
• Paul’s imagery relates to the
practice both under the Law and
under pagan ritualism of pouring
out a drink offering on a sacrifice
before it was burned on the altar.
• These references to “JOY” and
“rejoicing” in connection with Paul’s
death call attention to the
numerous times those and similar
terms appear in this epistle.
Philippians 2- PLANS INVOLVING
TIMOTHY AND EPAPHRODITUS
Send timothy soon:
Philippians 2:19-24 But I trust in the Lord
Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you,
that I also may be of good comfort, when I
know your state. (20) For I have no man
likeminded, who will naturally care for your
state. (21) For all seek their own, not the
things which are Jesus Christ's. (22) But
ye know the proof of him, that, as a son
with the father, he hath served with me in
the gospel. (23) Him therefore I hope to
send presently, so soon as I shall see how
it will go with me. (24) But I trust in the
Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
• Verses 2:19-24…
• Timothy had accompanied Paul to
Rome and had remained there during
the time of the apostle’s imprisonment.
• Paul planned to send Timothy from
Rome to Philippi to gather information
about the welfare of the church there.
• This would not be the first time that
Paul would use Timothy as his
messenger.
• Verses 2:19-24…
• There was no other companion
qualified for this task, in Paul’s opinion.
• During Paul’s confinement in Rome,
numerous companions were with him
and provided assistance to him in
various ways.
• Timothy’s character had been “proven”
to the Philippians, and they could have
as much confidence in him as Paul did.
• Verses 2:19-24…
• Timothy’s heart was certainly wellknown to Paul.
• Timothy’s mission to the church at
Philippi would be undertaken just
as soon as Paul could determine
what the outcome of his impending
trial before Caesar would be.
• Verses 2:19-24…
• Paul’s “best scenario” would make
two things possible:
He would be able to send
Timothy to Philippi “at once.”
He would also be able to make a
personal visit to Philippi.
Philippians 2- PLANS INVOLVING
TIMOTHY AND EPAPHRODITUS
Send epaphroditus at once:
Philippians 2:25-30
Yet I supposed it
necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my
brother, and companion in labour, and
fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he
that ministered to my wants. (26) For he
longed after you all, and was full of
heaviness, because that ye had heard that
he had been sick. (27) For indeed he was
sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on
him; and not on him only, but on me also,
lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.
Philippians 2- PLANS INVOLVING
TIMOTHY AND EPAPHRODITUS
Send epaphroditus at once:
(28)
I sent him therefore the more
carefully, that, when ye see him again,
ye may rejoice, and that I may be the
less sorrowful.
(29)
Receive him
therefore in the Lord with all gladness;
and hold such in reputation:
(30)
Because for the work of Christ he was
nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to
supply your lack of service toward me.
• Verses 2:25-30…
• We know something about
Epaphroditus as a Christian...
• Epaphroditus had come to Rome from
Philippi to “minister to” Paul’s need.
• While in Rome, Epaphroditus had
fallen ill with some undisclosed but
very serious sickness.
• Verses 2:25-30…
• As soon as Epaphroditus was well
enough, Paul had sent him home to
relieve the anxiety of the Christians
who were waiting for news about his
health...
• Epaphroditus’ return to Philippi would
be the source of great happiness…
• Men such as Epaphroditus were to be
highly regarded in the church because
of their faithful service in the Lord.
• Verses 2:25-30…
• It is significant that Paul had not
employed his power of healing
[e.g., Acts 28:8,9] to intervene in
the case of Epaphroditus.
Philippians 3- WARNINGS
Rejoice in the Lord, beware of those
who place confidence in the flesh:
Philippians 3:1-3 Finally, my brethren,
rejoice in the Lord. To write the same
things to you, to me indeed is not
grievous, but for you it is safe. (2)
Beware of dogs, beware of evil
workers, beware of the concision. (3)
For we are the circumcision, which
worship God in the spirit, and rejoice
in Christ Jesus, and have no
confidence in the flesh.
• Verses 3:1-3…
• There was good cause for the
Philippians to “rejoice in the Lord.”
• Other important admonitions were
needed by these faithful saints in
addition to those already given earlier
in the epistle.
• He decided to repeat some of the
“same things” he had told them either
at an earlier time or earlier in this
letter he was now writing to them.
• Verses 3:1-3…
• Peter also thought it right to “stir up”
the minds of brethren about certain
truths, even though they knew them
and were “established” in them (2Pet.
1:12-15).
• The Philippians should give extreme
caution about Judaizing teachers who
had already come or who might yet
come into their midst with the troubling
doctrine that sought the subjection of
Gentiles to the Law of Moses.
• Verses 3:1-3…
• These false brethren could
be characterized as:
Dogs
Evil workers
The mutilation
• Verses 3:1-3…
• The surest defense against a false
circumcision was an understanding of
the true circumcision.
• These spiritual Jews had three
characteristics…
They worshipped God in the Spirit
They rejoiced in Christ Jesus
They had no confidence in the flesh
Philippians 3- WARNINGS
If anyone had reason to boast in the
flesh, it would have been Paul:
Philippians 3:4-6 Though I might also
have confidence in the flesh. If any
other man thinketh that he hath
whereof he might trust in the flesh, I
more: (5) Circumcised the eighth day,
of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of
Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews;
as touching the law, a Pharisee; (6)
Concerning
zeal,
persecuting
the
church; touching the righteousness
which is in the law, blameless.
Philippians 3- WARNINGS
But he gave it all up, that he might know
Christ and the power of His resurrection:
Philippians 3:7-11 But what things were
gain to me, those I counted loss for
Christ. (8) Yea doubtless, and I count
all things but loss for the excellency of
the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:
for whom I have suffered the loss of all
things, and do count them but dung, that
I may win Christ, (9) And be found in
him, not having mine own righteousness,
which is of the law, but that which is
through the faith of Christ, the
righteousness which is of God by faith:
Philippians 3- WARNINGS
But he gave it all up, that he might know
Christ and the power of His resurrection:
(10) That I may know him, and the
power of his resurrection, and the
fellowship of his sufferings, being made
conformable unto his death; (11) If by
any means I might attain unto the
resurrection of the dead.
• Verses 3:4-11…
• No one should charge Paul with
insincerity in his stand against
trusting in the flesh.
• Several characteristics qualified Paul
as a “pureblooded” Jew:
He was circumcised when eight
days old according to the covenant
God made with Abraham prior to
the giving of the Law.
He was of the tribe of Benjamin
• Verses 3:4-11…
• No one should charge Paul with
insincerity in his stand against trusting
in the flesh.
• Several characteristics qualified Paul
as a “pureblooded” Jew:
He was a Hebrew of [the] Hebrews.
He was a Pharisee.
He was zealous for the Law and
persecuted the church in its behalf.
• Verses 3:4-11…
• No one should charge Paul with
insincerity in his stand against
trusting in the flesh.
• Several characteristics qualified
Paul as a “pureblooded” Jew:
He was “blameless” when it
came to keeping the Law.
• They were “gain” to him religiously,
politically, and socially among his
countrymen.
• Verses 3:4-11…
• However, the converted Saul soon
saw that every “gain” in the Jews’
religion was really a “loss” in the
religion of Christ.
• What he had once seen as “gain” was
now nothing more than “rubbish.”
• “Gain” for Paul was now in Christ
rather than in the things he had
formerly valued.
• Verses 3:4-11…
• Gaining Christ would result in “being
found” in Christ.
• He would demonstrate his
attachment to Christ by displaying in
his life the righteousness outlined in
the gospel he now preached rather
than in the Law upon which he had
once depended for righteousness.
• Verses 3:4-11…
• His new righteousness through faith
would bring a rich reward…
He would know Christ.
He would know the power of the
resurrection
He would know the fellowship of
His sufferings
He would attain to the
resurrection from the dead
Philippians 3- WARNINGS
Paul's attitude of pressing on to perfection:
Philippians 3:12-14 Not as though I had
already attained, either were already
perfect: but I follow after, if that I may
apprehend that for which also I am
apprehended of Christ Jesus.
(13)
Brethren, I count not myself to have
apprehended: but this one thing I do,
forgetting those things which are behind,
and reaching forth unto those things which
are before, (14) I press toward the mark
for the prize of the high calling of God in
Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3- WARNINGS
An exhortation for them to have the
same mind:
Philippians 3:15-16 Let us therefore,
as many as be perfect, be thus
minded: and if in any thing ye be
otherwise minded, God shall reveal
even
this
unto
you.
(16)
Nevertheless, whereto we have already
attained, let us walk by the same rule,
let us mind the same thing.
(17)
Brethren, be followers together of me,
and mark them which walk so as ye
have us for an ensample.
• Verses 3:12-16…
• Surely, if anyone could boast of
“having it made” spiritually, it was Paul.
• One rule [with two parts] governed
Paul’s race toward the crown of eternal
life:
Forget the things that are behind.
Reach forward to the things ahead.
• Verses 3:12-16…
• One motive helped him to
persevere.
• As many as were mature would
recognize the divine wisdom in
Paul’s instructions about “keeping
on keeping on.”
• Spiritual immaturity might render
some temporarily unable to see the
value of perseverance.
• God deals with people as they are
and works to bring them to where
He wants them to be.
Philippians 3- WARNINGS
An exhortation for them to
have the same mind:
Philippians 3:17)
Brethren, be followers
together of me, and mark
them which walk so as ye
have us for an ensample.
Philippians 3- WARNINGS
An exhortation for them to have the
same mind:
Philippians 3:18-19 For many walk, of
whom I have told you often, and now
tell you even weeping, that they are
the enemies of the cross of Christ:
(19) whose end is destruction, whose
god is their belly, and whose glory is in
their shame—who set their mind on
earthly things.
Philippians 3- WARNINGS
A reminder of our true citizenship,
and the hope it entails:
Philippians 3:20-21
For our
conversation is in heaven; from
whence also we look for the
Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: (21)
Who shall change our vile body,
that it may be fashioned like unto
his glorious body, according to the
working whereby he is able even to
subdue all things unto himself.
• Verses 3:17-21…
• There would be two classes of
teachers who now or later would
seek to influence the Philippians with
their teaching: sound teachers and
false teachers.
• Paul himself was certainly a teacher
whom less-dedicated church
members could imitate in this matter
of persevering toward heaven.”
• Verses 3:17-21…
• There were other members and/or
other teachers among them who
would also serve as good examples of
constancy.
• Other teachers and their disciples
were guilty of setting examples that
must not be followed.
• Who were these enemies of the cross?
• These pretenders were not friends but
enemies of the cross, and they must
not be allowed to deceive struggling
disciples.
• Verses 3:17-21…
• In contrast, Paul’s attention was
devoted to heavenly, not earthly things.
• Paul’s example was very different from
the example set by these false and
dangerous teachers.
Philippians 4- EXHORTATIONS TO
UNITY, JOY, AND PEACE
A PLEA TO EUODIA AND SYNTYCHE:
Philippians 4:1-3 Therefore, my brethren
dearly beloved and longed for, my joy
and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my
dearly beloved. (2) I beseech Euodias,
and beseech Syntyche, that they be of
the same mind in the Lord. (3) And I
intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help
those women which laboured with me in
the gospel, with Clement also, and with
other my fellowlabourers, whose names
are in the book of life.
• Verses 4:1…
• As with all churches and individuals,
there were things in which the
Philippians could improve themselves
in God’s service.
• Paul’s remembrances of the Philippian
church brought up four of his most
intimate impressions about them.
• Verses 4:1…
• They were beloved.
• They were longed-for.
• They were his joy.
• They were his crown.
• “Stand fast in the Lord” expressed
confidence more than concern.
• Verses 4:2-3…
• Euodia and Syntyche had names
suggesting positive relationships.
• Paul could have ignored this knotty
problem in his epistle.
• Be of the same mind in the Lord.
• Help these women.
• Verses 4:2-3…
• Clement, a host of fellow workers,
and the “true companion” all had
labored in the gospel in Philippi
alongside Paul, Euodia, and Syntyche.
Philippians 4- EXHORTATIONS TO
UNITY, JOY, AND PEACE
Exhortation concerning joy and peace:
Philippians 4:4-9
Rejoice in the Lord
alway: and again I say, Rejoice. (5) Let
your moderation be known unto all men.
The Lord is at hand. (6) Be careful for
nothing; but in every thing by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your
requests be made known unto God. (7)
And the peace of God, which passeth all
understanding, shall keep your hearts
and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4- EXHORTATIONS TO
UNITY, JOY, AND PEACE
Exhortation concerning joy and peace:
(8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things
are true, whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just, whatsoever
things are pure, whatsoever things are
lovely, whatsoever things are of good
report; if there be any virtue, and if
there be any praise, think on these
things. (9) Those things, which ye have
both learned, and received, and heard,
and seen in me, do: and the God of
peace shall be with you.
• Verses 4:4-9…
• Let your gentleness be
known to all men.
• Be anxious for nothing.
• Let your requests be
made known to God.
• Meditate on “these” things.
• Verses 4:4-9…
• Two basic things would help to fill
their lives in Christ with joy...
Apply what I [Paul] have taught
you about truth and godliness.
Follow my example of behaving
as a Christian should.
Philippians 4- THANKSGIVING FOR
THEIR GENEROSITY
Their gift a source of joy to paul:
Philippians 4:10-14 But I rejoiced in the
Lord greatly, that now at the last your care
of me hath flourished again; wherein ye
were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
(11) Not that I speak in respect of want:
for I have learned, in whatsoever state I
am, therewith to be content. (12) I know
both how to be abased, and I know how to
abound: every where and in all things I am
instructed both to be full and to be hungry,
both to abound and to suffer need. (13) I
can do all things through Christ which
strengtheneth me. (14) Notwithstanding
ye have well done, that ye did communicate
with my affliction.
Philippians 4- THANKSGIVING FOR
THEIR GENEROSITY
Their gift a source of Blessing for themselves:
Philippians 4:15-19 Now ye Philippians know
also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I
departed
from
Macedonia,
no
church
communicated with me as concerning giving and
receiving, but ye only.
(16)
For even in
Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my
necessity. (17) Not because I desire a gift: but
I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
(18) But I have all, and abound: I am full,
having received of Epaphroditus the things which
were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a
sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. (19)
But my God shall supply all your need according
to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
• Verses 4:10-19…
• The renewal of expressing their care.
• Confidence in the Lord’s strength.
• Recollections of past fellowship.
• Deposits made to the account of the
Philippians.
• His needs had been adequately filled.
• Their needs would be adequately filled.
Philippians 4- CONCLUSION
Philippians 4:20-23 Now to our God
and Father be glory forever and ever.
Amen. (21) Greet every saint in Christ
Jesus. The brethren who are with me
greet you. (22) All the saints greet
you, but especially those who are of
Caesar's household. (23) The grace of
our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Amen.
• Verses 4:20-22…
• There was also a strong bond
between Christians at Rome and
those at Philippi.
• Some of the Roman Christians were
members of Caesar’s “household.”
• “Caesar’s household” may lend
support to the position that this letter
was written from Rome rather than
from Caesarea, as some suppose.
Colossians
AUTHOR
The apostle Paul, joined in his
salutation by Timothy (1:1),
and signed by Paul himself at
the end of the letter (4:18).
Colossians is one of the “prison epistles”
sent by Paul from his first confinement
as a Roman prisoner about A.D. 60 or 61
It was delivered by Tychicus and
Onesimus (4:7-9)
THE CITY OF COLOSSE
The city was located about 100 miles east
of Ephesus in Asia Minor in southern part
of Phrygia, a kingdom in west central
Asia Minor – modern day Turkey.
Together with Hieropolis (4:13) and
Laodicea (2:1; 4:13-16; Re 3:14-22),
Colosse made up a tri-city area.
Colosse was mostly a pagan city, with a
strong intermingling of Jews (in 62 B.C.,
there were 11,000 Jewish freemen in the
tri-city area). This may explain the nature
of some of the problems that arose among
the church in Colosse (problems with both
pagan and Jewish origin).
The City:
• They claimed to be the
most ancient people of
the world
• A rather small,
insignificant town that
had seen better days at
the time of this letter
• When the gospel was
preached there, it was
subject to the Roman
government
116
The Church:
• The name “Colosse” [or Colossae] is not
mentioned elsewhere in the Bible
• Located very close to Laodicea and
Hierapolis (4:13)
• “Laodicea mentioned only in this book
[4 times] and Revelation [1 time]
• Paul and Silas preached throughout
Phrygia on Paul’s second and third
journeys
(Acts 16:5,6)(18:23)
• And, “churches” were established
118
The Church:
• It is possible, however, that Paul did
not establish the church at Colosse
• Epaphras was one of their members
(4:12,13)
• He was a faithful gospel preacher
(1:7; 4:12,13)
• He was with Paul when this letter
was written
• Notice the term “Epaphras…greets
you” (4:12)
• He also gave Paul a report (1:8)
119
PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE
The danger of relapse into paganism
with its gross immorality (cf. 1:2123; 2:6; 3:5-11)
The danger of accepting what has
been come to known as
"The
Colossian heresy". This heresy was a
syncretism involving four elements
of both pagan and Jewish origin:
PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE
Philosophies of men - which denied the all
sufficiency and preeminence of Christ (2:8)
Judaistic ceremonialism - which attached
special
significance
to
the
rite
of
circumcision,
food
regulations,
and
observance of special days (2:11,16-17)
Angel worship - which detracted from the
uniqueness of Christ (2:18)
Asceticism - which called for harsh
treatment of the body as the means to
control its lusts (2:20-23)
PURPOSE OF THE EPISTLE
To guard against these dangers, Paul
writes to:
Warn the Colossians against relapse
(1:21-23)
Warn them against the "solution"
being urged upon them by those
denying the all-sufficiency of Christ
(2:8-23)
Direct their attention to the "Beloved
Son",
the
"All-Sufficient
and
PreeminentSavior" (1:13-18; 2:8-10)
The Problems:
• A serious threat to the faith and
stability of the young Christians at
Colosse had arisen
• It was in the form of false
teaching about the Person and
place of Jesus Christ in God’s
scheme of redemption
• This error had developed into a
religious system that combined two
schools of thought that usually
were divergent in most respects.
123
The Problems:
• First, the error was laced with
a philosophy of Greek origin
• Second, a strong influence of
Jewish traditionalism had been
infused into the teaching being
done at Colosse
124
The Problems:
In jeopardy were many of the basic
tenets of the gospel:
1. The supremacy of Christ in all things
in the world and in the church (1:13-19);
2. The adequacy of the divine Nature of
Jesus to procure reconciliation and
salvation for wicked men (1:20-23; 2:9);
3. The completeness of the redemption
provided by Him (1:20-23);
4. The worthiness of sufferings and
sacrifices for the gospel (1:24-29);
125
The Problems:
In jeopardy were many of the
basic tenets of the gospel:
5. The inability of human religion to
benefit the spirit of man (2:8-10);
6. The removal of God’s authority
from Moses’ Law (2:13-17);
7. The superiority of divine wisdom
over other wisdom (2:3,7; 18,22).
8. The importance of observing the
moral and ethical standards
established through the laws of God
126
The Themes:
1. The preeminence and sufficiency
of Jesus Christ in all things;
2. The spiritual completeness of
believers in Christ;
3. The superiority of divine wisdom
over other wisdom;
4. The obligations of union with
Christ in the church;
5. The importance of honoring
relationships with others.
127
Colossians - Opening remarks
Colossians 1:1-8 Paul, an apostle of
Jesus Christ by the will of God, and
Timothy our brother, (2) To the
saints and faithful brethren in Christ
who are in Colosse: Grace to you and
peace from God our Father and the
Lord Jesus Christ.
(3)
We give
thanks to the God and Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for
you, (4) since we heard of your
faith in Christ Jesus and of your love
for all the saints;
Colossians - Opening remarks
(5) because of the hope which is laid
up for you in heaven, of which you
heard before in the word of the truth
of the gospel, (6) which has come
to you, as it has also in all the world,
and is bringing forth fruit, as it is
also among you since the day you
heard and knew the grace of God in
truth; (7) as you also learned from
Epaphras, our dear fellow servant,
who is a faithful minister of Christ on
your behalf, (8) who also declared
to us your love in the Spirit.
Paul’s Greetings
Colossians 1:1-2
• Paul follows his usual pattern
• Identifies himself and those to whom he is
writing
• Extends his prayer for their well-being
• He then adds other personal remarks and
launches into the reason for which the letter
was written
• He calls himself an “apostle”
• Timothy was well-known among the Gentile
churches
• To the “saints” and “faithful brethren”
• To those “in Christ” which are at Colosse (v.2)
130
Paul’s Greetings
Colossians 1:3-18
He has several things to say about
the Colossians before he addresses
the things he wants to say to them
131
Thanksgiving and Prayers
Colossians 1:3-5
• His thanksgiving and prayers for the
Colossians sprang from two things:
• Faith in Christ Jesus and
• Love for all the saints
• Also, his prayers and thanks were
because of the precious hope laid up
for them in heaven
• Other passages provide information
about the value and benefits of the
Christian’s hope:
132
Thanksgiving and Prayers
Colossians 1:5
Rom. 5:2--
The Christian hopes to
receive glory from the Lord;
1Cor. 9:10-- The Christian hopes to be
rewarded for his service to
Christ;
1Cor. 15:19--The Christian hopes for a
bodily resurrection;
Gal. 5:5-The Christian hopes for
righteousness before God;
133
Thanksgiving and Prayers
Colossians 1:5
Eph. 1:18--The Christian hopes for God’s
great power toward believers;
Titus 1:2;3:7--The Christian hopes for
eternal life;
Heb. 6:19--The Christian hopes for
entrance into heaven;
1John 3:3--The Christian hopes to have
an eternal nature like Christ’s
134
Thanksgiving and Prayers
Colossians 1:6-8
• The gospel had been taken to Colosse by
faithful preachers just as it had been
proclaimed in all parts of the [Roman] world
• The success of God’s word in Colosse had
occurred because
• many “heard” and “knew” [“to know
completely, accurately”] the blessings of
God’s grace when it was first declared to
them
• The truth of the gospel was bringing forth fruit
• As they had learned it from Epaphras
135
Thanksgiving and Prayers
Colossians 1:6-8
• Epaphras
• He was “one of them” (4:12)
• A “dear fellow servant” and a
“minister of Christ” on their behalf
• He also declared to Paul their love in
the Spirit
• He had come to Rome
• To report on the spiritual condition
at Colosse
• To lay the problems caused by
false teachers before Paul for
solutions
136
Colossians- Rooted in Christ
Walking worthy of ChristColossians 1:9-13 For this reason we also,
since the day we heard it, do not cease to
pray for you, and to ask that you may be
filled with the knowledge of His will in all
wisdom and spiritual understanding; (10)
that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully
pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good
work and increasing in the knowledge of
God; (11) strengthened with all might,
according to His glorious power, for all
patience and longsuffering with joy; (12)
giving thanks to the Father who has
qualified us to be partakers of the
inheritance of the saints in the light. (13)
He has delivered us from the power of
darkness and conveyed us into the
kingdom of the Son of His love,
Colossians- Rooted in Christ
Redeemed by ChristColossians 1:14-18
in whom we have
redemption through His blood, the
forgiveness of sins. (15) He is the image
of the invisible God, the firstborn over all
creation. (16) For by Him all things were
created that are in heaven and that are on
earth, visible and invisible, whether
thrones or dominions or principalities or
powers. All things were created through
Him and for Him. (17) And He is before
all things, and in Him all things consist.
(18) And He is the head of the body, the
church, who is the beginning, the firstborn
from the dead, that in all things He may
have the preeminence.
Colossians- Rooted in Christ
Reconciled in ChristColossians 1:19-23 For it pleased the
Father that in Him all the fullness
should dwell, (20) and by Him to
reconcile all things to Himself, by Him,
whether things on earth or things in
heaven, having made peace through
the blood of His cross. (21) And you,
who once were alienated and enemies
in your mind by wicked works, yet now
He has reconciled (22) in the body of
His flesh through death, to present you
holy, and blameless, and above
reproach in His sight—
Colossians- Rooted in Christ
Reconciled in Christ-
(23) if indeed you continue in
the
faith,
grounded
and
steadfast, and are not moved
away from the hope of the
gospel which you heard, which
was preached to every creature
under heaven, of which I, Paul,
became a minister.
Paul’s Prayer For The Colossians
Colossians 1:9-13
• Paul did not cease to pray for them to ask that –
• They may be filled with the knowledge of His
will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding
(v.9)
• Not the intellectual progress of gnostic
philosophy
• Not the acquisition of “special knowledge”
• They may walk worthy of the Lord (v.10)
• Being fruitful in every good work and
• Increasing in the knowledge of God
• They be strengthened with all might (v.11)
• According to God’s glorious power
• For all patience and longsuffering with joy
141
Paul’s Prayer For The Colossians
Colossians 1:9-13
• Paul did not cease to pray for them
to ask that –
• They give thanks to the Father
• Who qualified us to be partakers
of the saints inheritance (v.12)
• Who has delivered us from the
power of darkness (v.13)
• Who has translated us into the
kingdom of His of the Son of
His love (v.13)
142
Christ Has Pre-eminence
Colossians 1:14-18
• In Christ, “the Son of His love”
• we have redemption through His
blood (v.14)
• we have forgiveness of sins (v.14)
• The conclusion Paul has in mind is
advocated in verse 18: “...that in all
things He may have the pre-eminence.”
143
Christ Has Pre-eminence
Colossians 1:14-18
• Here are several profound reasons why
Christ has pre-eminence:
• Reason One:
• Christ is the image of the invisible God
(v15)
• Reason Two:
• He is the firstborn over all creation
(v.15)
• Reason Three:
• He was the Creator of everything that
was created (v.16)
144
Christ Has Pre-eminence
Colossians 1:14-18
• Reason Four:
• Everything was made for Him (v.16)
• Reason Five:
• He existed before any created things
existed (v.17)
• Reason Six:
• He maintains everything that He has
made (v.17)
• Reason Seven:
• He is head of His church (v18)
145
146
• Verses 1:19-23…
• The Godhead had one great
purpose in mind in the formulation
of the “mystery” plan which called
for the Word to “become flesh and
dwell among us” (John 1:14).
• The “Colossian Heresy” troubling
the church probably promoted a
multiplicity of inter-mediaries
between man and the “True God.”
147
• Verses 1:19-23…
• These aoens had the elements of
man’s salvation distributed among
them and were jointly responsible
for whatever progress seekers might
make toward heaven.
• The pre-eminent Christ offered a
simple and effective route to the
throne of God because He was God
in the fullest.
148
• Verses 1:19-23…
• The total nature of Divinity was the
nature that dwelt permanently in the
body of Jesus as He worked on earth
to save man from his sin.
• “All things” in heaven and on earth,
whoever and wherever they might be,
can be reconciled to God by Christ.
• Jesus can make peace between God
and man because He alone was able
to atone for the crimes man had
committed against God.
149
• Verses 1:19-23…
• “All things” is a rather generic
category of persons and powers that
were reconciled by Jesus.
• You were enemies in your mind.
• You were also guilty of doing
unspeakably wicked works, and such
actions often drove the apostle to
insist that Gentiles “put off the old
man” and his deeds and “put on the
new man in righteousness and true
holiness.”
150
Verses 1:19-23…
You,
nevertheless,
have
been reconciled despite your
unworthiness of forgiveness
for what you thought and
for what you did.
You can now expect to be
presented as holy,
blameless, and
irreproachable.
151
• Verses 1:19-23…
• There were some “ifs” that stood between
them and the happy ending they
anticipated:
• If they continued in the faith of the gospel
• If they remained grounded and steadfast
in the truths about Jesus that were vital
to salvation;
• If they didn’t move from their convictions
about the pre-eminent Christ that had
first given them the hope of heaven (1:5).
152
• Verses 1:19-23…
• Surely, the Colossians knew that the
gospel of Christ had been taught in
places other than in their own city.
• Paul had worked hard to spread the
good news into as many places and
to as many lost souls as possible.
153
Colossians- Rooted in Christ
Perfected in Christ-
Colossians 1:24-2:7 I now rejoice in my
sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh
what is lacking in the afflictions of
Christ, for the sake of His body, which is
the church, (25) of which I became a
minister according to the stewardship
from God which was given to me for
you, to fulfill the word of God, (26) the
mystery which has been hidden from
ages and from generations, but now has
been revealed to His saints.
Colossians- Rooted in Christ
Perfected in Christ(27) To them God willed to make known
what are the riches of the glory of this
mystery among the Gentiles: which is
Christ in you, the hope of glory. (28)
Him we preach, warning every man and
teaching every man in all wisdom, that
we may present every man perfect in
Christ Jesus. (29) To this end I also
labor, striving according to His working
which works in me mightily.
• Verses 1:24-29…
• Paul was concerned that his
imprisonment might become a
hindrance to the faith of other
Christians.
• Paul maintained a very optimistic
outlook on his imprisonment.
• Paul’s sufferings “for the sake
of...the church” were a continuation
of the trials endured by the Lord at
the hands of oppressive men.
156
• Verses 1:24-29…
• Paul’s conversion and apostleship
were to be attended by “many things”
to be suffered for the name of Christ
(Acts 9:16), so imprisonment was not
unexpected.
• Paul called the gospel a “mystery”
several times in the book of Ephesians.
• The “mystery” preached to the
Gentiles was “rich” in spiritual
blessings that they might enjoy if they
chose.
157
• Verses 1:24-29…
• The pre-eminent Christ was real
wisdom, the wisdom of God.
• Paul had worked hard for the
salvation of many.
158
• Verses 1:24-29…
• The working of Christ in Paul
assumed two roles:
• Christ worked in him through
motivating him to satisfy his Lord’s
expectations for him as a preacher
and as an apostle (Acts 26:16-18);
• Christ also worked in him through the
support of signs and wonders given
to him to assist in his effectiveness as
an evangelist (e.g., Acts 14:3).
159
Colossians- Rooted in Christ
Perfected in Christ(2:1) For I want you to know what a
great conflict I have for you and those in
Laodicea, and for as many as have not
seen my face in the flesh, (2) that their
hearts may be encouraged, being knit
together in love, and attaining to all
riches
of
the
full
assurance
of
understanding, to the knowledge of the
mystery of God, both of the Father and
of Christ, (3) in whom are hidden all
the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
The Colossian Heresy...
• Verses 2:1-3…
• A genuine love for one another
that emulated the love he had for
them would greatly strengthen
their mutual desire to stand
together against the doctrinal
perversions with which disciples
were being confronted at Colosse,
Laodicea, and, no doubt, in other
churches in the area.
• Verses 2:1-3…
• Not only was a sense of unity a key
factor in resisting error but also the
possession of a good understanding
of God’s “mystery” would provide a
defense that deception and falsehood
could not penetrate.
• The “mystery” of God and Christ was
not beyond their understanding and
commitment.
162
162
• Verses 2:1-3…
• Heaven’s revelation was now hidden
from men only in the sense of being
a precious treasure for which men
must “dig” diligently if they were to
share in its inestimable riches.
163
163
Colossians- Rooted in Christ
Perfected in Christ(4) Now this I say lest anyone should
deceive you with persuasive words. (5)
For though I am absent in the flesh, yet
I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see
your good order and the steadfastness
of your faith in Christ. (6) As you
therefore have received Christ Jesus the
Lord, so walk in Him, (7) rooted and
built up in Him and established in the
faith, as you have been taught,
abounding in it with thanksgiving.
• Verses 2:4-7…
• “ Persuasive words ” can be
destructive to faith if they are
not used to speak the truth.
• Paul was always “in [the] spirit”
with disciples who were trying to
do the right thing in serving God.
165
• Verses 2:4-7…
• His commitment to supporting their
battle against error was strong
because he knew of their previous
achievements in the religion of Christ:
• They had “good order.”
• They also had displayed a
“steadfastness” of faith.
166
• Verses 2:4-7…
• Unless someone could teach
them some truth that would
change their initial
understanding of the Lord’s
excellency, why should they
even listen to a teacher who
wanted to move them away
from their original faith?
167
• Verses 2:4-7…
• Their “walking” in Christ would be
blessed by:
• Being rooted with a sound foundation
of “first principles” upon which to
build a “perfect” knowledge of God’s
“mystery”
• Being established in the faith so that
any future attacks by human wisdom
could be more easily and efficiently
dispatched.
• Being abundant in the faith that had
been taught by apostolic authority.
168
Colossians- Rooted in Christ
Complete in ChristColossians 2:8-23 Beware lest
anyone cheat you through
philosophy and empty deceit,
according to the tradition of
men, according to the basic
principles of the world, and not
according to Christ.
Colossians- Rooted in Christ
Complete in Christ-
(9) For in Him dwells all the fullness of
the Godhead bodily; (10) and you are
complete in Him, who is the head of all
principality and power.
• Verses 2:8-10…
• In Christ, the Colossians could enjoy
innumerable spiritual blessings:
• “All wisdom and spiritual
understanding” that would provide
strength (1:9);
• Redemption and forgiveness of sins
(1:14);
• Spiritual peace through
reconciliation to God (1:20);
• All spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3).
171
• Verses 2:8-10…
• Paul and other inspired teachers
had been working hard to teach
gospel truth about the rewards of
“Christ in [among] you, the hope
of glory” (1:28,29).
• False teachers were working hard
to teach other “truths” they
claimed were superior to the
gospel.
172
• Verses 2:8-10…
• These pretenders had three
powerful weapons in their arsenal
of errors:
• Philosophy and vain deceit.
• Traditions of men.
• Basic principles of the world.
173
• Verses 2:8-10…
• Not one of these things was
“according to [the truth about]
Christ.”
• Christians could be “complete” in
Christ because He possesses the
“fullness of the Godhead bodily.”
174
• Verses 2:8-10…
• He imparts all the wisdom we need
to guide us in our service;
• He makes atonement for sin so
that we can be free of guilt;
• He is the merit by which sinners
can be justified before God;
• He provides grace to sustain us in
the trials and duties of life.
175
Colossians- Rooted in Christ
Complete in Christ(11) In Him you were also circumcised
with the circumcision made without
hands, by putting off the body of the sins
of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,
(12)
buried with Him in baptism, in
which you also were raised with Him
through faith in the working of God, who
raised Him from the dead.
Colossians- Rooted in Christ
Complete in Christ(13)
And you, being dead in your
trespasses and the uncircumcision of
your flesh, He has made alive together
with Him, having forgiven you all
trespasses, (14) having wiped out the
handwriting of requirements that was
against us, which was contrary to us.
And He has taken it out of the way,
having nailed it to the cross.
(15)
Having disarmed principalities and
powers, He made a public spectacle of
them, triumphing over them in it.
Colossians- Rooted in Christ
Complete in Christ(16) So let no one judge you in food or in
drink, or regarding a festival or a new
moon or sabbaths, (17) which are a
shadow of things to come, but the
substance is of Christ. (18) Let no one
cheat you of your reward, taking delight in
false humility and worship of angels,
intruding into those things which he has
not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly
mind, (19) and not holding fast to the
Head, from whom all the body, nourished
and knit together by joints and ligaments,
grows with the increase that is from God.
Colossians- Rooted in Christ
Complete in Christ(20) Therefore, if you died with Christ
from the basic principles of the world,
why, as though living in the world, do
you subject yourselves to regulations—
(21) "Do not touch, do not taste, do not
handle," (22) which all concern things
which perish with the using—according
to the commandments and doctrines of
men? (23) These things indeed have
an appearance of wisdom in selfimposed religion, false humility, and
neglect of the body, but are of no value
against the indulgence of the flesh.
Colossians- Living in Christ
Seeking things aboveColossians 3:1-4 If then you were raised
with Christ, seek those things which are
above, where Christ is, sitting at the
right hand of God. (2) Set your mind
on things above, not on things on the
earth. (3) For you died, and your life is
hidden with Christ in God. (4) When
Christ who is our life appears, then you
also will appear with Him in glory.
Colossians- Living in Christ
Putting off worldly habits-
Colossians 3:5-11
Therefore put to
death your members which are on the
earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion,
evil desire, and covetousness, which is
idolatry. (6) Because of these things
the wrath of God is coming upon the
sons of disobedience, (7) in which you
yourselves once walked when you lived
in them.
Colossians- Living in Christ
Putting off worldly habits(8) But now you yourselves are to put
off all these: anger, wrath, malice,
blasphemy, filthy language out of your
mouth. (9) Do not lie to one another,
since you have put off the old man with
his deeds, (10) and have put on the
new man who is renewed in knowledge
according to the image of Him who
created him,
(11)
where there is
neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor
uncircumcised,
barbarian,
Scythian,
slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
Colossians- Living in Christ
Putting on heavenly habitsColossians 3:12-17 Therefore, as the
elect of God, holy and beloved, put on
tender mercies, kindness, humility,
meekness, longsuffering; (13) bearing
with one another, and forgiving one
another, if anyone has a complaint
against another; even as Christ forgave
you, so you also must do.
Colossians- Living in Christ
Putting on heavenly habits(14) But above all these things put on
love, which is the bond of perfection.
(15) And let the peace of God rule in
your hearts, to which also you were
called in one body; and be thankful.
(16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you
richly in all wisdom, teaching and
admonishing one another in psalms and
hymns and spiritual songs, singing with
grace in your hearts to the Lord. (17)
And whatever you do in word or deed, do
all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving
thanks to God the Father through Him.
Colossians- Living in Christ
Honoring spiritual relationshipsColossians 3:18-4:1 Wives, submit to
your own husbands, as is fitting in the
Lord. (19) Husbands, love your wives
and do not be bitter toward them. (20)
Children, obey your parents in all things,
for this is well pleasing to the Lord. (21)
Fathers, do not provoke your children,
lest they become discouraged.
(22)
Bondservants, obey in all things your
masters according to the flesh, not with
eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in
sincerity of heart, fearing God.
Colossians- Living in Christ
Honoring spiritual relationships(23)
And whatever you do, do it
heartily, as to the Lord and not to
men, (24) knowing that from the
Lord you will receive the reward of
the inheritance; for you serve the
Lord Christ. (25) But he who does
wrong will be repaid for what he has
done, and there is no partiality. (4:1)
Masters, give your bondservants what
is just and fair, knowing that you also
have a Master in heaven.
Colossians- Living in Christ
Showing concern for othersColossians 4:2-6 Continue earnestly in
prayer, being vigilant in it with
thanksgiving; (3) meanwhile praying
also for us, that God would open to us a
door for the word, to speak the mystery
of Christ, for which I am also in chains,
(4) that I may make it manifest, as I
ought to speak. (5) Walk in wisdom
toward those who are outside, redeeming
the time. (6) Let your speech always be
with grace, seasoned with salt, that you
may know how you ought to answer each
one.
ColossiansClosing remarks and instructionsColossians 4:7-18 Tychicus, a beloved
brother, faithful minister, and fellow
servant in the Lord, will tell you all the
news about me. (8) I am sending him
to you for this very purpose, that he may
know your circumstances and comfort
your hearts,
(9)
with Onesimus, a
faithful and beloved brother, who is one
of you. They will make known to you all
things which are happening here.
ColossiansClosing remarks and instructions(10) Aristarchus my fellow prisoner
greets you, with Mark the cousin of
Barnabas (about whom you received
instructions: if he comes to you,
welcome him), (11) and Jesus who
is called Justus. These are my only
fellow workers for the kingdom of
God who are of the circumcision; they
have proved to be a comfort to me.
ColossiansClosing remarks and instructions-
(12) Epaphras, who is one of you, a
bondservant of Christ, greets you,
always laboring fervently for you in
prayers, that you may stand perfect
and complete in all the will of God.
(13) For I bear him witness that he
has a great zeal for you, and those
who are in Laodicea, and those in
Hierapolis. (14) Luke the beloved
physician and Demas greet you.
(15) Greet the brethren who are in
Laodicea, and Nymphas and the
church that is in his house.
ColossiansClosing remarks and instructions(16) Now when this epistle is read
among you, see that it is read also
in the church of the Laodiceans,
and that you likewise read the
epistle from Laodicea. (17) And
say to Archippus, "Take heed to
the ministry which you have
received in the Lord, that you may
fulfill it." (18) This salutation by
my own hand—Paul. Remember
my chains. Grace be with you.
Amen.