Clarity: Colossians 1:13-17

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:13-17 ESV)

Lesson Focus: Preeminence (part 2)

• Preeminent in the Cross:

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
Paul meets the Jewish legalism of Gnosticism head on by using old covenant language in direct connection with Gentiles.
The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever. (Gen. 13:14-15)

we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins
It is the Cross that separates following Christ from any and all other forms of supernatural identity. There are religious leaders buried all over this planet. None of them died for your sin. No angel or “mystical energy” has ever provided for forgiveness of sins.


Dr. Ergun Caner's testimony. "Jesus is Lord!"

Islam: “Every soul will taste of death. And ye will be paid on the Day of Resurrection only that which ye have fairly earned. Whoso is removed from the Fire and is also made to enter Paradise, he indeed is triumphant,” (Surah 3, al-i-Imran, the Family of Imran: 185)

Hinduism:  “The self is to be meditated upon for in it all these become one. This self is the foot-trace of all this, for by it one knows all this, just as one can find again by footprints (what was lost)” (Brihadaranyaka Up. 1,4,7).
(Hare Krishna, Transcendental Meditation, Buddhism, Scientology, Wicca, and New Age are either derived from or have strong philosophical ties to Hinduism.)

The next philosophical leap has already been leapt.
“The ultimate truth of who you are is not I am this or I am that, but I Am.” (Ekhart Tolle in A New Earth page 57)

There are really only two forms of religion. Those where you must “DO” something, as in the jailer in Acts 16, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”  And true Christianity (sad we have add true to make this accurate) in which Jesus has completed all the “must ‘DO’ somethings” on our behalf and the Triune God is the only “I Am”.

1.    I AM the bread of life.
2.    I AM the light of the world.
3.    I AM the door.
4.    I AM the good shepherd.

John 10:11-14: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me....”

5.    I AM the resurrection and the life.
6.    I AM the way, the truth and the life.
7.    I AM the true vine.

• Preeminent in Creation

The Gnostic teachers claimed that God made the worlds through a series of “emanations” from Himself and that Christ was one of these emanations. Paul asserts that Christ is not an emanation from God, but God Himself!

He is the image of the invisible God
“Image” means “the exact reproduction.” Christ is not one of God’s creatures, but the highest (firstborn) of all creation. The word Paul used for image was εἰκών (eikōn) it is the word from which we get our English word “icon”. The modern definition is still applicable: a sign (as a word or graphic symbol) whose form suggests its meaning  b : a graphic symbol on a computer display screen that usually suggests the type of object represented or the purpose of an available function.

the firstborn of all creation
The term “firstborn” does not refer to time (as though Christ were the first thing God created) but to position. This is a verse that is commonly misinterpreted into heresy.While not directly attributable to this verse. some of the ways this misinterpretation plays out are:

1. Mormons believe Jesus is the spirit child of God the Father and his wife the Heavenly Mother.

2. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe Jesus is the first thing Jehovah created.

3. Muslims believe in the virgin birth of Jesus, but do not believe He is the Son of God. Human attributes like fatherhood cannot be attributed to God. Jesus is one of the best of 124,000 profits.

For by him all things were created
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God.  All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life,  and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-5)

All the talk of angels, past and present is summed up in verses 16 and 17. Many have rebelled against Him, both men and angels, always justifying themselves by maintaining they are the products of some cosmic evolutionary process instead of creation by the eternal, transcendent God. Remember a  good heresy never dies!

“I’m Glad That’s Cleared Up!”: Jesus Christ is God’s Son. Therefore, in addition to being a prophet, a rabbi, and a “great man among men”, He is preeminent in all things. He is not one of many. He is God.

Clarity: Colossians 1:1-12

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. (Colossians 1:1-12 ESV)

Lesson Focus: Preeminence of Jesus Christ

This message series is called Clarity because of the consistent theme of clarification that drives the book of Colossians. Ultimate clarity is a tricky thing as it is so often defined in relative terms. Many of you have heard the story of the diamond buyer. Let’s call him Mark. When purchasing diamonds Mark did not choose the best from a handful of stones, he would compare each gem with a diamond of perfect cut, color, and Clarity. Selecting the best from a group that is imperfect at best is set aside for things like sports and politics. (Did I say that out loud?)

For Paul, in regard to the Gospel, anything less than an F in Clarity is unacceptable.  There are 33,820 Christian denominations worldwide (and growing). Is it good enough to accept the best clarity of the bunch? Join the Origins family for a pursuit of flawless Clarity in our understanding of the how the Father has qualified us as “saints in light”.

With the passage of time and the tendency of man to fulfill our selfish needs, there is as much heresy ( an opinion, doctrine, or practice contrary to the truth or to generally accepted beliefs or standards) today as any time in human history. A great professor of mine says, "a good heresy never goes away."

What are some of the prevalent heresies of our time?

For the Colossians it was Gnosticism. The Gnostics were “in the know” — that is, they professed to have a superior knowledge of spiritual things. Their doctrine was a strange blending of some Christian truth, Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy, and Eastern mysticism. For one thing, these heretics taught that all matter was evil, including the body; and therefore God could not come in contact with matter. How, then, was the world created? By a series of “emanations” from God, they claimed. And, since Christ had a human body, He was only one of these “emanations” and not truly the Son of God. The Gnostics proposed a complex series of “emanations” (including angels) between man and God and thus denied the preeminence of Christ. (Weirsbe)

Preeminent in the Gospel Message (1:1-12)

• Many people today, like the false teachers at Colosse, will give Jesus Christ a place of eminence, but they will not give Him His rightful place of preeminence.

How they were saved.

• The false teachers taught about angels, “emanations” from God, legalistic rules, and bodily disciplines, but their message had no power to transform lives.

 The evidences of their salvation.

• Epaphras gave them “the word of the truth of the Gospel” (1:5) in contrast to the lies of the false teachers.

Paul’s prayer for their growth (1:9-12).

• The heretics taught a mystical “fullness” that their followers would gain; but here Paul states that every believer in Christ can be filled. We have been “made full in Him”.

“I’m Glad That’s Cleared Up!” Jesus Christ is God’s Son. Therefore, in addition to being a prophet, a rabbi, and a “great man among men”, He is preeminent in all things. He is not one of many. He is God.

How can we help reveal the preeminence of Jesus in our daily walk?

(As is often the case information is sourced from Warren Weirsbe's Outlines)

Clarity is on the way!

Join June 6th us at either branch for the kick-off of "Clarity" an in-depth look at the book of Colossians.

Impressions from Philippians 4:14-23

Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and
Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Lesson Focus: Live sent!

1. God’s Provision (14-23)
share my trouble – This was Paul’s way of letting the Philippians know he was not being ungrateful for their most recent gift. He assured them that he considered them partners in ministry. “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (vs. 12-13)
in the beginning of the gospel –10 years earlier Paul preached to a group of women in Philippi and Lydia started a house church. (Acts 16:11-15)

I seek the fruit that increases to your credit - Paul thanks the Philippians for their gifts and assures them that the spiritual meaning of their gifts is far more important to him than the gifts themselves.
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt. 6:19-21) Sermon on the Mount

a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God - What a blessing it is to know that our gifts are looked upon as spiritual sacrifices to the Lord that rejoice His heart!

And my God will supply every need of yours - Paul believed in the providence of God, that God was in control of events and that He was able to meet every need. "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Rom. 8:28).

Vision always precedes provision.

Impression: Paul knew, without a doubt, that he was blessed with God’s presence, peace, power, and provision.

(Outline heavily influenced by Warren Weirsbe)

Impressions from Philippians 4:10-13

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Lesson Focus: Live empowered!

God’s Power (10-13)

How do you know when you are content?

I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content – (content) The Greek, literally expresses “independent of others, and having sufficiency in one’s self.” But Christianity has raised the term above the haughty self-sufficiency of the heathen Stoic to the contentment of the Christian, whose sufficiency is not in self, but in God (Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary)

Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. (2 Cor 3:5-6)

I have learned the secret – Paul liked to present this life changing truth as a secret revealed.

To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Col. 1:27)

through him – The most unique thing about Christianity is our living union with the living God.

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Gal. 2:20)

strengthens me – pour power in

ἐνδυναμόω - endunamoō - en-doo-nam-o'-o
to empower: - enable, (increase in) strength (-en), be (make) strong.

I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. (1 Tim. 1:12-14)

What part do I play in what I achieve?

Impression: Because of the indwelling power of Christ, Paul was never distracted or devastated by circumstances.

Impressions from Philippians 4:2-9

I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
    
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. (ESV)

Lesson Focus: Live like you know who you are!

1. God’s Presence (2-5)

women, who have labored side by side with me – Most of the time the teaching of this passage focuses on the fact that these two women were arguing.  Paul had been writing about unity for 3 chapters now. However, don’t overlook the careful way Paul framed his appeal to his true companion. He wanted this person to know these women were of great value to him. Doing anything, side by side, with women was not a common practice. Origins is very blessed with godly women who have been called to present the Gospel, and an environment in which to do so freely.

reasonableness - ἐπιεικής, epieikēs, ep-ee-i-kace': appropriate, that is, (by implication) mild: - gentle, moderation, patient.

Why would Paul highlight moderation, and patience?

do not be anxious about anything – Worry indicates a lack of trust in God’s wisdom, sovereignty and power.

2. God’s Peace (6-9)

A. Desirable Prayer (6-7)
by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving – these actions are only available to a true believer.

let your requests be made known to God. – Is it even possible to surprise God with your need? This is where you begin to understand that you are in a relationship with the Father. You are a child of the Living God. Live like you know who you are!  Worry and fear do not reflect who you are. His peace will guard heart and your mind.

B. Desirable Thinking (8)
whatever is . . . – Almost every destructive emotional trial can be traced back to actions or self-talk that is based on untrue beliefs.

C. Desirable Living (9)
learned and received and heard and seen – Paul is saying “Live like you know who you are!”

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)

Impression: Paul’s awareness of the security in the presence of Christ allowed him to serve without being anxious about anything.

(Outline heavily influenced by Warren Weirsbe)

Impressions from Philippians 3:17-4:1

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.

Lesson Focus: Live like you know you’ve won!

join in imitating me – This could be a troublesome verse if taken out of context.

• Should we ever imitate a man, even if it’s Paul?

• For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3)

• As we “keep our eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us” (v. 17) we are challenged to live in the Spirit.

• Paul followed up with a stark comparison and heartache he felt for those who do not live in the Spirit. He wasn’t focusing the Philippians on any specific destructive behaviors, but with minds set on heavenly things.

• Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. (Colossians 3:2)

• For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. (Romans 8:5-8) 

Glorification (vv.20,21) The Christian’s Future: 

our citizenship is in heaven – Paul was so good at using words that were particularly meaningful to his audience. Citizenship was a unique concept to the Philippians. They were in Macedonia but they were an official Roman colony.

• The people in Philippi were governed not by Macedonian laws, but by Roman laws; likewise, the church lives by heaven’s laws. Philippi was a colony of Rome in Macedonia, and Christians make up a colony of heaven on earth. Many times the laws of heaven conflict with the laws of earth, but our responsibility is to obey God, not men. (Weirsbe)

transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body – Paul reminded the Philippians of the ultimate reward of a life lived in the Spirit.

• For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

• I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:
  “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
  “O death, where is your victory?
  O death, where is your sting?”
  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
  Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:50-58)

Impression: The promise of being in the presence of Christ in a glorified body made it possible for Paul to persevere the challenges of persecution.