Colossians

Colossians:

Background:

Paul had never seen these believers in person (Col. 2:1).
Epaphras may have been instrumental in starting the church
(1:7; cf. 4:12-13), during Paul's three year ministry in
Ephesus, when "all who lived in Asia heard the word of the
Lord" (Acts 19:10). Apparently, Epaphras informed Paul (who
was imprisoned in Rome (Acts 21:17-28:31), of the empty
philosophy which was influencing the Colossians (2:8-23).

Purpose:

To refute the heretical influence of man-made philosophy, by
imparting the spiritual wisdom of Christ, so believers will
bear the fruit of God in their daily walk (1:9-10).

Contents:

1:1 - 2:15 show why Christ is first, or chief, presenting Him
as the fulness of Deity in bodily form, the wisdom who makes
believers complete, and the head over all rule and authority.
2:8-23 warns believers not to be taken captive by or submit to
the decrees of philosophy, empty deceit, legalism, mysticism,
or any other man-made religion. Chapters 3 - 4:6 show how to
walk according to our complete position in Christ. 4:7-18
gives closing remarks.

Theme: You should put Christ first

General Outline:

1) Reasons

Introduction (1:1-12)

A. Because He redeemed all believers (1:13-14)

B. Because He created all things (1:15-16)

C. Because He sustains all things (1:17)

D. Because He heads all things (1:18)

E. Because He reconciled all things (1:20-23)

F. Because He completes all believers (1:24 - 2:15)

2) Ways

A. By rejecting empty philosophy (2:8-23)

B. By setting your mind on Christ (3:1-4)

C. By putting off the old man (3:5-9)

D. By putting on the new man (3:10 - 4:6)

Closing remarks (4:7-17)

Colossians 1

Theme: You should put Christ first

1) Reasons

Introduction (1:1-12)

A. Because He redeemed all believers (1:13-14)

B. Because He created all things (1:15-16)

C. Because He sustains all things (1:17)

D. Because He heads all things (1:18)

E. Because He reconciled all things (1:19-23)

F. Because He completes all believers (1:24-2:15)

The letter begins with Paul's prayer on behalf of the
Colossians (3-12). He first thanks God for the hope which is
laid up for them in heaven (5), evidenced by their faith, and
love for other believers (4), all of which come through
hearing God's word (6-8; cf. Romans 10:17).

Next, He makes a request on their behalf. This is that they
may be filled with knowledge of God's will, in spiritual
wisdom and understanding (9). The goal of such wisdom is not
just to make them smart, but to enable them to walk in a way
which is worthy (of equal weight to our position in Christ
(13-22; cf. Eph. 1-4) of the Lord.

Such a walk includes bearing fruit (cf. Gal. 5:22-23) in every
good work (cf. 2 Tim. 3:16-17), and increasing in the
knowledge of God (10). In addition to fruit and good works,
spiritual wisdom yields inner strength (the kind that
overcomes resistance) from God (11), which results in
steadfastness (endurance, or "remaining under" suffering [cf.
Job; James 5:11]), and patience ( "long temper"). We owe God
joyous (11b) thanks (12), for qualifying us to share the
inheritance of saints in light (12b).

God has already delivered believers from the domain of
darkness (13). Before we were saved, we lay under the
blinding power of Satan (Eph. 4:18; 5:8; 2 Cor. 4:4; 1 John
5:19), and could only walk in the unrighteous attitudes and
deeds of darkness (Eph. 2 - 5). God, however, delivers each
believer from this realm, and translates them into the kingdom
of Christ (Eph. 2:5-7). Our spiritual position is now in the
heavenlies in Christ Jesus, where God has blessed us with
every spiritual blessing (Eph. 1:3). Romans 6 says that the
Holy Spirit unites, or places the believer into the person and
work of Christ. It is on the basis of faith in this spiritual
reality (i.e. our death to sin and resurrection to newness of
life in Christ), that the indwelling Holy Spirit enables the
believer to yield his members as instruments of righteousness
to God (6:13).

This letter was written to refute man-made philosophy and
"wisdom" which corrupted the Colossian believers. Rather than
focus on these heretical teachings, Paul taught the
preeminence of Christ as God's complete and all sufficient
wisdom to prepare the believer for "every good work"
(1:13-2:15). The word "preeminence" means "first place". This
means both first in time (cf. Matt. 17:27) and superior in
rank or importance (cf. "chief", Matt. 20:27). Rather than
earthly things, such as man-made wisdom and religion, hen,
believers should put Christ first. Chapter one gives several
reasons:

Because Christ has redeemed us (1:14). "Redeemed" means the
payment of a ransom which effects a release. Christ's death
satisfied God's righteous demands against sin ("propitiation";
1 John 2:2), and gave Him a righteous grounds for forgiving
the sinner, thus releasing him from sin's debt (Romans
3:25-26). When someone pays the complete price which releases
you from a debt that would have kept you in a world of
darkness, sin, and flaming hell for all eternity, this should
motivate you to put them first in your life.

Because He created all things (15-16). Christ is God in the
flesh (15; 2:9). As an image on a coin represents the likeness
of a man, so Christ is the "exact representation" of God the
Father (Heb. 1:3). Jesus said that to see Him was to see the
Father (John 14:9). This word for "image", here, means the
very substance or embodiment of God. Proof Christ is God in
the flesh is evident from the fact that He created all things
(15-16). That He is the "first-born" of all creation means
that He is the creator of all things (spiritual, immaterial,
and material), and not that He was the first created thing,
something which the context makes impossible, since He created
"all things", for Himself, and since He is the one who
sustains or hold "all things" (whether material or immaterial)
together (17). Christ is the creator of all things, He created
all things for Himself, and He continues to sustain all
things. This makes Him first, or chief of all.

Because He heads all things (18). Christ is not only the
master of the universe He created, and over all spiritual
beings and powers (Eph. 1:21), but He is also the head of the
church (18), which is His body of believers (Eph. 1:22-23;
5:23). God exalted Christ to this supreme headship by raising
Him from the dead, and seating Him at His right hand, after He
had finished redeeming "all things" (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:20).
Believers are a new, spiritual creation in Christ (2 Cor.
5:17), and should put Him first by obeying Him in the way our
bodies obey our head.

Because He reconciled all things (19-23). All the fulness of
God dwells in Christ, in bodily form (2:9; 1 Tim. 3:16). Since
God is holy, and man fails to meet God's standards, man
deserves to be separated from God. This is the meaning of the
word "death", and includes not only physical separation from
our bodies, but also eternal separation from God in the lake
of fire (2 Thess. 1:8-9).

To reconcile (harmonize, or unite) man to God, required a
substitutionary payment for sin. This was the constant
illustration of the OT sacrificial system, where men had to
offer a spotless animal as a substitutionary payment for their
sin. It pictured the fact that the lamb bore the guilt of the
man, and that the man leaned on this substitute to take his
deserved penalty. Hebrews confirms that this substitute must
be sinless, otherwise its death could only be for its own
offenses, and not those of others (Heb. 7:27).

John 1 says "behold the lamb of God which takes away the sin
of the world". 1 Peter 1:19 says Christ is this spotless lamb
of God which cleanses from sin. Only God is without sin, and
only God could pay the infinite debt which sin against an
infinite God required (Romans 3:23-26). It was necessary,
however for Christ to become a man, in order to be able to
die, and pay the debt of our sin (Heb. 10:1-10). All the
fullness (meaning "complete"[ness]) of God dwells in Christ's
fleshly body, enabling Him to reconcile all believers (these
are the one's whose faith is evidenced by their continuing in
the faith, and being firmly established an steadfast in the
hope of the gospel which they have heard: 23) to God (cf. Eph.
2).

Because He completes all believers (1:24 - 2:15). Paul was
made a minister of this gospel which is God's wisdom for the
total salvation of man. Such wisdom not only frees the
believer from the penalty of His sin (Justification: Romans
3), but also from the power of sin in His daily life
(sanctification: Romans 6 - 8:17), and ultimately from the
presence of his sin nature (glorification: Romans 8:18ff).
This is the believer's hope, and is evident when Christ, who
indwells the believer (cf. John 14), bears the fruit of love
in his life. All wisdom which is necessary to present a man
complete in Christ, is found in the gospel of which Paul was
made a minister (cf. 1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Chapter one gives several reasons why you should put Christ,
and not human wisdom, first.

Colossians 2

Theme: You should put Christ first

1) Reasons

F. Because He completes all believers (1:24-2:15)

2) Ways

A. By staying free from philosophy (2:8-23)

Not only should the believer understand His completed position
in Christ, but He should put this knowledge into practice
(6-7). But how? First, by staying free from philosophy
(8-23). "See to it that no one takes you captive through
philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of
men, according to the elementary principles of the world,
rather than according to Christ" (8).

Several ideas about the meaning of "elementary principles of
the world", appear. Some see it as a reference to angelic
beings, and hence doctrines which come from demons (James 3:15
refers to a wisdom which is "earthly, sensual, demonic").
Others see a connection to the worship of angelic beings and
astrology, perhaps because of the reference to "worship of
angels" (Col. 2:18). Although these interpretations have some
support, the context of the chapter seems to give the best
clues.

These "elementary principles" refer to "deceptive", "empty",
systems of wisdom ("philosophy") rather than the treasures of
wisdom and knowledge in Christ (8a; 9; cf. 3). They are
according to "the tradition", "commandments", and "teachings
of men" (8b; 22), rather than Christ, as revealed in the Bible
(8c; cf. 1:23 - 2:6). They judge people by the shadow of the
OT Law, rather than the substance of Christ (17). They come
from the imagination and reasonings of over-inflated, fleshly
minds (18), rather than the true head, which is Christ (19;
cf. 10b). They include commands such as "Do not handle, do
not taste, do not touch!" (21), promote self-abasement and
severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against
fleshly indulgence (23).

Galatians also describes this kind of philosophy, when it
mentions "elements of the world", in reference to governors
and tutors who instructed children till they came of age. It
uses these as an illustration of legalists who persuaded the
Galatians to add OT Law (such as observing religious days, and
being circumcised) to faith in Christ, as a way of completing
their salvation (3:3; 4:1-9; 5:2-6). In chapter 3, Paul said
it is foolish to try to complete, or make perfect
(sanctification), your salvation in the strength of your
flesh, since it was begun in the power of the Spirit
(justification). Chapter four goes on to illustrate that you
cannot help, or bring God's salvation to completion through
the physical realm, or by adding your efforts. Chapter five
shows that the only way to bear fruit for God is by yielding
to the power of the Spirit in your life. "Elementary
principles of the world", i.e. man made systems of wisdom, and
of attempting to complete salvation through the flesh, is
"another gospel", which results in eternal damnation (1:9).
This is the kind of persuasive argument and "wisdom" from
which believers should stay free (Col. 2:4; 8).

Verses 9-11 summarize the truths about Christ which prove you
don't need man's philosophy to be complete. 1) All the
fulness of Deity dwells in Him in bodily form. 2) In Him you
have been made complete; 3) He is the head over all rule and
authority; and 4) in Him you have been spiritually
circumcised.

1) In contrast to such "empty" philosophy (empty because it is
of no value in delivering someone from the penalty, power, or
presence of sin), "all the fullness of the Deity dwells in
bodily form" "in Christ" (9; cf. 1:27). 2) Christ is full God
in the flesh (cf. 1 Tim. 3:16), since He dwells in believers
(Col. 1:27), and since knowledge of Him offers complete
salvation from sin (1:14-23; cf. 1 Cor. 1:30), believers are
complete in Him (9), and do not need human philosophy to be
complete, or to deliver them from any aspect of sin (cf. 1
Cor. 1:30).

3) Further, Christ is head over all things, including angels,
principalities and powers (2:10, 15, 20-23). Therefore, one
need only follow the instructions of Christ as set forth in
the Bible, to hear everything which is necessary to equip them
for bearing fruit and doing every good work (cf. 2 Tim. 3:16).
One should not submit themselves to decrees of human
philosophy, such as "do not handle, do not taste, do not
touch!" (21). Self made religion, self abasement, or severe
treatment of the body, are of no value in completing your
salvation from sin (23). It is the understanding, knowledge,
and wisdom of Christ alone, Who is the head from whom the
entire body is supplied, held together, and grows, which makes
the believer stable, complete, and free from the need of
man-made philosophy.

4) Romans 7 teaches that our "flesh" (not our physical bodies,
but our depraved sin nature) is at enmity with God. It cannot
keep the commands of God, but only rebel against them. As
such, when the believer attempts to keep the Law, he should
see that he cannot live up to God's Holy nature, and that he
deserves the curse of the Law, which is death. Galatians 3:13
says Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the Law by
hanging on a tree. Since the curse of the Law was death,
Christ takes the believer's place, and frees him from
obligation to the Law as a way of becoming or staying right
with God (Gal. 3).

The Spirit, however, baptizes, or places believers into
Christ. This so unites them to His death and resurrection,
that they have died to sin (11b), and been raised to newness
of life along with Him (12; cf. Romans 6:1-11). This
constitutes a spiritual circumcision of the heart(11a), that
is, a putting off of the old man ("flesh"; cf. Romans 7:18,
23; 8:4-11), and a putting on of the new man in Christ (cf. 2
Cor. 5:17). This is the believer's position "in Christ", and
God's basis for delivering him from the power of sin in his
daily life. You know your position in Christ (i.e., you have
died to sin and been raised to newness of life in Christ), you
count that position to be true, and then you yield your
members as instruments of righteousness to God (Romans
6:1-11), who bears the fruit of the indwelling Holy Spirit
(cf. Gal. 5). Through Christ alone, and not through
circumcision, or any other man-made religion, or system of
philosophy, does a believer become a child of God, or gain
victory over sin in their daily life. You should put Christ
first by staying free from philosophy.

Colossians 3

Theme: You should put Christ first.

2. Ways

B. By setting your mind on Christ (3:1-4)
C. By putting off the old man (3:5-9)
D. By putting on the new man (3:10-4:6)

B. By setting your mind on Him (3:1-4). The Holy Spirit
baptizes, or unites believers into Christ. This union is so
complete, that you have actually been placed into Christ's
death to sin, and resurrection to newness of life (see Romans
6:1-11). This is your spiritual position, which frees you
from the curse and obligation of the Law, as a way of living
in righteousness. It is also God's enablement, by the power
of the indwelling Holy Spirit, for you, the believer, to live
for God. Through faith in Christ's death to sin, you count
yourself to have also died to sin, and obligation to the Law.
By faith in Christ's resurrection to newness of life, you
count yourself to have risen with Christ to newness of life.
This resurrection power, by which Christ rose from the dead,
is now available to you, the believer, when you yield your
members as instruments of righteousness to God (Romans 6:1-11;
cf. Romans 1:4; Philippians 3:10-11). Such yieldedness allows
the indwelling Holy Spirit to bear fruit in your life (cf.
Galatians 5:16-26).

In addition to raising the believer from spiritual death, and
obligation to the Law, God has blessed us with every spiritual
blessing in the heavenly places, in Christ (Eph. 1:3). This
includes predestination to adoption as a son, conformity to
Christ (Eph. 1:5; Romans 8:18-39), redemption, the forgiveness
of all sins (8), reconciliation (Col. 1:22), being sealed with
the indwelling Holy Spirit (13), the glorious redemption and
transformation of our earthly bodies, deliverance from the
presence of our sin nature (Romans 8:18-25; 1 Cor. 15; 1
Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Pet. 1:3-25), and eternal enjoyment of these
blessings in the presence of God in New Jerusalem (Rev. 21 -
22). The believer's citizenship, and hope, is thus "in
Christ", "in heaven". As a result of this position, you
should put Christ first by setting your mind on things above,
rather than earthly things.

C. By putting off the old man (3:5-9). When you know that
Christ has died to sin, and that you have been placed into His
death, you can consider yourself dead to sin. Through faith
in Christ, then, believers should consider themselves dead to
"immorality" (unbiblical sex; cf. 1 Cor. 5:1; 1 Thess. 4:3-8),
"impurity" ("moral uncleanness"; Romans 1:24; 1 Thess. 4:7),
"passion" ("degrading affections"; Romans 1:26; 1 Thess. 4:5),
"evil desire" (Romans 1:24; 1 Thess. 4:5 [including the love
of money: 1 Tim. 6:9]; 2 Tim. 2:22), and "greed" ("desire for
more"; Luk. 12:15; 2 Cor. 9:5; Eph. 4:19; 2 Pet. 2:3), which
is "idolatry" ("to serve something in the place of God").
It is on account of these things God's wrath will come (cf.
Rev. 4-19), and from these things God has delivered believers
(Eph. 2; 4 - 5).

Putting off the old man also involves setting aside "anger"
(used of the indignant wrath of God against sin [Romans 1:18;
2:5, 8], and of people making "pay backs" on others [Rom.
12:19]) "wrath" (glowing rage; [Luk. 4:28; Acts 19:28, etc.]),
"malice" (wickedness, or general "ill-will"; [Acts 8:22; Rom.
1:29; 1 Cor. 5:8, etc.]), "slander" ("blasphemy", "injurious
speech" [John 10:33; Jude 1:9, etc.]), "abusive speech" (from
roots meaning "filthy", or dishonoring, and "words", or
"speech"), and "lies".

D. By putting on the new man (3:10 - 4:6). All believers,
without regard to race or vocation (11), are new creatures in
Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). Old things have passed away, new things
have come. Although you retain your fallen nature until
Christ redeems your body, and this nature struggles against
you (Romans 7: 7-25; 8:18-25), you now have a new, spiritual
nature, with Christ's righteousness imputed to its account (2
Cor. 5:21). Your position in Christ is that you have put on
the new man. This means you have died to sin, you have been
raised to newness of life, and you are a new man in Him. The
Holy Spirit indwells you (Eph. 1:13-14), and bears the fruit
of God when you yield yourself to Him through faith in your
position in Christ (Romans 6:1-11).

In light of this position in Christ, then, believers should
put on "a heart" of "compassion" ("mercy"; describing the
benefits God bestows in saving undeserving sinners [Romans
12:1; cf. 1-11], associated with comfort in time of suffering
[2 Cor. 1:3], contrasted with enforcing the death penalty on
someone who broke the OT Law [Heb. 10:28]), "kindness" (doing
good [Rom. 3:12], associated with bestowing benefits, or
wealth, such as salvation (Rom. 11:22; Eph. 2:7) described
"gentleness", a fruit of the Spirit [Gal. 5:22]), "humility"
(a compound of "low", and "minded", associated with service
[Acts 20:19], meekness [Eph. 4:2], and submission [1 Pet.
5:5], contrasted with strife, vain glory [Philippians 2:3],
and pride [1 Pet. 5:5]), "gentleness" (contrasted with using a
rod of correction [1 Cor. 4:21], speaking evil, and brawling
[Titus 3:2], associated with meekness, lowliness of mind [2
Cor. 10:1; Eph. 4:2], and self control [Gal. 5:23], listed as
a fruit of the spirit [Gal. 5:23], and "patience" (from
"long", and "wrath", meaning patience [Heb. 6:12; James 5:10],
waiting, and putting up with something for a long time [1 Pet.
3:20; 2 Pet. 3:15]) (12). This means you should bear with one
another, forgive each other, and put on love, which is the
bond of unity (13-14).

The reason to forgive others, is because God, in Christ, has
forgiven you (13b; cf. Eph. 4:32). This is not just
overlooking sin, because God is just. Every failure to
reflect His traits or rules, every violation of His rights,
demands a just payment. This would mean eternal destruction,
away from the presence of God, in the lake of fire (2 Thess.
1:8-9). But since Christ died for all sin of all time, His
death satisfies all God's righteous demands (Romans 3:21-26; 1
John 2:2), giving Him just grounds to forgive the offender who
believes. If someone violates what we consider our rights, we
can just remember that Christ's death satisfied God's
righteous demands against that act. This gives you a solid
motivation and basis for forgiving others, and for "letting
the peace of Christ rule in your hearts" (15).

Another way to promote the new attitude is to let the word of
Christ be at home in your heart (16). Singing psalms (O.T.
Psalms [lit. "to twang", as a stringed instrument]), hymns
(songs based on the christian faith), and spiritual songs
(songs which pertain to spiritual things, as opposed to
carnal, or fleshly songs of the world), serve this end.
Whatever we should do all things in Christ's name (may mean
for God's glory; cf. 1 Cor. 10:31), and with thankfulness to
God (17).

3:18 - 4:6 give outward, practical ways to put on the new man.
This portion closely parallels Ephesians 5:23 - 6:8. Wives
should be subject to their husbands (18). This means to
voluntarily rank yourself under, or obey someone. Such
submission by a wife does not necessitate or imply that the
husband is an abusive, brow-beating, tyrannical despot.
Although Christ is equal to God, He did not cling to this
position (Philippians 2:6ff), but always subjected Himself to
the will of God (Luke 22:42; Heb. 10:5-10).

In the same way, women are equal to men as creatures of God
(Genesis 1:27; 5:2), children of God (Gal. 3:28), and heirs of
Christ (1 Pet. 3:7), but should voluntarily submit to their
husbands in their role in life. 1 Peter 3:1-6 gives an
illustration of this, using Sarah's obedience to and respect
for Abraham as an example for "godly" women of all ages.

This applies even in cases where the husband is disobedient to
God's word (1 Peter 3:1; cf. example of Nabal and Abigail in 1
Samuel 25). 1 Cor. 11:3 notes God is the head of Christ,
Christ the head of man, and man the head of woman. 1 Cor.
11:9 says the woman was made for man, but the man was not made
for the woman (cf. Genesis 2:18). Eph. 5:23 says the husband
is head of the wife "even as Christ is the head of the
church". Thus, such submission is described as "fitting in
the Lord".

Husbands are told to love their wives, and not be embittered
against them (19). A husband loves his wife (Ephesians
5:25-33) by giving himself up for her, just as Christ did for
the church (cf. comments on 5:2). Since His goal was to
present Himself with a holy and blameless bride (25-27),
Christ took the place of sinners, dying on the cross, and
providing a righteous grounds for cleansing believers (Romans
3:21-28; Ephesians 1).

This cleansing is applied through faith in God's preached Word
(26; cf. John 17:14-17; Romans 10:8, 17; Ephesians 6:17; 1
Peter 1:23-25; Hebrews 9:14). In the same way, a husband
should love his wife. Treating her like his own flesh, he
should "nourish" ("feed"), and "cherish" ("keep warm") her
(28-29). Since the Word of God is the agent of a believer's
spiritual birth (John 3), cleansing (1 Peter 1:21-23), and
nourishment (1 Peter 2:2-3), it does seem that a husband
should, among other things, use the Bible to cleanse, feed,
and cherish his wife.

The Word "bitter" comes from a root meaning sharp, pointed,
and thus to fix, or pitch, as with a tent stake. It is used
of bitter weeping (Matt. 26:75), and denotes that which is
shrill, painful, or sharp, even to the taste (as bitter water,
or plants [cf. Rev. 8:11]). "Bitter" seems accurately
translated "embittered", in the NAS. The word is in the
passive voice, and seems to mean the husbands should not allow
Himself to be made bitter.

Children should obey their parents. The word for children,
here, means "offspring", and is not necessarily limited to
minors, although the following instruction about fathers
bringing up their children in the nurture and admonition of
the Lord seems to suggest this.

In Matthew 15:3-6, while refuting the Scribes and Pharisees,
Jesus pointed out that they made their own way around God's
command to honour father and mother (Exodus 20:12). Apparently
they taught that a person could be excused from meeting their
parents material needs, by claiming their possessions were
"Corban", that is a gift "set aside for God's service".

This allowed them to keep their possessions, and thus "honour
not his father or his mother". The instruction to obey
parents is of primary importance, and carries the promise of
long life (Ex. 20:12), a general benefit of such discipline
(cf. Eli's sons [1 Samuel 4:11]). In Acts 5:29, however,
Peter shows that one obeys God, rather than men, if our
earthly authorities command us to do something which clearly
contradicts God's will.

Fathers should not provoke children to anger, but bring them
up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (4). The word
for provoking to anger, here, is also used in Romans 10:19,
where God provokes Israel to jealousy and anger by opening the
door of salvation to the Gentiles. Verse 21 shows that one
reason for this instruction is so that children do not "loose
heart" (NAS).

Slaves should obey masters (22-25). This instruction may also
apply to Christian employees and employers. If so, employees
should obey their bosses in all things, not only outwardly,
but with sincere motives, even when they are not looking. The
reason for this hearty service is because they will receive
their inheritance from the Lord, and because whoever does
wrong will suffer the consequences (24-25).

Christian bosses should grant justice and fairness to their
employees, since they too have a boss in heaven (4:1).
Ephesians includes the statement that bosses should stop
threatening their employees (6:9).

Other ways to put on the new man include devoting yourself to
prayer, and conducting yourself with wisdom (4:3). Prayer
would include requests for those who proclaim and teach the
gospel, that they may have an open door (cf. Acts. 14:27), and
speak boldly [can mean clearly, or without fear] (4).
Conducting yourself wisely toward outsiders could have several
meanings. Paul has just mentioned his desire to make Christ
known. He hoped for an open door, and the ability to proclaim
Christ boldly. The following verse talks about knowing how to
respond to each person you speak with. This all may mean to
be ready to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason
for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15), but there could be
more.

Verse five also adds the statement, "making the most of the
opportunity". Ephesians has similar words, "make the most of
your time, because the days are evil." 1 Thess. 4:11-12 may
illustrate this when it says: "make it your ambition to lead a
quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your
hands, just as we commanded you; so that you may behave
properly toward outsiders" (NAS).

The following instruction calls for letting your speech always
be with grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how
you should respond to each person (6). Ephesians 4:29 reads,
"Let no unwholesome ("corrupting") word proceed from your
mouth, but only such as is good for edification according to
the need, that it may give grace to those who hear. Such
speech is that which serves to build others up, rather than
tear them down. It could include a broader sense of sharing
the gospel (see above).

The gospel of Christ is the message of His death for our sin,
and resurrection (1 Cor. 15:1ff.). This simple news is
sufficient to save those who believe, but it has a much
broader application to believers as well as unbelievers.
Christ's death and resurrection pertain not only to our
salvation from the penalty of sin, but also from the power of
sin in our daily living, and ultimately from the very presence
of sin in glory. As such, the truths of God's word are those
which are seasoned with salt, and which minister grace to
those who hear.

Colossians 4

Theme: You should put Christ first.

Closing Remarks (4:7-18)

Mature believers inform others about their circumstances
(7-9). Paul would send Tychicus and Onesimus to inform the
Colossians about his situation in prison. He refers to them
as "faithful", brothers and fellow servants of the Lord.
Mature relations include informing others of your situation.

Mature relations include greeting one another (10-15). Paul
sends greetings from the brethren who are with him, and calls
on them to greet the brethren. He asks the Colossians to
welcome Mark, Barnabas' cousin, if he comes to them (10).
Those who send greetings are referred to again as "fellow
workers" in the gospel ministry (11).

Epaphras was especially concerned for their welfare, laboring
earnestly for them in prayer, that they might stand complete
and fully assured in all the will of God (12-13). This fits a
major thread of the book, that believers are complete in the
wisdom of Christ, and should not submit themselves to the
philosophy of man. He calls on the Colossians to greet the
brethren who are in Laodicea and in the house-church of Nympha
(15). Mature relations include an exchange of greetings and
good will.

Another part of mature relations among those who are complete
in Christ, is Bible fellowship (16). Paul instructs the
believers to read this letter among themselves, to have the
Laodiceans read it, and to read the letter which would come to
them from Laodicea. Mature relations include fellowship in
God's Word.

In closing, Paul encourages Archippus to fulfill his ministry
in the Lord (17; cf. Heb. 10:24). This again fits the thread
that we are fulfilled, or complete in Christ. He also asks
them to remember that he is in prison (18), and wishes God's
grace to them. Mature relations include encouraging and
praying for others as they minister for the Lord.

--
Have you heard Christ died for our sins, and God raised Him
from the dead? Did you know God saves you from hell and
gives you eternal life through faith in this finished work alone,
not your merits (Jn. 3:16; 1 Cor. 15:1-3; Eph. 2:8-10; 2 Thess.
1:8-9)? This is so man cannot boast, and God alone gets the
glory (Eph. 2:8-9).
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