1 Thessalonians 2:1-2 Paul's Defense

For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain, but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition. [1 Thessalonians 2:1-2 NASB]

Paul begins a section in which he defends his ministry. His enemies were spreading lies about him, and he felt obliged to answer them. I don't think this was vanity on Paul's part, or a selfish need to assert himself. Paul was the only source for the gospel message that the Thessalonians had heard. If Paul was discredited, then the gospel would be discredited.

Paul isn't telling them anything new, but is only reminding them of what they, themselves, had witnessed. 

Paul and his associates came to Thessalonica from Philippi, where they had  suffered on account of the gospel. Acts gives this account;

The crowd rose up together against them, and the chief magistrates tore their robes off them and proceeded to order them to be beaten with rods. When they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely; and he, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. [Acts 16:22-24 NASB]

To be beaten by rods is no small thing. It is by God's grace alone that there were no broken bones or internal injuries. To make matters worse, their feet were put in stocks, making it impossible to find a comfortable position to relieve the pain of the beating. 

When they arrived in Thessalonica, they almost immediately faced opposition from the Jews, who stirred up the rest of the city. 

If Paul were only preaching out of vanity, or personal gain, there is no way he would have endured such hardship.

The gospel wasn't born out of ease and comfort. It wasn't devised by a group of men sitting in a field with flowers and rainbows.

The gospel was born out of suffering. Jesus suffered and died for the sake of humanity. All of the apostle suffered because they told the world what Jesus had done. Almost all of them were martyred for their faith.

A great price was paid for the gospel. Sure, you can go to a store and by a Bible for $20.00. Or you can download a free Bible app from the internet. This does not reflect the true price of the gospel; the blood and suffering of those who gave everything to tell the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection.

Let scholars debate the merits of different codices, or the authorship of the books, or one theological school of thought over another. 

For our own sake, let us simply accept the word of God for what it is: the word of God.

Father, I thank You for Your word. Thank you for the price that was paid to deliver the gospel to me. I pray that You will make me worthy of it. 

1 Thessalonians 1:8-10 Good Works

For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything. For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come. [1 Thessalonians 1:8-10 NASB]

The Thessalonians were vocal about Jesus. This is in spite of the fact that the church was born in the midst of persecution. The Jews became jealous that Gentiles were being saved, and rousing the whole city, they had Jason, the Gentile who was hosting Paul, arrested. Paul left the city, but the persecution continued. In spite of that, the Thessalonian church thrived.

What the world saw was a people who used to worship idols, but now worship only the one true and living God. They saw a people who were living their lives in anticipation and hope that Jesus would return. They saw a people who were full of joy because they had been rescued from God's wrath.

When you commit yourself to Jesus, it's not like joining a club. If you are out drinking and carousing with your buddies, and you tell them, "Oh, by the way, I'm a member of the Kiwanis Club." They will likely say "That's nice." or "So what?"

If you are out drinking and carousing with your buddies and say, "Oh, by the way, I'm a Christian." They will not say, "Hey, this Christian is pretty cool." Much more likely, they will say, "That guy's a total hypocrite." Don't try to be a "cool" Christian. James said;

Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. [James 1:27 NASB]

When you commit yourself to Jesus, there should be a change that the world sees. Jesus said;

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. [Matthew 5:16 NASB]

Our good works don't save us. They don't earn us favor with God. Paul said;

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. [Ephesians 2:8-10 NASB]

Look at the world around you. It is full of people in need. If you look at all the needs in the world, it can be overwhelming. So don't think about trying to fix the world, just see what you can do.

Not everybody can be a missionary and minister to the poor people in third world countries. But you may be able to contribute such a ministry. It is likely that there are ministries and programs in your own community for the poor. Perhaps, you can take the time to help.

There are a very few people who can devote their lives to ministering to the less fortunate. Most of us don't have that privilege. But we can help support the people who do. 

We can also do good works wherever we are. A kind word to the cashier at the grocery store may brighten someone's day. Try being extra helpful to a coworker who is struggling to complete a task. You never know what kind of impact a little kindness may have.

Lord, I pray for opportunities to serve, so that my light will shine, and the world will see You. 

1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 Be An Example

You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. [1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 NASB]

I was once told, "First, watch. Then do. Then teach." That statement summarizes what Paul said to the Thessalonian church. He told the Corinthians;

Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. [1 Corinthians 11:1 NASB]

We are also told;

Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. [Hebrews 13:7 NASB]

Please allow me to repeat what he said, "considering the result of their conduct." In other words, be careful who you imitate. Don't follow a preacher just because he is famous and on T.V. Don't imitate a pastor just because he is a pastor, or a leader just because he is a leader. As far as you know, he may be less sanctified than you are, and maybe he should be imitating you instead.

Look at the fruit of their lives. Are souls being won? Are believers being encouraged? Is he of good report in the world as well as in the church? Is there evidence of sin in his life? Is he secretive, overbearing, easy to anger?

You should see the fruit of the Spirit evident in every part of his life;

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. [Galatians 5:22-23 NASB]

It takes a great deal of confidence to put yourself out there as an example of Christian living. Yet, that is something we should all aspire to. Paul told Titus;

in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us. [Titus 2:7-8 NASB]

Find a godly leader, and watch his life. Emulate his behavior as you learn how to walk the Christian life. As you come to know Jesus more deeply, and more personally, then you can imitate Him. Then be an example to other believers who are looking for a role model.

Father, I pray that I may be a good example to other believers and to non-believers. I pray for grace that Your light may shine, so that when people look at me, they will see You. 

1 Thessalonians 1:2-5 Demonstrate Power

We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers; constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father, knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. [1 Thessalonians 1:2-5 NASB]

It's easy to repeat the words of the gospel. Paul gives us a synopsis of the gospel;

For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, [1 Corinthians 15:3-4 NASB]

Even a lot of non-believers can tell you the basics of the gospel. But without faith, it is meaningless. We need to understand that the gospel is not just a story that someone told. Nor is it a simple recounting of history. It is the revelation of God's truth. Paul said, concerning the gospel;

For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. [Galatians 1:11-12 NASB]

It is the power of the Holy Spirit working in the heart that produces faith;

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. [Romans 1:16 NASB]

It is not a well-reasoned argument that produces faith, but the working of the Holy Spirit. Paul said;

For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power. [1 Corinthians 4:20 NASB]

and

For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed, in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and round about as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. [Romans 15:18-19 NASB]

For Paul, preaching the gospel was not just a matter of standing up and presenting a well-reasoned argument, or an emotional appeal. It was presenting the gospel accompanied by signs and wonder - the power of the Holy Spirit.

There is no reason to think that God has changed since the time of the apostles. He demonstrated power then, and He will demonstrate power now. The only thing lacking is our faith. Step out in faith and pray for people to be healed. Expect miraculous sign and wonders from God, and for His glory.

When you pray for healing, don't pray some wimpy prayer like, "God, I don't know if you will do it or not, but if you will, please heal my brother in Christ." The book of Acts has a few examples of how the early disciples prayed for healing.

Peter came upon a lame man at the gate of the temple;

But Peter said, “I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk!” And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. With a leap he stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. [Acts 3:6-8 NASB]

Peter met a paralyzed man in Lydda;

Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed.” Immediately he got up. And all who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. [Acts 9:34-35 NASB]

Paul was preaching in Lystra;

At Lystra a man was sitting who had no strength in his feet, lame from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. This man was listening to Paul as he spoke, who, when he had fixed his gaze on him and had seen that he had faith to be made well, said with a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he leaped up and began to walk. [Acts 14:8-10 NASB]

Paul was stranded on an island on his way to Rome;

Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us courteously three days. And it happened that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with recurrent fever and dysentery; and Paul went in to see him and after he had prayed, he laid his hands on him and healed him. After this had happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases were coming to him and getting cured. [Acts 28:7-9 NASB]

In each case, they spoke and acted with authority; not meekly, but with boldness; having faith God would heal. It's true that there is power in the word of God. But God also uses miraculous signs to build faith. This power and this authority is for all believers, by faith, and for the glory of God. Jesus said;

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. “These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” [Mark 16:15-18 NASB]

and;

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. [John 14:12 NASB]

It is not by our own power, but because we have the Holy Spirit within us. Jesus said;

but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” [Acts 1:8 NASB]

I challenge you to step out in faith. Be bold for Jesus. Speak the truth of the Gospel, but don't just stop there. Speak healing into peoples bodies. Speak miracles into their lives. Do it all for the glory of God.

Father, I thank You that You have given me Your Spirit, and that You have filled me with Your power. Thank You that You have given me authority to perform signs and wonders in Your name, and for Your glory. I pray that you will increase my faith and give me the boldness to speak out in Your name. 

1 Thessalonians 1:1 Thessalonica

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [1 Thessalonians 1:1 NKJV]

This is Paul's first letter to the churches. It was written during his second missionary journey from Corinth, where he was accompanied by Silvanus (also known as Silas) and Timothy. Paul and his companions came to Thessalonica from Philippi, where Paul and Silas were jailed, and miraculously delivered.

Paul followed his usual pattern by going to the synagogue and taught from the scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah. Only a few of the Jews came to Christ, but a great many of the Gentiles became believers;

But the Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too. “Jason has harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king—Jesus.” And they troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things. So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go. Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. [Acts 17:5-10 NKJV]

A few months later, Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to check on their faith, and encourage them. Timothy was able to report back to Paul that the community of believers was thriving and growing. Encouraged by Timothy's report, Paul wrote this letter of encouragement.

Paul only spent three weeks in Thessalonica. That hardly seems like enough time to meet people, much less establish a thriving church.

In an ideal world, every person you influence for Christ will be established in a relationship with you, so that you can lead them to salvation, then mentor them to spiritual maturity.  Unfortunately, that is not always possible, in which case you need to trust in God. Paul said;

being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; [Philippians 1:6 NKJV]

This is not an excuse to neglect one another. But you should be encouraged to know that God has a personal stake in every believer. Without Him, you can do nothing. And without you, God is still all powerful, and can do everything.

If you can be there to encourage a new believer, then by all means, do so. But if you can't, don't worry. God has their back.

Father, I thank You that You are in control. I know that You care about every person who comes to You. Please watch over the new believers who come to know You. Help them to become established in You, and to find fellowship with Your children. 

Colossians 4:7-18 Closing Comments

Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me....with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here. Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him),...This salutation by my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen. [Colossians 4:7-18 NKJV]

Paul closes his letter by introducing Tychicus, who was tasked with updating the Colossians on Paul's condition. While he mentions several people, I would like to zoom in on just a couple.

Slavery was common in the Roman empire. It is estimated that roughly a third of the population throughout the empire were slaves, and more than half within Rome itself were slaves. Onesimus was a slave from Colossae who had stolen from his master and run away. As many runaway slaves of the time did, he made his way to Rome, where it would be easier to be lost in the dense population.

Somehow, while in Rome, he encountered Paul. Hearing the gospel, Onesimus was saved. Since Onesimus had previously stolen, and run away, it was decided by him and Paul that he would return home to Philemon in Colossae, and make things right. In Paul's letter to Philemon, he makes the case that, since Philemon is now a fellow Christian, he is more useful than before. He pleads with Philemon to forgive his debt, and take him back.

The other person I would like to take note of is Mark the cousin of Barnabas (He is also called John, or John Mark). We first encounter Mark in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 14, when he fled naked into the night while Jesus was being arrested. According Acts 12:12, it was at Mark's mother's house that the disciples used to meet in Jerusalem.

Mark accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey...for awhile. He abandoned them in Pamphylia, and returned to Jerusalem. The next time we see Mark is in Acts 15:36-39. Paul is determined to start his second missionary journey. Barnabas wants to take along his cousin, Mark, but Paul is opposed to it, since he had left them previously. The contention between Paul and Barnabas concerning Mark became so great that they split up and went their own ways.

Now, in his letter to the Colossians, Paul mentions Mark again. This time, Mark is a fellow laborer, who is in Rome helping Paul. Paul mentions that he may send Mark to them at a later date. Clearly, they have reconciled, and Paul has given him a second chance. This is the same Mark who wrote the gospel.

Both of these examples illustrate the grace that we should show to one another. If someone fails you, give him a second chance. Mark was seen initially as weak, but later proved himself.

In life, people may fail you. They may walk away, they may even cheat you. But who knows what good may come if you give them a second chance, just as God has given you a second chance.

Father, I thank You for your grace. Thank You for giving me a second chance. I determine to extend to others the same grace that You extended to me. 

Colossians 4:5-6 Evangelism

Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. [Colossians 4:5-6 NKJV]

We have to be wise when dealing with non-Christians. Our behavior should be entirely beyond reproach. Paul said,

Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. [1 Timothy 3:7 NKJV]

Our fellow believers, out of love and grace are (hopefully) willing to overlook our character flaws, and to quickly forgive us when we stumble, or struggle with our faith. The world, on the other hand is quick to condemn what it perceives as hypocrisy. 

Even if the world is quick to condemn our flaws, we have no business condemning theirs.  Paul says,

For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges.” [1 Corinthians 5:12-13 NKJV]

In the past, the church has often earned a reputation of being "holier than thou." Even today, many Christians stand on their soapbox, not to preach the gospel, but to condemn the sins of the world. The fact is, sinners will sin. It is their nature. And the solution for sin is not to condemn it, but to bring them to a knowledge of Jesus.

In the classical Greek literature of the first century, "salt" was a term that was used metaphorically to refer to wit, or wisdom. When we speak to non-believers, our speech should be with grace and wisdom. Jesus was a great example of this.

John 8 tells the account of a woman caught in adultery. The pharisees condemned her and prepared to stone her to death. Jesus famously said, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." We are then told;

Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” [John 8:9-11 NKJV]

Even though she was caught in sin, Jesus didn't condemn her. Neither did He condone her sin, but said, "Go and sin no more."

We should know how to answer each one that we speak to, and be ready to lead them to Jesus. Of course, not ever believer is a gifted evangelist, but we should all know how to evangelize. Most of us are not called to stand on a box on the street corner. Just be an obvious Christian, and be ready to answer their questions.

We should all know how to present a basic gospel, and lead a person in prayer for salvation. One tool for presenting the gospel in an evangelistic way is the "Four Spiritual Laws." It goes like this:

1. God has a plan for your life. 
   1. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. [John 3:16 NKJV]
2. Our sin has separated us from God. 
   1. for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, [Romans 3:23 NKJV]
   2. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. [Romans 6:23 NKJV]
3. Jesus' death on the cross paid the debt for our sins.
   1. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. [Romans 5:8 NKJV]
   2. that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. [Romans 10:9-10 NKJV]
4. We have to respond by receiving Jesus
1. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: [John 1:12 NKJV]

You can lead them in this prayer;

Father, I confess that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I confess that Jesus is my Lord, and I believe that He has risen from the dead. Jesus, I ask you to live in my heart. I thank You for saving me.

Colossians 4:2-4 Devoted to Prayer

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak. [Colossians 4:2-4 NASB]

We are told to be devoted to prayer. "Devoted" means to be vigilant and constant in our prayer without ceasing.. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Paul said, "pray without ceasing." He also said that we should be alert. That is, be conscious of praying all the time, without letting our minds wander.

When we pray, we should have an attitude of thanksgiving. Prayer and thanks are often paired in the Bible. We read;

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. [1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NASB]

When I read, "pray without ceasing," I take it to literally mean, pray constantly, all day, every waking hour. The watered-down interpretation of this says something like, "Do your devotions, and spend some time in prayer. Don't give up spending a little time each day praying." Often, when our experience doesn't line up with what the Scripture is saying, we reinterpret the scripture to match our own preconceptions. If I don't know how to pray, literally, without ceasing, then I interpret the Scripture to be figurative.

When you interpret the Bible literally, then allow your behavior to be changed to match the Scriptures, then it all makes sense. I can tell you from first hand experience; you can pray without ceasing.

First, understand that there are different kinds of prayer. There is fervent prayer during which you devote the strength of your mind and body to prayer. This is the kind of prayer that has you on your knees calling out to God for mercy. In this prayer, you may be supplicating for your own needs or interceding for another. Sometimes this prayer is accompanied by fasting, setting aside the most basic things of this world, as you seek the Spirit of God. You are not expected to maintain this intensity of prayer all day every day.

There is devotional prayer. This differs from the fervent prayer, mainly in intensity. It is typically more conversational and less pleading, though the general content may be the same; praying for your own needs and interceding for others. The difference is urgency. Again, you cannot be expected to maintain this type of prayer all day long. Eventually, you will run out of words, or you will begin repeating the same prayers in vain repetition.

Then there's quiet prayer. The psalmist said, "Be still, and know that I am God." [Psalm 46:10 NKJV] "Be still" means to relax, stop striving, become quiet. Isaiah said;

Yet those who wait for the LORDWill gain new strength;They will mount up with wings like eagles,They will run and not get tired,They will walk and not become weary. [Isaiah 40:31 NASB]

 When your mind is quiet, you can hear God's voice. Jesus said;

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; [John 10:27 NASB]

You should have conversational prayer. In a conversation, both parties talk. You speak to God, then you stop and listen for His voice. Not a booming voice coming from the ceiling. Not even a loud voice in your head. We read about Elijah on the mountainside;

Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. [1 Kings 19:11-12 NKJV]

When the Lord speaks to you, expect Him to speak with a gentle whisper of a thought in your mind. His Spirit is speaking to your spirit. You have to quiet your soul to hear Him. Listening to God is also prayer.

Jesus said;

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me." [John 15:4 NKJV]

We are to abide in Jesus just as He abides in us. Because we have the Holy Spirit, Jesus literally abides in each one of us who believe. What do you think that is like for Him? Do you think He ever forgets that He is living in you? When you pray in the morning, then go about your business, and then pray again the next day, do you think He says, "Hey, I forgot you were there?" Of course not.

Let it be the same for you. Abide in Him, being consciously aware of His presence. Don't forget that He is there. Words are not necessary to wait in His presence. This too, is prayer. You can abide in Him, aware of Him all day long, every day; praying without ceasing.

Lord, I thank You that I am able to come to the throne of grace with boldness, and call You Father. Thank You for Your Spirit who leads me in prayer. I pray for the grace to constantly be aware of You, and to maintain an attitude of prayer with thanksgiving. 

Colossians 3:22-4:1 Employer/Employee Relations

Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality. Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven. [Colossians 3:22-4:1 NASB]

More than half of the people walking the streets in Rome were slaves. They encompassed a wide selection of the population including "professional people" such as teachers and doctors, as well as laborers and servants.

Thank God, slavery is no longer condoned in the civilized world. Our closest analog is the employer/employee relationship. The legal status may have changed, but the principles still apply.

Employees are to obey their bosses, not just when they are looking, and not just to please your boss. Work as if Jesus is your Boss, and you are doing the will of God. Someone might say, "But I have such an unreasonable boss." it doesn't matter. As long as you work for that person, you still have to work as unto the Lord. Peter says;

Servants, be submissive to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are unreasonable. For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. [1 Peter 2:18-20 NASB]

Someone may have a Christian boss. You share the faith, and you may feel like you can get away with doing less since your Christian boss may be more willing to let it go. But Paul tells Timothy;

Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brethren, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles. [1 Timothy 6:2 NASB]

Bosses, for their part, are to treat their employees justly and fairly, remembering that they are answerable to God.

When you do your work as unto the Lord, whether as a boss or an employee, you are promised a reward from God. One day, we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. This is not to determine whether you go to heaven or hell; as a Christian, that is already settled. This is to receive your reward for service to God.

You might say, "But, I've never preached the gospel, or led a home group, or led a person to Christ. I just worked in an office all my life." But when you do your work as unto the Lord, He sees it as service to Him. You get your reward as surely as a full-time preacher of the gospel.

Whether you have labored in the sun all your life, or have been a receptionist behind a desk, or have been a corporate manager, you can stand before the throne of Jesus and hear, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Father, I thank you for the opportunity to serve You, and that I will not lose my reward. I pray that You will make me effective in my work, to the glory of Your name. 

Colossians 3:18-21 Husbands and Wives

Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart. [Colossians 3:18-21 NASB]

Please, please, please tell me that this verse is not still being taken out of context to give husbands a "religious" excuse to abuse their wives. The word "subject", which is sometimes translated "submit" was a Greek military term meaning "to arrange [troop divisions] in a military fashion under the command of a leader". In non-military use, it was "a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden".

The phrase "Wives, be subject to your husbands," is paired with the phrase "Husbands, love your wives." Paul had more to say in Ephesians;

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her.... So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, [Ephesians 5:25-29 NASB]

The world perverts the good things of God. The relationship between a man and a woman is not meant to be a dominant/submissive relationship, but is to be built on mutual respect and love. The husband is not meant to be a domineering tyrant, but a sacrificial leader, putting the needs of his wife above his own.

At the same time, the wife is not meant to lord it over her husband, but is to treat him with respect.

In Ephesians, Paul also says,

This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. [Ephesians 5:32 NASB]

Marriage is a model of the relationship between Jesus and the church. Wives ought to be subject to their husbands just as we all are subject to Christ. And just as Jesus loves us all enough to die for us all, so husbands should love their wives.

Similarly, children should be subject to their parents, and parents should love their children. We give our children rules for their own good, such as, "Don't touch the stove, or you might burn your hand."

Even as children are to obey their parents, parents need to make rules that are fair and consistent, teaching our children, and not exasperating them.

Keep in mind the context of this passage. In all of your family relationships, remember the prime motivations. Act out of love. Keep the peace. Do everything in the name of Jesus.

Father, I pray that You will give me grace to be a better spouse and parent. I pray that the love in our family will only grow. Help us to model You. 

Colossians 3:16-17 The Word of Christ

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. [Colossians 3:16-17 NASB]

Jesus is still talking about relationships in this passage. In the previous verses, he has said that the underlying motive in our relationships should be love, and that we can judge the unity of the body by the peace in our heart. With that in mind, fill your hearts abundantly with the world of Christ, then use that wisdom to teach and correct one another.

The role of singing in this passage is questionable, and depends on how the translators used punctuation that was not in the original Greek. Having checked various translations, I found that about half of them placed a comma after "teaching and admonishing one another." 

The difference is this. Without the comma, you can paraphrase it to say, "Use songs to wisely teach and correct one another." With the comma, it says, "Use wisdom to teach and correct one another, showing your thankfulness to God with the songs in your heart."

Personally, I think it makes more sense with the comma. Use the wisdom gleaned from the word of Christ, and motivated by love and peace, to teach one another. I have sometimes thought it would be fun to live in a musical where, when people have something to say, they spontaneously break into song and dance, a la "Oklahoma". But I don't really see that as a feasible reality.

Paul finishes this thought with a final motivation; "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus." And be thankful. Significantly, in the three verses, 15 through 17, Thankfulness to God is mentioned three times. In all of our relationships we must give thanks to God, who is in each of us, the source of our life, and the One who unites us all.

The word of God is the source of our wisdom. It is not an offensive weapon. Yes, there are verses that describe His word as a sword. As a part of the full armor of God, it is "the sword of the Spirit."[Ephesians 6:17 NASB] But it is a defensive weapon - armor - and is not used to attack. In Hebrews, we are told,

For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. [Hebrews 4:12 NASB]

We are not to use the word of God as a blunt object to bludgeon our fellow believers. Nor are we to stab them in the heart with our witty rhetoric. Think of it as more of a scalpel in the hands of a skilled surgeon, useful for healing.

If your motives are pure, but you lack the knowledge of scripture, then you will lack the wisdom to teach. If you study the scriptures, but lack pure motivation, then it becomes an act of pride and superiority.

When your motives are right, and when the word of Christ is abundantly within you, then you are in a position to teach and correct.

Jesus, I thank You for Your word. I pray that you will give me wisdom to study and understand Your word, and to teach and, when necessary, to correct. Please reveal to me my motives, so that I may know that I am always acting out of love, and in Your name. 

Colossians 3:15 Let the Peace of Christ Rule

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. [Colossians 3:15 NASB]

Within its context, this verse is talking about relationships. Where there is conflict, there is no peace. When conflict is resolved, there is peace.

The word that is translated "rule" means to judge or umpire. When the world is in conflict, they go to a judge for arbitration. However the judge rules, each side of the conflict must abide by his decision. That doesn't mean that there will be peace among the different factions; only law and order, which is often the best the world can hope for.

Paul had this to say to the Corinthian church;

Does any one of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare to go to law before the unrighteous and not before the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life? So if you have law courts dealing with matters of this life, do you appoint them as judges who are of no account in the church? I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not among you one wise man who will be able to decide between his brethren, but brother goes to law with brother, and that before unbelievers? Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? [1 Corinthians 6:1-7 NASB]

It is shameful when Christians sue one another in court. 

Our goal should not only be conflict resolution, but peaceful restoration of the relationship. It is best to not need any human judge, even within the church. To paraphrase today's verse; "As an umpire judges a game, let the peace of Christ - in your hearts - judge your relationships.

Today's verse is often used to instruct people to discern the will of God. The teaching is; consider two option before you. If you have peace about one option, that is the will of God - the peace of Christ ruling in your heart. But that is not what this verse is teaching.

I'm not denying the peace of God. We are taught;

Be anxious for nothing, 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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [Philippians 4:6-7 NASB]

and

The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. [Philippians 4:9 NASB]

We see that the peace of God is not leading us, but follows after we have been obedient to His word.

I have a routine. a "safe zone" of activity. As long as I stay within my comfort zone, I am at peace. Whenever I step out of that comfort zone, such as starting a new ministry, or talking to someone about Jesus, I feel unsettled. If I relied on the peace of God to lead me, I would remain in my lounge chair with my feet up, and my dog in my lap.

God has given us His Holy Spirit to guide us. He will lead us into all truth. Wait on Him. Jesus said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me" [John 10:27 NASB] You can have a certainty, or a knowing deep in your spirit, separate from your emotions, that a certain path is where God is leading you.

It requires time waiting on Him. Seek Him in prayer. Be silent and listen for His voice speaking to your Spirit. It won't be an audible voice. In fact, it will sound just like your own voice, only infinitely wiser.

Don't rely on your emotions, whether peaceful or not to lead you. Trust God to lead you in spite of what you feel.

Lord God, thank You that You have given me Your Spirit, and that He guides me into all truth. Please give me the wisdom to discern your will in each situation. I pray for peace and communion with my brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Colossians 3:12-14 Love and Relationships

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. [Colossians 3:12-14 NASB]

Today's passage - and the rest of this chapter - is about relationships, specifically among Christians. 

We are told to have a heart of compassion. He is not talking about a passive emotion, but active mercy. John says;

But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? [1 John 3:17 NASB]

We are to show kindness and humility. Not the humility of the Pharisees, but true humility that considers others as more important than you. This is the humility that Jesus modeled. Even thought He is God;

but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. [Philippians 2:7-8 NASB]

We are called to gentleness and patience, bearing with one another - which is showing tolerance for one another. Paul said;

Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. [Romans 15:1 NASB]

Be patient with the shortcomings of others. 

And forgive each other. Has a fellow believer offended you, or wronged you in any way? Forgive him. Paul told the believers in Corinth;

Actually, then, it is already a defeat for you, that you have lawsuits with one another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? [1 Corinthians 6:7 NASB]

Our American culture tells us to defend our rights. We say "I will not be a doormat for anyone." But the Bible says (and I paraphrase), "Be a doormat for Christ."

All of these things are wrapped up in the single concept of love.

Love is not the sappy romantic emotion you see in movies. There is no such thing as "love at first sight." What most people define as love is actually infatuation. But it doesn't sound as romantic to say "infatuation at first sight." Even if it is more accurate.

As unromantic as it sounds, the Biblical definition of love is the conscious decision to place the needs of another above yourself. God placed our needs above His own when He gave His son;

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. [John 3:16 NASB]

If we apply this Biblical definition of love to all of our relationships, we will have peace.

Father, I know that – in the natural – I do not have the capacity to love as You do. Please allow the fruit of Spirit to grow in me, and give me the grace to love as You do. 

Colossians 3:10-11 No Advantage

...and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him— a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. [Colossians 3:10-11 NASB]

We have laid aside the old self, having died with Christ; and have put on the new self, having risen again with Him to new life. As Paul said;

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. [2 Corinthians 5:17 NASB]

With our new creation comes true knowledge. This is opposed to the false teaching which is composed of legalism, mysticism and human philosophy. 

It is based on Jesus, who lives in each of us, and has made us into His image. Spiritually, we have been created into the image of the risen Jesus. We will see the fullness of that creation when we have died, and have received our new, glorious bodies.

In this new creation, there is no such thing as Jew or Greek - which relates to the historical and cultural advantage the Jews once had over the Gentiles in relation to God. There is no circumcised or uncircumcised - which relates to the legal advantage the Jews once had. No one is considered a barbarian or even a Scythian, which more barbaric than the barbarians - an extreme example. There is not difference between slave and free.

That is because Christ is all, and He is in us all. We are His body. We are one with Him;

...that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. “The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me. [John 17:21-23 NASB]

If you are a believer, then Jesus is in you, and you are in Him. He is also in every one of us, as we are all united in Him. Nobody has an advantage over another.

You may have a pedigree of preachers in the family going back for many generations, but that doesn't make you any more qualified than anyone else. Likewise, you may be the first believer in a long line of pagans, but that doesn't make you any more or less qualified than any other.

Your calling doesn't make you any more spiritual. The pastor is no greater than anyone who sits in a seat on Sunday morning.

I recently met a husband and wife who were missionaries to Papua New Guinea. They were sincere and humble, and a joy to speak to. They confessed that they almost didn't mention that they had once been missionaries, because people tend to elevate them when the find that out.

The attitude of this missionary couple was inspiring. They are a reminder that we need to be careful not to revere people or put them on a pedestal. The only one who is to be revered is God.

Father, please look in my heart, examine my motives, and reveal them to me. I know that I am no  greater than anyone else. I know that You are Lord over us all, and that You dwell in each of us. Please open my heart to see my brothers and sisters as You see them. 

Colossians 3:5-9 Immoral Lifestyles

Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, [Colossians 3:5-9 NASB]

Paul has just said;

For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. [Colossians 3:3 NASB]

He was, of course, talking about our spirit. Spiritually, we have died with Christ. He said in Galatians;

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. [Galatians 2:20 NASB]

Now he is saying that since we have spiritually died with Christ, we should consider ourselves dead to sin. He speaks of sexual immorality; not only the act, but the lustful motivation behind it; greed (which is idolatry); anger and its escalating consequences; and harmful speech.

Paul makes similar lists of the fleshly acts in other places, such as;

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. [Galatians 5:19-21 NASB]

Paul is giving this warning - not to the world - but to Christians. God's wrath will come on the sons of disobedience. Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

We live in a liberal society where morality is considered "old fashioned". It is not only common, but is expected that young couples will live together, maintaining a sexual relationship outside the bounds of marriage. This attitude has, unfortunately, become common in Christian households as well, and not only among the younger generation.

The people of the world are simply living as the world lives, and that's their business. But within the church, it should be different.

If you are living with someone in a sexual relationship outside of marriage, consider this: you are choosing to live an immoral lifestyle. Your are practicing immorality. I fear for you.You may say that I have no right to judge you, but in fact I do;

But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? [1 Corinthians 5:11-12 NASB]

I know that God is gracious. I know that He forgives sins. I know that nothing can separate us from God's love. But I also know that it is possible to fall away. He says in Hebrews;

For in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. [Hebrews 6:4-6 NASB]

He piles description upon description to describe a believer who is filled with the Spirit. And what does it mean to fall away? He says later;

For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, [Hebrews 10:26 NASB]

I don't know the limits of God's grace. I don't know how far you must push Him before you have fallen away. Please consider this warning, whether you are willfully sinning in sexual immorality, drunkenness, greed, or any other sin. Don't test God's limits. In speaking to the church about Israel, Paul said;

You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. [Romans 11:19-22 NASB]

Don't become complacent about God's grace. You have a choice; you can walk according to the flesh, or you can walk in the Spirit. You can live in fear of punishment, or in the hope of salvation. I implore you to turn your mind towards God, and walk in the spirit.

Lord, I thank You that I have been crucified with Christ, and have died to this life. I pray now that You will give me the grace to live it out. 

Colossians 3:3-4 Hidden With Christ

For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. [Colossians 3:3-4 NASB]

Jesus said;

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” [John 3:3 NASB]

The natural human spirit is corrupted and at enmity with God. When we come to Christ, our old, corrupt spirit dies, and is raised up with Christ - born again - as a new spirit which is clean and pleasing to God. Paul said;

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. [Galatians 2:20 NASB]

The life that we now live is hidden with Christ in God. It is hidden in the sense of being buried like a seed in the ground. Jesus told this parable;

“The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; and this is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” [Matthew 13:31-32 NASB]

Just as the mustard seed starts as something small and humble, then becomes something great, so it will be with us. When Jesus is revealed, we will also be revealed in glory. Our glorified bodies will be nothing like our current bodies. Paul says;

So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. [1 Corinthians 15:42-44 NASB]

Our resurrection bodies will be glorified in the same way that Jesus has been glorified. John says,

Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. [1 John 3:2 NASB]

We have this hope of eternal glory, when we will be revealed for who we truly are. 

Keep this hope alive in your heart so that you will be motivated to live for Him. I know that people are motivated by different things. For many it is the hope of eternity in heaven, walking down the streets of gold. For some, it is the hope of a reward as He says, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

What stirs my Heart is the thought that I am His reward. Paul said,

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, [Ephesians 1:18 NASB]

In Revelation, John describes the moment when Jesus receives His inheritance;

Then I heard something like the voice of a great multitude and like the sound of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, saying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. “Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’” And he said to me, “These are true words of God.” [Revelation 19:6-9 NASB]

We are the bride of Christ. We are the saints who are clothed in righteousness. We are His inheritance.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the hope that You have given me. I praise you that You have hidden my life with Christ in You, and I eagerly wait to be revealed, to the praise of Your Glory. 

Colossians 3:1-2 Set Your Mind on Christ

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. [Colossians 3:1-2 NASB]

Paul begins this section with the word, "Therefore". He is referring back to his previous teaching that legalistic rules and man-made religion have no spiritual value, but only serve to indulge the flesh. Therefore, set your mind on spiritual things.

We have been raised up with Christ. Paul says in Romans;

Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin. [Romans 6:4-7 NASB]

We cannot overcome sin through religion. Jesus overcame sin when He died and rose again. When we confess Jesus as Lord, we spiritually die to our old life in the world of sin, and we are born again into new life in Christ. We are free from sin.

Many Christians recognize this as an intellectual truth, but they continue to succumb to temptation and sin. They are living their lives according to Romans 7;

For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate. But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good. So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. [Romans 7:15-19 NASB]

I have known Christians, even Pastors, who use this verse as an excuse for not living a sinless life. They say, "Even Paul couldn't live a holy life. It's not possible." But they seriously misunderstand the intent of these verses. Paul is not lamenting his sad state. He is using a literary device to describe the futility of trying to be holy by following the Law, or religion. He goes on go to say;

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. [Romans 8:1-4 NASB]

He tells us in Galatians, "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." [Galatians 5:16 NASB]

What does it mean to walk in the Spirit? He goes on to say in Romans;

For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. [Romans 8:5-8 NASB]

Walking in the Spirit is as simple as setting your mind on Jesus, and leaving it there. The simplicity of the Christian life is a stumbling block to many, especially in the Western culture where it seems that everything is complicated. Politics is complicated, philosophy is complicated and relationships are complicated. So when we deal with God, expecting things to be complicated, we complicate things that should be simple.

Throughout His life, Jesus showed us how to relate to God the Father. It was simple, straightforward, and free of the trappings of religion. When we don't understand this simplicity, we invent religion, with sets of rules and rituals to "help" us relate to God. We devise a clergy, so that we can have an intermediary between us and God.

But true worship, in Spirit and in truth, doesn't depend on rituals or intermediaries. It is simply you, sitting in your living room, talking to God.

Walking in the Spirit doesn't depend on some great spiritual ordeal. It doesn't require fasting or beating your body. It doesn't require great concentration. In fact, any effort you put into it is only of the flesh. 

Walking in the Spirit is as simple as thinking about Jesus. We read in Hebrews,

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. [Hebrews 12:1-2 NASB]

Set your mind on Jesus, and leave it there. And if your mind wanders? There is no condemnation. Just turn your mind back again to Jesus. As I mentioned, it doesn't take concentration, only awareness. Often, when I drive across town, my wife is sitting next to me. Sometimes we talk, other times we are silent. I pay attention to the road, reading the signs, watching the cars, monitor my speed, and so on. Through all of these distractions, I never forget that my wife is sitting next to me. I am never surprised by her presence. 

Walking in the Spirit is similar. You can be driving, working, playing, talking to another person, and be aware of the presence of God. You don't have to divert your attention from what you are doing any more than you have to divert your attention from driving to be aware of whoever is in the passenger seat of your car.

Sometimes, especially in the beginning, you will lose the awareness of God's presence. But that's okay. Just turn your mind back to Him again. The more you practice, it will become habitual to be mindful of Him, and to walk in the Spirit.

Lord, I turn my mind toward You. I pray that You will give me the grace to keep my mind fixed on You all through the day. 

Colossians 2:20-23 Following the Rules (Or Not)

If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence. [Colossians 2:20-23 NASB]

Under the Old Covenant, if they ate the wrong food, or if they touched a dead body, they were defiled, and considered unclean until they waited for a time, then performed the specific rituals for cleansing. To be holy, they had to follow the Law

Having died with Christ to the Law, we have also died to these basic things of the world, and they have no more power to over us to make us "unclean".

In the natural world, it makes sense that if you want to be holy, then you must follow rules of holiness; "do this; don't do that." To be good, we follow the rules set down by our church, and we follow our own personal code of conduct. But Paul said;

But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter. [Romans 7:6 NASB]

Having died to the Law, we have died to all laws, and all rules, including our own code of conduct. Instead of following rules, God wants us to be led by the Holy Spirit. He says;

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. And they shall not teach everyone his fellow citizen, and everyone his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord, ’for all will know Me, from the least to the greatest of them.' [Hebrews 8:10‭-‬11 NASB]

When you impose rules that God did not impose, you are essentially saying that you know more than God. You can't overcome the flesh by creating more rules, but by walking in the Spirit. Paul said;

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. [Galatians 5:16 NASB]

Attempting to overcome the flesh by an act of your own will is actually just another indulgence in the flesh. Two men with a history of alcoholism are sitting in church, and both are convicted that drunkenness is wrong. Bill says, "I can overcome this," exerts all of his willpower, and forces himself to stop drinking. Dave says, "I don't have it in me." When tempted to drink, he turns in mind entirely toward Jesus, and the temptation fails. By all outward appearance, they are the same, but Bill is walking in the flesh, while Dave is walking in the Spirit. Paul said, "those who are in the flesh cannot please God." [Romans 8:8 NASB]

God doesn't doesn't want us to rely on rules for our conduct; that is a lack of faith. He wants us to have faith in Him, and rely on His Spirit to guide us into all truth.

Father, I thank You that, in Christ, I have died to the basic things of the world. Please lead me by Your Spirit, and give me the grace to walk in the Spirit every minute of every day, so that I will not indulge the flesh, and so that You will be glorified. 

Colossians 2:18-19 False Teachers

Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God. [Colossians 2:18-19 NASB]

False teachers would cheat you out of your salvation. Paul mentioned some of the attributes of the teachers who were in Colossae and the surrounding area.

First, he mentions their contradictory attitude, that they delight in their humility. This is reminiscent of the Pharisees, about whom Jesus said;

Let them alone; they are blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” [Matthew 15:14 NASB]

They take joy in announcing, "I'm just a humble man." or "I'm just a sinner", yet in their attitude you can see that take great pride in their admission.

The false teaching in Colossae involved the worship of angels. Even today, in the Christian church, there are many people who revere angels. This is evident by the vast number of books on the subject, and the artwork and figurines which can be found in Christian book stores. Some Christian religions endorse praying to angels, along with "saints", with the thought they can intercede to God on our behalf.

The angels of God neither deserve worship, nor do they want it. The apostle John give this account when he was overwhelmed by the appearance of an angel;

Then I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus; worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” [Revelation 19:10 NASB]

An angel who receives worship is a fallen angel, in league with Satan. Anyone who worships angels is worshiping a demon. Anyone who prays to an angel is praying to a demon.

They take a stand on their visions and revelations. Thus, their theology is based on what they want to believe, even if it is contrary to the word of God.

They reveal themselves by their conceit. They have to be the smartest person in the room, or the most spiritual, in contradiction to their self-professed humility.

Don't be taken in by them. Hold fast to Jesus, keeping in mind that He is the head of the church.

If you are walking in the Spirit, you will not need to announce or display your humility. It will be evident, as a fruit of the Spirit, to all.

If your eyes are on Jesus, your worship and your prayers will be for God alone. You do not need to seek the aid of angels. They are not yours to command. But if God wants to send an angel to minister to you, that is His business.

If you are in the Spirit, you may receive a vision or a revelation from God. If it is truly from God, you can be sure that it will never contradict the scriptures. If your attitude is in submission to God, then any revelation you receive is subject to the judgement of the church, not in defiance of it.

If you see Jesus as the head of the church, then you will not elevate yourself to His position. Jesus is the head, and the rest of us are equally following Him.

Jesus, I thank You that You have revealed Yourself as the head of the church. Please open my eyes, and give me wisdom to recognize the false teachers, and to resist them. Lord, I know that You alone are God, and You alone are worthy of praise and worship.