Know His Word

For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and [for] them at Laodicea, and [for] as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; Vs 1

Since Paul had not visited Colossie nor the church in Laodicea, he really wanted to see them and exhort them, and teach them. At the end of this epistle he requests them to read this epistle to the Laodiceans. Because of the false teaching of Gnosticism that had come to their area, Paul’s conflict, a spiritual one, had to do with wanting them to be instructed & comforted in the full knowledge of the Father & Son as equal together as 2/3 of the trinity so as to combat the heresy that existed. Paul had agony, (conflict) over Colosse & Laodicea because he had never visited those cities on any missionary journey, the Holy Spirit forbade him to go to Asia where these cities were. Interesting that Laodicea was one of the seven churches Christ wrote his letter to. They had become lukewarm and blind to their condition, possibly due to the Gnostic error Paul was writing to the Colossians to be aware of. So because these churches had never seen Paul, he felt if he could have been there with them, he could have ministered more effectively.

 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Vs 2,3

He is praying and desiring their hearts be knit together in love or instructed in love this is the work of the Holy Spirit to teach us to love one another in the body of Christ. This is the proof we are his disciples when we love one another. And to have full assurance and understanding, having full knowledge of the mystery of God, even Christ Paul has already told them, that all the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Him. This mystery is God manifested in the flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. The teaching of Gnosticism was that Jesus was one of many gods and only had a small part in redemption. But the best way to defeat this error is through Full Knowledge of God in Christ. He said Christ was the preeminent one, and has a name above all names. Peter says in Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Jesus told his disciples I and the Father are one The Gnostics wanted a bridge of many including angels between the gods, but: [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; I Tim 2:5  He shared the Fathers glory in eternity past and reminded the Father of such for the benefit of the hearers in John 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. God himself says in Isaiah 42:8 I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. And Isaiah 48:11 For mine own sake, [even] for mine own sake, will I do [it]: for how should [my name] be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another. The only way Jesus could ask for equal glory is if he were equal to God and the Pharisees knew and understood he was saying just that. So in him, who he is and what he came to do and did are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. In writing to the Corinthians Paul said Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God concerning the salvation of God. To the world Christ crucified is foolishness. To think a man dying on a cross could himself secure salvation for those who only believe and not take into account a persons good works, but in Hebrews chap 1:3 we read Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. This is the wisdom of God taking the weak things to confound the wise he also demonstrates the power of God in the resurrection of the dead, and that same power will raise from the dead, all that fall asleep in Jesus. He who created all things must know all things and all that is ours in Him.

And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, [so] walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. vs 4-7

 Paul now warns them of 5 errors Enticing words, Philosophy, Legalism, Mysticism, Ascetism.  So beware you and not beguiled with enticing words, or victimized with a lot of oratory, great swelling words of vanity as Peter puts it, to allure through the lust of the flesh and that is what Gnosticism does. Whenever you hear a false teacher you will hear lots of rhetoric that is nothing but psychobabble making little or no sense. Speaking much but telling you little. Simply put they “bloviate” and occasionally they use scripture out of context to make their case. That which they say does not really have any spiritual significance, but tends toward the flesh. How many TV preachers & evangelists try to entice you to give them money because they “Pray for You” Paul prayed for churches in different cities and didn’t ask for anything. And then Paul applauds them for their steadfastness of faith in Jesus. Besides the Gnostics there were the Judizers  and those who wanted to divert them from the path of faith, as is the case in the church today. Jesus said he was the way and it is a narrow way, that narrow way is the way of faith alone. How did they maintain their steadfastness? As ye received Christ that is how we are to walk in him. He is received by faith. Now walk in him this is how it is accomplished, by faith. We are saved by faith, we walk by faith relying on the Holy Spirit to deal with the things of the flesh as he sees fit. Since this is a daily exercise, as we go through life. Walk ye in him we read of Zacharias & Elizabeth in Luke; they were walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. What were they doing? Following the law of Moses, that was before the cross. Now, after the cross, we are to walk in Him, not under the law but under grace, for ye are not under the law, but under grace. Rom 6:14b Since we are united to him, it is in him we walk. Rooted & built up in him; the only way this can happen is through the study of Gods word. Jesus said learn of me. We are to be rooted like a tree has roots in the soil so we are to be rooted in him. Or grounded, anchored; in other words united in such a way so as to not be moved. And built up in him. As you study and learn the word of God you are being built up. Little by little, line upon line, precept upon precept. You don’t just get saved and now you are perfect, you must grow in grace, so you must be built up and it takes time. When you see answer to prayer, we are encouraged to believe he favors us and we are built up in our faith. And this is a cause of our thanks giving, and we are to abound in it. Too often we forget to give thanks. Israel in the wilderness on one occasion wanted flesh to eat, so God sent them quail and lots of it. God then smote them while they were still eating, Why? Two reasons: 1 because of their attitude of unbelief, they really didn’t believe God for it. 2 They did not give thanks. How much more should we give thanks for all he has given us.

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. vs 8

Now Paul says beware of philosophy If you were a Christian going on to higher education, why would you want to study philosophy unless you were forced to because you needed it to graduate. Almost all philosophers reject God. Why would we want to be like them? Philosophy can corrupt the mind because it is after the tradition of men, me who say there is no God. The Bible calls them fools Psalm 14:1 Philosophy says it seeks truth, but does not consult the Bible for it. Christ says HE is the truth. And they want wisdom, Paul says of Jesus, HE is made unto us wisdom. In some places philosophy is showing up in the pulpits of the churches. So how do we know when we hear it? It is after the tradition of men Jesus rebuked the religious leaders saying But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men

Mat 15:9  If you cant find what they are talking about in the scripture, it isn’t worth it. And after the rudiments of the world; including religious days, such as lent; as a way of fulfilling self righteousness being better morally and spiritually. Paul says of those in Christ: For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. II Cor 5:21  This cannot be improved upon no matter what you do. And it is those outside of Christ who try this and it will not work. Those who embrace philosophy deal with the abstract and they believe the vain deceit, when the rudiments of the word are having to do with it are added to it. This is certainly not after Christ. In this you have the world’s attempt to make you more complete or better through what they can show you. Paul’s answer is next

All men are associated with Adam because he was the federal head of the race of man and was the Father of all men as all came from he and Eve. We are also associated with him as he passed on to us our sinful nature. Men are in two categories; either in Adam or in Christ.

 Now we see man in a lost condition and in a dilemma. Adam went through a one way door when he disobeyed God. The proof of it was; God sent him out of the Garden, never to return, and we read in Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. But God did not leave man without hope for he told the serpent And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. We have here an indication God is going to do something for he says HER SEED. It is the mans seed that unites with the woman’s egg to produce off spring. So, many Bible scholars say this is a reference to the virgin birth and the promise of the messiah for he says it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. The wound to the Serpent would be fatal the wound to the seed of the woman would not be fatal. After leaving the garden we read And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. Gen 4:1 It would seem her having a son was a sign to her this might be the one God spoke of before. But it was not time yet, things must be prepared. A man must be chosen; Abraham called out from Ur of the Chaldees to be the Father of the Nation God would raise up; Israel. The nation he would give his statutes & Law to who would be the nation to bring forth the Messiah he had promised through the Prophet Isaiah, to be born of a virgin to bear the sins of many. Paul tells us in Gal 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, It was important that the Messiah should be born under the Law of God, for he would be the only one who could fulfill it to satisfy God’s requirement of righteousness. Jesus Christ, Gods Son was as Paul puts it the second man and the last Adam. In I Cor 15:45 Paul says And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam [was made] a quickening spirit. Here is the reference to Adam, and Jesus Christ. Further he said The first man [is] of the earth, earthy: the second man [is] the Lord from heaven As we pointed out previously Adam acted as the Federal head of his race when he sinned; because he sinned for all. So Christ as the Federal head of his race, those who believe in him, his elect; died for the sins of all and he died instead of us, just as Adam sinned instead of us. Before we criticize Adam consider, we would have done the same thing. He sinned- we sinned. Christ died- we died. Adam sinned for all, Christ died for all. A perfect man in innocence, under Gods one rule, not knowing sin until he disobeyed God brought death in through his sin. The only one who could atone for this would have to be a perfect man, under Gods law not knowing sin, who could keep Gods law and die for the sin he never knew, and bring in life. Here is the trade off: For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. II Cor 5:21 When we consider: Adam subject to one rule; which was Do not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He was tempted one time by Satan and fell. Now think about this: we who have received Adams sinful nature tempted repeatedly by Satan, the world, and our own flesh how can we not fall. So how does man think he can do anything to atone for sin through good works, he really cannot produce. We are blemished to begin with having a sinful nature inherited from Adam. In the Old Testament any sacrifice offered to God had to be without blemish to be accepted. That means offering anything of ourselves to God is unacceptable for that reason alone. So we are unable to atone for our own sin, because it will not be accepted due to the fact we are corrupted. This leaves us to hope in our savior Jesus Christ the spotless, sinless, Lamb of God. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive  All men find themselves associated or identified with one of the two men; either you are “In Adam” or you are “In Christ” Before Christ came and died on the cross all men were identified with and united with Adam by physical birth. All men trace their ancestry back to Adam, for all came from him. We have already mentioned the fact we inherited his sinful nature, so we know he was our forefather. So now the problem is how can we get rid of our sinful nature? Obviously not by anything we can do since it is within us. But the cross takes care of that problem for those who have believed in the savoir and are united with him by Spiritual birth being born again. As we have been identified with Adam, so now we who believe are identified with Christ for Paul says Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Rom 6:3 What does that mean? As far as God is concerned when Christ died on the cross so did you. Each Believer is seen united with Christ in his death on the cross. And Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection: Rom 6:4-5 God sees the believer united with Christ in his resurrection also, right now, in a positional sense. After death we will be physically raised from the dead and united with our physical bodies, but for now positionally we already are. So what about our sinful nature? Paul tells us Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. The old man which is the old Adamic nature died on the cross, which means our history in Adam (For as in Adam all die)  HAS ENDED! No longer are you seen connected to him meaning judicially all guilt of sin has been put away and you have been justified. All sins and your sinful nature are now gone, Paul says And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Col 2:13 Here is what is hard for forgiven sinner to believe, because he still sees himself connected with Adam having a sinful nature, and he sees its manifestation. But Paul using strong terms says Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom 6:11 The word reckon there means to count on as a fact YOU DIED! Christ Died. Again listen to Paul Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God Rom 6:9-10 If you are united with Christ, you are united with him in this manner right now! We are still left with the age old question the church has wrestled with since the beginning. How then do we relate to the law? That question was asked and answered in Acts chap 15, we recommend the reader review that chapter, then meditate on 3 New Testament verses: Rom 1:17, Gal 3:11, and Heb 10:38 which say The just shall live by faith. The reason is the New Testament principle For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace .Rom 6:14 When we look at all the facts presented, then understand because the Holy Spirit now dwells within, we as Paul say Wherefore then [serveth] the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made Gal 3:19 Paul tells us that seed was Christ. Further Paul says Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; It now becomes very useful to understand our relationship to the Law and why we are dead to it. First we must understand to whom the law was given. It WAS NOT given to the gentiles but the Jews only. Psalm 147:19-20 says He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. He hath not dealt so with any nation: and [as for his] judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD. Gentiles were left out. Why? Because Israel was God’s chosen people to be a light to all the nations around them to show who God was and the correct approach to him through the sacrificial system because of sin. A picture of the church, the light of the world showing who God is and the sinners approach to him through THE CROSS. But the cross leaves the law out, added because of transgressions, as it was a schoolmaster, as Paul says Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith Gal 3:24. While many religious people see the law as something they must live by to be accepted miss the point of the law. Paul tells us it is a ministration of death, it only points out the fact we are sinners and condemns us. Paul said And the commandment, which [was ordained] to life, I found [to be] unto death. Rom 7:10  What did he mean? For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew [me]. Wherefore the law [is] holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.  Rom 7:11-13 The Law shows us the sin nature within, because Paul says For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. Rom 7:14 Here is how Paul discovered this and realized he could not fulfill the Law because What shall we say then? [Is] the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. Rom 7:7 Paul a Pharisee finally understood the problem was inside him, Covetousness was an attitude of the heart. And further he said Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Rom 8:7 Paul saw it was an effort in futility to attempt to keep the law because his sinful nature would never yield to it. In fact in reality the Law is against us, as all it can do is point out our sin but cannot give us a solution to the problem. Now we hear people say; Well, now that I have the Holy Spirit living within me, He will help me keep the law, Right? NO! In fact Paul says of the ministry of the Spirit For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Rom 8:13 As the Law is a ministration of death to us, the Spirit mortifies the Deeds of the flesh when we by faith yield to His leading and guiding, because as we have see you are not under law but under grace. So after the Law does its work, showing us our sinfulness, as a schoolmaster leading us to Christ, the ministry of the Law is over. For we read in the psalms of the Law The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul Psalm 19:7a : The converting takes place when we as Paul see that the cross is the only way to please God, for by grace are you saved by faith, and Paul says And the law is not of faith Gal 3:12a : and of course: But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Heb 11:6 To prove the point look what else was nailed to the cross. Paul tells the Colossians Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; Col 2:14 Dead to the Law? Indeed! IT WAS NAILED TO THE CROSS if you will. What better way to get rid of that which was against us. 1 our sins 2 our old nature and history in Adam(us) 3 the handwriting of ordinances that was against us. Now with all that in mind is it any wonder Paul says What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us? Rom 8:31 God did all this for you! Peter said speaking of God sending Christ to die on the cross said Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:Acts 2:23 Is this not glorious! Jesus the LAMB SLAIN FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD! Yet there is one more thing to meditate on, the finality of the Cross. Hebrews says it was ONCE FOR ALL Jesus said from the cross IT IS FINISHED! He didn’t add; for now, but I’ll do it again later, or you must needs repeat the sacrifice again. ONCE. Why is this important? Unfortunately we do have today men who will take the simple message of the cross and make a complicated “Religious” thing out of it. What do they do? The biggest religious organization in the world makes it a practice of “re-sacrificing Jesus” every worship service. So to protect the integrity of the cross we must address this doctrinal hearsay. We will use scripture only to prove it was once for all. First Hebrews 10:10 says By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once [for all].  We will not stop here, but to understand what is happening, we must look back at the old testament priests and see what they did. Hebrews 10:11 says And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: Do we  not see this in the Catholic church? Contrast that  to Jesus of whom it is said But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; Heb 10:12 and we read For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. So tell me, how does another sacrifice improve on that? It does not. Are we finished? Not yet! Lets look at Hebrews 9:24-26 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. He isn’t to be offered over and over again, ONCE! Finally; So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation Heb 9:28. Look at the word once, what does it mean? In the original language the word for once here means: having perpetual validity not requiring repetition. It’s valid for ever. How long is your birth certificate good for? Must it ever be repeated? Duplicated maybe, but the act repeated, never. Driver’s license? Yes its validity does expire causing it to be done again. How about a death certificate? How long is it good for? And does not the scripture say And as it is appointed unto men once to die Heb 9:27  Did we not read before Christ died once to sin As the old hymn says “ Oh sinner receive it, Oh brother believe it. We have attempted to examine the cross, continue to do so until you can say O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

The old wooden cross has stood for centuries as a symbol of salvation for all who understand and believe in its significance. For because of it, those who believe in what it stands for have been saved from hell and eternal torment. On it a great sacrifice took place over 2000 years ago, as The Son of God died for the sins of the world. Skeptics have tried to deny its meaning, while others hold fast to it. With out it, all mankind has no chance of escaping the judgment of God. But there is much more to it than that. We are going to look at who died on the cross, and what was else happened on the cross that makes it what it is.  First we must understand WHY the cross. Looking into the Old Testament we see God created the heaven and the earth and his crowning jewel of creation, Man was placed in a perfect setting, a garden that stretched for miles all around and provided him all he needed for food. It was there Adam and his wife Eve lived in fellowship with God. God had given man one rule to live by which was a restriction upon eating the fruit of one tree. He could eat from all the others except for one, which God called the tree of the knowledge of Good and evil, for neither Adam or Eve knew what good and evil was, for they were in innocence. The consequence for disobeying and eating the fruit would result in death, for God had said But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die Gen 2:17  something else they did not know about or understand. God did this to test the couple to see if they would obey him, and he allowed a fallen angel Lucifer or Satan to tempt them to eat, to see what they would do. Since God already knew what would happen, he had from the foundation of the world formulated a plan to counter act the death that would come upon them when they would disobey God told them in the day you eat of it you shall surely die. Satan promised, you shall not surely die. Physical death was in view here because God told Adam In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou [art], and unto dust shalt thou return. Gen 3:19  While physical death did not take place for hundreds of years, another type of death took place that day, SPIRITUAL DEATH. In that day Adams’ spirit died and he became dead to the things of God and fellowship was lost. When God created man, he created him in his own image. God is a three part being Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The word for God in Genesis is Eloheim, it is a plural noun meaning more than two, yet referring to one. So man was created body, soul, (mind) spirit. It was in the spirit God and man could unite in fellowship. But now, Adams spirit died and he no longer had the spiritual connection to God. Before they ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they had no knowledge of either. The act of eating the fruit brought on the understanding of what it was. The problem was they knew evil first because they looked and say they were naked, for we read And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they [were] naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons .Gen 3:7 It was just as Satan had told them in his temptation; For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. Gen 3:5 prior to that we read And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. Gen 2:25 The fact they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves demonstrates they were ashamed and knew evil first. Their nature now corrupted, they and their offspring were now prone to sin, and had become slaves to it. As you continue on through the book of Genesis you see the unfolding of sin being manifest in the world. From this point on, if they wanted to approach God they were to bring a sacrificial animal such as a sheep, from which God took the skins to cover their nakedness with. So we see how sin entered the world and death by sin. Paul says Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Rom 5:12 what did he mean by that? When Adam was tested and failed he did it as the federal head of his race, in other words he did it for all men death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: sin brings on death hence Gods’ word to Adam in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. So Paul says (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. Rom 5:13-14 Man now a slave to sin, prone to it and not to righteousness, for Paul says For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. Rom 6:20 So that we fully understand what happened as we will use this to build on, presenting what the cross is all about we read; Rom 5:16-19 For the judgment [which came] from one [offense resulted] in condemnation, (speaking solely of Adams transgression) For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one. Therefore, as through one man's offense [judgment came] to all men, resulting in condemnation, For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners. We have purposely focused on that part of these verses speaking of Adam and not the contrast of what Christ did, for the purpose of establishing the federal connection of Adam to the sin he ushered into the world and its effect on mankind. We now see all have been affected, no one escapes the sentence of death due to the sin nature they received from Adam, and the scripture says For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. I Cor 15:22 All men are associated with Adam because he was the federal head of the race of man and was the Father of all men as all came from he and Eve. We are also associated with him as he passed on to us our sinful nature. Men are in two categories; either in Adam or in Christ.

Now we see man in a lost condition and in a dilemma. Adam went through a one way door when he disobeyed God. The proof of it was; God sent him out of the Garden, never to return, and we read in Genesis 3:24 So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. But God did not leave man without hope for he told the serpent And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. We have here an indication God is going to do something for he says HER SEED. It is the mans seed that unites with the woman’s egg to produce off spring. So, many Bible scholars say this is a reference to the virgin birth and the promise of the messiah for he says it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. The wound to the Serpent would be fatal the wound to the seed of the woman would not be fatal. After leaving the garden we read And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. Gen 4:1 It would seem her having a son was a sign to her this might be the one God spoke of before. But it was not time yet, things must be prepared. A man must be chosen; Abraham called out from Ur of the Chaldees to be the Father of the Nation God would raise up; Israel. The nation he would give his statutes & Law to who would be the nation to bring forth the Messiah he had promised through the Prophet Isaiah, to be born of a virgin to bear the sins of many. Paul tells us in Gal 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, It was important that the Messiah should be born under the Law of God, for he would be the only one who could fulfill it to satisfy God’s requirement of righteousness. Jesus Christ, Gods Son was as Paul puts it the second man and the last Adam. In I Cor 15:45 Paul says And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam [was made] a quickening spirit. Here is the reference to Adam, and Jesus Christ. Further he said The first man [is] of the earth, earthy: the second man [is] the Lord from heaven As we pointed out previously Adam acted as the Federal head of his race when he sinned; because he sinned for all. So Christ as the Federal head of his race, those who believe in him, his elect; died for the sins of all and he died instead of us, just as Adam sinned instead of us. Before we criticize Adam consider, we would have done the same thing. He sinned- we sinned. Christ died- we died. Adam sinned for all, Christ died for all. A perfect man in innocence, under Gods one rule, not knowing sin until he disobeyed God brought death in through his sin. The only one who could atone for this would have to be a perfect man, under Gods law not knowing sin, who could keep Gods law and die for the sin he never knew, and bring in life. Here is the trade off: For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. II Cor 5:21 When we consider: Adam subject to one rule; which was Do not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. He was tempted one time by Satan and fell. Now think about this: we who have received Adams sinful nature tempted repeatedly by Satan, the world, and our own flesh how can we not fall. So how does man think he can do anything to atone for sin through good works, he really cannot produce. We are blemished to begin with having a sinful nature inherited from Adam. In the Old Testament any sacrifice offered to God had to be without blemish to be accepted. That means offering anything of ourselves to God is unacceptable for that reason alone. So we are unable to atone for our own sin, because it will not be accepted due to the fact we are corrupted. This leaves us to hope in our savior Jesus Christ the spotless, sinless, Lamb of God.  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive  to be continued

If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and [be] not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, [and] which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; Vs 23 

IF : this is not conditional, because all that was said before is a fact; you have been reconciled the better word here is SINCE you have received it, you will continue in the faith. This is for the true believer, the elect, his chosen. Jesus said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. Meaning the opposite here. Those who have been planted will not be up rooted. The Bible says The trees of the LORD are full [of sap]; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted; Psalm 104:16 a spiritual reference to his saints old and new. The trees (his people) he has planted those are his chosen ones who produce fruit, (sap). Saints persevere because they are saints. So the meaning here is SINCE you continue in the faith, rooted and grounded in him. He says here grounded and settled in the gospel! Not moved away from its hope. We are to test every spirit of what sort it is. We are to remain in the apostles doctrine, now that we have it all, and forsake not the assembling of ourselves together. This is being settled in the hope of the gospel, not moved away by every wind of doctrine and false teachers that appear. Instead be like those of Berea searching the scripture daily to see if these things be so.

I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, Vs 24

Peter said that some of the things Paul wrote about in his epistles were hard to understand, and this is one of them. First he rejoices in his sufferings. In another place he says so that the power of Christ will rest upon him. Here Paul is showing us because of his devotion to Christ in the ministry, he took the full measure of suffering for the church. He tells us in another place of the stonings he received, imprisonment, shipwrecks, the judizers wanting to kill him. Only Christ suffering was in greater measure. Now, we know all believers will suffer persecution, the scripture says so, some more than others, Paul more than most. Jesus told Ananias concerning Paul "For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake. "Acts 9:6 It is interesting to consider Paul had the power to put believers in jail, he himself was imprisoned. He was there when Stephen was stoned, He was stoned outside Derby. He relentlessly hunted down believers; he was hunted by the Jews who wanted him dead. All of this was part of the suffering for his body’s sake the church.

of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, VS 25

Where of I am made a minister, (servant) according to the dispensation, (stewardship or economy) before this current dispensation of grace, Paul was a Pharisee of the law, but God did not leave him there but chose him to be a ministering this present dispensation of the church to bring the mystery to light. Now, a minister to the Gentiles to make known the mystery of the church, being made up of Jewish believers as well as Gentiles. To fulfill the word of God which was Isa 49:6 I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. Which Paul applies to himself saying: Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold , and said , It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you , and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo , we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. Acts 13:46-47

[Even] the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Vs 26-27

The mystery that has been made known is the church, one body of believers comprised of Jews & Gentiles Eph 3:4-6 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: and the riches of the glory of this mystery especially for the gentiles Christ in you the hope of glory. Messiah came unto his own, and his own received him not. Paul brought the message of the cross to the Jews & gentiles in different synagogues, and when the Jews rejected the message, Paul said we turn to the gentiles. In John we read for as many as received him, in this case the gentiles, to them he gave the power to become sons of God. Messiah not only came to the gentiles, but by the Holy Spirit came within each man, we know because we cry Abba Father. The Holy Spirit was always WITH the Jews. In the wilderness they saw the cloud & pillar of fire. In the tabernacle & temple the shekina glory of God. Now for those who receive Christ, the Holy Spirit comes within. And Paul tells us the Holy Spirit is the seal given to us Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory .Eph 1:14 He is the down payment and seal of ownership by God that we are his. Christ in you This is the only way we will be conformed into his image. This did not happen in the Old Testament. There the Holy Spirit came upon people and then left. Here He is within to stay. This is why Jesus could say I will never leave you or forsake you. So He is the hope of Glory. Because He is within and will never leave, this is our assurance of the Hope of Glory.

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. Vs 28-29

Paul preached Christ wherever he went. To the Corinthians he said For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. I Cor 1:17 And then, For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. I Cor 2:2 Warning every man. When Paul was in Athens at Mars Hill he told those gathered there And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by [that] man whom he hath ordained; [whereof] he hath given assurance unto all [men], in that he hath raised him from the dead. Acts 17:30-31  Teaching every man in all wisdom. Paul told the Ephesians recorded in the book of Acts that he had given them the whole counsel of God. Some must be taught of the coming judgment and that their only hope is the cross of Christ. Some must be taught good works will not gain heaven. By the deeds of the law shall no flesh be justified Some must see their strength is in Christ alone. Some must be comforted, some rebuked. Paul had to know how to teach, teaching in wisdom whatever is needed at the time.

Chap 2 is next

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence. Vs 18

And he is the head of the body, the church. The church is his creation. He has chosen each member, redeemed us, given us gifts for service, and he is our leader, our HEAD. First to be raised from the dead, as Paul says In Christ shall all be made alive; Christ the first fruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. I Cor 15:23 All who are in Christ will be raised with those who are alive and remain when they are caught up in the rapture of the church. So in the church he has preeminence also, because the church is his bride and will ever be with him, their head! Paul reminds us God is the head of Christ, Christ is the head of man, and he is the head of the church; NOT some man who wears a miter, and sits on a seat of honor made by man. We take no orders but from him. But from he who is seated at the right hand of the Father in the true tabernacle not made with hands. He alone is our mediator and no one else. We pray not to the dead for guidance, but to the ancient of days; the God of Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob in the name of the head of the body Jesus Christ. It is in HIS name we petition God because Jesus told us to in Jhn 16:23 saying And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give [it] you. Jesus is our God and savior. How do we know that?

 For it pleased [the Father] that in him should all fulness dwell; Vs 19

He was God in human flesh when he walked the earth. Jesus said Believe me that I [am] in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. Jhn 14:11 Did he not say I and the Father are one! Those who deny the deity of Christ such as the Mormons, Jehovah witnesses have made a big mistake. For Jesus told the religious leaders of his day: I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am [he], ye shall die in your sins. Jhn 8:24 Notice the He there is in parenthesis, meaning in the original text it is not there. So it really reads if ye believe not that I am God told Moses that was his name. The religious leaders knew what he was saying, and wanted to stone him for it. When Satan tempted him in the wilderness, he knew who he was when he told him to command the stones to be made bread. Who else but God could do such a thing? When he was on the ship with  the disciples out on the sea of Galilee and a great wind came up, the scripture says he rebuked the wind and the sea and there was a  great calm. Then the disciples said And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him  Luk 8:25 b. During his early ministry he healed many, raise the dead, performing many miracles all pointing to the fact that that in him should all the fulness of the godhead should dwell;  

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven. Vs 20

When man rebelled and sinned against God in the garden, not only was his fellowship broken but now peace between man and God ended. We read in Romans chap 1 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 1:18 For there to be peace with God a sacrifice is required. We see this in the Old Testament where clean animals were used, they could have no blemish or defect of any kind. One of the offerings was the peace offering described in Leviticus 3:3-11 to satisfy God. Since all the offerings in the Old Testament point to Christ as does this one. Jesus on the cross took all the wrath of God upon him. He died and shed his blood for the remission of sin, thus having made peace through the blood of his cross. Paul says therefore, (as the result of this) having been justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Notice it is HE who made peace with US Man in his own effort can never make peace with God, as this can only be done by God alone as has been demonstrated. Heb 1:3b says when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high Here is the basic difference between religion and Christianity. Religion, no matter which one you choose, attempts to please, or appease God through “good works”. Even in the only God given religion Judaism, the Jewish people attempt to keep the law to avoid his wrath. In so doing they are hoping to be righteous enough to be accepted by him. But Paul reminds us Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.  And again Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Rom 3:20,28 Instead we are told 4 times in scripture The just shall live by faith. This is not something the proud religious mind cannot handle because it leaves that person out and he must come by faith alone to be accepted by God. At the cross Gods justice and judgment fell on his Son whom He sent to die instead of us. Paul says To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.II Cor 5:19 What does that mean? Sin was judicially taken away; for Paul says, For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: Rom 8:3 Now that sin has been dealt with God can now show mercy to man where judgment should come. God’s wrath has been appeased. But man is still in rebellion toward God. So believers have been made ambassadors for Christ to bring the word of reconciliation to people. And that word is peace through our Lord Jesus Christ. God offers peace to the world, and gives peace to his own. As far as God is concerned the war is over. Payment has been made for sin in full. God looks at the cross and is satisfied, so should we be! So as the word of reconciliation goes out, the Holy Spirit takes the words spoken by his servants, working in the sinners heart to cause him to receive it. Notice all things IN EARTH We are told: For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. Rom 8:19 Because of the fall of man  creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected [the same] in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Rom 8:20-21 . The Garden of Eden was lush and beautiful before man sinned. After he did, it changed. God cursed the ground for mans sake and it brought forth thorns and thistles. After the flood the animal kingdom became restless and became predators and man was permitted to eat meat so animals were hunted. During the kingdom age when Christ rules on the earth, reconciliation will happen in the animal kingdom as the lion will lie down with the lamb, and there will be no more curse. In Job 15:15b we read the heavens are not clean in his sight.  Why? Because of Satans sin, even the physical heavens and the place of the throne of God has been tainted, as we hear Satan say when he appears before God: And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. Job 1:7  This is why the writer to the Hebrews says: [It was] therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Heb 9:23-24 The Blood of Christ reconciles even the things in heaven. So things in heaven, things in earth, as well as us has he reconciled. Man was estranged from God, so Paul says That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: Eph 2:12 But now being reconciled for those who have received it, our citizenship is in heaven and we are part of the church of the firstborn which are written in heaven for we read in Hebrews 12:22-23 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,  We are seated with Christ in the heavenlies says Paul. All has now changed.

In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: Vs 22

Now we see how this was accomplished. Again it is worth mentioning GOD SENDING his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh for sin. He became sin who knew no sin, Why? To condemn sin in the flesh. When we look at the agony of the cross, never mind the scourging, this is how sin in the flesh must be dealt with, in order for us to be accepted by God. Those who think they can earn it pour contempt upon the cross and in fact are the enemies of the cross. No mere “good works” can condemn sin in the flesh because the problem with man is within, the old man the old sinful nature. It is only through the cross that anyone can be fully justified, sin fully put away, so as to appease God. And think not that by doing all you can to maintain your position through your own effort it will add to your righteousness, IT WILL NOT! It is either: Rom 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, or it is not. Either the death of Christ and his shed blood has finished it, or it is incomplete, and if it is incomplete, we cannot finish it. But Hebrews 10:14 says For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. You can’t improve on perfection. Jesus said IT IS FINISHED! from the cross. It is for this reason we will be we will be presented holy and without blame before Him in love. These are the requirements of God to be ushered into his presence. You must be Holy set apart and sanctified, this is what happens when you believe. Blameless Paul says speaking of Jesus who will also confirm you to the end, [that you may be] blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. I Cor 1:8  As we are now, so will we be then, kept by the power of God through faith. Paul says to the Thessalonians said Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I Thess 5:23. and adds He who calls you [is] faithful, who also will do [it]. This is a charge God has put on himself to bring his own all the way home. Man cannot be trusted nor is he capable of making sure this happens. Salvation is too important to be left in mans hands. And we will be unreprovable in his sight. Clothed in the righteousness of Christ, having forgiven you all trespasses.

If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and [be] not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, [and] which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; Vs 23  next time

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Vs 12

We must remember to give thanks unto God for our great salvation. He chose us in Christ, He called us by his Spirit, He saved us by His grace, and He made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the Saints. In Heaven there is no boasting of how we earned our spot because of anything we did, or were. It is only through his grace conforming us into the image of Jesus, making us fit, because we were not fit. How many people think because they go to church, or believe in God they will some day arrive in heaven; never considering their own sinful nature that they cannot change, being a hindrance to them. God desires truth in the inward parts but our heart is desperately wicked and who besides the Lord can know it. And without God giving us a new heart, the one we have has no capacity for truth, because it doesn’t want it. We may look good on the outside, but on the inside we are full of dead men’s bones. God, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, makes us fit from the inside out. And some day this corruption must put on incorruption. Then we will be fit Rom 8:30 says Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. God sees us as the finished product, while we are here, we do not. We only see ourselves, and with Paul we say O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? Rom 7:24 So we give thanks to him because we are the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Rom 9:23  give thanks to the Father who has done for us what we could not do for ourselves.

 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated [us] into the kingdom of his dear Son: Vs 13

And in the process He has delivered us from the power of darkness. Because men have a sinful nature with a natural bent toward sin, they don’t realize their condition. Paul tells the Corinthians about those who are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. II Cor 4:4  It is for this reason men loved darkness rather then light. Since Adam & Eve obeyed Satan in the garden, all their offspring, including us, before the Lord came to us, were under the power of the devil, slaves to sin and unrighteousness. If we look closely at Romans chap 1, it shows the decline of man from the beginning to the present time. Prior to the flood it was said Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Now, God has commanded all men everywhere to repent, but they will not, not on their own. So God sent the Holy Spirit into the world, And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Jhn 16:8 this is man; lost in his sin and what God did about it. So from darkness to light, to the kingdom of his dear Son He has translated us. How?

 In whom we have redemption through his blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins: Vs 14

It is by the blood of Jesus shed for our sins, he redeemed us to himself and forgave our sins. Man in a perfect and innocent state sinned. It took a perfect man to atone for that sin, because all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, so there were no candidates living on earth to pay the debt. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Rom 5:12 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous Vs 19. Christ died for the sins of the world, but he redeems the elect. No one asked God to do this, because no one saw the need. We, of course could not redeem ourselves, nor pay for our own sins through some deed or deeds, for the Bible says:  But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Isa 64:6 Only the blood of the sinless one, the Son of God could do for us what we could not do for ourselves. Yet today there are many who believe through good works and doing the best the can, God will accept them, it wouldn’t be fair any other way. But this is man telling God how and who to redeem, because man is not comfortable with God making the rules. Man wants control of his destiny, and in a sense he does. Only it comes down to believing God or not. Those who don’t, have set their course, and the only way it can be changed is by the mercy of God. Prov. 16:25 says There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death. Jesus said in the Sermon On The Mount, Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Mat 7:14  The few that find it are the elect, redeemed by the blood of Christ.

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: Vs 15

The one in whom we have redemption, through his blood is: The image of the invisible God. In Hebrews 1:3 we read Who being the brightness of [his] glory, (the outshining of it) and the express image of his person, (or the exact representation of his substance) It would be as if you had a ring with the seal of the president on it, and you put it in wax making an impression of it, it would be exactly the same. Jesus told Philip, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou [then], Shew us the Father? Jhn 14:9 And again he said I and the Father are one leaving no doubt as to his deity. And then he says he is the firstborn of every creature (Gr. Word Protokokos) meaning his position over all things, he has preeminence over all things. He created all things; He was before all things, so He is over all things. We read He is the head of the church, having complete control. Just before he ascended into heaven, Jesus told the disciples All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth Mat 28:18 He also told them For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son Jhn 5:22 Paul tells Romans of the authority God has given to the Son when he says In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. Rom 2:16 And Jesus said: But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. Mat 12:36  

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: Vs 16

He created all things. Gen 1:1 says In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth Jhn 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Heb 1:2 speaking of the Son says Hath in these last days spoken unto us by [his] Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; and in verse 10 he says And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands A quotation from Psalm 102:25-27. Jesus is the creator of all things according to this, and all things were created by him and for him Rev 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created This should leave no doubt as to who the creator was and why he did all of this for thy pleasure God gave the earth to man and all that is on it, but it is for his good pleasure that it was created. It is all for him! It is to him we give thanks that we are part of all of this, and all that is to come.  In Heaven- In Earth, visible- invisible, and we could add Physical- Spiritual. In Heaven obviously the Sun, Moon, Stars. The psalmist says The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.Psalm 19:1 And all the angelic beings with rankings; thrones, dominions, principalities and powers. So the physical & spiritual. In Earth Genesis chap 1 outlines everything God created: Physical & visible, that which is invisible such as atoms micro-organisms such as Malaria parasites, which cannot be seen with the naked eye but only with the aid of a microscope. Things that are physical, that are  hidden from view that live in the oceans, lakes, rivers. All these things were created by him and for him, and he gives them to us.

And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Vs 17

He is before all things. Jesus said And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. Jhn 17:5 Proverbs chap 8 we have wisdom speaking , as though personified, saying By me kings reign, and princes decree justice. Vs 15; I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.Vs 17; vs 22-23 The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was. When he prepared the heavens, I [was] there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, [as] one brought up [with him]: and I was daily [his] delight, rejoicing always before him; Vs 27-30 If we look closely we can see a description of Jesus our Lord. He created all things and by him all things are held together. If you put like ends of a magnet together they repel each other, this is a physical law. So why inside of an atom where there are positively charged particles together, do they not fly apart? By him all things are held together. It is his power to and his will that prevent that form happening. Now! Can he hold together life? Listen to Paul tell the Corinthians of his experiences II Cor 11:24-28 Of the Jews five times received I forty [stripes] save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; [In] journeyings often, [in] perils of waters, [in] perils of robbers, [in] perils by [mine own] countrymen, [in] perils by the heathen, [in] perils in the city, [in] perils in the wilderness, [in] perils in the sea, [in] perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. And of his thorn in the flesh: And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. II Cor 12:7-9 And then listen to Job in all his sufferings Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. Job 13:15  again in faith Job says But he knoweth the way that I take: [when] he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.Job 23:10-11 So how could he say this? Vs 14 says For he performeth [the thing that is] appointed for me: and many such [things are] with him. Does this not sound like you are kept by the power of God through faith?

And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] he might have the preeminence. Vs 18 next time

The Epistle to the Colossians was written from Rome while Paul was in prison, so it is called one of the “Prison Epistles” Philippians was another. Paul is writing because of the Gnostic heresy that was introduced to them, and Paul is writing to refute it; as well as the legalism that followed Paul around where ever he went. In this letter Paul sets forth the preeminence of Christ with new Testament doctrine and practical living in light of it.

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus [our] brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Vs 1-2

Paul’s greeting here, is similar to those in Romans, Corinthians, Ephesians, and Philippians all greeting the saints in Christ which are at Colosse. First their spiritual place in Christ and their physical place at Colosse. Once again Paul writing to the Saints. For those who think all saints, become saints, after they are dead, should take note Paul is writing to the living! Also, for those who attain sainthood because they  perform miracles AFTER DEATH, should take note all Paul’s miracles were performed while he was alive. A saint is a believer who has been set apart by God for his use, and all believers are saints because they believe on Christ Jesus. Performing a miracle does not make a person a saint whether they are dead or alive; you are a saint because you believe on Christ Jesus. Grace unto you & Peace. When you know the grace of God you then have peace.

We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love [which ye have] to all the saints, Vs 3-4

 Paul spent much time praying for the different churches, and the people he knew. In that day when churches were being established, many judiziers and people with heretical doctrine were coming to the new believers. While it is still happening today, at least we have the written word to check out every wind of doctrine that comes along. Paul warned the churches of these wolves and prayed for the people because of them. In return Paul asked them to pray for him. The body of Christ needs to pray for its leaders as well as each other. Pastors need to pray for their flocks for it says in Hebrews 13 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you. And all should pray for the churches where Christ is exalted praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith & love. It is important to understand this order Faith in Jesus will produce Love for the saints, because it is the fruit of the spirit, love follows faith.

For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Vs 5

Paul is thanking God for the hope they all have. Have we thanked God for the eternal life he has given us? Or are we too busy looking at everything around us instead? Christians have a Heavenly Hope. Old Testament saints have and earthly hope. Paul tells the Romans Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 5:1-2 Jesus prayed to the Father for believers Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. And Paul further says Christ in you the hope of glory Christ is our blessed hope, his appearing and coming for his own. Paul tells the Thessalonians For what [is] our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? [Are] not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? I Thess 2:19 At the time God came to the children of Israel they could not stand in the presence of the glory of God because they were not ready for it. They will be part of the earthly Jerusalem and Israel during the millennial reign of Christ because God promised them the land. We are part of the New Jerusalem which is above, this is our hope in heaven.

 Which is come unto you, as [it is] in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as [it doth] also in you, since the day ye heard [of it], and knew the grace of God in truth: Vs 6

God spoke through the prophet Isaiah and said So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper [in the thing] whereto I sent it. Isa 55:11. Here the gospel produces fruit, which is repentance in the sinners heart and faith towards Christ, as it did for them in Colosse. We today are to be sowing the seed of the word of God to all who ask us of the reason for the hope we have with in. Results are not up to us, but God. As we write these Bible Studies we are hoping and praying to God to bring forth fruit in those who read. And it shall prosper no matter the reason for which God sends it. For Comfort, joy, exhortation, salvation even judgment.

As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. Vs 7-8

Paul mentions Epaphras their faithful minister, who told Paul of them. It is thought Epaphras founded the church at Colosse, and brought word to Paul of the fruit of the gospel there, causing him to rejoice. I remember a roommate from College who at the time was an Atheist. Years later I made contact with him and found out he was a Christian, going on mission trips with an evangelist friend to Haiti. I just had to rejoice when I found that out, and he came to where I live for a couple of days. It is always exciting to find out someone who was so far from the Lord, could turn around, but lest we get too puffed up, we should remember who we were before we believed.  

For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Vs 9-12

Paul will now list 6 things of which he is praying for them. 1 you might be filled with all knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. This is the knowledge of his general will for all believers. Paul told the Thessalonians; this is the will of God even your sanctification that you should abstain from fornication I Thes 4:3 Physical as well as spiritual but primarily physical. Now the physical is obvious, but the spiritual is not to be missed. Paul also wrote to the Corinthians I Cor 5:1-13 He is telling them they must deal with a case of fornication in the church and in verse 7-8a he tells them: Your glorying [is] not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. He follows that by telling them in Chap 6 Flee fornication Why? Because it is sin against your own body and our bodies are members of Christ and should not be joined physically with a harlot because now they are joined to a harlot as one. Spiritually this is bad because our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost. We are told: your body is not your own you are bought with a price, so glorify God in your body. And in I Thessalonians Paul lists things they are to do Chap 5:14-22 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men] See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men]. Rejoice evermore, Pray without ceasing, In every thing give thanks, Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings Prove all things; hold fast that which is good Abstain from all appearance of evil. All this Paul says is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 2 walk worthy of the Lord While it is true we are not under law but under grace, we will still be looked at by the non believer hoping to find some reason to accuse us of wrong doing. When David sinned with Bathsheba, Nathan the prophet came to him and said because of that, Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, II Sam 12:14a  while the non-believers can see no wrong in doing these things, they view it differently when it is a believer that does them because they hold a Christian to a higher standard even if they hate the fact they follow Jesus. So here is what Paul means about walking worthy: Don’t do anything to hurt the cause of Christ. They may not read the tracks you hand out, but they will read the tracks you make on the road of life. We understand of our selves we are not worthy, but because Christ has made us worthy because of what he did. unto all pleasing. What does that mean? The Bible says without faith it is impossible to please him. Here the idea is that of desiring to please him, and that is the Christian’s response. As we stay in him, connected to the vine. Then we are 3 fruitful in every good work. These good works are of a spiritual nature: Prayer for others, sharing his word and witnessing, and 4 increasing in the knowledge of God. This of course is accomplished by studying his word. Peter says to grow in grace and knowledge of him. Apart from the stud of Gods word, this cannot happen. Every true believer should have this desire, those who don’t have it, have a problem. For those who make a diligent effort, and use what they have learned, they will gain more, for to him that has more will be given. 5 Strengthened with all might in the inward man, for trials that test our faith. In the beginning of our Christian experience as babes we desire the sincere milk of the word. Later as mature Christians we desire strong meat of those spiritual things of the word. Because over time we, through reason of use have our senses exercised to discern between good and evil. This along with the tribulation in this world, we come to realize God is for us in all that happens. Now future events can be seen in the light of past experiences. Now we come to realize if God provided before he will againand when we by faith see that; our inner man is strengthened. And we are strengthened by his spirit 6 Patient in tribulation.

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Vs 12 next time.

He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Mat 28:6

 We have come to that time of year when once again we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, many call it Easter, I call it Resurrection Day. At the same time Judaism celebrates the Passover, deliverance from Egyptian bondage. Both events about the same time both have a similar meaning. Deliverance from Egyptian bondage, in the Passover is a picture of the deliverance of the bondage of sin via the cross & resurrection of Christ. Paul says For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:I Cor 5:7 But after the cross we must have the resurrection, because we read Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Rom 4:25  “our justification" meaning  we have been legally discharged, acquitted, and justified, from all sin and his resurrection was for the testifying of it, that it might fully appear that sin was atoned for, and an everlasting righteousness was brought in, so in Daniel; Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy Dan 9:24. Jesus asked the religious leaders a question saying; Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, [Thy] sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? Mar 2:9  If the man gets up and walks it proves he has the power to heal. You cant really tell if sin has been forgiven, until the resurrection, that proves it because John tells us so I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. I Jhn 2:12   And of course this is applied to our heart by faith for Paul says Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ Rom 5:1 Now we see the truth of the scripture but let us examine our text. Early in the morning the first day of the week the women arrive at the tomb and cannot find the body, so the angel says He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. The skeptics say of course not, his disciples stole the body in the middle of the night. With a Roman Guard on duty, and a seal on the stone? Not likely. Well then Jesus who was swooned in the tomb, got up, rolled the stone away and walked off. Again, pronounced dead on the cross by eyewitnesses, and laid in the tomb. He is not here for he is risen. We see the crucifix today with a figure of a man on it, signifying a dead savior, or if you want to spiritualize it, since he is the lamb of God, the sacrifice still on the alter. But He is not here: for he is risen. Don’t look at the crucifix, and see Jesus, he is not there. The psychological implication is he is not alive and the lasting impression of him is still on the cross because that is where I see him. My mind does not see him sitting at the right hand of the Father, and I cannot see a risen savior but a dead one still. When Peter and John arrived at the sepulcher, they looked for Jesus. Peter it says Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie Jhn 20:6 He is studying what he sees, not sure of it. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. Jhn 20:8  John understood He is not here: for he is risen! And if he is not here, where is he? When Russia sent its Cosmo naught into space, upon return he said, I did not see God. John says no man has seen God at any time, Moses saw the back parts because no man could look upon God and live. So where is he?  Seated at the right hand of the Father where he everliveth to make intersession for us. Then we have those who say Jesus was just a great moral teacher, who thought he was the Son of God, but that is who he is and the resurrection proves it. Paul tells us in Romans 1:4 And declared [to be] the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:  Peter in his fires message on the day of Pentecost said: Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. Acts 2:24 The reason for this is found in the messianic psalm 16 where we read a promise given to the messiah that says For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Peter in his message here in Acts 2 applies this to Jesus, Acts  2:27 Peter finishes the thought by saying This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses 2:32 Jesus Christ IS risen and become the first fruits of them that slept. This is also the standard of righteousness God will accept and he proved it when Jesus ascended up into heaven. Proud lost man will not hear this, as it is offensive to believe a man crucified, dead and buried, rose from the dead. To the disciples the angels said this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. The resurrection points to the fact of his return to rule and reign on the earth as he said he would. The Christian faith rests on the resurrection. If no resurrection, no forgiveness of sins. Today we do not see him, but we can see his work. But if you are looking at the cross; He is not here: for he is risen. If you look at the empty tomb He is not here: for he is risen. Because he is The Son Of God our redeemer and he is indeed risen as he said he would.