Category Archives: Bible

Affliction, Bible, Scripture, Suffering

CONTINUE THE SUFFERING

COLOSSIANS 1:24

“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am supplementing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions in behalf of His body, which is the church.”

No one likes to suffer. Am I right? I have been watching a tv series about Christian martyrs. None of them wanted to suffer. The key was they were willing to suffer. I go to suffering kicking and screaming. I feel I have done enough suffering. (Can I get an “Amen”?) But in comparison to the suffering of Christ, I have not scratched the surface.

That’s the point of Paul’s words in today’s verse. At first glance it may appear that Paul is saying Christ was lacking in His afflictions. Nothing could be further from the truth. Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers gives a good response to this thought. “St. Paul expressly says (in the full force of the original) that ‘he fills up instead’ of his Master, what is still left unfinished of his Master’s afflictions. He declares, i.e., that, succeeding to the suffering of Christ, he carries it out for the sake of His body the Church. This is, indeed, nothing but a clearer and more striking expression of the truth conveyed in 2 Corinthians 1:5, ‘The sufferings of Christ overflow to us,’ so that we bear our part, in addition to the full measure which He bore; and even in the commoner expression, to be ‘partaker of Christ’s sufferings’ (Philippians 3:10; 1 Peter 4:13), or ‘to drink of His cup and be baptised with His baptism’ (Matthew 20:22-23).”

APPLICATION

That was a long quote, I know. But I think Ellicott explained it well. Paul was not saying Christ fell short in His suffering. He was saying that now he (Paul) was taking up the suffering of Christ himself. The verses Ellicott shared (2 Corinthians 1:5; Philippians 3:10; 1 Peter 4:13; Matthew 20:22-23) all speak to that. We, as followers of Christ, can expect suffering. In fact, suffering is called a gift. When you give a gift to someone, don’t you look forward to the expression of the recipient? God does the same. He is waiting to see how we respond to His gift.

Hold it just a minute, Carl. Are you saying God wants us to suffer? I didn’t say that. I said when God gifts us suffering, He watches for our response. Anything God allows in our life should bring us closer to Him. I can’t begin to explain all the tragedies that occur to believers. I am sure there were some believers among those who were killed in the recent terrorist attack in New Orleans. But I do know we can trust the God who allows the suffering.

Perhaps you are going through a period of suffering right now. Take a minute (if you haven’t already done this) and ask the Father a couple of questions. 1) What do You want to teach me in this suffering? 2) How can I use this suffering to testify about You to others? God always has a plan for everything. Be like Paul and continue the sufferings of Christ in your life.

O Lord, I don’t want suffering in my life, but if You allow it, I will receive it.

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Bible, Established, Scripture, Steadfast

FIRMLY ESTABLISHED AND STEADFAST

COLOSSIANS 1:23

“if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.”

When I played high school football, I was an offensive lineman. I was taught that my footwork was very important. I had to keep my feet under me and use my legs to drive the defensive player where I wanted him to go. If I didn’t keep my feet planted firmly, I would not be able to control that line of scrimmage. I knew I was in a battle every play.

In the Christian life, we are in a battle every day. We have to maintain our footing, and that footing is described by Paul in today’s verse. He says to “continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast.” The verb “continue” is in the Present Indicative Active. Keep doing this. Persist in this. Don’t stop.If we stop, we are in danger of losing our footing.

APPLICATION

The phrase “firmly established” actually in the Greek reads this way – “established and firm.” The Greek word for “established” has the idea of laying a foundation. That’s a permanent thing, right? You don’t move foundations. They are made to stay put. And the Greek word for “firmly” means to be immovable. Do you get that picture? That’s how we are to continue in our faith.

Paul goes on to say we are to be “steadfast.” What does that mean? The Greek is “not being moved away.” It is two Greek words, the first being me which negates the second, metakineó, “being moved away.” We are to not allow ourselves to be moved from our position in Christ. We are to not allow anything to distract us or cause us to go astray. Be immovable.

Where are your spiritual feet right now? I guarantee you the enemy is on the prowl and would love to knock you off your feet. One of my favorite verses in 1 Corinthians 10:12 which says, “Now, if you think you are standing firm, be careful lest you fall.” In other words, watch your feet. Remain firmly established and steadfast. Be a sure-footed Christian.

Lord, help me watch my feet as I walk the slippery paths that are before me.

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Bible, Blameless, Holy, Reconciled, Scripture

HOLY AND BLAMELESS

COLOSSIANS 1:22

“yet He has now reconciled you in His body of flesh through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach—” 

The last two words I would use to describe myself is “holy” and “blameless.” I know we are commanded to be holy as He is holy (Lev. 11:44; 19:2; 20:7; 1 Pet. 1:15-16), but that is hard, isn’t it? And blameless? Are you kidding me? I have done so many things against the Lord I can hardly be called blameless. Yet, here we have today’s verse.

Take a good look at the verse. Notice that it does not say you or I have done anything to make ourselves holy or blameless. No amount of effort on our part will do that. It is because “He has now reconciled you” that you are called holy and blameless. That word “reconciled” is the same word we looked at two days ago in Colossians 1:20. Only God can declare us holy and blameless. The second we declare ourselves with those terms, we have ceased to be that very thing.

APPLICATION

You need to understand what these two words mean. “Holy” is the Greek word hagios which means to be set apart for a purpose. God sets you apart for His work. It’s used 235 times in the New Testament, so you need to do your own word study on hagios. That would be a great study. You could take one day for each time you find that word and dig out that verse. I give you that challenge.

And “blameless” is the Greek word amomos which means without blemish or faultless. Which one of you could describe yourself that way? Not me! But God declares me to be just that. Remember, His Son shed His blood to make us this way. His blood covers us and purifies us. We see this in 1 Peter 1:18-19. “18 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.”

So, if God declares us holy and blameless, shouldn’t we do our best to live that way? We can if we choose to. We can live holy lives. We can live blameless lives. I am not saying we can be sinless, but we can stay covered by His blood. We can choose to live to honor Him and only allow those “accidental” sins to happen. We do not choose to sin. If we do that, we can honor His description of us.

O Lord, I praise You for making me holy and blameless. Strengthen me today to live like that.

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Attitude, Bible, Enemies, Friends, Scripture, Separation

PREVIOUS ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS

COLOSSIANS 1:21

“And although you were previously alienated and hostile in attitude, engaged in evil deeds,” 

As I get older, I realize I cannot do everything I used to could do. For instance, when I was in high school, I could bench press well over 350 lbs. Now, if I could do half of that I would be excited. What I could do previously is not possible today. But also, what I used to do behaviorally, I don’t do anymore. That previous lifestyle is dead to me. I don’t want to do those things anymore. That’s the point of today’s verse.

Paul says in today’s verse that that were “previously alienated and hostile in attitude.” Whew! That’s harsh, but it’s true. Just like the Colossians believers to whom Paul is writing, I also was alienated from God and hostile in my attitude towards Him. I was basically an enemy of God. But look what Paul says about that in Romans 5:10. “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”

APPLICATION

You and I were alienated from God before Jesus. That Greek word translated “alienated” is apallotrioó. Notice the “-oó” at the end. Whenever you see that on the end of a Greek word, the emphasis is more on the result of the action of that word and not the action itself. What is the result of being alienated? We are cut off and separated from God.

Then Paul says we are “hostile in attitude.” We have all seen that, haven’t we? The Greek word here is echthros which means an enemy, someone who hates you. Paul is saying we were separated and hateful. That was our lifestyle before Jesus. But we didn’t stay there, did we?

Go back to the beginning of the verse. Paul says we were “previously” this way. That little adverb pote changes everything. It denotes a change in status or condition. You were once that way, but now you are different. You were enemies with God, but now you are friends. You were separated and, now you are joined together. Thank God for changes, amen?

O Lord, You have changed my heart and mind to be more in line with Your heart and mind. I am forever grateful.

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Bible, Grace, Reconciled, Relationships, Scripture

THE GREAT RECONCILER

COLOSSIANS 1:20

“and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.”

Reconciliation is a term we use when two parties are at odds with each other and there is an attempt to solve the problem. This sounds easy, but it’s not. Depending on the people involved, this can take a long time. Sometimes, unfortunately, things are never reconciled, and the break is permanent. I have had to experience this in my life. It is painful and hurtful. But we know God heals all wounds. He is the Great Reconciler.

Strong’s Lexicon tells us, “the verb apokatallassó is used in the New Testament to describe the complete and thorough reconciliation between God and humanity through Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the total restoration of a relationship that was once broken due to sin. This term is stronger than the simple form katallassó, indicating a full and complete reconciliation.” Paul is the only Bible author to use this word, and he only uses it three times, once in Ephesians and twice in Colossians.

APPLICATION

In Ephesians 2:16, we see Paul use this word. Let’s back up to verse 15 to get the full context. “15 by abolishing in His flesh the hostility, which is the Law composed of commandments expressed in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two one new person, in this way establishing peace; 16 and that He might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the hostility.” The purpose of God’s reconciliation was peace. It still is.

We will see Paul use this word in Colossians 1:22 in a couple of days. So, with today’s verse and these other two uses, we have the only three times this word is used in the New Testament. That made we wonder something. Since reconciliation is such a big deal, why is it only used three times? That’s a question I will file away and ask the Lord one day.

Remember this from today’s verse. Reconciliation is the total restoration of a relationship that was once broken due to sin. This applies first and foremost in our relationship with God. But it also applies to our human relationships. Sin is what breaks relationships. That sin could be in the life of one or both of the people involved. Keep your life walking in the Spirit so you will not satisfy the desires of the flesh. Amen?

O Lord, thank You for reconciling me back into a perfect relationship with You. Help me do that with others.

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Bible, Father, Love, Pleasure, Scripture

THE FATHER’S PLEASURE

COLOSSIANS 1:19

“For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him,” 

It is in children’s DNA to want to please their fathers. There’s just something about hearing your dad say, “Proud of you, son.” I can remember growing up seeking my dad’s approval. Whether it was catching the biggest fish or bagging the most doves, I wanted my dad’s approval. I know he was proud of me. He told me on several occasions. It always moved me deeply.

We should have the same desire to please our Heavenly Father. But wait, look at the verse today. It says, “it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him.” The Father did something for His Son which gave Him pleasure. He does the same for us today. It gives the Father pleasure to fill us with His Holy Spirit. He is the One who indwells us now, and it pleases Him.

APPLICATION

Listen, you don’t have to do things to gain God’s love. However, when we do things that honor Him, I believe it gives Him pleasure. In Matthew 3:17, we read what God said about His Son. The same word is used there as we see in today’s verse. “and behold, a voice from the heavens said, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’”

We can best please our Heavenly Father by living a life that honors Him. Just as we do not want to do anything to dishonor our earthly fathers, we should strive every day to live honorably, pleasing Him. We don’t do it to earn His pleasure. We do it because we know it will. Get the difference?

How will you live today to honor Him? You know you can hear Him say, “This is My beloved child, with whom I am well pleased.” Think of the example you are showing your children or grandchildren. Remember, He is pleased with you because He loves you.

Father, I want to live today in a way that pleases You.

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Bible, First, Head, Preeminence, Scripture

FIRST PLACE

COLOSSIANS 1:18

“He is also the head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.” 

I don’t recall getting many first place ribbons. I am sure I did, but I just don’t remember. Funny how age erases certain memories. If I did win first place, I guarantee you my mama kept that ribbon or a picture of the event. My sister is still finding things she saved throughout our childhoods. She cherished all our victories.

Jesus doesn’t need a first place ribbon to show everyone that He is first – in everything. Just look at what Paul writes in today’s verse. He calls Him “the head of the body,” “the beginning,” “the firstborn from the dead” and “He Himself will come to have first place in everything.” What else could be said. Paul knew where Jesus stood in line – at the very front. No one was before Him. We are to follow Him. He is our example.

APPLICATION

What does it mean to you to say Jesus has first place in your life? Albert Barnes says this about Paul’s description of Jesus. “He might have the pre-eminence – Greek, ‘might be first’ – πρωτεύων prōteuōn. That is, might be first in rank, dignity, honor, power. He has the pre-eminence: (1) as over the universe which He has formed – as its Creator and Proprietor; (2) as Chief among those who shall rise from the dead – since He first rose to die no more, and their resurrection depends on Him; (3) as Head of the church – all synods, councils, and governments being subject to Him, and He alone having a right to give law to His people; and, (4) in the affections of His friends – being in their affections and confidence superior to all others.”

Is that what you think? What place does He have in your life? Oh Carl, of course He has first place in my life. Oh really. Are you willing to do whatever He asks of you? Are you willing to give whatever He asks of you? Are you willing to go wherever He asks you to go? Before you say He is first, make sure you can answer these questions in the affirmative.

Jesus does not settle for second best. He doesn’t want your leftovers. He desires the first fruits of your labor. He desires your very best. He demands total allegiance. This year make that your aim. Give Him the very best year you can. That will bring Him glory. And at the proper time, He will exalt you!

O Lord, My God, I surrender my all to You today. I want to place You above everything else in my life.

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Bible, Eternity, Faithfulness, Love, Scripture

SUPERNATURAL SUPERGLUE

COLOSSIANS 1:17

“He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” 

Have you ever used superglue? To the experienced user, it is a wonder glue. It can hold just about anything together. Therein lies the problem. If you are a first time user, you may just glue things together that you don’t want glued together. You have to be careful with it because it sticks really good and really fast. I have the mistakes to prove it.

The good thing about God’s superglue is it is always applied perfectly. Why am I talking about God’s superglue? Well, just take a look at the verse today. The last part says, “in Him all things hold together.” The Greek word for “hold together” has a deeper meaning than just holding together two things. It has the idea of standing with someone, of commending someone. In the Greek world, letters of introduction on someone’s behalf were a way of commending someone and saying, “I stand with this person.” That’s what God does for us.

APPLICATION

This same Greek word is used in Romans 5:8 where it says, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God stands behind His love for us, even when we didn’t deserve it. That’s some mighty powerful superglue, right? I was pretty sleazy and undeserving before His love was applied to me. But it still stuck.

In 2 Corinthians 10:18 we see that word again. “For it is not the one who commends himself that is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.” It’s interesting that the word is used both positively and negatively in this verse. You can’t commend yourself. You are only approved when the Lord commends you. In other words, your own brand of superglue won’t stick. But God’s will.

Are you feeling sticky yet? All this talk about superglue may seem tacky (pun intended), but I want you to understand how firm a grip God’s love has on you once it is applied. You have to ask for the glue, though. God won’t just squirt you down with it. Once He does you will never be separated from Him again. You are bound forever. Hallelujah!

O Lord, thank You for applying Your superglue of love in my life.

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Bible, Creation, Glorify, God's Will, Purpose, Scripture

BY HIS HANDS

COLOSSIANS 1:16

“for by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.” 

Creation is such an amazing event. We read in Genesis how the Lord spoke everything into existence and then reached down and formed man with His hands. He breathed into him the breath of life. No one evolved into existence. Everything that has ever lived on this earth was the result of God’s interaction. Today’s verse reminds us of this.

Paul took the time to expound on the life we have in Christ. Jesus was there at the very dawn of creation. He was involved in creation. I just love the last phrase of this verse – “all things have been created through Him and for Him.” We not only were His creation. He created us for Himself. Wow! God wanted to make me just like I am. You have heard the expression that God does not make junk. Amen to that. You are special to Him because He chose to create you.

APPLICATION

Barnes speaks of this verse and says this, “the assertion is, that the ‘creative’ power of Christ was exerted on ‘all things.’ It is not in reference to angels only, or to men, or to Jews, or to Gentiles; it is in relation to ‘everything in heaven and in earth;’ that is, to the whole universe.” That kind of covers it, don’t you think?

Why should we, the creation of God, ever doubt His creative work in us? He has made us for a purpose – for His glory. Therefore, all that we do should give glory to Him. So, let me ask you a question. Do you do that? Are you giving Him glory in all that you do? Or are you complaining because your nose is too big or that you are too tall or too short. Remember, God doesn’t make any junk.

Give praise to Him today for creating you in your mother’s womb. Give praise to Him today for making you just like He wanted to – warts and all. Sure, we can all do things to take care of ourselves physically. We can improve our health. But God made you to give Him glory. And if He did that, He expects you to do that.

Father, You are the great Creator. It is You who have made me to glorify You.

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Bible, Image, Invisible, Nature, Scripture

INVISIBLE GOD

COLOSSIANS 1:15

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation:” 

If I could have any attribute of God, it would invisibility. Wouldn’t that be cool? You could walk around and no one would know you were there. You could move things around and trick people without them seeing you. Now, I’m just kidding. I don’t really want that. I had rather be seen by others. I want them to know I am there. But God’s invisibility is mentioned in Scripture several times. Let’s take a look at a few.

In today’s verse, Paul says that Jesus is “the image of the invisible God.” He was God in the flesh. That’s not to say that God looks just like Jesus did in the flesh. He was the eikon of God, which means He reflected the very form and nature of God. God Himself remains unseen because we cannot handle His glory in our human flesh. His invisibility is really for our protection.

APPLICATION

In Romans 1:20 we see the same word for “invisible” used. “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, being understood by what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” We can’t see God’s attributes, but we can see the effect. All around us we can see God’s hand at work.

1 Timothy 1:17 uses the word. “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” In this verse, Paul is giving praise to our God and King and calls Him the invisible God. Paul had been struck blind on the road to Damascus by God Himself. He knew of His glory. The brightness of that encounter left him with scales on his eyes that were only removed by God’s intervention through Ananias.

In Hebrews 11:27 we see Moses described when the writer says, “By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he persevered, as though seeing Him who is unseen.” One commentator said this, “The antonym of faith is not fear – it is sight.” Through faith we see God – not the physical manifestation of Him but the effects of Him in our lives. Is God invisible? Yes! But is He seen daily in our lives? You had better believe it.

God, thank You for showing Yourself to me every day!

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