Paul's Part in God's Plan

Colossians 1:24 - 2:5

The apostle has just finished discussing God's plan for His Dear Son. Now he states what God's plan is for him as an apostle and counselor. Although Paul had never visited the church at Colosse and probably did not know many of them personally he was definitely interested in their welfare. When we look at the intensity of Paul's effort in the gospel, we can appreciate him more and more. In verse 29, he used such words as 'labor,' 'striving,' 'working,' 'worketh,' and mightily;' we are almost made tired by using the words. The first word 'labor' means to toil with great effort, to become weary, tired or exhausted. The second word 'striving' means to agonize or to struggle. The third and fourth words are from the same root word - 'working' and 'worketh' meaning power, energy or efficiency in motivation, to energize and to produce action. The fifth word 'mightily' is the word from which dynamite comes meaning great power.

1. Paul Rejoices in Suffering - 24

"Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church." What did Paul mean when he wrote that he suffered afflictions "to fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ?" Paul's suffering was linked to his ministry, they were the afflictions and hardships of sharing the gospel with others while Jesus' sufferings had an atoning and a redeeming effect. So Paul's sufferings were different from Christ's sufferings. He suffered getting the gospel out to a lost world, (II Corinthians 11:23-29). Christ's suffering was two-fold: (1) sufferings from God in His righteousness, because of sin (by way of atonement), and (2) sufferings from Satan and evil men, because of righteousness and holiness before God. Christ was the only One Who could suffer from God by way of atonement; His sufferings were past, complete and effectual. Paul's sufferings were from Satan and evil men but never atoning. Christ's vicarious sufferings were complete, adequate and indefectible. More was neither needed nor possible; Paul suffered, not instead of the church, but on behalf of the church, enduring the persecution entailed by preaching the gospel. In no way did Paul's sufferings or tribulations (or ours) fill up or add to Christ's propitiatory merits (Clark, p. 61). Since Christ suffered for us, the members of His body, we who are fellow members of the body, should be willing to suffer for each other in order to live the victorious life in Christ and that the gospel might be preached to earth's remotest bounds.

2. Paul Proclaims the Word - 25 - 29

"Of which I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, even the mystery which hath been hidden from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints" (verses 25,26). Paul felt that he was definitely called of God to minister and preach the gospel. The word 'dispensation' here means 'house-steward' or 'house-law;' that is, the law by which a household is governed. We have no such word in our English language; however, the house-steward was "a confidential upper servant, frequently a slave, who controlled the general arrangements of a large establishment, and was responsible immediately to the master" (Findlay, p. 16). Our word 'business manager' fits the picture best. Paul took charge of God's business of preaching and teaching. He faithfully fulfilled his ministry to the Colossians and other Gentiles to which he preached. "We are under responsibility to assimilate into our lives every bit of biblical truth which we have also incorporated into our minds. It is time we quit talking about how much we believe the Bible and begin to live by it" (Draper, p. 54). We live it by sharing the gospel with others as did the Apostle Paul, even to the point of suffering as we discharge our duties.

Paul writes of a 'hidden mystery," a secret; that which was once silent is now vocal. He writes of something that was kept secret in previous ages, but now revealed to first-century Christians. Paul uses the word "mystery," not in the sense of the 'mystery cults' of his day, but the special calling out of peoples for God's namesake from the among the Gentiles. God's message of redemption is progressive; that is, God reveals His will and ways as man can comprehend them. In Ephesians 3: 3-5 Paul tells us what the mystery was, "How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery (as I wrote before in few words, by which, 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." Christ Jesus was to be the universal Savior, whether Jew or Gentile; this was God's plan from the beginning. John wrote (I John 2:2), Christ "is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." Jews and Gentiles are one in Christ (Ephesians 3:6). Gromacki writes, "the best mystery is a revealed mystery. It is not what we know that counts, but who we are and Whom we have, namely Christ" (p. 83). "Christ in your hearts is your only hope of glory" - this is the gospel in a nutshell. God made this revelation because He wanted to make known the blazing brightness of the truth of His love for all mankind.

"Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. For this I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily" (verses 28,29). "Whom we preach," Paul writes emphasizing the Person, nature and work of Christ...He is Messiah-Savior-Lord. The apostle uses the phrase, 'in all wisdom,' "not necessarily speaking with brilliance or highly intelligence, but the manner of speaking. Preachers are to preach, warn and teach in a way that is believable, effective, honest and ethical" (Draper, pp. 57,58). There are two aspects of Paul's proclamation, negative and positive: (1) 'warning every man,' they were to watch out for false teachers, and (2) 'teaching every man,' giving instructions in both creed and conduct. The word 'warning' is also translated admonishing, reminding and alerting in other scriptures. Paul wanted every man he met to know Christ as Savior and then to develop into a full-grown Christian. This involved preaching, warning and teaching, what a challenge to the minister of the gospel!!

Paul spent his physical and spiritual energy to accomplish God's plan for his life. He uses the familiar words again - labor, striving, working, mightily. His striving was like an athlete, like a wrestler stretching and straining to the limit of endurance, reaching as far as he could. That's work!! "The Holy Spirit is the life giving One. But the Christian, who, like Paul, has the divine resources at work within him, always gives all that he has in the knowledge that when we work, He works with the power of heaven which cannot be resisted. Satan's power works in the unregenerate (Ephesians 3:2), but the Holy Spirit energizes the believer" (Yeager, Vol. XV, p. 40).

3. Paul's Concern for the Saints 2:1-5

"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, that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love and unto all riches of full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ" (verses 1,2). Findlay says, "in chapter one Paul's admonition has been somewhat general and of a preparatory character. Now in this chapter he delineates his purpose (the welfare of the Gentile Church of the Lycus Valley) that is, Laodicea and Hierapolis" as well as Colosse (p. 82). Laodicia and Hierapolis (4;13) along with Colosse were three great cities of the Lycus Valley where Gnosticism was beginning to do harm. The only other references to the church at Laodicia is in Revelation 1:11; 3:14, and Hierapolis is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, other that Colossians 4:13.

In these first few verses of chapter two, we have a poignant glimpse into the heart of Paul. Though he has never seen the majority of the Colossians, he still loves them; they are God's children. The good seed has been sown, and now as any good gardener would do, Paul wants to eradicate harmful weeds, so he endeavors to eradicate the pernicious weeds by pointing out false philosophy. Paul again refers to his agonizing for his Christian friends at Colosse; he struggles in prayer, longing to see them, to face the false teachers 'head-on.' Nothing else is left to do but pray and struggle in mind; Paul is facing trial before Nero and almost certain death. These Gnostics were spreading their evil influence in the area. They believed that evil was coeternal and coexistent with God, and concluded that since God is a Spirit, matter is the opposite, and therefore, evil. This led to the harmful conclusion that since Jesus had a material body He could not be God because He was matter and evil. Furthermore, Paul counters the Gnostics' knowledge and informs the Christians at Colosse that they have superior knowledge; he seeks to inform the Colossians that instead of their being inferior in wisdom and knowledge to the know-it-all Gnostics, it was the other way around. The superior knowledge of the child of God, however, is not something for which he can take personal credit. It is the gift of God's grace and the 'excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus...' (Philippians 3:8) (Yeager, Vol XV, p. 42).

Paul seeks, through this letter, to comfort, or as many of the versions translate the word 'encourage' his readers or even 'strengthen' them. After all the Holy Spirit is the Helper or Strengthener of all Christians, and through Paul's prayers they can be strengthened by the Spirit. He also prays that they will be 'knit together,' united or melted together in love. Love is the sphere in which encouragement operates; love truly unites hearts. Paul encourages the Colossians by telling them that they can understand the mystery of God and Christ because He has endowed them with this superior knowledge. This is full and complete knowledge or spiritual comprehension. The Gnostics have inferior knowledge; the knowledge of Christ is hidden from them because the 'god of this world has blinded their eyes.' Our Lord is the central figure in this divine mystery; His incarnation deity and humanity unite in a union which is mysterious. "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the nations, believed on in the world, received up into glory" so writes Paul (I Timothy 3:16). This precept is not discovered by worldly philosophy but accepted by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

"In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ" (verses 3-5). In Christ are hidden all wisdom and understanding. They are not hidden, however, in the sense of remaining forever out of sight or reach. They are hidden in Him to be revealed through Him. The pretended mysteries of the false teachers were only for a few favored souls; God's mystery, Christ, is openly unveiled for all those who have quickened minds to perceive the truth (McDonald, p. 71). All the goals Paul has in mind for the Colossians are in Christ where the true philosophical and scientific treasures are hidden. The ideal Christian journey begins in child-like faith (Matthew 11:25,26), and he spends the remainder of his life searching out the treasures of wisdom and knowledge which he finds in Christ.

The basic attack of all false systems throughout history has been to deny Christ's deity or His ability to save and sanctify believers. Paul urges the Colossians - don't let anyone talk you round with plausible arguments; they will try to delude, deceive, lead astray from the right path. These 'enticing words' are like the persuasive power of a lawyer's arguments enabling a criminal to escape just punishment. After all, Antichrist and his workers talk big and sophisticated. They use big words and employ cunning approaches which may delude the unwary Christian. To have the Lord Jesus Christ and to explore the full meaning of His reconciling work is to be armed against the Gnostics. The Colossians need not be tricked or deluded by the seductive speech of these false teachers. Beguiling talk and persuasive speech should not sway them from the path to peace and holiness which is in Christ Jesus. Those of us who are enlightened watch with fascination the headlong rush into hell of the world that feeds us, employs us and tries to seduce us. The strong Christian will not be deceived or duped by Satan and his ungodly tactics.

That is the reason Paul admonishes the Colossians to order and steadfastness. These are military words. The church should be like an ordered army, rank upon rank with every man in his appointed place, ready and willing to obey the word of command. He is in the army of a group that are a solid bulwark and an immovable phalanx. As long as the Colossians hold firmly to Christ Jesus, even the temptations of the false teachers cannot endanger their status with Christ; they will remain steadfast and strong. Yeager states that even though Paul was not in Colosse in person, he was there in spirit. He rejoiced because he was hearing the good reports that the Colossian Christians had not deserted the ranks of Christian warfare (Ibid., p. 51). * * * * * * * * * * *

The existence of a specifically Jewish gnosis in the first century is becoming clearer as the result of the recent discovery and research of the Dead Sea Scrolls. It sought to undermine the basic Christian doctrines of creation and of the incarnation and mediation of the Lord Jesus Christ (Bruce, p. 229).

Warnings Against False Teachings

Colossians 2: 6 - 15

King entitles this passage "(Paul's) Advice in Advance," and proceeds to write, there are three 'gets' for the Christian life - 'get out,' from sin; 'get in, to life with Christ; and 'get on' in full salvation in Him" (p. 51). The underlying truth here is progress - pilgrim's progress. After Israel under Moses had 'stood still' and seen God's salvation and deliverance, God said, 'Go forward' (Exodus 14:15). And remembering the Great Commission, Christianity is a 'going' concern.

1. Admonition to Abide in the Truth - 6,7

"As ye have, therefore, received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him, rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding with thanksgiving." Paul admonishes the Colossians as they have received or 'taken' Christ by faith, their lives are to manifest a drastic change. They had begun the Christian life by a commitment to Christ Jesus the Lord, having confessed Him as such. Now Paul challenges them to make good that profession and shape their lives by living under Christ's lordship. He designates the Savior as Christ Jesus the Lord. Christ, the promised Messiah - the fulfillment of prophecy; Jesus - the God-man; and the Lord - sovereign in creation, in providence and in grace. As the Colossians had received the complete Savior - they are admonished to 'walk about' in Him, conveying the idea of progress and ongoing activity (MacDonald, p. 73). Faith in Christ Jesus the Lord means receiving Him. C.H. Spurgeon said, "suppose that you should go to a baker's window, and stand there for an hour, and stare at the bread, I do not think that the sight would fill you much. No, you must eat or else you would die of famine. You must receive food into yourself, or it is not food to you. The Savior Himself, if you do not receive Him by faith, will be no Savior to you" (Biblical Illustrator, p. 127).

Paul uses three participles in verse 7 - 'rooted,' 'built up,' and 'established.' The Colossians were already 'rooted' in Christ; because of their original conversion experience they will be victorious in walking with Him. This word (rooted) is peculiar to Paul, found only in Ephesians 3:17 and in our text and may be referred to as a botanical term. They are 'rooted' deep like a sturdy tree and firmly anchored. Secondly, they are 'built up' like a house erected on a strong and sure foundation. These words, too, (built up) are Pauline words found in I Corinthians 3:10,12, 14 and Ephesians 4:20. These words are found in Jude 20 where the writer admonishes the readers "building yourselves on your most holy faith." Metaphorically, the Christian having accepted Christ is to now go on to build a life of ethical achievement; to grow in grace. Epaphras had seen to that by his doctrinal instructions imparted to the Colossians. Thirdly, they were 'established' in the faith. This word (established) is found eight times in the New Testament (Mark 16:20; Romans 15:8; I Corinthians 1:6,8; II Corinthians 1:21; Hebrews 2:3; 13:9, and in our text). It is translated 'confirm' five times and 'established' three times. It simply means to 'make firm' and 'sure.' The Colossians were to reach onward, downward and upward, but no backward move must be contemplated, let alone be taken.

The Colossians were admonished to 'abound in thanksgiving.' Lightfoot put it this way, "Thanksgiving is the end of all human conduct, whether observed in words or works." We are to tell in words and show in life our gratitude to God for all He has done for us. Praise completes the circle in which the blessings that flow to us from God return to Him in the form of our praise and adoration. "By (Christ), therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thinks to his name" (Hebrews 13:15).

2. Man-made Theories are Dangerous - 8

"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." Paul uses the word 'beware' here meaning, "see to it; be constantly looking out for; keep a watchful eye ever open" (Matthew 7:15; 16:6). False teachers were 'adding to' the work of Christ. There had to be a 'filling out' by an elaborate system of pseudo-philosophic thought. These false teachers wished to carry away the Christians like slaves were carried away by a conquering nation. To 'spoil' means that these false teachers were seeking to 'kidnap them' or 'to attack' their faith with fierce and sustained efforts. They were probably using a system of astrology - elemental spirits of the universe governed by the stars and planets. Astrology was viewed as the queen of the sciences - the whole life of men and women was fixed or settled by the stars, so said these false teachers. Philosophy originally had a good meaning - 'the love of wisdom;' it came to mean vain speculation. For man to search for truth apart from God is folly. Nothing is wrong with 'philosophy;' however, man should begin with God rather than self. "There is indeed a Christian philosophy, but it is not inconsistent nor deceitful, nor does it follow human assumptions, nor does it consist of the philosophical atoms of this world" (Yeager, Vol. XV, p. 56).

The 'vain deceit' to which Paul refers here may be from two sources: (1) tradition passed down one to another; of course, tradition can be correct or incorrect. Bad tradition 'encrusted' the Word of God with many customs, rituals, and teachings contrary to God's Word (Mark 7:5-9), and (2) probably some false belief system comparable to abandoning biblical truths for empty philosophy (returning to kindergarten after earning a doctorate). The rudiments are childish things, the ABC's of the world's empty things. Paul warned the Galatians of these very deceptive deeds (Galatians 4:3-9). The 'rudiments of the world' and traditions of men were evidently a matter of empty sham, of idle fancy or silly trifling even of abstract thought only. "Satan's philosophy, if we listen to and accept it, seduces Christians and leads them down the primrose path" (Op. cit.)

3. The All-Sufficient Savior - 9 -15

"For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and ye are complete in him, who is the head of all principality and power; in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; buried with him in baptism, in which ye are risen with him through faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead" (verses 9-12). In Christ and not in an intermediary lies the sufficiency needed for salvation. In Him the divine fulness dwells in its totality, Christ is the Mediator or Go-between since He is true God and true man. "That nature of God that continually abode in Jesus Christ was not some divine light that merely lit Him up for a while, but was not His own. No, He is fully God forever. And as the One possessing all the fulness of Deity, Christ is the Head over all rule and authority. He was not one of a series of lesser beings emanating from God, as the false teachers maintained. Rather, He is God Himself and thus Head over all the angelic realm" (MacArthur, p. 103). The Athanasian Creed puts it - "The Godhead of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, is all one: the Glory equal, the Majesty co-eternal." The heretics had dethroned Christ to a place of one among many. The Apostle Paul enthrones Him as alone the One in Whom God gives a full and complete expression of Himself. Christ was not just God-like man; in Him was the whole unbounded powers and attributes of Deity. Luke uses the word "Godhead" in Acts 17:29, and Paul uses it in Romans 1:20 and in our text - THEOTETOS meaning His Deity, His Being with all the divine attributes. Criswell writes of this verse, it is "an affirmation of the deity of Jesus Christ. He possesses all the unbounded powers and attributes of God. This strongly counters the Gnostic view that Jesus did not have an actual body but only a phantom body and that the aeon Christ came on the human Jesus at His baptism and left Him on the cross" (p. 1400).

In Christ, the Colossians and every child of God is 'complete' or filled full with the present result that we are in a state of fulness. We are complete "like a ship fully rigged, and equipped for the voyage. So it is applicable to the Christian voyaging forth on the ocean of life. "In Him" - Christ is the Captain in charge of the vessel; the Chart of the Word, to be consulted daily; the Compass of the conscience, regulated, educated by the Word; the Commissariat food for the journey from the stores of the Word; the Crew of our fellow-travelers; the Conquest of His indwelling presence and power" (King, p. 60). Christ Jesus is the Head, the Supreme Commander of all lesser authorities, be they angels, demons or politicians; furthermore, He is supreme over earthly dignitaries and VIP's.

In Christ the circumcision of the flesh is meaningless; the Christian has a circumcision that is not made by the operation of man's hands. Abbot says, "The new birth of the heart is Christian circumcision." It is not the rite but the reality, not the physical transaction but the spiritual transformation is what matters. True circumcision consists in the putting off the body of the flesh. The word "put off" means "stripped quite off." The whole body of flesh is removed (MacDonald, p. 81,82). Paul wants the Colossians to imitate Christ by 'putting off' or making a complete clean break with the past life. "Putting off" - is a metaphor - disrobing or stripping off unwelcome garments (3:9). The distinguishing features of this higher circumcision are threefold: (1) it is not external but inward, wrought by the Spirit, (2) the whole body of carnal affections is prominent, and (3) it is a circumcision of Christ and not of Moses or the patriarchs. Thus, it is distinguished as regards to its character, its extent and its author (Barclay, pp. 204,205). False teachers taught that regardless of how bad or good a man, circumcision would make him right with God and man. The Christian's circumcision in Christ destroyed the entire body of sin, not merely the prepuce.

Where does baptism fit into the picture here? In baptism the believer is identified with Christ's death, burial and resurrection. As the believer sinks beneath the baptismal waters, he buries there all his old corrupt affections and past sins; he emerges, he arises regenerate, quickened to new hopes and a new life (Lightfoot). Of course the symbol is not the reality. The true circumcision of the heart is the reality. The burial of Christ might be viewed as setting the seal upon His death, and symbolizing His descent to the realm of the dead (Ephesians 4:9,10). His own baptism in Jordan was a symbolic anticipation of this descent into death and Sheol (Mark 10:38,39; Luke 12:50).

"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he made alive together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 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; and, having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it" (verses 13-15). Man was dead in sin, utterly defeated by sin, and powerless to break the chains of sin. Only Christ can liberate and emancipate. The saving and atoning power of Christ only can make an uncircumcised Gentile acceptable to God. This death is that of moral and spiritual lifelessness. The Colossians were once dead; now they are alive in Christ. Spiritual death means devoid of any sense, unable to respond to spiritual stimuli, just as physical death means that the individual is unable to respond to physical stimuli.

MacDonald gives the characteristics of God's wonderful forgiveness in these six ways: (1) it is gracious, a free gift, unearned (Romans 3:24; Titus 3:4-7), (2) it is complete; greater than sin (Ephesians 1:7; Romans 5:20; I John 2:12), (3) it is eagerly imparted (Ezekiel 18:23; 33:11; Psalm 86:5), (4) it is absolutely certain (Acts 26:18), (5) it is unequaled (Micah 7:18) and (6) it is motivating (Ephesians 4:32) (p. 111). This forgiveness is possible because of God's grace. F.J. Van Alstyne wrote, "Down in the human heart/Crushed by the tempter/Feelings lie buried that grace can restore."

Man's soul has been wiped clean of the charges listed against it that were based on the ordinances of the law. God blotted out or wiped out the charge list and indictment. Herein is a beautiful illustration - sometimes to save paper a scribe would blot out or 'sponge off' papyrus that had been previously written on. Ancient ink, which did not soak into the paper, could be wiped clean away (Isaiah 43:25;44:22). This illustrated God's amazing mercy, banished from the record of our sins so completely that it was as if it had never been (somewhat like erasing a chalkboard). All our sins gone without a trace, not a trace remained. God's indictment against us was crucified or executed on the Cross. Dargan says, "the canceled bond is nailed to Christ's cross. Beautiful figure. The Savior was nailed to the cross and with Him our condemnation under the law. It was crucified and knows no resurrection" (p. 34).

"By assuming our human nature, Christ became subject to the assaults of evil which hung about Him like a poisoned cloak." Christ has defeated them and divested Himself of their attack. He stripped away their rule and showed them up for what they were - usurpers and tyrants, domineering over human beings and making them a plaything of fate and iron necessity in subservience of an astrological cult (MacDonald, p. 87). The word 'spoiled' means stripped or robbed of their power to injure. The 'principalities and powers' are identified as the evil spirits. Why worship rulers and authorities? They are defeated and humiliated beings. In His work on the cross, Jesus canceled the believer's debt and defeated Satan and all his fallen angels (Romans 8: 37-39). Like a victor in battle stripped the opponent of weapons and armor, so Jesus Christ has stripped all powers and authorities (be they angels, elemental spirits or demons - hostile, malicious, malignant to men), Jesus Christ has conquered them forever. Jesus has once and for all broken their power. "Paul thinks of Jesus as a triumphant conqueror, enjoying a kind of cosmic triumph; and in His triumphal procession are the powers of evil, beaten forever, for everyone to see" (Barclay, pp. 171,172). In this vivid picture Paul sets out the total adequacy of the work of Jesus Christ; Satan, the highest accuser, was overcome.

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