Colossians

Tuesday, 30 May 2017

…meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, Colossians 4:3

Paul has just exhorted those at Colossae to remain vigilant in prayer with thanksgiving. He then asks them, “…meanwhile praying for us.” If prayer served no purpose except acting as some type of pressure relief valve, he would never ask for such a thing. But Paul firmly believed that prayers were something which were effective in determining outcomes. As he desired a certain outcome for himself and those with him, he specifically requests it now, desiring “that God would open a door to us for the word.”

Paul uses this same “door” terminology in 1 Corinthians 16:9 and 2 Corinthians 2:12. This was Paul’s great desire, but it was something that was currently denied, at least partially. Being in chains, he had a very limited opportunity to share the word. But he was in chains for doing exactly that. He was hoping that it would again be possible to communicate the word, not just in letters, but in person. Therefore, “a door for the word” is probably initially a reference to being released from prison. With such release, along with the Lord leading the way in new evangelism, he would then be able “to speak the mystery of Christ.”

The mystery of Christ is everything involved in the gospel that brings salvation to mankind. A mystery in the Bible is something that cannot be deduced without specific explanation. For each person who has never heard about the work of Christ, there is no way for them to be reconciled to God. Therefore, it is a mystery to them. Paul desired that he would be able to share this mystery so that salvation could come to whoever heard it and received it. But in his sharing it in the past, there were unfortunate consequences. He notes that it was because of speaking the mystery of Christ that he was “also in chains.”

His imprisonment was brought about because of his desire to speak about Christ, and yet he wanted to get right back out there and start speaking once again. If it meant future imprisonment, that was of no matter. He would speak until he could speak no more. It was for this ability to get out and share the word that he requested prayers.

Life application: How many people have you shared the message of Jesus with lately? People are dying and being eternally separated from God because of a failure to communicate. Are you a part of this failed system? Or are you opening your mouth and speaking? The Bible says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” Simple gospel instructions: Meet person; open mouth; speak.

Lord God, for those who have received the gift of eternal life and a return to Your garden of delight, have we been willing to bring others along on the trip as well? Have we simply taken the time to open our mouths and tell others about what Jesus did for us? How mournful it is that we are unwilling to simply speak about the greatest event in human existence! Change our hearts and help us to speak about the mystery of Christ our Lord. Amen.

Monday, 29 May 2017

Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; Colossians 4:2

Paul lays heavy stress on the need for prayer in his epistles. In 1 Thessalonians 5, he tells his readers to “pray without ceasing.” The same thought is expanded upon here. He tells those in Colossae (and thus us!) to continue in prayer (as in praying without ceasing), but he tells them to do so in an earnest, steadfast manner. There should be a vibrancy in their prayer life, as if it is a natural extension of their very being.

The idea of continuing earnestly in prayer does not mean that we get on our knees and stay there all day without accomplishing anything else. There are many types of prayers, and the admonition fits any of them at any given time. There are formal prayers and informal prayers. There are silent prayers of the heart given in our times of distress or deep need, and there are vocal prayers which are given to build up others for courage, comfort, or edification. There are secret prayers, given between oneself and God which reveal the innermost soul of the one praying. There are public prayers offered for gatherings of God’s people as they meet to worship or petition Him. There are prepared prayers which are meticulously worded in order to inspire deep conviction, reverence, or courage. And there are sudden prayers which leap out of our souls as we come upon a moment of need.

Paul’s admonition to “continue earnestly in prayer” is one which should be taken literally. There is never a time that we can simply talk to God and it not be considered a prayer. He next expands upon his words by saying “being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.”

In life, we often get sidetracked by things that come our way, and our minds tend to wander from our connection with the Lord. Paul tells us that we are to be vigilant, or watchful, ensuring that we don’t let go of our prayer life. And in our prayers, we are to add in thanksgiving. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, he admonishes, “…in everything give thanks.” It is the same thought here. If we are praying continuously, and if we are giving thanks in all of our prayers, then we are giving thanks continuously. This attitude should be a constant part of who we are at all times.

Life application: How easy it is to not be thankful. We simply forget about the many kindnesses which come to us. But if we can remember to be in prayer always, and that thanksgiving should be a part of those prayers, then we will not fall into the state of ingratitude. It takes mental effort, but it can be done. Don’t let the world of whining and griping get you down. Instead, let the spiritual connection you have with God be nurtured to a state of constant vibrancy.

Lord God, it sure is easy to forget to be thankful. This is especially so in this world where whining and griping seems to permeate every aspect of our lives. The work environment, the news media, social media, and on and on… complaining has become the standard. But help us to not be drawn down in that way. Instead, help us to remember Your kind deeds which have come our way. Help us to be grateful for them, and to pray without ceasing while adding in thanks to that steady stream of prayers. Help us in this Lord. Amen.

Sunday, 28 May 2017

Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Colossians 4:1

These words (along with the closing verse of Chapter 3) closely match Paul’s words of Ephesians 6:9 –

“And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.”

Though this thought carries over from the previous chapter, there is nothing wrong with dividing the chapters in this manner. It actually gives an additional highlight to the duties of the master in having it divided in this way. They are to be responsible in the care of their bondservants, giving “what is just and fair.”

The word “just” is an adjective which means “righteous” and “impartial.” The slaves were not to be deprived a fair hearing over matters simply because they were slaves. The word “fair” is actually a noun, and it is preceded by a definite article. It signifies “equality of treatment,” and thus it should be translated as “the equality.” It is not an equality of condition, but a brotherly equality which stems from the relationship that arises from being in Christ. Though there is an earthly slave/master relationship, there is a spiritual brotherhood which is to take precedence in the master’s conduct.

The reason for this is that the believing master knows that he also has “a Master in heaven.” Christ has treated this master of others in the most caring and compassionate manner imaginable. He has also shown him the epitome of righteous treatment. Further, He has bestowed upon him the equality par excellence, raising him to the same level as any president or king who has also been saved by Christ. This equality of the brethren is thus to be bestowed upon believing bondservants.

Life application: As noted in other verses, we have a different societal structure than ancient Rome. Instead of slaves, we have employees. But the concepts remain the same. We are to be fair to those we have charge over, particularly to fellow believers. This is because our great Master, Jesus, has shown this to us as the example to follow.

Lord God, thank You for the undeserved treatment we have received from You because of the life of Jesus which was given on our behalf. We in no way merited such grace, and yet you have lavished it upon us. Help us now to act in a like manner to those around us. May we not forget the grace of Christ in our daily relationships, but rather highlight it in all ways and at all times. Amen.

Saturday, 27 May 2017

But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. Colossians 3:25

This final verse of Chapter 3 (and the opening verse of Chapter 4) is close in thought to Ephesians 6:9 –

“And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him.”

Paul has spent the last three verses of instruction on what bondservants were to do and how they were to act while under the authority of their masters. He now sums up the thought with something that will point in both directions – from the bondservant’s perspective and from the master’s – by saying, “But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done.”

This is certainly speaking of a master who would abuse his servant as much as it is talking about a servant not being faithful to his master. He is thinking on the same lines in these verses as he was with the congregation at Ephesus, and the longer thought to them can be inferred in this more brief one. This is the reason why the bondservant is to serve his master heartily. Even if the master is unfair to him, he will be repaid for his faithfulness, and the master will be repaid for his abuses. As Paul says, “…there is no partiality.”

Slave-masters are accountable to the Lord just as much as slaves are accountable to their masters. Therefore, it is implied that slave-masters are actually accountable to their slaves in a certain way, just as slaves are likewise accountable to the Lord. If the master was unfair to a slave, the Lord would see it and call him to account. There is no partiality in the Lord, and all will be rewarded based on their conduct before Him.

Life application: If you are a boss, the concepts which are true in this verse certainly apply to you. You have charge over subordinates, and you are to treat them kindly and fairly. In this, you will be a responsible Christian and a faithful servant to your heavenly Master.

Lord God, your word tells us that we are to act responsibly towards those who are placed under us. Whether boss or business owner, we are to be considerate of those who we lead. Help us, if we are in such a position, to be kind and gentle-hearted towards them, and yet firm in our responsibilities towards those who are above us. Help us to have peace in our work environments, knowing that we are ultimately accountable to Christ our Lord who will judge our actions fairly and impartially. Amen.

Friday, 26 May 2017

…knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:24

This verse, still being addressed to the bondservants, is a close parallel to Ephesians 6:8 –

“…knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free.”

As a slave, this is the very last thing that they would ever dream of as coming from their owner. The very nature of being a slave is that they were property, and had no rights to any inheritance. Only a family member would receive such things. If there were no family members, the owner’s possessions would still go elsewhere, the slave included. He would simply be transferred as a part of the owner’s wealth to someone else.

But Paul tells the slaves that they were to conduct their duties in the fear of God because they would, in fact, “receive the reward of the inheritance.” Paul speaks of the inheritance of the saints quite a few times in Galatians, Ephesians, and Colossians. Likewise, the author of Hebrews, as well as Peter, speak of the inheritance of the saints. This promise is not only to those who are free in this life, but it is to be shared by those who are slaves as well. Together, all “serve the Lord Christ.”

There is one heavenly Master for all of the redeemed, and all will share in His inheritance. The share of each will not be based upon earthly position, gender, race, or any other such thing. Rather, it will be based upon what was done for the Lord in faith. Eternal rewards lie ahead for all, if they are but willing to pursue them now.

Life application: Don’t fear that your position or status in this life somehow drives your future inheritance in heaven. It doesn’t. Rather than worry about your status here, look to the future by being productive for Christ now. The highest ranking general has the same number of hours a day as the lowest private. What each does with their time for Christ is what matters.

Lord God, we have all been given the same number of hours each day to live out our lives. The president has no more or less time than anyone else to be productive in sharing Your word. And the inheritance You have promised to us is not based on status, wealth, color, race, or any other such earthly division. Rather, it is based on what we do for You now. Help us to consider this, remember it, and then apply it to the few hours a day we each have. To Your glory alone we pray. Amen.