RodR

Q4. (1:5-8) What is the promise to claim in verse 5? What is the condition attached to this promise in verse 6? How do trials help us receive this wisdom? Wisdom is promised to those who ask with clear commitment and faith. Working through trials help solidify our commitment and faith. When we overcome, we become stronger and less uncertain of God's power and desire to guide and direct our steps.

Q3. (1:5-8) How do trials help cure us of "doublemindedness"? How do trials help us grow in faith? Trials and temptations require that we make choices. When we choose to follow the Spirit's leading, we are strengthened. Each "success" over sin increases our faith and decreases our doublemindedness. We become more and more like Christ when we overcome trials and temptations.

I love the Einstein story. Thanks!

Q2. (1:13-15) Why do people blame God for evil? Does God tempt us with evil? Does he tempt sinful people with evil? Why does he allow people to sin? Why does he allow evil to exist at all? People blame God for evil because they are unwilling to accept the responsibility for themselves. God doesn't tempt anyone. James tells us that we are tempted by our own evil desire. In order to give man "free choice" God had to allow for the wrong choice and Adam and Eve fell to temptation which opened the world to sin and evil. God's perfect plan for redemption, however, makes reconciliation possible. There will come a time when Eden (the perfect place prepared for a perfect people) is restored. Then, Satan will be destroyed and evil will no longer exist. Come, Lord Jesus!

Thank you for your service. May God grant you the strength to endure trials and live for Him in all that you do!

Q1. (1:2-4) What value have trials had in your life? Have you let Satan destroy you with those trials? Or allowed God to refine you? How have you changed? I've heard that trials can make a person bitter or better. My experience has been that it depends on my response. Trials will come but God intends for us to grow through them and Satan intends for them to destroy us. I am learning to choose growth.

Q3. (Philemon 18-19) Paul vouches for Onesimus and puts up his money (at least in theory) to cover Onesimus's debts to Philemon? Is this wise in all cases? Why does Paul do it here? How does Christ vouch for us? When should we vouch for our Christian brothers and sisters? Paul knew both men and believed they would not take advantage of the situation. Even if they did, he did what he believed Christ would have done. In the end that's all we are asked to do. Christ vouched for us by taking our place on the cross to restore our relationship with God. He paid the ultimate price for our sin and sent us back to God with His own righteousness. We should vouch (bear witness) for our Christian brothers and sisters whenever it honors God to do so. Thanks so much to those of you who have entered into a discussion over these questions. I've enjoyed the dialog and have gained insight and understanding from you all. "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

Q2. (Philemon 14) Why doesn't Paul come right out and command Philemon? Is this out of respect for his personhood or to build moral character in him -- or what? Real forgiveness cannot be forced. Paul gives many reasons for Philemon to forgive and accept Onesimus as a brother, but ultimately it's up to him to make the choice. Forgiveness must come from the heart.

Isn't it great that we can learn a life-lesson for today from an event that happened so long ago? God's Word is certainly living and active... (Heb 4:12)

Q1. (Philemon 12) Why does Paul send Onesimus back to Philemon where he can lose his freedom again? Why is it necessary for Paul to do this? Why is it necessary for Onesimus to do this? Onesimus now has a better freedom one that he cannot lose by submitting to an earthly master. If he really is a runaway slave who has become a Christian, Paul sends him back and he returns willingly because it's the right thing to do. In the same way, Paul reminds Philemon that he should receive Onesimus back not as a slave only but as a brother. Becoming a Christian not only changes our relationship to God but also to one another.

What a great answer! I really appreciate your ability to get to the point in a clear and concise manner. Your reasons for missing the opportunity are right on target and so is your solution. Thanks!

Q4. (Colossians 4:17) Why do you think Archippus was singled out in verse 17? If you could invent a story of his role in the Colossian church, how would you describe Archippus? In what ways does he remind you of yourself? Archippus is also mentioned in Philemon as a "fellow soldier" so he is probably part of the leadership of the church. If so, Paul is asking the "holy and faithful brothers" (ie: members of the body), to encourage and challenge Archippus to finish the work he has been called to do. Those of us who are older or who have been serving for a longer time need to be encouraged and challenged to "keep on keeping on." It's a temptation to believe you are no longer needed or wanted. There's no retirement plan in God's service. We all have a responsibility to "finish the work" we are called to do.

Q3. (Colossians 4:5-6) What instructions does Paul give us in sharing our faith with non-believers? Why, do you think, we sometimes let opportunities slip by? How will our conversation being "full of grace" help us represent Christ well? Actions always speak louder than words. Our behavior around non-believers demonstrates what we really believe. Paul reminds us that we need to be alert for the "open doors" we prayed for and be ready to proclaim the Message boldly and clearly when given the opportunity. Conversations "full of grace" will attract more than those filled with condemnation or pride.

Q2. (Colossians 4:3-4) What prayer request does Paul ask of the Colossian believers? What does it mean to pray for an "open door." Why does he ask for prayer in communicating the gospel? Isn't he an "old hand" at this? Why does he need help? Paul requests prayer for an "open door" or an opportunity for the Gospel to be proclaimed by "us" (himself and others). He also asks for boldness and clarity to proclaim the Message. Along with a prayer for our own understanding, these are prayers that we should offer for all ministers of the Gospel regardless of their "experience" or "ability." The "foolishness" of preaching (1 Cor 1:21) is made powerful by the prayers of the saints.

Chapter division does seem a bit arbitrary, doesn't it? It probably would be OK for masters to pray in that manner as well, however. I'm sure you are right. It's also a good reminder to keep our answers to these questions in the context of the whole letter. Thanks!

Q1. (Colossians 4:2) What guidelines does Paul give us to form our praying habits? If you put these into practice fully, how would they affect your prayer life? What problems would they help correct? Paul reminds his readers to be alert and thankful as they diligently communicate with God in prayer. Of course, this is good advice to everyone but I wonder why it appears to be addressed to "masters" in verse one? If fully practiced, we would always have something significant to pray about. Our prayers would be more effective and purposeful and we would be more appreciative of God's answers to prayer.

You are right. Thanks for pointing that out.

I will pray for you and your boss. It's amazing how God touches the heart of a boss who is earnestly prayed for.

I like how your answer sounds like what Paul says about fathers in 1 Thess... "For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory." (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 NIV)

Q4. (Colossians 3:25-4:1) What instructions does Paul give masters -- or employers, in our culture? What would happen in the workplace if employers sought to live by this rule? Paul tells employers that they also have a responsibility to their employees. They are to treat their employees as they would have God treat themselves. If employers lived by this rule they would consider the needs of their employees and treat them in the same way they would want to be treated. They would treat them fairly and honestly. They would see that their employees were adequately compensated for their work and not "taken advantage of." If all employers lived by this rule there would be fewer labor problems.

Q3. (Colossians 3:22-24) If you apply Paul's instructions to slaves to the role of being an employee, what is the role of sincerity as an employee? How do we live this out when working under a poor boss? In what sense are we actually "working for the Lord"? What would happen in the workplace, if we actually began to live by these attitudes of heart? According to Webster's 1828 dictionary, "sincerity" is a freedom from hypocrisy, disguise, or false pretense. An employee who works with a "sincerity of heart" goes beyond outward obedience. Their attitude is one of respect and responsibility to the employer as if working for Christ. "Living it out" when working for a poor boss, requires recognizing the position rather than the person. We submit for the sake of our relationship with Christ and His authority. If we would actually begin to live by these attitudes, quality of work would probably improve, relationships between employees and employers would probably improve, workplace climate would probably improve, and God would be glorified.

Q2. (Colossians 3:20-21) In what way does obedience prepare a child for everyday life in the future? For spiritual life in the future? What can fathers do to keep from discouraging their children? Learning obedience helps children become less selfish. They learn to consider other's needs and how to please them. They learn to listen to directions carefully and follow through without being watched. They learn to submit to authority. Children who learn obedience will make better employees, fathers, mothers, citizens, etc. An attitude of submission is critical for spiritual growth. Paul writes about having the same attitude as Christ. (Phil 2:5-8) Discouragement comes from a loss of heart or hope. When children believe there is no way they can please a father they become discouraged. Fathers need to give their children an opportunity to succeed. They need to encourage, comfort, and urge their children to obey in the same way our heavenly Father treats His children.

Q1. (Colossians 3:18-19) Why do you think Paul chose these directions to give to wives and husbands -- considering all the things he could have said? Why is true submission difficult for wives? Why is unselfish love difficult for husbands? What prompts harshness in a husband? Is the cause inner or outer? I think Paul's directions given to Christian wives and husbands were designed to show non-believers of the time what a difference Christ makes in their lives. It must have been counter-cultural for wives to submit to or respect their husbands and for husbands to show love and compassion for their wives. Paul also wrote for wives and husbands to "submit yourselves to one another because of your reverence for Christ." (Eph 5:21 Good News Bible) Paul’s similar words in Ephesians clearly connect Christ with the directions given. To wives Paul says, “submit to your husbands as to the Lord.” (Eph 5:22) and to husbands he says, “love your wives as Christ loved the church.” (Eph 5:25) Both submission and unselfish love are difficult without the heart change brought about by a relationship with Christ. Therefore, the excuse for harshness may be outer, but the root cause is inner. Wives who love the Lord and submit to Him will find it easier to understand submission to their husbands. Husbands who love the Lord and understand His love for the church will find it easier to love their wives unselfishly. The key to our relationship with a spouse is our mutual relationship with Christ.

Q4. (Colossians 3:12-14) Why are Christian virtues so important to Christ? Why are they so important to the church? Why are they so important to non-Christians? Why are they so important in our homes? Christian virtues are important to the church, to non-Christians, and in our homes because they are important to Christ. They are important to Christ because we are members of His body and He desires that we reflect His image to those around us. In the church, His virtues build one another up and make the body of believers more effective and productive. Before non-believers, His virtues give witness to the difference He makes in the lives of those who follow Him. In the home, His virtues provide a model for God's family and a foundation for future generations of believers provided they are genuinely lived out in the lives of family members. Christian virtues are the result of Christian growth and indicate our level of submission to the Holy Spirit's leading in our lives. Demonstrating them in increasing measure is an indication that we are allowing Him to change us to become more like Christ. A world without His virtues would be hell on earth.

Q3. (Colossians 3:8) Why are sins of the tongue so easy to slip into? In what ways do they damage us and others? How can we break free of sins of the tongue? James reminds us, anyone who considers himself religious should "keep a tight rein on his tongue." (Jam 1:26) He also says, "no man can tame the tongue." (Jam 3:8) I think it's easy to slip into sins of the tongue when we try to rein it in by our own power. Only Jesus can change our hearts and Jesus Himself told us that the mouth speaks "out of the overflow of the heart." Luke 6:45) Sins of the tongue damage our witness for God and they often do permanent damage to others. The only defense against sins of the tongue is a heart filled with Christ and submission to the leading of the Holy Spirit.