RodR

Q2. (Colossians 3:5) Why is sexual sin so difficult for people, especially males? Though we cannot deny that we are sexual beings, how can we keep sexual desire from controlling us and causing us to sin? Sexual sins are difficult to control because we no longer recognize their danger and deceit. TV shows, movies, and even advertising use sex to sell and we become de-sensitized to its negative effects on our lives. We substitute what is natural and "God designed" with what is unnatural and "satan inspired." Being disciplined in what we choose to look at can help keep sexual desire from controlling us. Remembering that we have died to sin and filling our thoughts with things above (Phil 4:8) through Bible study and prayer can help keep us from sexual sin.

Q1. (Colossians 3:1-2) What does it mean to "set your heart/mind" on the things above? Does this mean that we're "too heavenly minded to be of any earthly good"? If not, what does it mean? What happens when we don't take control and direct our thinking and meditating? Paul is giving advice on how to become what we already are. By focusing on who we are in Christ (things above), and by relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we will become more and more like Christ. We must take a proactive role because the things of the world have a strong influence on our nature. Being heavenly minded can lead to the greatest earthly good because it changes our attitude and motivates us to see things from God's perspective.

Yes, Jesus understands, Jesus cares, and God forgives - and, you are right again, it takes effort to be effective and productive. Thank God for His Holy Spirit!: His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:3-11 NIV)

Amen, and very well said.

Here's an attempt to answer your question... When Jesus was asked about the greatest commandment in the law, He replied

Can someone tell me why my postings do not include buttons under the avatar pix to "PM this member" and "add as friend." I must have shut something off in the profile or settings but I can't figure out what I did. Please forgive me for posting this here but it's driving me buggy, Thanks! I think I figured it out and now I can't remove this post. Sorry!

I was raised similarily, but am thankful that I was given a foundation that enabled me to grow into the truths found in scriptures. There is no substitute for reading and studying the Word - it led me to a heart-changing relationship with Christ. Praise the Lord!

Q4. (Colossians 2:20-23) Why are legalism and asceticism unable to restrain the sinful nature? What alternative to legalism does Paul offer in Colossians 2? Following a set of rules and regulations does not restrain the sinful nature because doing so does not change the heart. Legalism and asceticism might look good to others and feel good to yourself (false pride/humility) but they will never bring about freedom from sin. Paul offers a relationship with Christ and a completeness in Him.

Q3. (Colossians 2:13-15) How did forgiveness free us from the Law? What is the significance of nailing the Law to the cross? What does this symbolize? How did the cross bring triumph over evil spiritual forces? The false teachers were trying to convince the Colossians they needed to return to outward observances of the law like circumcision. Paul was demonstrating that Christ's blood shed on the cross was all they needed for complete forgiveness. No longer would they need to rely on the blood of animals as an annual sacrifice for their sins. Jesus' blood freed them from all that. Nailing Jesus to the cross symbolically nailed the outward observance of the law to the cross as well. From now on, the law would be written on their hearts. (Jer 31:31-33 / Heb 8:8-10) The cross brings triumph over evil spiritual forces because of the resurrection. Satan thought he had won when Christ cried, "It is finished." However, Christ's sacrifice actually "finished" God's plan to bring about the destruction of Satan's power over mankind. (Gen 3:15)

Q2. (Colossians 2:9-10) What does verse 9 teach about Christ's full divinity? In what sense are we "complete" or "come to fullness" in Christ? What does this mean? Why do we sometimes fail to understand this fullness? Paul wants to be sure that his readers understand that there is no need to look anywhere else for more complete knowledge or spirituality. Jesus Christ is fully God in the flesh. Our "completeness" can only be found in Him. Without Him dwelling in us in the form of the Holy Spirit, we are "incomplete." "Christ in us, the hope of glory." Paul's prayer for the Christians in Ephesus describes the nature of the "fullness" of His presence within us: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:16-19 NIV) What an amazing blessing we have "in Him!" Perhaps we fail to understand this "fullness" because it's beyond human comprehension that the creator of the universe desires to have such an intimate relationship with us.

Q1. (Colossians 2:8) Philosophy refers to a prevailing belief system. How can a belief system be empty and false? A philosophy based on anything but the truth is empty and false. Paul has written that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are "hidden" in Christ. Therefore, anything else is empty and false. James compares earthly and heavenly wisdom in James 3. The underlined words in the scripture below describe the difference. False, earthly wisdom: "Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. (James 3:15-16 NIV) True, heavenly wisdom: But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." (James 3:17 NIV) Q1. (Colossians 2:8) Have you ever personally experienced being captivated by a belief system only to find it deceptive and hollow?Almost all of us have been captivated at one time or another by two philosophies or belief systems... 1. Materialism – the philosophy that physical well-being and worldly possessions constitute the greatest good and highest value in life. 2. Evolution – the belief system that man is descended from apes instead of created by God. While not overtly spiritual in nature, both of these hollow and deceptive philosophies have taken many captive and lured them away from Christ and the Truth.

AMEN! I really like this. We need each other in the body - the church. "For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 NIV)

No design for salvation or divine knowledge from any other source can ever equal the Gospel plan. Only God's wisdom could divise and accomplish its perfect result. "All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" are "wrapped up in" God's plan for salvation in Jesus Christ.

Paul's purpose is to present all of his hearers as "perfect" or "complete" in Christ. His letter to the Christians at Ephesus explains this perfection in detail. It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13 NIV) Paul accomplishes this goal by "struggling" in God's strength for his readers through preaching (proclaiming) Christ, warning them of false teachings, and teaching them the truths of the Gospel. This is a good outline for us to follow as well. We should also notice that Paul's efforts were "with all wisdom" and "with all His (God's) energy." We accomplish very little on our own.

Scripture is often its own best interpreter. Paul's letter to the Ephesians describes this mystery in Eph 3:2-9. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 3:6 NIV) "Christ in you, the hope of glory" was hidden in the sense that even Paul (as Saul) thought that God's glory was only available to the Jews as God's chosen people. Though part of God's plan from the beginning, Christ's shed blood for the sins of mankind revealed His intention to make salvation and restoration available to all. "The hope of glory" is the desire and the expectation of a restoration of our relationship with God and eternal life with Him through Jesus' sacrifice and the indwelling Holy Spirit. In writing to the Romans, Paul explains the reason for this hope we now have. Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:1-2 NIV)

Christ's bodily suffering on the cross for the sins of mankind is complete. There is no need for Paul to add to Christ's "once-for-all" sacrifice. Paul rejoices in his suffering on behalf of Christ's body (the church). He "fills up what is lacking" in the sense that the members of His body share in Christ's suffering. Paul is doing his part for Christ's church and for the testimony of the Truth. Whatever Paul does "completes" his part of the body's necessary suffering. It's hard to imagine that I personally suffer for Christ. I am not persecuted for my beliefs. Generally, no one even challenges my beliefs. On the other hand, I have willingly dedicated my life to His service. Perhaps my example inspires others to serve Him. Maybe Christ's body (the church) is made more complete by my efforts to introduce the lost to the Savior. Since all the body suffers when one part suffers, it's possible that my concern, prayers, and help for those who are physically persecuted for the cause of Christ fulfills "my part" of the body's sufferings.

That's why Paul prays for knowledge, understanding, and wisdom in Col 1:9. Knowledge to know that stealing is wrong, understanding to know what stealing is, and wisdom to daily choose not to steal. Thanks again for your illustrations. RodR

Q4. (Colossians 1:23) If our salvation depends upon the grace of God, not us, why is it necessary for us to "continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved"? What happens if we don't? What is the nature of the security we have in Jesus according to this text (and this text only*)? In Colossians, Paul is making the case that Jesus is all they need. They were being drawn away by false teachings and he wants to convince them that by moving toward the false teachings they are moving away from The Truth. Therefore, he is reminding them that their hope is rooted entirely in the person of Jesus Christ and his blood sacrifice that cleanses from sin and makes us perfect "in Him." The Contemporary English Version of this verse shows Paul encouraging them to "stay firm in their faith" and not to "give up their hope." - "But you must stay deeply rooted and firm in your faith. You must not give up the hope you received when you heard the good news. It was preached to everyone on earth, and I myself have become a servant of this message." (Colossians 1:23 CEV) The Good News Bible indicates that they were being "shaken from their hope." - "You must, of course, continue faithful on a firm and sure foundation, and must not allow yourselves to be shaken from the hope you gained when you heard the gospel. It is of this gospel that I, Paul, became a servant---this gospel which has been preached to everybody in the world." (Colossians 1:23 GNB) I understand that the Greek word for "moved away from" (KJV) used in this context means to be "stirred to a place elsewhere." Paul wanted them to know that, if they were seduced into looking for salvation elsewhere, they would not find it. And, in the process, they would lose the only hope they have. Their security lies in Him alone and it is complete without needing anything else.

What a wonderful description of being "in Him." And, what a blessing it is to know that God sees the "cover" instead of the "pages." Thank you for sharing!

Q3. (Colossians 1:22) How can we be presented "holy," "without blemish," and "free from accusation" since we are not perfect? How is this possible? Only by God's grace! And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--(Ephesians 2:6-8 NIV) Because of God's grace, through Christ's death and His blood shed on the cross we are made perfect in God's sight.

This is a great illustration of what Paul was trying to do here in Colossians. He's was reminding them of the truths they had been taught so that they weren't drawn away and if they were, he reminds them what they are running from in order to convince them to return. Thanks for your insight!

Q2. (Colossians 1:20-22) By what means did Jesus accomplish this reconciliation? What does "the blood of his cross" have to do with it? What is the purpose of this reconciliation? (verse 22) To whom are we "presented?" (verse 22) Reconciliation was accomplished by Jesus' blood (shed) on the cross. The Contemporary English Version says, "God made peace by sacrificing His (Jesus') blood on the cross. The significance is in meeting the law's requirement for blood sacrifice. "Heb 9:22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." The purpose of this reconciliation was to pay for our sin and make us righteous before God. Because of Jesus' sacrifice, we are presented to God holy, without blemish, and free from accusation.

Q1. (Colossians 1:20-22). What does "reconcile" mean? What was our state before reconciliation? (verse 21) Webster's 1828 dictionary says, "the literal sense is to call back into union." I like that because it affirms that mankind was originally "in union" with God in the garden and that it is God who calls us back into union with Him. Reconciliation is offered by God to restore our relationship with Him. Without reconciliation we are enemies, alienated, estranged, separated, and LOST!

I sent private messages to several members regarding my question above and received an answer I wanted to share with everyone. "Redemption" wrote... "Depending upon the context, I think one/oneness can mean different things. John 10:30. In this verse, I believe when Jesus says "I and the Father are one" He is referring to He and the Father being one God as in Deut 6:4 (Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!). So, Jesus is claiming to be deity. This seems to be the correct interpretation because in v33 it says the Jews picked up stones to stone Jesus because they believed He was blaspheming, making Himself out to be God. John 17:11,22. In John 17, Jesus is talking about Himself and the Father...how the Father and Son seek to glorify each other, how Jesus has shared the Father's words w/ the people, how Jesus and the Father share all things w/ each other and how Jesus has come forth from the Father. So, in vs 11,22, I believe that when Jesus is saying "May they be one as We are one", He is referring to the manifestation of love and unity among believers, since He and the Father love each other and have one mind (are in agreement). This seems to be the correct interpretation because in v22-23 it says, The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me." Thank you all for your insight. I've been blessed by your responses.

Being a photographer (and being old enough to remember chemical photography), I really like your photo paper illustration. Thanks!