Colossians (6)

Verse 23: Paul continues his thoughts of reconciliation to God through His Son Jesus Christ!

Paul here explains that reconciliation In Christ only comes by an Abiding Faith “if you continue in your faith”

*Paul is NOT saying you can loose your salvation!

Paul is saying that TRUE reconciliation/salvation

will “INDEED” result in Sanctification, we will grow! (this not to say we will be perfect and not stumble)

let’s look at the word INDEED. Paul uses this praise “ If Indeed” in his writing.

in•deed \in-ˈdēd\ adverb 14th century 1: without any question: TRULY, UNDENIABLY—often used interjectionally to express irony or disbelief or surprise 2: in reality 3: all things considered: as a matter of fact

This could read this way for us Western cultural thinking people:

If INDEED in all reality, without any question, truly undeniably without disbelief or surprise you will continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away 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.

**

Remember that HOPE is a CONFIDENT EXPECTATION!

Paul new the following by the testimony of the Colossians:

He knew they had a settled faith

Grounded on a strong foundation (Christ)

** Again Paul here is explaining that reconciliation In Christ only comes by an Abiding Faith (True saving Faith)

Verse 24: Paul shares his heart.

Paul rejoices in his sufferings for the Gospel and reconciliation of those in the church.

Paul was not say that Christ’s suffering on the cross was insufficient, he was not talking about salvation but about our duty of service!

Paul was saying it is a PRIVILEGE TO SUFFER FOR CHRIST. ( 1 Peter 3:13-14)

New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update Chapter 3

13 Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?

14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. AND DO NOT FEAR THEIR INTIMIDATION, AND DO NOT BE TROUBLED,

Verses 25-27 Paul Reveals the Mystery of Christ and the Church

verse 25: (OF THIS CHURCH) Paul states his authority bestowed upon him by God has a minister of the church (universal) to carry out the great commission of the Gospel message by preaching...

verse 26: THE “MYSTERY”

The Colossian HERESY at this time boasted of a “fulness” knowledge possible ONLY through their mystical experience!

The Colossian heretics’ notion that a mystery was a “SECRET TEACHING KNOWN ONLY TO AN EXCLUSIVE GROUP UNKNOWN TO THE MASSES”

**SIDE NOTE! BE VERY CAREFUL OF YOUR “EXPERIENCES”

Paul declares that the fullness of “the mystery” is found only in Christ!

By Mystery, Paul meant something once concealed but now revealed.

The “CHURCH” was unknown in the Old Testament because it was kept hidden for ages and generations, but now disclosed to the Saints.

Verse 27: Gentiles

Most of those Paul was writing to were Gentiles.

Paul let’s them know that God willed to make known His riches of the glory “of this mystery” to them (Gentiles)

This mystery is not talking about the Salvation of Gentiles!

In the Old Testament Gentiles who believed and became a part of Judaism were considered lower than a Jew.

This mystery is the following:

The Gentiles are NOW can be “fellow-heirs” with a believing JEW.

Ephesians 3:6 NASB95

to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel,

Ephesians 2:12–14 NASB95

remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,

Verses 28-29 Admonishment & Perfection in Christ!

verse 28 starts off with “We” Paul and Timothy

Paul no doubt was admonishing and instructing BECAUSE of the false teaching about Christ in Colosse.

Pauls purpose was not to drive them into the hands of the heretics but to present everyone perfect IN CHRIST ALONE!

James 1:4 NASB95

And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

**Paul did not want believers to remain spiritual babies! He wanted them to grow and become spiritually mature

Hebrews 5:11–14 NASB95

Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.

Verse 29: Paul expended all of his God given strength and labor into developing maturity in believers!

Through the Power of the Holy Spirit that works within.......