Colossians 2- Walk In Christ

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As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7

When you become Born Again in Christ, it’s not just a one-time decision, it’s a daily walk. As Paul says “You have received Christ Jesus, so walk in him” This is not about joining a club or labeling yourself a “Christian”, this is a total transformation of your life. This is about denying to your old self and becoming totally transformed in Christ

As the scripture says “Rooted and built up in him (Christ)” Our entire life is built upon Jesus Christ. The foundation of our faith is built upon the Rock, The Lord. Whatever storm comes in our life, we are rooted in Christ, whatever trial or tribulation, we are built on the solid ground of Christ alone

Part of the walk, is learning and growing in Christ. As Paul says “stabilized in the faith, as you have been taught”. We build our faith upon the foundational truths and doctrines of Christianity. Christ died, Christ is Risen, and Christ will come again, all our hope is the Risen Lord

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. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: Colossians 2:8-10

Paul reveals two foundational truths about Christianity here, God is Triune and Jesus is God. As Paul says “For in him (Christ) dwells ALL fullness of the Godhead (Trinity) bodily. What is the Godhead? It’s describing the Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) (Matthew 28:19) 

Paul gives the warning “beware lest any man spoil or take captive through philosophy or vain deceit. Part of your Christian walk is not departing from the foundation teachings you have been given through the Bible. Many false prophets will come and say Jesus is not God or God is not Triune, beware of their philosophy or false doctrine. 

Walk in Christ, and Christ will walk in you. When your Born Again, the Holy Spirit, the living God lives inside of you. Walk in a manner worthy of The Lord, Amen!

Colossians 2- Knit Together In Christ

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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 the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge Colossians 2:1-3

It’s been said, the greatest gift you can give to someone, is to pray for them. When we study the Epistles of Paul, we notice a pattern, that he honestly loved his brothers and sisters in every Church, and he prayed for them continually. This should be our example and pattern as believers in our Church and fellow Churches. We should continually be praying for brothers and sisters in Christ unceasingly.

Notice Paul said many of these Christians have not even met him in person, yet he still loved and prayed for them. We often hear the expression “they are with them in spirit” well this is an actual example of that. Even though Paul wasn’t physically at these Churches, he was a part of their community through prayer and teachings. We should use this as an example for our communities also

What was Paul’s main objective? As he says “their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love”. Being a Christian in a godless world is not easy, including the other burdens in life. The Church should be a Christ centered community to comfort and lift each other up. This is why I believe “virtual Churches” are a failure, we need human interaction, we need companionship of other believers. How do you ‘break bread” without the rest of the body of Christ? 

Another aspect of the Church as Paul points out is the teaching, as Paul says “acknowledgment of the Mystery of God” Continually learning and growing in The Lord is part of our Christian walk. We should constantly be seeking to know more about God, this is why we go to hear a sermon and read the scriptures. As Paul shared his wisdom and understanding of Christ with all the Churches , including those he never saw face to face including us!

And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. Colossians 2:4-5

One of the big issues with Christians today and what Paul warns here “Lest anyone should beguile or deceive you with enticing words or smooth rhetoric. Alot of Christians who refuse to join a Church or community are often deceived by false teachers online. It’s very easy to be persuaded when there is no accountability for the preacher or student. Make sure whoever your listening to , is not deceiving you with false doctrine. 

Find a community of believers, grow with them in Christ, be knit together in Christ, Amen!

Colossians 1- Body of Christ

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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: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Colossians 1:24-27

Think about how much God loves you, the Church! Christ suffered and died, to give you eternal life. This same love should be trickled down through the Church, starting with those who are shepherding or leading the Church. Notice what Paul says “Rejoice in my sufferings for You” Who is You? It’s the Church, the body of Christ, the Ekklessia. Paul suffered not only for Christ but also for the Church, why? Because Jesus Christ said the whole law is summed up in 2 commandments, Love God and Love your Neighbor (Matthew 22:40)

We love the Church because Christ loves us, it’s not because we like certain people or because it’s our job, we love the Church because its the body of Christ. As Paul says “The afflictions of Christ in my flesh, for His (Christ) body’s sake, which is the Church” As the Bible reveals clearly over and over again, the Church is the body of Christ. You are not your own, you were bought with a price, you were bought by the blood of Christ and belong to Christ (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Paul was made a minister or servant for Christ for you (The Church). We don’t get called to become Pastors, Preachers, Bishops, ect to exhort ourselves, we get called to serve The Church. Remember as a Born Again Christian, you belong to God, you are part of the body of Christ, you were called to fulfill your role in the Kingdom of God. 

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. Colossians 1:28-29

What is the foundational role of our calling? We preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, as Paul says “We preach, warning and teaching everyone in all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ Jesus” We warn and teach everyone that salvation is found only in Christ alone. I know most of us Christians take that knowledge for granted, however when you talk to many non-believers, they don’t know the gospel. They don’t know Jesus is the only way to salvation, as Paul also says “How will they hear, unless a preacher tells them” (Romans 10:14)

Has God put a calling on your life? Answer the call, not just for the love of Jesus Christ, but also for the love of the body of Christ, the Church, Amen!

Colossians 1- Reconciled

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And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet wnow hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; Colossians 1:21-23

One of my favorites hymns is “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” especially the line that says “Peace on Earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled“. It’s important for Christians to understand that we were not just unsaved, we were enemies of God. As Paul said “were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind” We were total separated from God because of our sinful nature

So what hope did humanity have? We were stuck in our sinful condition, we were enemies of our Creator, we were depraved and wretched. THis is why the coming of Christ is the good news, the gospel. Christ is our only hope for salvation, Christ is the only way we can be reconciled back to our Heavenly Father. Christ is the only way we can become Born Again through the Holy Spirit. Nobody comes to the Father God except through Christ (John 14:6)

As Paul also said “ God demonstrated his own love towards us, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8) Think about that, even though we were enemies of God, even though we were dead in our sins, Christ died for You! The death of Christ paid the penalty of your sins so you can be reconciled back to God our Father

To present you holy and unblameable in his (Gods) sight! Wow , think about that! You know how wretched and miserable you were, but Christ presents you as holy and blameless before The Father! Can you even begin to grasp how much God loves you? Can you even grasp this great gift of grace? We are not worthy of being saved, but Christ saved us anyway, because we were called by our Heavenly Father

So what’s next, after we become Born Again? As Paul says “Continue in the faith , grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel” Now that you are made “Alive in Christ”, now begins your walk with Christ. It’s not going to be an easy walk, but we continue or remain in Christ. We won’t fall away because the Holy Spirit is living inside of you, the Law of God is written on your heart, you are a new Creation in Christ, Amen!

Colossians 1- Head of The Church

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And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. Colossians 1:18-20

Alot of Christians will say “I go to this Church , because I love this Pastor” or they will say “I left this Church because I didn’t like this Pastor” or they’ll say “I don’t go to Church because I don’t like A, B, and C” Well the fact is Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church. Doesn’t matter if you love or hate the Pastor, doesn’t matter if you love or hate the people, Christ is Head of the Church

Should it change our view of the “Church” knowing Christ is in charge? Absolutely, we don’t gather together because of your Pastor or because of the cool music that is played, we gather together on a Sunday morning because Christ is Risen, and all power and authority has been given to him, including Head of the Church

Those people who forsake the assembling of other Christians (Hebrews 10:26) are actually forsaking Christ. If Jesus is the Head, we are the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12) When you are joined with Christ you are joined with the Body, the Ekklessia. Forsaking the other parts of the body is not even an option, the only way the Body of Christ can function, is if all members are active and working together

Because of Christ we have been reconciled back to our Father God by his blood shed on the cross. As Paul said “Having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things”. The Church , the Body of Christ, was formed because we are now Children of God through Jesus Christ.

Are you going to neglect your brothers and sisters in Christ? What about eternity, will you avoid others in God’s Kingdom? It’s time to get over yourself and get to work for God. You were called and chosen to fulfill a purpose for Christ, don’t run away from your responsibilities because there are a few tares, run and finish the race that has been chosen for you!

Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, Christ is our Lord, Christ is the foundation we build our lives upon, and the gates of Hell will never prevail against us, Amen!

Colossians 1- Deity of Christ

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Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. Colossians 1:15-17

The Apostle Paul clearly  reveals the deity of Jesus Christ here, however those who deny Jesus is God, will often use verse 15 to support their belief. So what does it mean Jesus Christ is the “firstborn” of every creature? The Greek word translated as firstborn is “prototokos” which also means “elder” or “first begotten”. So does this mean Jesus was a created being from God the Father?

Well as we often say, let scripture translate scripture. If you read the next verse, it makes it clearer “For by Him (Jesus) were ALL things created, that are in Heaven, and that are in Earth,” Note the word ALL here, everything was created by Christ. So how could Christ have been created since Christ is the Creator? It’s not logical or Biblical accurate to believe Jesus was created by God

Keep reading on, “ALL things were created by Him (Jesus), and He (Jesus) is before ALL things” So Paul here is revealing Jesus is God, Christ is the Creator and Christ is eternal. Everything was created by Christ and Christ existed before everything. Now the Hebrew Roots crowd will reject Paul and say he contradicts the Torah. Well if we read Genesis it states “God said “Let Us make Man in Our Image” (Genesis 1:26) God is speaking in plural form (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) The Torah states Christ is the Creator just as Paul taught

So back to our original question, what does “Firstborn” mean in this context? This is what gotquestions.org states:

Therefore, the phrase expresses Christ’s sovereignty over creation. After resurrecting Jesus from the dead, God gave Him authority over the Earth (Matthew 28:18). Jesus created the world, saved the world, and rules the world. He is the self-existent, acknowledged Head of creation. https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-first-born.html

I agree, Paul here is referencing the resurrection of Christ. Jesus being called the “Firstborn of every Creature” is referencing Christ deity and human side, as Jesus defeated sin and death as he rose on the 3rd day. 

For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 1 Corinthians 15:22-23

Consider Paul’s teaching here, calling Jesus the “Firstfruits” It’s essentially the same as calling Jesus the “Firstborn of Creation” Christ died as a man, and rose as a man, defeating sin and death forever, Christ is the One who defeated the curse of sin and death upon humanity.

Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, who sits at the right hand of God the Father with all power and authority given to him, Worthy is the Lamb, Amen!

Colossians 1- Walk Worthy

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For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Colossians 1:9-12

How many times have we heard Paul says this to the Church, “Walk worthy of The Lord” (1 Thessalonians 2:12, Ephesians 4:1, Philippians 1:27) Paul delivers this same message again to the Church of Colossae, he says “That you might walk worthy of the Lord” This is an obvious message that Paul is trying to hammer home to the Church, live your life pleasing to God! Live your life that will glorify your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

So how do we walk worthy in The Lord? Paul explains “being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” Remember Jesus said “We will be known by our fruit” (Matthew 7:16) Be fruitful , meaning produce fruits of the Holy Spirit. How do we know if someone is saved? They should be revealing fruits of the Holy Spirit, they should no longer be walking in the ways of the world. They should no longer be returning back to their old vomit. (Proverbs 26:11) You should be the Light of the world and the salt of the Earth (Matthew 5) as Christ commanded us to be

The Christian walk is also a continuous walk, such as a spiritual infant growing into a mature Christian. When we are new in Christ, we live off spiritual milk, but as we grow and mature in Christ, we live off spiritual meat (Hebrews 5:11-15) If you are not growing in your faith and knowledge of Christ, then you are not walking worthy in The Lord. If you have no desire to seek and learn more about your Lord, then the fruits of the Holy Spirit are not being produced

Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Colossians 1:13-14

Why should we walk worthy in The Lord? Because God has delivered us from the power of darkness. Christ has delivered us from sin and death. We have redemption from our sins through the blood of Jesus Christ. Are you walking worthy for Jesus Christ? Are you producing fruits of the Holy Spirit? Give Thanks to God for our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen!

Colossians 1- The Gospel

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We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Colossians 1:3-5

What would someone say about your Church or you , in the matter of your faith? Would someone say “They are really on fire for The Lord” or would they say “ I didn’t even know they were a Christian”? Notice what Paul says about the Church of Colossae, “we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love you have to all the saints”

The Church of Colossae was well known for their faith in Christ and their love for the Church. They were being a great example for everyone , including non-believers. But notice who gets the glory, God! Paul says “We give thanks to God”. The fact that these Christians were so respected was not to their own glory, it was to the glory of God because he transformed them through Jesus Christ

When we demonstrate our faith or our obedience to God, it brings Glory to God and not to ourselves. How did this happen? As Paul said “heard in the word of truth of the gospel” These ordinary sinners became saved through faith in Christ- by hearing and receiving the gospel. This is why sharing the gospel of Christ is so important for the Kingdom of God

Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. Colossians 1:6-8

How do we know this is a spiritually healthy Church? They are bearing fruits of the Holy Spirit, as Paul said “bring forth fruit, as it does also in you” Jesus said “You will be known by our fruits” (Matthew 7) A false convert is always known by the spiritual fruit they produce. The Church of Colossae was demonstrating fruits produced by the Holy Spirit

Paul also said “Since the day you heard of it (the gospel) and knew the grace of God in truth” When God prepares our hearts, we hear and receive the good news of Christ, and we are transformed forever. Not only do Born Again believers know the gospel but they receive it as truth, they put their total faith and trust in Jesus Christ as our Lord

As said in a movie once, I believe it was” God’s Not Dead” If you were put on trial for your faith, would you be found guilty? Are you producing fruits of the Holy Spirit? Give thanks to God for our salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord and the Holy Spirit, Amen!

Matthew 2- The Magi

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Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Matthew 2:1-6

Some of the most mysterious characters in the Bible are the Magi or Wise Men. Who are these guys? Where did they come from? The Magi were from Persia , which is modern day Iran. So the Magi traveled about 900 miles on camelback to find the Christ child. Now it’s obvious the Magi were familiar with many of the Messianic Prophecies of the Old Testament, including Micah 5:2 which says the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem. They were also familiar with the prophecy of Numbers 24:17 about the star as a sign of the Messiah

During their journey to Bethlehem , the Magi traveled through Jerusalem and met with King Herod, who heard about the coming of The Messiah, a King above all Kings. Herod instantly became threatened by Christ, and pretended to want to worship Jesus , however truly he just wanted to kill him. Which we will see later caused the horrific event known as “Rachel’s weeping”

The Magi were very intelligent , hence the name “Wise Man” they were known as your experts of the time, such as we look upon doctors or scholars today. The Magi were also a fulfillment of prophecy themselves as foretold by Isaiah “And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. “ (Isaiah 60:3) “

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way Matthew 2:7-12

So how did the Magi find  Jesus? They followed the star , which was prophesied in Numbers 24:17, to the town of Bethlehem prophesied by Micah 5:2. It’s often tradition in our Nativity scenes, to have 3 wise men. Well first thing is we don’t know exactly how many Magi made the trip, we assume 3 because of the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Secondly , by the time the Magi found Jesus, it says he was a “young child”, it was most likely the Magi visited Jesus at his house and not in the manger. It could have potentially been months, maybe years until the Magi reached Bethlehem and found Jesus.

The most significant point to get from this, is that the Magi were Gentiles coming to worship the Messiah, the New Covenant has now arrived through Jesus. Salvation is now possibly, not only to the Jews but also the Gentiles who put their faith in Christ! Amen!