Class Notes, Philemon

• Background:
• Inhabitant of Colossae (Col 4:9)
• Wealthy.  Some disagreement.  Owned slaves.  Room for Paul to stay on a future trip
• Came to Christ through Paul's ministry, but not clear where
• Some suggest they met in Ephesus
• Others believed Paul actually did visit Colossae at some point in his travels
• Most estimate that as many as one-third of inhabitants of urban areas were slaves
• Roman slave law accepted the dual status of slaves: they were persons and they were property.  They had opportunity for social advancement.  They could buy their freedom
• The Jewish system treated slaves as contracted servants.  The later American system treated them as property
• Onesimus is (or was) his servant
• He was "unprofitable" either by theft or his escape (which would also be theft if a contract existed) or by his work ethic
• Colossians 3:22-24 makes it very clear how a slave should live his life -- as serving the Lord and not men; not when their eye is upon you but with sincerity (wholehearted effort)
• Paul meets Onesimus in Rome
• Paul leads Onesimus to the Lord
• Onesimus experiences a changed heart and life (some suggestion that Onesimus wants to return)
• The laws of Phyrgia allow a master to punish a runaway slave without applying to a magistrate
• The letter is written at the same time as Colossians due to the similarity of the people mentioned with Paul
• Time of writing: most estimate 62 AD
Philem 1-3 (NIV) Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,
To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, 2 to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home:
3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
• What do we learn from these verses?
• The greeting is similar to Colossians (again, they were probably written and sent at the same time).  In Colossians, Paul emphasizes his apostleship but here he emphasizes his status as a prisoner (most likely in Rome)
• The letter is personal.  Paul knows Philemon
• The Colossae church meets in Philemon's home (suggests he was wealthy ; the early church was dependent upon the hospitality of its wealthy members who would furnish their house for that purpose; larger cities might have multiple assemblies)
• Apphia -- most likely a family member, possibly his wife
• Archippus -- also a family member, possibly his son (or his brother) and also pastor/elder of the church
• Fellow soldier
• Col 4:17 (NIV) Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord."
Philem 4-7 (NIV) I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. 6 I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
• What do we learn from Paul's prayer?
• Philemon's faith was strong
• Philemon loved the saints and he was a refreshment to them
• Paul prays that he might be active in sharing his faith, which suggests that it is a weakness.  But why does sharing your faith allow a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ?
• One, it is an action of obedience.  God gives more to those who use what he gives them
• Two, you learn of the incredible joy in leading another person to Christ
• Three, in helping a convert to be a disciple, we need to be growing in the Lord as well.  Discipling pushes us farther in our faith
• E.g. effect of being a Commander on personal appearance standards
Philem 8-11 (NIV) Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. I then, as Paul — an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus —  10 I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.
• Now we get to the heart of the letter, it is a personal appeal.  Why does Paul say could "order" him?
• His authority as an apostle
• Because he is his spiritual father (vs 19)
• Because his request is the right thing to do
• He could appeal as an old man (his elder)
• He could appeal as a prisoner (his suffering in the gospel for their sake)
• He appeals on the basis of love versus an order.  Why is that characteristic of the New Covenant (NC)?
• The Old Covenant was based on the law, and even more specifically, the letter of the law
• The NC focuses on the heart and the spirit of the law, which is sometimes in opposition to the letter
• Onesimus became Paul's son while Paul is a prisoner.  His name literally means useless, so Paul is using a play on words
• Why is Onesimus going back and what is the basis of Paul's argument for Philemon to accept him?
• Onesimus has an obligation, a contractual obligation.  His faith does not change that status
• Philemon has an obligation to listen to Paul as his spiritual leader
• In both cases, something is owed which must be paid back
• APPLICATION:  In the Christian life, our obligations and debts are requirements not optional
Philem 12-16 (NIV) I am sending him — who is my very heart — back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do will be spontaneous and not forced. 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.
• The Christian view of slavery is much different than is often painted by critics.  While Paul does accept the social convention of slavery (different from what America would implement), here he argues that as a believer a slave's status changes to that of a brother in the Lord
• Does Onesimus want to go back?
• It is not clear, but Paul could have hardly forced him to go back
• It is the right thing to do, so I believe Onesimus chooses to go back
Philem 17-21 (NIV) So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back — not to mention that you owe me your very self. 20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.
• What does it mean to be a partner?
• The root of the Gr. word is to share or to have certain things in common
• Philemon and Paul, would have common interests, common feelings, common work, and a common brother (Heibert)
• Paul challenges Philemon to welcome Onesimus as he would welcome Paul.  This puts Onesimus on the same level as Philemon and Paul (Deibler)
• Why does Paul ask to pay for any expense or wrong?
• Once again, this is an issue of obligation.  Our status as believers does not negate our obligations, commitments, or promises
• Also, it is possible that Onesimus stole before he ran away.  In either case, some transaction of money was involved in his service
• Usually, Paul let someone write out his letters.  Verse 19 suggests that Paul wrote the entire letter by hand or at least the statement in verse 19.  Since Paul was around 60 years old, it is possible that he could not see well to write or that he had an eye affliction (as some have suggested)
• The statement, "not to mention that you owe me your very self," is a paraleipsis.
• A pretended or apparent omission; a figure by which a speaker artfully pretends to pass by what he really mentions. From <http://www.thefreedictionary.com/Paraleipsis>
Philem 22-25 (NIV) And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.
23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.
25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
• Paul didn't say for sure that he would be released, but it was his hope.  Many people believe that he was released.  In Acts 26:32, Agrippa's legal opinion was that he could have been released, having done nothing wrong, if he had not appealed to Caesar

Class Notes, Col 3:18-4:18

• Review:
• Two main sections of put off -- negative interpersonal relationship factors
• Sexual desires or appetite affect us, and ultimately others (directly or indirectly)
• Abusive speech directly affects our interpersonal relationships
• One section of put on -- positive relational character qualities
• Four imperatives for living
• Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts
• We don't have to worry or strive, our future is assured
• We have a heavenly Father who cares for us
• We have an incredible inheritance
• Sometimes a choice is involved, and we have to be the ones who choose what will bring peace in a situation
• Be thankful
• James says to give thank in all things
• One of the biggest attitude changers and a protection against bitterness and anger is the ability to give thanks
• Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly
• God can renew our mind through the word of God (Rom 12:1-3)
• As our mind changes, our behavior will change
• How do you do this? One key is scripture memory
• Do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus
• Whatever we do, we are serving the Lord
• It is the family name that we represent, not ourselves or someone else
• The NC does not provide a code of rules, but the basic principles of life.  It is true, though overused today, to consider "what would Jesus do?"

Six specific relationships:

Col 3:18-21 (NIV) Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

• There are six classes of people described here and in the verses which follow.  They break down into three pairs of relationships: marriage, family, and work. This particular list is shorter than Ephesians but similar
• Wives are to submit to their husbands in their Lord (not to all men). I think the key thing is that the husband needs to be the spiritual head of the household.  The husband needs to lead spiritually.  Oftentimes, it is the wife who is spiritually attuned, but it really is a God-given role of the husband.
• The reason that "it is fitting" is because it is the way God set up the marriage relationship
• The husband is not told to lead, but to love (agape love -- all give) and not to be harsh (in positive terms -- to be kind)
• Love puts another's interest ahead on oneself
• It is much easier to submit to headship when you know your interests are being considered
• Harsh or embittered is the opposite of agape love
• Children have a requirement to obey their parents.  This is how they can please God
• This relationship ceases specifically at marriage
• Fathers apparently can have a tendency to rule harshly
• Also, too many rules can embitter children.  This may be an allusion to the Judaizers or legalism mentioned in chapter 2

Col 3:22-4:1 (NIV) Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

4 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

• It appears that the letter to Philemon may have been sent back with this letter, in which case, Paul uses the general letter to address the larger issue

• For servants or slaves in that culture, and employees in our culture, what is the command?
• Obey the boss in everything (at work)
• Do it all the time (not just when you are being watched)
• Example of pickle factory line job and how people worked better when the boss was looking, hoping to get moved to a better job
• Give your whole effort to the job
• Act as if you were doing it for the Lord
• Act as if it is part of your inheritance and reward at the end of life
• Out actions as believers have consequences in eternity

• For Masters in that culture, and employers in our culture, what is the command
• Provide what is right and fair.  We would have never had unions if employers had been fair in paying employees
• Remember, that you have a Master in heaven
• God is evaluating how we use the position of responsibility that he gives to us

Specific Practices:

Col 4:2-6 (NIV) Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

• The Gr. word for devote is proskartereo; to be earnest towards, i.e. (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a place) to attend assiduously all the exercises, or (to a person) to adhere closely to (as a servitor) [1]
• So what does it mean to proskartereo to prayer?
• What are the things that we are devoted to? Children, work, yearly vacation, food, ….. Where does prayer fit in our list?

• Our prayer should be characterized with two qualities, watchful and thankful.  What do they mean?
• Watchful. Gr. word, gregoreuo, means to keep awake. Also translated as be vigilant (image of a guard). Learning to pray at all moments of the day.  When we see a bad accident or pass by someone with a handicapped child or …, we should pray immediately.  If possible, we should also assist, but in many cases that would not be appropriate.  Such as police are on the scene, or there is no real issue going on
• Thankful. Gr. word, eucharistia, means actively grateful language to God.  I think that one of the biggest problems we have in the US is an inability to be thankful.  We have expectations of more, and so we are never thankful for what we have

• Biblical prayers seem so much different from the prayers we typically hear in church.  What is Paul's prayer request to the church?
• Paul ask for opportunities to share the gospel.  (I once heard that Paul never asked for opportunities only boldness, well here, he is asking for opportunities)
• Paul asks for clarity of speech.  The message never changes, but our methods and explanations need to reach the individual.  The intellectual and the high school dropout need to be approached differently.  The hungry person and the person who has all that he needs require a different approach.  Paul said the he becomes all things to all men so that he might win some to the Lord

• Paul exhorts them to "be wise in the way they act toward outsiders."  How do we do this?
• Ask good questions.  Start with simple questions about their job.  Move to family.  Look for opportunities to ask about a church or faith
• Put up a flag.  Pray at meal times, discreetly but clearly.  Read your bible on an airplane or during your free time
• Live as Christ lived.  If are moral standards are no different than those around us or are less than those around us, we will have no witness
• Serve others

• Paul exhorts them for "conversation full of grace and seasoned with salt."  How?
• Our speech should be gracious, gratifying
• Salt preserves things.  The opposite is to corrupt or spoil things
• When we tear people down, complain, argue, show bitterness, are selfish, we hurt our witness

Col 4:7-9 (NIV) Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

• Tychicus is sent for two purposes
• Give details about Paul's circumstances
• Enourage their hearts

• My guess is that Tychicus is a man who was discipled or trained by Paul [2]
• He is mentioned five times in the NT with Paul (Acts 20:4); Eph 6:21; Col 4:7; Titus 3:12; and 2 Tim 4:12)

• What do we know about Onesimus?
• He was a slave of Philemon
• He ran away.  Came to Christ through Paul.  And now Paul is sending him back.  Obligations made before Christ are still binding after we come to Christ

Col 4:10-18 (NIV) My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

17 Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord."

18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

• Aristarchus:  came from Thessalonica (Acts 20:4), had been with Paul in Ephesus (Acts 19:29), and had accompanied him to Rome (Acts 27:2) [2]

• John Mark: (Acts 12:25) had rejoined Paul after their separation during Paul's first missionary journey (Acts 13:5, 13). The Colossians knew his cousin Barnabas better.[2]
• He is an example of someone who failed God, but was still used by God later in life

• Jesus or Justus is only mentioned here

• The latter three were Jewish.  They were the only Jews supporting him (with him at the time of the writing). The remaining names are all Gentiles

• Epaphras: he is from Colossae.  He also ministers to those at Laodicea and Hierapolis.  He started all three ministries.  He understands the secret of true ministry: PRAYER!

• Luke is mentioned as a Physician

• Demas is mentioned, although in a little bit (2 Timothy), Demas deserts Paul

• Greetings are given to:
• Church at Laodicea
• Nympha probably hosted the church in her house.  It was not until the third century that churches met in buildings (Lightfoot)

• We have already mentioned previously the letter to the Laodiceans.  It was obviously not inspired and is lost.  There are no copies

• Archippus: Philemon 2 suggests that he is Philemon's son.  Paul gives him a specific charge, which is strange since the charge must have come from someone to Archippus since Paul did not know the church.  He could be the leader of the church in which case, Paul is encouraging him to continue in the work
• APPLICATION: Everyone of us could insert our name for Archippus: "Tom , see to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord."
• What is the work God has given me?
• What am I doing to complete it?

[1] Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

[2] Constable, Notes on Colossians, 2010

Class Notes, Col 3:1-17

• What is Paul's relationship to the Colossians? Never met them or spoke to them

• We are moving into the practical application of Christian doctrine in the letter. How might Paul's relationship or lack thereof affect what he might say? He won't be filling in or augmenting previous points. His arguments will not necessarily be exhaustive but they will cover the ground of most of the practical aspects of a walk with God

• In Chapter 2, Paul discusses four dangers
• Gnosticism -- secret knowledge to walk the Christian life
• Legalism (from the Judaizers) -- need to obey OT laws to win God's favor
• Mysticism -- other beings are required to mediate between people and God
• Asceticism -- one must abstain from things to earn God's favor

• "When we make Jesus Christ and the Christian revelation only part of a total religious system or philosophy, we cease to give Him the preeminence. When we strive for 'spiritual perfection' or 'spiritual fullness' by means of formulas, disciplines, or rituals, we go backward instead of forward. Christian believers must beware of mixing their Christian faith with such alluring things as yoga, transcendental meditation, Oriental mysticism, and the like. We must also beware of 'deeper life' teachers who offer a system for victory and fullness that bypasses devotion to Jesus Christ. In all things, He must have the preeminence!" (Wiersbe)

Col 3:1-4 (NIV) Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

• Even more important than our practices is what? Our focus.  The Christian life revolves around the heart, not rules

• Paul commands two things, what are they?
• Set your heart on things above
• The heart is the seat of our affections
• The heart is where our love resides
• Set your mind on things above
• The mind is the seat of our logic and thinking
• Our thinking rules our behavior
• Our feet are on earth, but our head needs to be in heaven (Robertson)

• Why the emphasis on "things above?" Because our reward is in heaven and not here on earth.  Many Christians struggle with this concept.  I've struggled over the years.  My retirement home is not here -- probably wouldn't be San Antonio anyway.  I'm still in God's service until he takes me away.  It is not time to retire -- that day will come, but it is not now, no matter how old we are

Col 3:5-11 (NIV) Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.  7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

• Now we get into practical matters of daily life.  There are two lists, a "put off" list and a "put on" list.  In this list, what do we not see?
• We don't see any of the ceremonial, civil, or dietary rules of the OT
• We don't see the Sabbath.  We don't see tithing
• We see the basics of the Christian rule of life (the law of Christ as Galatians calls it)
• This is a list to people who had never heard Paul speak or teach.  Paul is not supplementing or adding or emphasizing to a previous list he has given.  This is to a group he was unfamiliar with.  These are the fundamental actions of a believer, repeated throughout his letters

• What are some of the key moral behaviors? (Constable)
• Sexual immorality (Gr. porneia) -- illicit sexual intercourse
• Impurity (Gr. akatharsia) -- any form.  This would include many immoral, impure actions
• Lust (Gr. pathos) -- any uncontrolled illegitimate desire
• Evil desires (Gr. epithymian kakian) -- in the Old Covenant, these moral rules were spelled out in excruciating detail.  In the New Covenant, they are put in more general terms, and consequently can also be more broadly interpreted)
• Greed (Gr. pleonexian, literally "desire to have more") -- "any materialistic desire, including lust, that disregards the rights of others. It is "the arrogant and ruthless assumption that all other persons and things exist for one's own benefit." (G. B. Caird)

• These five latter areas of sin are the reason for the wrath of God.  The wrath of God usually refers to the end times, the tribulation period

• The second list is different from the first -- how? (thoughts from Constable)
• This list focuses on our speech or communication
• Anger (Gr. ogre) -- is a settled attitude of hostility
• Wrath -- means a verbal outburst of evil passion
• Malice -- is ill will, a vicious disposition that results in hurt to one's neighbor
• Slander (Gr. blasphemia) -- refers to insulting, injurious, malicious speech in general
• Abusive speech -- filthy, disgraceful, dishonorable speech
• Lying -- deceptive, distorting, untruthful speech

• Why should our desires and speech be different?
• Because we our new creatures that are being renewed in knowledge in the image of the creator
• And there is no difference between Greek, Jew, circumcised, uncircumcised, racial difference, slave or free.  In the NC, Christ is in all persons who believe

Col 3:12-14 (NIV) Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

• But moral behavior in the NC also requires things to put on or wear.  What is in the list? (thoughts from Constable)
• Compassion -- showing sensitivity to those suffering and in need
• Kindness -- sweet disposition and thoughtful interpersonal dealitys
• Humility -- having a realistic view of oneself.  Phil 2:3,4 says to consider others more important
• Gentleness -- not behaving harshly, arrogantly, or self-assertively, but with consideration of others
• Patience -- the quality of long-suffering and self-restraining.  Constable suggests that the next two items expand the definition of patience
• Forbearing -- putting up with others and enduring discomfort
• Forgiving -- not holding a grudge or grievance
• Love (Gr. agape) -- means doing what is best for another person

Col 3:15-17 (NIV) Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

• Four imperatives follow in this section. Let's list them:
• Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts
• We don't have to worry or strive, our future is assured
• We have a heavenly Father who cares for us
• We have an incredible inheritance
• Sometimes a choice is involved, and we have to be the ones who choose what will bring peace in a situation
• Be thankful
• James says to give thank in all things
• One of the biggest attitude changers and a protection against bitterness and anger is the ability to give thanks
• Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly
• God can renew our mind through the word of God (Rom 12:1-3)
• As our mind changes, our behavior will change
• How do you do this? One key is scripture memory
• Do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus
• Whatever we do, we are serving the Lord
• It is the family name that we represent, not ourselves or someone else
• The NC does not provide a code of rules, but the basic principles of life.  It is true, though overused today, to consider "what would Jesus do?"

• SUMMARY:
• Focus of our desires and our thinking needs to be on Christ in heaven
• We need avoid sexually immoral activities (both in our hear, mind, and actions)
• We need to be careful with how we use our speech
• We need to put on positive moral character qualities
• We need to apply proper biblical principles

Class Notes, Col 1:21-2:7

Col 1:21-23 (NIV) Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

• Paul focuses a little more deeply on the reconciling work of Christ.  One of the heresies in the early church was Docetism, which taught that Jesus only appeared to have a physical body.  This view is based on the incorrect notion that the physical flesh is inherently evil.  But the flesh was not evil in the garden, our flesh became sinful as a result of the fall.  Also, other Gnostic tendencies were to question the reality of Christ' death.  Very clearly, Christ had a physical body and he literally died
• Why the "if?"
• The "if" could also be translated "since."  It carries the argument forward from the previous verses.  It is not implying a works based continuation of salvation
• The assumption is that it is normal to continue in your faith

Col 1:24-29 (NIV) Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

28 We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 29 To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.

• This is a very difficult passage to understand.  There are at least four views.  I prefer Constable's view on this passage
• A fourth view, the one I prefer, regards the afflictions of Christ as Christ's actual sufferings now, not on the cross but in and through Paul whom He indwelt (cf. 2 Cor. 11:23-28) (Johnson, Bibliotheca Sacra,  475:230-31). When believers suffer, Christ also suffers because He indwells us (cf. Acts 9:4)
• A contrary view is how the Catholics developed a doctrine of indulgences
• Also many world religions have the idea of suffering to pay for sins -- this is antithetical to the message of Christianity.  Many verses say the opposite (that Jesus paid the full price for our sin on the cross), so we have to understand this passage in light of the entire New Testament, and not on the basis of one verse.  Constable and Johnson's view satisfies all the scriptures

• What is a mystery?
• It is a truth, previously unknown, or vaguely hinted at in the OT, but now revealed in the NT

• What is the mystery?
• That Christ dwells in the Gentiles
• Eph 3:3-9 expands on it even more.  Gentiles are now fellow-heirs, on the same level with Jews, with no dividing wall of partition between them (Constable, 2010, p. 22)
• It is not a mystery that God would save Gentiles.  Those who reject this, believe that a Gentile must become a Jew in order to become Christians

• Paul describes the goals of his ministry, what are some of those goals?
• It is to proclaim Jesus
• To admonish (correct false teaching)
• Teach with wisdom (sound doctrine with application)
• So that we all reach perfection (maturity) in Christ
• Gnosticism would later teach that only privileged few would attain full maturity in Christ

• APPLICATION: We have an incredible future and a hope.  Every believer can attain fullness in Christ.  We just need to seek God, listen to God, and obey God (live up to what we have attained)

Col 2:1-5 (NIV) I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

• Why is Paul struggling?
• There as so many false ideas and false teaching
• Pagan philosophies from other religions
• Judaizers' emphasis on following OT ritual
• Worldly philosophies
• Influence of sex in cultic worship and culture
• Those who have not met him personally are people that he has not been able to teach in proper doctrine, so they probably cause him even more concern

• What does Paul desire?
• Believers be encouraged.  Why? Because we have such a wonderful salvation.  We are adopted in the family of God.  The price has all been paid.  We have a wonderful inheritance and future
• United in love.  Why?  One of the most important teachings of the church is the importance of love.  It is the single defining characteristic of a Christian.  When others do not see love in our life, we are not carrying the family name
• Complete understanding
• Know the mystery -- Christ -- all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are "hidden" in Christ

• What is Paul's concern?
• That they might be deceived by fine-sounding arguments.  What are some examples of fine-sounding arguments which are deceptive?
• You need to do obey the OT law to please God (Judaizers)
• There is a secret knowledge to obtain maturity (Gnostics)
• We can be like God (Mormonism)
• The flesh is evil which is why Jesus did not have a physical body (Docetism)
• There is a blessing to those who deny the body and suffer for Christ (aestheticism)

Col 2:6-7 (NIV) So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

• Where does Paul point the believers?
• Back to the beginning -- the things they learned when they first came to Christ are still the important things later on

• What are some of the first things we are taught as believers, i.e., the basics?
• Get in the word
• Pray
• Share your faith
• Meet with other believers
• Be obedient (apply God's word to your life)

• What is the result of continuing in the basics?
• Rooted -- we develop a strong foundation
• Built up -- we grow
• Strengthened in faith -- our faith grows as we grow
• Overflowing in thankfulness -- as we continue in the basics, the result is an overflowing of joy for what we begin to realize God has done for us.  It is not secret knowledge, but rather knowledge that our heart understands