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GIVING

EPHESIANS & COLOSSIANS

FINDING A NEW IDENTITY IN CHRIST
& A LETTER TO A NEW CHURCH PLANT

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LIFE GROUP / SMALL GROUP NOTES

At the start of a new term, as we begin to emerge out of the long covid tunnel, we are going to be focusing our attention on the joint themes of identity and unity.  For us as followers of Jesus, these are completely connected, for our unity as a community comes from our new identity in Christ, our union with him.  We are living in difficult times for us as a church, as both our ideas about identity and our ability to remain united are being challenged. 
It is important for us to reconnect to both these themes at this significant moment.

SEPTEMBER 2021 - ADVENT 2021

RECEIVING A NEW IDENTITY IN CHRIST

EPHESIANS 1:3-14

Background

At the start of a new term, as we begin to emerge out of the long covid tunnel, we are going to be focusing our attention on the joint themes of identity and unity.  For us as followers of Jesus, these are completely connected, for our unity as a community comes from our new identity in Christ, our union with him.  We are living in difficult times for us as a church, as both our ideas about identity and our ability to remain united are being challenged.  It is important for us to reconnect to both these themes at this significant moment.

Paul’s letters are written to new churches that were emerging across the Greco-Roman world of the time as the gospel, or announcement, of Jesus kingship and rule began to spread following his resurrection from the dead.  This announcement revolutionised the world of the time as gentiles began to respond in large numbers and give their allegiance to Jesus as their Lord and King, alongside numerous Jews who saw Jesus as the longed-for Messiah that they had been waiting for.  As Jews and Gentiles both responded to the gospel announcement, new mixed communities of Jewish and Gentile believers began to form as they all found their identity reshaped by their allegiance to Christ.

This week, the football transfer window has come to close and new teams are being formed as players move from one team to another.  Old allegiances fall away, and new ones are made.  They are symbolised by the wearing of a new shirt.

In the same way, as people are being baptised into Christ, this weekend, so they are setting aside old allegiances and being incorporated into a new team, a new family, a new covenant community – the church.  This is the mystery that Paul is excited about in his letter to the Ephesians – the reality of both Gentiles and Jews being formed into a new united body, under King Jesus – the Christ. 

Witnessing this mystery being revealed right in front of his eyes, leads Paul to burst out in praise as he sees this as the wonderful fulfilment of all the plans and desires God had right from the beginning of things, namely to create a united community of people who worship God with their whole lives and display his image in their work, family life and ethics.  What excites him is that in Jesus, the old barriers of ethnic background, sin and law, have evidently been demolished by Jesus’ death and resurrection and a new community gathered around Christ and under King Jesus, is being formed, one person, one family, at a time.  All has become clear as this was God’s intended and predestined plan right from the beginning and Paul is excited beyond words, to see it happening right in front of him.

Questions

  • What was the main message you got from the talk last Sunday?
  • Why is identity so important in human life? Why does it shape behaviour?
  • What identity markers matter most to you?
  • What is the difference between an identity that is achieved and one that is received?
  • What does it mean to you to belong to Jesus?
  • What does the passage tell us about God, his plans and his character?
  • What does it tell us about ourselves, about people?
  • How should we respond in the light of this? Is there anything we need to do?
  • Who might we talk to about this?

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfilment – to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession – to the praise of his glory.

GIVEN A COMPLETELY NEW LIFE

EPHESIANS 2:1-10 

Background

Jesus’ resurrection changed everything.  It establishes Jesus as the one true king of the world and, with his ascension to the throne of God, it establishes him as worth of the world’s worship and allegiance.  It also makes possible personal renewal as individuals give their lives to Christ, are set free from sin, released from the judgement they had been due, and given a new life.

All this is all a gift from God, a grace from him, totally underserved.  It is a sign of God’s great love, revealing the scale of his mercy, and the depth of his heart’s desire for us.  Jesus did not come to condemn the world, but to save it, not to judge the world, but to release it.  His death and resurrection declare that God has not only atoned for our sin, but also enabled us to be liberated into a new way of life, set free from the power of sin and death.  This is God’s creative work, his deliberate and repeated act of new creation, the thing that he loves to do more than anything else, setting people on a new trajectory – a life of goodness and generosity – lives that look like Jesus himself.

The remarkable thing for Paul, as it was to all the Jewish believers of the day, was that this grace, this gift of inclusion, cleansing and forgiveness, was not limited to the people of Israel alone.  God’s vision was not simply the renewal of Israel, but the renewal of the whole world. 

Gentiles are being included in this new family, grafted into the old vine, and this was a sign of just how all-encompassing God’s vision of renewal was.  Previously excluded from citizenship in Israel, and foreigners to the covenants of God’s promises, lost without hope in God in the world, (vs 11-12) God’s grace had now been revealed in a powerful new way to everyone. 

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.  I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see!

 

Questions

  • What was the main message you got from the talk last Sunday?
  • What difference has Jesus made to your life? Share stories in pairs and then with the wider group.
  • What does the passage tell us about God, his plans and his character?
  • What does it tell us about ourselves, about people?
  • How should we respond in the light of this? Is there anything we need to do?
  • Who might we talk to about this?

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 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. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

ADOPTED INTO A COMPLETELY NEW FAMILY

EPHESIANS 2:13-22

Background

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

As the announcement of King Jesus takes root in different communities, Paul reflects on how God’s grace has been poured out on those both inside and outside the boundaries of the covenant law, on both Jew and Gentile.  In doing so a remarkable mystery \bout the scale of God’s grace and his plans, has now become clear.  Paul develops his letter reflecting further on the implications of it all for the new communities that are being formed right in front of his eyes.  

In particular, he writes of Jesus as the one who brings peace and reconciliation, creating in himself one new humanity, out the two, and he encourages the new gentile believers to see themselves as full members of the people of God, the household of God (a temple image), equal members of the one body.  With a new identity in Christ, the old identity markers have been superseded and are no longer meaningful for this new community, which is a forestate of the new creation.

Questions

  • What was the main message you got from the talk last Sunday?
  • What are your families like? Do they have strong identities or are they not so close?
  • What would it have been like if someone had been adopted into your family?
  • What does it mean to belong to the ‘church’.
  • Why does Paul talk about ‘reconciliation’?
  • What does the passage tell us about God, his plans and his character?
  • What does it tell us about ourselves, about people?
  • How should we respond in the light of this? Is there anything we need to do?
  • Who might we talk to about this?

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

THE MYSTERY REVEALED

EPHESIANS 3:1-13

Background

6 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.

As the announcement of the resurrection of Jesus, and therefore his Lordship and Kingship, takes root in Gentile communities and families and communities set aside their allegiance to Ceasar and the Greco-Roman deities of the day and give the allegiance to Christ, new mixed communities of Jew and Gentile are formed.  For Paul this is the climax of the covenant promises of old, the fulfilment of the Abrahamic and Mosaic promises given to Israel.  The inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant, becoming joint heirs with Israel, recipient of every spiritual blessing ‘in Christ’, is a marvel to him and it is something that Paul has given himself completely to.  He has become a servant of the gospel and knows that God has called him, despite himself, to ‘preach to the gentiles the boundless riches of Christ’.

It is this ‘grace’ or gift of God, his limitless love, that moves Paul so much, especially as is it displayed in the concrete reality of mixed race, Jew-and-Gentile churches.  It is in this way, that God’s character and plans are being revealed for all to see, not just by people on the ground, but even to the powers and spiritual authorities in the heavenly realms.  The church is God’s way of showing off.

 

Questions

  • What was the main message you got from the talk last Sunday?
  • What are the benefits and challenges of living in a multi-cultural city?
  • What brings people together and what pushes them apart?
  • What is the ‘mystery’ that has been revealed?
  • What is so important for Paul about the existence of a multi-ethnic, Gentile/Jew community?
  • What does the passage tell us about God, his plans and his character?
  • What does it tell us about ourselves, about people?
  • How should we respond in the light of this? Is there anything we need to do?
  • Who might we talk to about this?
  • Read Eph 3:14-21. Does this add anything to your discussion?

 

 

For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles –

2 Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, 3 that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. 4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 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.

7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. 13 I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

BEING ONE

EPHESIANS 4:1-6

Background

So, with all this ground work completed, with his foundations laid, Paul moves on to call these new born churches into the fullness of who they are – united bodies of people in Christ.  He calls them to live ‘lives worthy of the calling they have received’, meaning that if unity and union was the pre-ordained goal of it all in the first place, then unity and union within the family of God must be the key marker of the work of the Spirit among people.

And basically, this looks like love.  Attitudes of humility, gentleness, patience, and peace making should be at the heart of church life.  Whenever, or if ever, there is division or divergence, the church family must work as hard as possible to remain united.  Unity is not an opt in clause for the devoted, it is an fundamental characteristic of the gospel taking root in people’s lives, for there is only one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one Father of all.  That’s a lot of ‘ones’!

Of course, the risen and ascended Christ has given different and multiple gifts to different individuals – and leadership will be expressed in different ways, whether it is being sent out, speaking out, announcing the gospel, or overseeing and teaching the new church community.  But each of these individual gifts only make sense as they help to build up the whole body of Christ into maturity – which looks like unity.

And so, as a church, we who have been called to represent God’s character through our corporate life of unity and relationship need to protect and deepen our love for each other, avoiding all the many ways that we can act that pulls things apart and embrace ways of living that draws people together (vs 25-32)

Questions

  • What was the main message you got from the talk last Sunday?
  • What do you find best and hardest about being in community with others?
  • What does it mean to be humble and patient?
  • What are the greatest challenges to our unity as a church right now? What are the implications of these for us as a church family?
  • What does it mean to be united to God in Christ – for us personally and as a church?
  • What does the passage tell us about God, his plans and his character?
  • What does it tell us about ourselves, about people?
  • How should we respond in the light of this? Is there anything we need to do?
  • Who might we talk to about this?
  • Read Eph 3:14-21. Does this add anything to your discussion?

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

A LETTER TO A NEW CHURCH PLANT

COLOSSIANS 1:3-14

A LETTER TO A NEW CHURCH PLANT

When the gospel comes alive in people    
Col 1:1-13

Background

In this letter Paul writing to a new church plant in Colossae, established by his dear friend and co-worker, Epaphras.  As we can imagine, given the newness of this church community, Paul is keen to encourage and pastor them mindful of the challenges they face.  As in other places, a remarkable work of God has been taking place as people have been announcing the story about Jesus having been raised from the dead and being exalted by God as the world’s true king.  Calling people to allegiance to Christ, the early evangelists have seen the gospel bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world and Paul, who has never met these Christians, is keen to share how he has been praying and giving thanks for them ever since he first heard about them.

As with all churches, Paul sees this new community of people who have given their allegiance to Christ as a family who represent Christ on earth as siblings, deeply connected to each other in love, as people set apart as holy.  Notice the repetition of ‘holy’ and ‘faithful’. 

Longing that they will mature in the faith he prays for 5 things for them:

  • That God will fill them with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives
  • That they might live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way
  • That they might bear fruit in every good work
  • That they might grow in the knowledge of God
  • That they might be strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that they may have great endurance and patience
  • That they might be give joyful thanks to God, the Father, who has qualified them to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.

For Paul this is all life and death stuff.  Jesus came to rescue people from the coming wrath (Col 3:6), and to reconcile all things under his lordship, and to bring them into his kingdom (Col 1:19), by reaching out to us despite what we might deserve, to forgive our sins, and restore us into relationship with God once again.

Questions

  • What was the main message you got from the talk last Sunday?

  • What would it be like if your small group was the core of a new church plant?
  • What key things would you feel you needed, spiritually and practically, if you were to succeed and grow?
  • What would you be praying about?
  • What does the passage tell us about God, his plans and his character?
  • What does it tell us about ourselves, about people?
  • How should we respond in the light of this? Is there anything we need to do?
  • Who might we talk to about this?

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2 To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father.

3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people – 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6 that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world – just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

IT ALL STARTS AND ENDS WITH KING JESUS

COLOSSIANS 1:13-28

Background

Being rescued is a key metaphor for Paul because he sees all humans as trapped, or enslaved, in sin and by the dark powers in the world, and using redemption echoes the exodus from the slavery of Egypt to the freedom of the promised land.  Jesus is not simply looking to liberate Israel, but all humanity, including undeserving gentiles, and to bring all people together into one body, under Christ.

In this passage we find one of the greatest descriptions of who Jesus is and why he came in all of scripture.  Verses 15-19 are worth putting it to memory if you are able.

Here we see Jesus as the Son, the perfect image of God (a Genesis 1 reference), and the source of all life and the great reconciler bringing everything together under him.  Jesus is the head of the body (the new church which is full of both Jew and Gentile – a multi-ethnic community), the first to have been raised from the dead, and the one who’s blood has atoned for our sin, washing us clean and removing our shame.

Life, forgiveness, salvation, and rescue are all found in Christ and the challenge, therefore, is to remain in Christ and not be distracted again by the ways of the world.

In short, it all starts and ends in King Jesus.

And because of all that he has understood to be true of Christ, Paul has felt compelled to commit himself wholly to declaring the mystery that the gospel reveals to as many people as possible and to bring every as many possible into full maturity in Christ.  Something for which he is only too happy to suffer for.

Questions

  • What was the main message you got from the talk last Sunday?
  • If you had to put Col 1:15-20 in your own words, or to summarise it in one sentence, what would you say?
  • What is the key point about Jesus that Paul is making?
  • How are all things reconciled to God through Jesus’ death on the cross? Why is reconciliation such an important theme for Paul?
  • What does the passage tell us about God, his plans and his character?
  • What does it tell us about ourselves, about people?
  • How should we respond in the light of this? Is there anything we need to do?
  • Who might we talk to about this?

13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behaviour. 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, and do not move 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.

24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering 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 Lord’s people. 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 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

KEEPING IT SIMPLE

COLOSSIANS 2:1-23

Background

Carrying this young church plant in his heart, even though he didn’t plant it himself, Paul is motivated by a deep sense of commitment to them wanting them to be fully assured of the gospel that they have risked all for.  He worries that their inheritance might be taken away again if they are drawn back into either Greco-Roman polytheism or strict Jewish Torah observance.  The gospel of Jesus declares that neither of them lead to life – the former because the Greco-Roman deities are empty false gods that have been triumphed over by Jesus’ resurrection, and the later because (as he outlines in other letters) while the law highlights sin, it isn’t able to rescue us from it, and because Jesus has fulfilled the law perfectly on our behalf in his own obedience and faithfulness and therefore ‘in Christ’ Jew and Gentile alike can be saved by allegiance to Jesus alone.  Torah obedience, specifically, circumcision, certain food laws, and observing festivals and days, are not required.  To do so would nullify what God had accomplished in Christ.

Ultimately, it comes down to living in Christ and giving him our full allegiance.  Nothing more or less.  If we want to really live a new life, we have to remain faithful to our baptism – the place where we symbolised our own participation in the death and resurrection of Jesus – the death and resurrection that saves us.

 

Questions

  • What was the main message you got from the talk last Sunday?
  • Paul is anxious to help the church plant avoid falling back into old ways of thinking and believing that contradict the gospel he has announced to them. What are these?
  • How do these relate to us today? What dangers do we face?
  • How do we remain faithful to Jesus? What disciplines do we need to adopt to help us?
  • What does the passage tell us about God, his plans and his character?
  • What does it tell us about ourselves, about people?
  • How should we respond in the light of this? Is there anything we need to do?
  • Who might we talk to about this?

I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My goal 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 disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces[a] of this world rather than on Christ.

9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. 11 In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh[b] was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.

13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you[d] alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having cancelled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. 18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. 19 They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.

20 Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: 21 ‘Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!’? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

BEING HIDDEN IN CHRIST

COLOSSIANS 3:1-4

Background

This short passage is rich in meaning for us as followers of Jesus.  It assumes we understand what it means to have ‘died with Christ’ and to have been ‘raised with him’.  This relates to our baptisms where we participate in Jesus’ death and resurrection, making it our own and declaring that it is only Jesus’ death and resurrection that can save us and make us new.

Once we have really got this, it is important that we make every day an anticipation of the future world that is to come when Jesus returns. 

For Paul, God is doing a new thing in human history through Jesus, pulling together both Jew and Gentile making one new humanity, no longer enslaved to the powers of sin and death, but liberated to do the good works that God has prepared in advance for us to do, as a foretaste of the future that God will bring into being when Jesus returns.  Given this, it is helpful for us all, in our daily lives, to have our minds filled with a vision of this future so that our lives fit the story.  If we do this, when Christ returns and is revealed once again, we too will be included in his glorious future.

Questions

  • What was the main message you got from the talk last Sunday?
  • What are our hearts set on?
  • What does it mean to have our hearts set on ‘things above’?
  • What does it meant to have died to our old way of life and to be hidden in Christ with God?
  • What is the glory that awaits us?
  • What does the passage tell us about God, his plans and his character?
  • What does it tell us about ourselves, about people?
  • How should we respond in the light of this? Is there anything we need to do?
  • Who might we talk to about this?

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.

BEING THE COMMUNITY WE HAVE BEEN SAVED TO BE

COLOSSIANS 3:6-17

Background

Being practical and specific, Paul now sets out some obvious markers of the kind of things he is talking about when our ‘minds are set on things above’.  Just as we might pay off a mortgage, so Paul encourages this new church plant to ‘put to death’ any kind of behaviour and characteristic that doesn’t fit with the renewed future which we are destined for. 

We note that these primarily relate to how we relate to others and he starts by touching on how we express ourselves sexually, and economically.  Importantly, we need to take heed of the warning that God’s justice and righteous anger against all evil will eventually find expression in the end.  But perhaps even more importantly than this, we are being invited into a completely new kind of life, and a completely new kind of community expression, where our relationships with others are marked by compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  In other words – lives that look like our saviour, the image of God in human form, namely Jesus.  Living in Christ, disciplining ourselves to become the kind of people who naturally express his character and behaviour, will inevitably lead to harmonious and peaceful relationships with others in the church (God’s new community), relationships that are rich in pastoral care, spiritual encouragement, and positive influence.

All this, it seems will take intentional effort on our part.  Despite ourselves God has called us into a new community designed to show off God’s character and life.  This honour and grace is undeserved but it is not without cost.  It will take much work, work that is serious and most important.

Questions

  • What was the main message you got from the talk last Sunday?
  • What kind of things belong to our ‘earthly nature’?
  • How do we put them to death?
  • What does it mean to you to be told that you are chosen, holy and dearly loved by God?
  • Which of the characteristics mentioned in this passage speak to you most?
  • What difference does it make to others when we speak to them in scripture and spiritual songs?
  • How do we nurture a gratitude attitude?
  • What does the passage tell us about God, his plans and his character?
  • What does it tell us about ourselves, about people?
  • How should we respond in the light of this? Is there anything we need to do?
  • Who might we talk to about this?

5 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.[b] 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also 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 Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

12 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 one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 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 message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 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.

THE GOSPEL STARTS AT HOME

COLOSSIANS 3:18-4:1

Background

There is no area of life that has changed more in recent decades than the way we express ourselves as families.  Paul’s world was very different from ours and the household structures and relationships were hierarchical and patriarchal.  Applying the same logic of humble submission (a summary of Christ’s attitude – Phil 2) to family relationships, just as he has done to other relationships in the family of God, Paul gives specific guidance for the ways that gospel will impact family life in his day. 

We note that in every relationship Paul subverts the normal social hierarchy encouraging believers, no matter their status, to adopt a humble and meek posture to others, in keeping with their submission to Christ, as ultimate ‘master’.

Questions

  • What was the main message you got from the talk last Sunday?
  • What difference does Jesus make to relationships in the home and work?
  • What do you think about the words: submit, love, obey? What is the lin between them and Jesus?
  • Why are they challenging to us in our relationships?
  • Which relationship do we need to change or pay attention to most right now?
  • What does the passage tell us about God, his plans and his character?
  • What does it tell us about ourselves, about people?
  • How should we respond in the light of this? Is there anything we need to do?
  • Who might we talk to about this?

18 Wives, submit yourselves 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.

22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favour, 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 human masters, 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 their wrongs, and there is no favouritism.

4:1

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

WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER

COLOSSIANS 4:2-18

Background

The letter Paul writes to this new church plant ends with some closing encouragements and final greetings.  Once again Paul orientates the church towards prayer, asking God to protect them, and to open doors for the gospel to spread further, and for more people to give their allegiance to Jesus as King and Lord.  We see again just how focused Paul is on everyone being involved in making the most of every opportunity to spread the word.  To him, every day is an opportunity for God to change lives, every conversation, every workplace or neighbourhood, and if we are to make the most of these opportunities, we need to be ready and awake.

As with the other letters he writes, Paul ends personally, mentioning people and situations by name.  These passages are powerful in that they help paint a picture of the community around him, and the struggles and issues that they were facing.  They teach us about the context of mission Paul is engaging with and get us to reflect on our own context here in our day.  The letter finishes as it starts, full of energy and passion, full of intention and conviction. 

Questions

  • What was the main message you got from the talk last Sunday?
  • How much time and energy do we give to praying for others in ministry or mission, in our own church, or elsewhere?
  • Is there an area of church ministry your group would like to commit to prayer for on a regular basis?
  • If you were to write a letter of encouragement to someone else in the church right now, who would that be and what would you write?
  • What does the passage tell us about God, his plans and his character?
  • What does it tell us about ourselves, about people?
  • How should we respond in the light of this? Is there anything we need to do?
  • Who might we talk to about this?

 

2 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 towards 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.

7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant[a] in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our[b] 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.

10 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[c] 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 and sisters 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 ministry you have received in the Lord.’

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