Posts that reference the book of Colossians

Peace and Thanksgiving

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3:15

There is rarely a mention of the body of Christ without the mention of unity.
Here, unity is achieved through two things: peace and thanksgiving.

When we have peace,
When we are assured that our salvation is secure and can never be taken away,
When we know we have a place and a purpose …
We won’t be jockeying for position,
Or working to protect our turf,
Or trying to make ourselves look good.

When we are thankful,
When we receive with open hands and humble hearts,
When we understand that without the grace and mercy of God we would have nothing …
We won’t be overcome by a sense of entitlement,
Or distracted by our discontent,
Or rendered useless to the Kingdom by our envy.

Peace. Thanksgiving. Unity.

Study Tip: Demas in the Details

By Paula

“For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica.” 2 Timothy 4:10

At the end of Paul’s letters, he sends personal greetings to individual Christians. We know next to nothing about most of the people Paul mentions, but occasionally, we can follow a few extra references and get a behind the scenes look at the early church. One of those believers is a guy named Demas. He is first mentioned in Colossians 4:14. “Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.” Then again in Philemon verse 24. “As do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow laborers.”

So what does that tell us about Demas? We know Colossians was written while Paul was in prison in Rome. Demas’s mention indicates he was committed enough to minister to the apostle while he was under house arrest. In Philemon, Paul calls him a fellow laborer.

Most scholars believe those two letters were written within a couple of years of each other, around AD 60-62. However, by the time 2 Timothy was written five or six years later, the relationship had changed. Drastically. Paul says Demas has forsaken him. The Greek word for forsaken carries the idea of leaving someone helpless in the midst of a dire situation. Demas knew Paul was in a Roman dungeon and he utterly abandoned him. The apostle felt hurt and betrayed.

Demas’s reason? Paul says it was because Demas loved this present world. Interestingly, his name means “popular.” When the persecution amped up under Nero, Demas decided the cost was too great. He was not the first.

What can we learn from the brief account of Demas?

We shouldn’t be surprised when people walk away from the faith. Jesus predicted it would happen in Matthew 13:20-21. While we want everybody who hears the name of Jesus to respond with a lifelong commitment, it doesn’t work that way. Even full-time ministers like Demas are not exempt. We need to ensure our relationship with Christ remains vibrant.

Scripture never shies away from portraying our failures and weaknesses. With that kind of honesty, there is no question that the things accomplished were done by the hand of God through the power of the Holy Spirit. We should aim for transparency in our own lives.

Not everything is for public consumption. Did you notice when Paul had good things to say about Demas, he wrote those in general letters intended to be read in public and circulated among neighboring churches? His criticism came in a private letter written to the man he trusted most, Timothy. (Granted, the letter is in the Bible now where everyone can read it, but I think it’s for this lesson.) Take the opportunity to praise people in public, and highlight their work. Any shortcomings should be kept private.

If you want to study more “footnote” folks, try researching Trophimus, Epaphras, or Aristarchus.

Identified

By Paula

Not too long ago, I bought my daughter season one of Downton Abbey. And of course as soon as we finished watching it, we bought seasons two and three.

(Let me interrupt for just a moment. When I say “we” watch Downton Abbey, I mean my daughter and I, and my twelve year old son. Yes, my son. It began as mild interest because Maggie Smith (Professor McGonagall of the Harry Potter franchise) stars, but he is totally hooked now. One day I mentioned to him that, in all likelihood, there were not many other boys his age who watched Downton Abbey. He very matter-of-factly replied, “They don’t know anything about women.”)

In the last episode in season three, the family goes to visit the earl’s cousin in Scotland, and there is a fleeting scene with the household staff of the Scottish estate and the personal attendants of the earl’s family eating a meal together. The Scottish servants addressed their English counterparts, not by their given names, but by the name of the individual they served. Mr. and Mrs. Grantham were the valet and lady’s maid for Lord and Lady Grantham.

Their identity was determined by the one they served.

In Acts 11:26, it says “the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” They weren’t just “learners” any more. They were do-ers, imitators, “little Christs.” The name was meant to mock by those who spit it at the first century believers. In some circles, in some locations that’s still the case. The name carries a preconception to almost everyone who hears it. Often times because of those preconceptions or in our deference to political correctness, we shy away from the name.

He never does that to us though. He never mumbles under His breath that we belong to Him. No, He makes lavish declarations about us. In Scripture we are called:

His friends (John 15:15)
Holy, blameless, accepted (Ephesians 1:4-6)
His own special people (1 Peter 2:9)
A New creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Elect (Colossians 3:12)
Heirs (Titus 3:7)

And many others. The name “Christian” may be a slur to some, but it identifies me with the Savior I serve. I’ll gladly take the name.

Next week: One more Downton post.

Study Tip: Colossians

By Paula

Colossians contains a tremendous amount of theology and practical guidance in a tight four chapter package. It will take a few minutes to read, but much longer to digest. That's not to say Colossians is difficult or hard to understand. It's good stuff, worth savoring, and pondering.

What can welearn from Colossians?

Christology – Paul writes some beautifully profound words about Jesus Christ, His position and His work. Soak in those things and keep a list. (One note: When Paul uses the word "firstborn" to describe Christ, he is using it as a position or a title, much like we say "crown prince". He is affirming Christ's position of authority and anticipating His rule.)

Redemption – There are several rich passages about our redemption. Note those.

Heresy – What heresies was Paul addressing among the believers in Colosse? Do we face those same heresies? What truth does Paul use in response?

Living – Paul gives instructions, especially in chapters 3 and 4, about how we should live and function in a range of relationships. Keep track of the groups Paul addresses and what he says to each.

What insights have you gained from Colossians?

Preventing Chafing

By Paula

I have now run enough to get chafed. I'm not sure if that's a good milestone or a bad one, but it is a memorable one. The sting will transform that relaxing, post-run shower into a prying-yourself-from-the-ceiling moment. (Or worse, depending on where you happen to get chafed.)

It is almost solely a result of wearing the wrong type of clothing. Like cotton. I love cotton, but it quickly gets wet and having that wet clothing rubbing against you for a few miles is the easiest recipe for chafing.

Living around other folks we're bound to get chafed, too. With some people, it's their superpower, rubbing you the wrong way with everything they say or do. Just like with running, the key to preventing chafing is carefully choosing what you put on. In my quick search of the New Testament, I found these:

"For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Galatians 3:27

"…put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness." Ephesians 4:24

"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering" Colossians 3:12

"But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection." Colossians 3:14

Christ, the new man, tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering and love. See if those don't cut down on chafing.

Bored?

By Paula

One evening not too long ago, my son announced he was bored. You remember what that was like, to be ten and have nothing to do. It wasn't that there was 'nothing' to do, he just didn't want to do any of the 'somethings' that were available. He wasn't being adequately entertained. When we pressed him though, the truth came out. His sisters were busy. He had no audience. He wasn't the center of attention.

As adults, we still get bored, but many times we come up with better names for it- We're dissatisfied. Unsettled. Restless.

And the root causes are often the same. We aren't being entertained or we aren't getting enough attention.

So Jon and I and the two older kids talked about how to combat boredom. What could we replace it with? Here's what we came up with-

Diligence – "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might…" Ecclesiastes 9:10
Humility – "But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?” Romans 9:20
Gratefulness – Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Psalm 107:8
Contentment – "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have." Hebrews 13:5
Perspective – "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians 3:2

How do you fight off boredom?