Day 343, 9th December Bible Commentary With Dr Oluwatoyin Ojo From the Book of Colossians.
GOD’S CHOSEN
COLOSSIANS 1:24-29
Apostle Paul accepts afflictions for the sake of Christ — His church.
To the Gentiles–(us)– “God has chosen to make known the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” v.27
Paul’s experience; the demands of ministry on him is expected on us as well — To contend and to ensure by all means a fully mature church {believer(s) we influence}.
CHAPTER 2:1-23
Paul continues to explain now that he contends (in prayers and hope) for the church in Colossae and Laodicea even those he has not met personally (v.1)
We must not forfeit what we could do for one another in Spirit —that the body (of Christ; the believers) being strengthened, encouraged, united may realise fully the mystery of God {that being CHRIST}. v.2-7
Whether absent or present we do much in prayer, hope, and good projection (use your mind well, think good thoughts toward the brethren); “ as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” v.6-7
WE BEING BROUGHT INTO FULLNESS BY HIM WHO IS THE HEAD OVER
EVERY POWER AND AUTHORITY; therefore we advance the true doctrine of Christ — the circumcision of the heart, not trapped by the deceptive standards of this world.
You are made alive with Christ; forgiven, “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. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” v.14-15
Note that what you eat and drink [even the argument on wine/alcohol, pork, tobacco etc], religious festivals, New Moon, or Sabbath day are of less consequence.
Focusing on Christ “do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you.” v.18.
Also note that the study/worship of angels is disarming you of your power which otherwise comes of its own accord to you when you focus on him solely (ponder on v.19-20).
(v.21-23) — Don’t conform to earthly measures.
CHAPTER 3:1-25
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ set your heart on things above, where CHRIST IS, SEATED AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD” v.1 Your life is now hid with Christ in God.
Consciously, “put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire and greed, which is idolatry” v.5, and do away with “anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy
language from your lips” v.8 — They are acts of disobedience that attract God’s wrath.
In our new pattern of life, we do not lie to each other — aware of our creator as we become like him.
“Here, there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.” v.11
AS GOD’S CHOSEN; in life, our style is designed by “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” (v.12)
BEAR AND FORGIVE “as the Lord forgave you”. v.13.
Let love be your mantra — “ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” v.14
PEACE
Fill your hearts with peace. Peace is what we allow as individual members of the body of Christ – it is a condition of the heart. Be thankful (v.15).
This way you can dwell on Christ; admonish and manifest power through the use of
“psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing songs to God with gratitude from your hearts” v.16. It will be that our acts will be for Jesus and in gratitude to the Father (Godhead).
v.18-25
BE A GENTLEMAN!
God speaks to every member of the family (v.18) with a distinguishing responsibility for each; Because it is in their obedience to this, our glory, beauty, and honour is made manifest.
• The wife to submit,
• The husband to love as a gentleman, ever lovingly persuading; lovingly perceiving
• Children obeying — their part {(path) it's dual} to successful and admirable independence.
• Fathers — providing encouragement and courage, not aggression.
• Employees/Domestic staff — serve as unto the Lord, thereby redeeming your second reward from the Lord (the divine).
CHAPTER 4:1-18
EVER HEARD THAT LIFE’S NOT FAIR? The saying is evil!
God Commands Fairness! (v.5) — Masters, employers are monitored by heaven.
(v.2-6)— PRAY PRAY PRAY
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” v.2
By now we are familiar with the apostle Paul’s conversation and call into the ministry as a unique and very express one.
Now, if the apostle Paul called so expressly by Jesus requires prayers to make possible his ministry; how much prayer do you think your pastor require?! And you?
(v.1-4).
The apostle Pauls request for prayers:“Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” v.4-5. He also requests prayers for open doors!
Be graceful; seasoned, answer wisely (v.6)
CLOSING THIS LETTER; (v.7-18)
There were mentions;
TYCHICUS AND ONESIMUS:- sharing news for encouragement and update – (approved channel)– in modern church administration you think of them as approved channels for dissemination of news / chosen journalists affiliated to the church. Does your ministry have approved journalists or PR personnel? It is in fact contemporary for individuals to have such structures in place to avoid rumours, misinformation, blackmail and malice.
More so, the internet/social media, place a different dimension on ministry; people want to hear: about you, from you! The management of this could pose some emotional pressure, better put requires emotional intelligence. The more ready the better.
Paul closes his letter with greetings from his friends:
• in ministry Aristarchus {(a fellow prisoner), oh dear! Paul certainly had some colleagues!)}, Mark, Jesus-Justus, and some warmth from Epaphras (he
intercedes for them - he prays consistently for churches in the region). v.10-13 • And Dr. Luke and Demas (v.14)
He honours all brothers and sisters, with a special mention of Sister Nympha by name - a church is in her house! (v.15)
A word in season sent to ARCHIPPUS! (v.17) — for the many such words of encouragement come when on the brink.
THE DESIRED REACH OF THIS LETTER WAS:
The churches in Colossae, and Laodicea.
It has however reached the 195 countries of the world. HalleluJah❕
NIGHT:
The virtues in Colossians 3:12 are the evidence of our faith; •Compassion •Kindness •Humility •Gentleness •Patience
©️ 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Dr. Oluwatoyin Emiola Ojo.
Warmth
Toyin
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