"Practicing Evil..."

May 31, 2015

“Practicing Evil…”

Blessings folk!

Why do we do the things we do not want to do?
Why do we not do what we should do?

The struggle is in the flesh

Yet, we are victorious.
Why the struggle?

Because we do not abide in the Lord - John 15.
Because we give heed to the wants and desires of the flesh.

Rom 7:16-19
But if I do the very thing I do not want to do, I agree with the Law, confessing that the Law is good.
So now, no longer am I the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me.
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not.
For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.

The Law is good.
When we do the things we do not want to do, then we agree with the Law...that the Law is the standard..the plumb line.

It is sin that dwells within us that leads us to itself.

We are willing...willing in the flesh.
But, we are unable to do good in the flesh.

We will not do good in the flesh.
We will practice the very evil that we do not want.

What to do?

"I Do Not Understand..."

May 30, 2015

“I Do Not Understand…”

Blessings folk!

Paul is describing the struggle that he had...that we all have...with the flesh.
Carefully read the next verses…

Rom 7:14-15
For we know that the Law is spiritual, but I am of flesh, sold into bondage to sin.
For what I am doing, I do not understand; for I am not practicing what I would like to do, but I am doing the very thing I hate.

The Law is spiritual.
It revealed sin.
We know this.

We also know that we are of the flesh.
We see throughout the Word the juxtaposition of flesh/spirit.
We are sold into bondage to sin through the flesh.
This occurred at the rebellion of man in the garden of Eden.

What is the outcome?
We do not do what we want to do.
We practice something else.
We listen and follow the desire of the flesh rather than the voice of the Spirit.
We do the very things we hate.

More later.

For today, follow the Spirit, not the flesh.
Do that which He desires.
Not what we desire.

We are empowered to do so...by the Spirit.

"Good Cause Death?"

May 29, 2015

“Good Cause Death?”

Blessings folk!

So, what is the conclusion of that which we have seen...review…

Rom 7:9-12
I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin became alive and I died;
and this commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me;
for sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me.
So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.


So, was that which is good...the Law...become a source of death?
The answer...

Rom 7:13
Therefore did that which is good become a cause of death for me? May it never be! Rather it was sin, in order that it might be shown to be sin by effecting my death through that which is good, so that through the commandment sin would become utterly sinful.

It was sin.
The commandment reveals sin to be utterly sinful

We have victory over sin.
Yet, sin remains in the flesh.
Walk in victory.
Do so by abiding in the Lord.

"The Law: Holy, Righteous, Good"

May 28, 2015

“The Law: Holy, Righteous, Good”

Blessings folk!

These are holy truths that we are examining.
They give insight into the struggle we have...within and without.

The Spirit continues to lead Paul in describing the Law and sin to the Body of Christ in Rome…

Rom 7:9-12
I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin became alive and I died;
and this commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me;
for sin, taking an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me.
So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.

Begin with the last line.

The Law is holy.
The commandment is holy.
It is righteous.
It is good.
Keep this in mind.

Paul declares he once lived apart from the Law.
But, when the commandment came and he was aware...he understood...then sin became alive for him and he died.
He then knew what was right/wrong.
The commandment which was to result in life...to not sin...resulted in death.
Why? How?
Now being aware of sin, the sin took opportunity...deceived him. Killed him.

In the flesh we cannot control sin.
In the flesh that which was to result in life results in death.

So then, the Law is holy, righteous, good.

What is the conclusion?

We shall see...

"Every Kind of Coveting..."

May 27, 2015

“Every Kind of Coveting…”

Blessings folk!

We have seen that Paul states that he only came to know sin through the Law.
The specific sin that God used was “covet”.

Rom 7:7-8
What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “YOU SHALL NOT COVET.”
But sin, taking opportunity through the commandment, produced in me coveting of every kind; for apart from the Law sin is dead.

Note what sin did.
Sin took opportunity through the commandment.
That is interesting.
What does it mean?

The Law states that we should not covet…

Exo 20:17
“You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

Note that this is part of what we call “The Ten Commandments”.
They are a succinct redaction of the total Law.
They are in the Old Testament.
So many reject the Old Testament saying that they are “new testament” christians.
You cannot understand the New without the Old.

The awareness of the sin of coveting produced within Paul a coveting of every kind.
Upon realizing that coveting was sin, he understood that much of what he did was coveting...all kinds.

It is the Law that brings sin to life.
We know what sin is.

So it is with us.

But, thank the Lord Who has set up free.
We fulfill the Law through the Lord.
We have abundant life through Him.
We are set free from sin.
Free to live.

"Is the Law Sin?"

May 26, 2015

“Is the Law Sin?”

Blessings folk!

We as Believers have died to the Law.
We are released from the Law.

Reread the following.
It is important to be reminded of the context when continuing through the chapter.

Romans 7:4-6
Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.
For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.
But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.


Now, the next verses…

Rom 7:7
What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “YOU SHALL NOT COVET.”

The Spirit was using Paul to write these truths to the church at Rome and to us.
He had never been to Rome, nor met most of them.
He wrote a series of questions that he anticipated they had, then answered.

He does so here.

Paul knew that some would say that the Law was sin and caused sin.
Such is not true in the strictest sense.

Is the Law sin?
May it never be! (This response is seen several times in Romans)

The truth is contrary.
The Law is not sin.
The Law defined sin.
Paul says he would not have known what sin was if not for the Law.
He gives a personal example - coveting.
He would not have known about coveting - “desiring, yearning to have/possess something” - if not for the Law.

We will see much more about “Law” as we proceed.

For today, know that we fulfill the Law in and through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Mat 5:17
“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.

"But Now..."

May 25, 2015

“But Now…”

Blessings folk!

We were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ.
We have been joined to Christ who was raised from the dead.
This is how we bear fruit.

Romans 7:4
Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.


Now, read who we are…

Rom 7:5-6
For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death.
But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound, so that we serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.

We were…

  • in the flesh
  • in sinful passions
  • aroused by the Law. The Law made us aware of the sin in our lives...what was sin.
  • bearing fruit of death because the sinful passions were working in the member of our body

We are now…
  • released from the Law
  • dead to that which bound us...sinful passions
  • serving in the newness Spirit
  • not serving in the oldness of the letter of the Law

The “now” life of the Spirit is that which the Lord designed for each of us.
Empowered by the Spirit.
Life abundant.

Which life are you living?
Are you bound by the religious practices of the Law?
Are you fulfilling the Law by the Life of the Spirit?

"Made to Die, Joined to Another"

May 24, 2015

“Made to Die, Joined to Another”

Blessings folk!

As True Believers, we must understand what has taken place in our lives.
If we understand what/who we are, then we will be able to appropriate the Life the Lord has released within us.

Hear the Word of the Lord…

Romans 7:4
Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.

Several foundational truths here.
Learn them.
Believe them.

We were made to die to the Law.
We are dead to the Law...the Mosaic Law.
We do so through the Body of Christ.

The reason?
So that we might be joined to another.
Joined to Who?
To Him who was raised from the dead.
There it is.
The resurrection.
Jesus was raised from the dead.

We are made to die to the Law and to self.
We are joined to the Lord Jesus...the Body of Christ.

Why?
In order that we might bear fruit for God.

This is the basic position of the Believer.
Dead to self.
Alive to Christ.
Bearing fruit.

Romans 6:11
Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

"A Heritage and Reward"

May 23, 2015

“A Heritage and Reward”

Blessings folk!

At this moment 29 years my wife was literally being wired.
A baby was coming. (I would do that different now...never let a doctor dictate timing based upon a holiday schedule&hellipWinking
Three hours later...Lenee.
Yes, I wanted to name her “Joshua”..means “Yah is salvation”, “God saves”.
I was over ridden.

Psa 127:1-5
[[A Song of degrees for Solomon.]]

Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.
Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

These truths are never to be forgotten.
Children are:

  • a heritage from the Lord
  • a reward from the Lord
  • as arrows in the hand of a might man

Happy/blessed is the man that has a quiver full of children.
Such a man will not be ashamed.

What are you doing with the blessing of children that the Lord has granted?
The days will pass quickly by.
Begin today.
Let the past be the past.
Seek His kingdom and His righteousness with you children and watch what the Lord will do.

Pro 17:6
Grandchildren are the crown of old men,
And the glory of sons is their fathers.
Psa 128:6
Indeed, may you see your children’s children.
Peace be upon Israel!

"Appropriate the Victory"

May 22, 2015

“Appropriate the Victory”

Blessings folk!

Forget not.
As True Believers we are victorious.
We have the victory.
Victory over death.
Victory in this life.

Give heed to the Truth of the Victory…

1Jo 5:4
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.

The victory lies in our faith.
Our faith in God.
This overcomes the world.

1Co 15:54-57
But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory.
“O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law;
but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Victory will swallow up death.
Our victory is in/through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore…

  • give thanks
  • walk in the victory
  • appropriate the victory we have in all things
  • rejoice in the victory of the Lord

Psa 98:1
A Psalm.
O sing to the LORD a new song,
For He has done wonderful things,
His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him.

1Ch 29:11
“Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth; Yours is the dominion, O LORD, and You exalt Yourself as head over all.

"Destroy...Take Captive"

May 21, 2015

“Destroy...Take Captive”

Blessings folk!

The shield of faith.
It enables us to fiend off the fiery darts of the evil one.

Eph 6:16
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.


We are in a battle.
The enemy seeks to kill, steal, destroy.

Read what the Lord says…

2 Co 10:3-6
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh,
for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.
We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,
and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.

Look at what we as True Believers are to do…

  • not war according to the flesh, though we walk (exist) in the flesh
  • destroy fortresses...spiritual fortresses…
  • use the divinely powerful weapons of warfare...not of the flesh
  • destroy speculations
  • destroy lofty things raised up against the knowledge of God
  • take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ

We are called...we have a responsibility and instruction...to destroy speculations related to the knowledge of God. And yet, we allow things to be taught in “bible schools”, seminaries and the like that usually shock folk when they hear them.

We are called...we have a responsibility and instruction...to destroy the lofty things raised up against the knowledge of God. Yet, we do not do so. Note the intensity. Destroy! Not massage. Not placate. Destroy these “lofty things”.

We are called...we have a responsibility and instruction...to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

How different would our lives be if every thought...everyone...was submitted to the obedience of the Lord.

"Discipline and Faith"

May 20, 2015

“Discipline and Faith”

Blessings folk!

We saw yesterday that we are to exercise self-control in all things.
All things.
Physical.
Spiritual.
Self-control.
Impossible in the flesh.
Possible in the Spirit.
Self controlled by the Spirit.

1Co 9:23-27
I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.
Everyone who competes in the games
exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;
but I
discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.


We “box not at the air”.
We allow the Spirit to control.

But, what of the constant barrage of thoughts, temptations?

Eph 6:16
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

The enemy and wicked will fire off fiery darts.
We can quench them.
We are able.
We do so by faith...the shield of faith.

As True Believers, the faith that we have from the Lord does battle for us.
Appropriate it.
Live in faith.
...to be continued...

"Beating the Air..."

May 19, 2015

“Beating the Air…”

Blessings folk!

There is a dearth of teaching and preaching of the Word of the Lord.

So much of what passes as “preaching” and “teaching” is no more than a verbal barrage of religious, pious words.
Where is the simple teaching of the Word?
Where is the simple proclamation of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus?

We try to be “twice too cute”.
We try to be intelligent, sensitive, attractive.

The Spirit led Paul to speak to this.
He desired to run the race to the end...to run in a way to win.

1Co 9:23-27
I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.
Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air;
but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

As you speak/teach/preach the Word, do not do so as in beating the air.
Speak the Truth.
Hone in on the Truth.
Do not dance around the Truth.
Grasp the Truth and proclaim it.

Follow the commands of the Lord:

  • run in such a way that you may win
  • exercise self-control in all things
  • run with aim
  • box with aim
  • do not beat at the air
  • discipline yourself/you body
  • do not be disqualified

"Read, Take Heed"

May 18, 2015

“Read, Take Heed,”

Blessings folk!

Paul is closing his letter to the church in the region of Colossae.
The letter was not limited to them.
Read and see.

Col 4:17-18
When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea.
Say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”
I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you.

The letters that were written were passed from one group to another.
They were encouraged to share the truths written to each one.

Paul then speaks a word of exhortation to a particular individual, Archippus.

  • take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord
  • fulfill it.

A word for all of us.
Take heed to that which you have received from the Lord.
Fulfill it.
Be not slothful.
Be not lazy.
Listen not to the lies of the evil one.

Then, Paul closes the letter with a greeting in his own hand...he wrote it. The previous portion would have been written by someone who was receiving the Word from Paul...a Amanuensis. He wrote it with his own hand as a form of signature, a verification of authenticity.

Paul then requests that they remember his imprisonment.
Pray for him.
Be obedient to the leading of the Lord.

Then he spoke grace over them.

May we do likewise.

"Luke and Laodicea"

May 17, 2015

“Luke and Laodicea”

Blessings folk!

Luke sends his greetings.
Remember, Luke is with Paul.

Col 4:14-15
Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and also Demas.
Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her house.

This is how we know that Luke was a physician.
Paul...and others… loved him.

Demas says “hi”.

Then greetings are passed to other portions of the Body of Christ...those in Laodicea. They were a vibrant Body...at this time…
Later?
Remember Revelation?

Rev 3:14-16
“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this:
‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot.
‘So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.

One final thought.
Note where the church met.
In the house of Nympha…a woman.
Her name means “bridegroom”.
How appropriate.
May we live as the Bridegroom of Christ.
Open the homes.

"Epaphras"

May 16, 2015

“Epaphras”

Blessings folk!

Paul continues to send farewells from those with him to the church Body in the Colossae area.

Col 4:12-13
Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.
For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis.

In the Word we meet Epaphras and Epaphroditus.
They likely are the same person.
They may be two different people.
It was a very common man, i.e. “Robert/Bob”.

For our purpose now we will treat them as the same person.

Epaphras is an example of a Kingdom person…

  • of the folk in Colossae
  • a bondslave of Jesus Christ
  • labored earnestly for them in his prayers...he prayed for them...labored over them in prayer. Why?
    • that they might stand perfect
    • that they might be fully assured of the will of God in all things
  • had a deep concern for the church in the region

We learn more of him…

Phm 1:23
Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,

  • a fellow prisoner


Phl 2:25
But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need;

Phl 4:18
But I have received everything in full and have an abundance; I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent, a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.

  • a brother
  • a fellow worker
  • a fellow soldier


May we live in like fashion…

  • laboring over one another in prayer
  • bondslaves of the Lord Jesus Christ
  • concerned for His Body
  • fellow brothers, workers, soldiers

…to the praise of the glory of His grace...

"Fellow Workers from..."

May 15, 2015

“Fellow Workers from…”

Blessings folk!

One more look at the passage...get not bored. Ask the Lord to continue His revelation in all portions of the Word.

Col 4:10-11
Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas’s cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him);
and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me.


Paul had companions with him.
Aristarchus, a fellow prisoner.
Mark.
Jesus/Justus.

They were fellow workers for the Kingdom of God.
They encouraged Paul.
They are from the circumcision...they were Jews.
They shared the background/culture of Judaism with Paul.

This was important for Paul.
He had a tremendous passion for “his people” - the Jews.
He desired that they would acknowledge Jesus as Messiah.
Look at how much he desired this.

Rom 9:1-5
I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit,
that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart.
For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh,
who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, and the glory and the covenants and the giving of the Law and the temple service and the promises,
whose are the fathers, and from whom is the Christ according to the flesh, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

Paul would “wish...myself were accursed, separated from Christ...”...abdicate his salvation if possible...if it meant that his people would believe.

Do we likewise?
Do we wish that those from “our background” would walk in Christ?
Do we desire for them to walk in the fullness of the Lord?
I know I do.
In my case, it is the Baptist.
I desire that we all walk in power, in passion, in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, in love, in compassion, in grace.

Do the work to pursue such.

"Mark: Restored"

May 14, 2015

“Mark: Restored”

Blessings folk!

Col 4:10-11
Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas’s cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him);
and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me.


Mark had left the group on the first trip…

Act 15:37-38
Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also.
But Paul kept insisting that they should not take
him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.


But look at the balance of the Word.
John Mark was not useless.
Paul, writing later at the end of his life said…

2Ti 4:11
Only Luke is with me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.

And Peter says…

1Pe 5:13
She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son, Mark.

It is believed that this is the Mark that wrote the gospel of Mark.

He also might have been the biblical streaker…

Mar 14:51-52
A young man was following Him, wearing nothing but a linen sheet over his naked body; and they seized him.
But he pulled free of the linen sheet and escaped naked.


We all stumble...fall…
Mark abandoned the group.
Yet, the Lord restored Him mightily.

Fear not.
Remember.

Pro 24:16
For a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again,
But the wicked stumble in time of calamity.

Arise!
Press on!

"Mark...Subject of Disagreement"

May 13, 2015

“Mark...Subject of Disagreement”

Blessings folk!

There are many truths to be learned in the Word.
Many “hidden” directly in front of our faces in portions that we often gloss over...the “begats”, “the ‘hellos/goodbyes’ ”, etc.

Yesterday, we saw some things about Aristarchus.

Today, consider Mark…

Col 4:10-11
Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas’s cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him);
and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me.


Mark is Barnabas’ cousin.
Barnabas was Paul’s traveling companion on Paul’s first journey.
Mark went with them.

Acts 15 tells of a conflict between Paul and Barnabas…

Act 15:36-41
After some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.”
Barnabas wanted to take John, called Mark, along with them also.
But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.
And there occurred such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.
But Paul chose Silas and left, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.
And he was traveling through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

On considering a second journey, Barnabas wanted to take Mark again.
Mark had left them the first time.
We do not know why.
Paul apparently did not appreciate it.
Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement, offered a second chance.

They so sharply disagreed that they decided to visit the same places, journeying from opposite directions!

Those of y’all that are experiencing transitions in your local body give heed.
Such is nothing new.

I believe that the Lord often uses such things…”Pauline/Barnabas” sharp disagreement… to His greater purposes.

Often, He disperses the Body for His purposes.

One last thing.

Note that Mark was now with Paul.
Paul wanted them to welcome Mark if he came to them.

Something changed after the sharp disagreement…

"Aristarchus"

May 12, 2015

“Aristarchus”

Blessings folk!

Paul is closing the letter to the church at Colossae.
He is sending greeting and instructions.

Col 4:10-11
Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas’s cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him);
and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me.

We learn more of who is with Paul as he is writing.

Read what we learn about Aristarchus from the Word.

Act 19:29
The city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul's traveling companions from Macedonia.

Act 20:4
And he was accompanied by Sopater of Berea, the son of Pyrrhus, and by Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.

Act 27:2
And embarking in an Adramyttian ship, which was about to sail to the regions along the coast of Asia, we put out to sea accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica.

Col 4:10
Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas's cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him);

Phm 1:24
as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers.

We learn that Aristarchus was…

  • a traveling companion of Paul from Thessalonica, Macedonia
  • accompanied Paul...even unto prison...a fellow prisoner
  • a fellow worker
Paul, the Apostle, had many that helped him on a daily basis.
Aristarchus, a fellow worker, was faithful regardless of situation.
He voluntarily followed Paul through the beatings, arrests, storms, shipwrecks and imprisonments.

May we do likewise.
May we be faithful in that which the Lord has called.

"My Affairs..."

May 11, 2015

“My Affairs…”

Blessings folk!

There are portions of the Word that we too often skip, glance over, give little attention.
This is to our detriment.
Sometimes it is the “begets”.
Sometimes it is the intro/greeting.
Sometimes, as in this case, it is the farewell statements.

Read…

Col 4:7-9
As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information.
For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts;
and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your number. They will inform you about the whole situation here.

Paul desired for those in Colossae to know of His situation.
It is evident that he did not wish to communicate the situation via letter.
Therefore, Tychicus would tell them.

Note the character of Tychicus

  • beloved brother
  • faithful servant
  • fellow bondservant in the Lord

Tychicus was sent by Paul for the purpose of communicating.
He was also sent to encourage the Colossians.

Tychicus did not travel alone.
Onesimus was with him. His character?
  • faithful
  • beloved brother
  • of the Colossians

We see Tychicus and Onesimus in other portions of the Word.
Read.
Consider what they were doing.
Consider what is said of them.
Consider the letter where they are mentioned.

Act 20:4
And he was accompanied by Sopater of Berea, the son of Pyrrhus, and by Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.

Eph 6:21
But that you also may know about my circumstances, fnhow I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make everything known to you.

Col 4:7
As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information.

2Ti 4:12
But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.

Tit 3:12
When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.

Col 4:9
and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your number. They will inform you about the whole situation here.

Phm 1:10
I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment,

May we be found as faithful for the work of the Kingdom.

"Salt..."

May 10, 2015

“Salt…”

Blessings folk!

Another command…

Col 4:6
Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.

Our speech should always manifest the grace of the Lord.
When speaking truth - grace.
When in a combative conversation - grace.
When speaking… - grace.

An example is given.
“As though seasoned with salt”.
Our speech should do the same thing that salt does..

  • enhances flavor
  • preserves
  • heals
  • cleaning

Apparently there are more than 14,000 beneficial uses of salt.

Each word we speak carries powerful opportunity for good.

May the grace of the Lord speak through us.
May we know what we are to speak to each person.

"Outsiders..."

May 9, 2015

“Outsiders…”

Blessings folk!

The Spirit continues to instruct us.

Col 4:5
Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.

“Outsiders” refers to those who are outside of the faith. Unbelievers.

We are to conduct ourselves with wisdom toward them.
What does this mean?
Must we be careful to not be entrapped by their sin?
Certainly.
There are many other possible understandings.

The last phrase gives a clue to the proper interpretation.

“Making most of the opportunity” related to them.

This means that we conduct ourselves in a manner before them in which we are always seizing the opportunities to present the gospel, to manifest the Presence of the Lord, to love them with the love of the Lord.

We conduct our selves in a manner that will open the Kingdom for them.

We manifest “agape” love. Love that has what is best for the other as the highest goal.

May we do so.

"Devoted to Prayer..."

May 8, 2015

“Devoted to Prayer…”

Blessings folk!

The Spirit has told us...masters, slaves, children, wives, husbands...how to behave.

Now, some direct instruction...commands.
Then, a personal request from Paul.

Col 4:2-4
Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;
praying at the same time for us
as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned;
that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.

The Spirit is telling all Believers to pray...devotedly.
We are to devote ourselves to prayer.
We are to keep alert in prayer.
Jesus warned us about the last days - in Matthew 24-25 - to be alert.
Not alert in the flesh.
Not alert in the attitude and strategies of man.
Alert in prayer

But, not just alertness.
We are to be alert with an attitude of thanksgiving.
This is amazing.
I suspect that we are to be alert due to negative circumstances, yet we are to be giving thanks.

Paul then request that they pray for him.
What for?
Protection?
Provision?
No.
He wanted God to open doors for the Word.
He wanted to speak forth the mystery of God, but he knew that only God can open the doors.
He was asking the Body to join with him in prayer.
- That the doors would be open.
- That he could speak forth the mystery of Christ.

  • That he would speak clearly as he should.

May we pray in this manner...

"Family: Masters..."

May 7, 2015

“Family: Masters…”

Blessings folk!

The Lord has been showing us how we as Believers are to relate to one another.

Again, these are Believers.

Therefore, there are Believers that are slaves, husbands, wives, children, father.

Now, masters.

Col 4:1
Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven.

Note what masters are to do.
Grant to their slaves justice.
Grant to their slaves fairness.

Such is somewhat alien in our cultural thoughts.
How can one be a slave, yet receive justice and fairness?

Remember what we have previously learned…

Col 3:11
a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.

One is renewed within the inner man.
Circumstances without might remain the same.

Life in Christ is for all man, regardless of “position/status” in society.

Masters are to also remember that they have a Master in heaven.
Knowing this will give guidance in providing justice and fairness.
The justice of God, not of man.
The fairness of God, not of man.

Masters, rule rightly in justice, fairness and love.

"Unwilling to Work..."

May 6, 2015

“Unwilling to Work…”

Blessings folk!

We have seen that we are to work.

A little more insight…

1Th 4:11
and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you,

2Th 3:10-13
For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either.

For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.

Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread.

But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.


Refusal to work leads to...

  • not eating (this is a major problem in our society...folk are able to eat, though they refuse to work, they are encouraged to not work...it actually “pays more” to not work… a perversion of the principles of the Lord)
  • an undisciplined life
  • acting as a busybody

Such should not be.
We should work...even/especially if “retired” from a previous career.
We should live a quiet life...not riotous, not busybodying…
We should never grow weary of doing good.

Remember, reward awaits.
Reward from the Lord for good…

Col 3:23-24
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,
knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.


Reward of inheritance.

Also, remember that the Lord will reward the evil…

Col 3:25
For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.

Do wrong, in this context not working heartily, and consequences of the wrong will come.
This will happen without respect to person.

Therefore, today, in all we do, do unto the Lord.
It is He that we serve.

"Hearty Work..."

May 5, 2015

“Hearty Work…”

Blessings folk!

Here is a truth that is rarely considered in the Body of Christ.

It pertains to slaves...servants...employees.

We have seen how wives, husbands, children, fathers are to relate.
We saw some yesterday about slaves.

Now…

Col 3:23-24
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,
knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

It is our attitude that is addressed.

Whatever you do...regardless of what type of work...do it…

  • heartily...the Greek word translated “heartily” is interesting… psychÄ“ - “breath of life”, “living, vital force”, “the soul - the seat of the emotions”.
  • as for the Lord...rather than for men
  • knowing that it is the Lord that you are serving
  • knowing that the Lord will grant the reward of the inheritance

This totally changes the way we look at work.
Rejoice in where the Lord has us.
Work heartily.
Know that hearty work reflects the Lord and is a testimony unto Him.
Remember that we will be rewarded.
Remember that in so doing, we serve the Lord.

Work.
Be not a Sloth.

"Masters On Earth"

May 4, 2015

“Masters On Earth”

Blessings folk!

The Spirit is instructing us through the letter written to the church at Ephesus.
We are learning how to relate to one another.
We have received insight related to wives, husbands, children and fathers.

Now, slaves…

Col 3:22
Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.

Most will immediately, with defense, declare that they are not slaves.
Such is not true.
Remember, there is no greater slave than he who thinks he is free.

Most “free” western societies today endure far greater “slavery” than previous times of slavery, feudalism and indentured servitude.

Regardless, slave/employees? are instructed.

We are to obey the master/the boss.
We are not to obey with just external service...not for show, having a heart of resentment and rebellion. Not just for the pleasing of men.
We are to obey with sincerity of heart.

Why?

Fear of the Lord.

From honor, awe and respect of the Lord we are to obey.
Obeying pleases the Lord.

There is more...later…

For today, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth...

"Family: Fathers..."

May 3, 2015

“Family: Fathers…”

Blessings folk!

We have seen some of what the Word says to wives, husbands and children.
Now, fathers…

Col 3:18-21
Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.
Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.
Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.


Fathers are told forthrightly to not exasperate your children.
Do not frustrate.
Why?
So that they will not lose heart.
Do not crush their spirits.
Fathers play a significant part of the proper development of the heart.
(That explains much of what is happening in our society today)

The Word gives fathers additional insight into raising children...

Eph 6:4
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Do not provoke to anger.
Bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

May our children be able to glory…

Pro 17:6
Grandchildren are the crown of old men,
And the glory of sons is their fathers.


"Family: Children..."

May 2, 2015

“Family: Children...”

Blessings folk!

Children are instructed as to how they relate in the family…

Col 3:18-21
Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.
Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.
Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.


Children are to be obedient to their parents in all things.
Why?
It is well-pleasing to the Lord.

Note that there is no age limit.

Children are to be obedient.
A wise parent will know how to live within this as children mature.

Eph 6:1-3
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise),
SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH.

Obedience is reflective of honor.
We are to honor Father and Mother.
A commandment with a promise…

  • that it will be well with you
  • that you may live long on the earth

We know that Believers are to honor one another…

Rom 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;

Be obedient.
Honor.
Live a long life.

"Family: Husbands..."

May 1, 2015

“Family: Husbands…”

Blessings folk!

The Lord is showing us how we should live together - beginning with the family.

Wives are to be submissive to their husbands.

Husbands…

Col 3:18-21
Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.
Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.
Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.


Husbands are commanded to love their wives.
They are told to not be embittered against them.

Note that wives are not explicitly instructed to love their husbands.
Why?
Women will love a man that truly loves them.

Men are directly told to love their wives.
Most husbands will do grand things for their wives...provide, die for them, etc...but, do they love them?

Consider these other passages that give additional insight…

Eph 5:23
For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body.

Eph 5:33
Nevertheless, each individual among you also is to love his own wife even as himself, and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband.

1Pe 3:1
In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives,

1Pe 3:5
For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands;

1Pe 3:7
You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.


We see more of the family governmental truth mentioned earlier.
The husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the church.
The husband is to love his wife as himself.
The husband is to live with is wife in an understanding way, as with a weaker vessel. Not an inferior vessel. A more precious vessel. A sensitive vessel. One to be guarded.
One to be honored...so that prayers will not be hindered.

The wife is the head of the home.
A submissive wife’s life will perhaps lead a disobedient husband to salvation.

These are vivid, clear instruction for how we are to live.

Do so and watch the change the Lord brings.