Something Greater

Continuing in Prayer, Part 2: The Mystery of Christ At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison — that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Colossians 4:3-4 (ESV) It seems odd at first glance to see Paul describing the gospel as a mystery. For modern readers, a mystery is what hides a crime. Why would Paul use this word? What do you think? Describe your experience before coming to Christ. In what way was the gospel a mystery to you? Mystery: mysterion ( a secret ), from muo (shut the mouth), through the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites. We use the words, mum or mute, as well as mystery - all related to this same Greek word. Jesus referred to His parables as the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, truth that is not available unless explained by the Spirit of God . (Matthew 13) Understanding hidden truth from God is a spiritu...

Continuing in Prayer, Part 1: Watchful Thankfulness Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2 (ESV) What do you think? Does the Bible teach that Christians should pray a certain amount of time each day, or a specific time of the day? Does "continue steadfastly" mean lots of prayer, or does it mean heartfelt prayer? Paul urges the Christians in Colossae to pray, but not simply pray. He says they should continue steadfastly in prayer . What did he mean? Continue steadfastly: proskartereo ( to persevere, be constantly diligent, adhere closely to ), from "forward to" and "be strong". Being watchful: gregoreo ( to keep awake, to watch ), related to ageiro (to gather), as in collecting one's faculties. With thanksgiving: eucharistia ( gratitude, grateful language ), from "good" and "favor". Paul defines steadfast prayer as being watchful and thankful in prayer . He connects t...

A System of Prayer: Problem? Is prayer a duty, or is it a privilege? Is joy essential to salvation, or an optional by-product? I had been thinking about the tension a Christian sometimes feels between duty and joy. The next day an unexpected encouragement came from a post by a friend, Paul LeBoutillier (www.ccontario.com). Paul graciously allowed me to repost it. As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? (Psalms 42:1-2, NIV) The slave to the "system of prayer" soon finds that his prayers lose their freedom and become less spontaneous, less effective. He finds himself concerned over matters that should give him no concern whatever—how much time he spent in prayer yesterday, whether he did or did not cover his prayer list for the day, whether he gets up as early as he used to do or stays up in prayer as late at night. Inevitably the calendar crowds out the Sp...

The Genealogy of Good News How would you present the gospel in a brief sentence? Perhaps something like, "We are all born sinners, doomed to death, but God Himself took human form, took the punishment for our sin, so that we could live forever with Him in heaven." Or perhaps an essential verse of Scripture: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life; for God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (John 3:16-17) A comprehensive, yet concise, presentation of the gospel can be derived from just the names of the first man, Adam, and his nine descendents. The original meanings of each of these ten names can become part of a single sentence that communicates the Good News of redemption and regeneration in Christ . Note: This study was inspired and based upon a much more comprehensive article by Chuck Missle...

Family and Work, Part 4: Slave and Master Colossians 3:22-25, 4:1 Surprisingly, Paul spends more time discussing the work environment here than the family. Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. (Colossians 3:22-25, 4:1 ESV) What do you think? Are Christians more likely to experience conflict at work than at home? Slaves, in the Greek, means slaves, literally or figuratively, whether involuntary or voluntary . It comes from a word meaning to bind. A Roman centurian refers to his slave: I say to one, ...

Family and Work, Part 3: The Father and the Children Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. (Colossians 3:20 ESV) Children, in the Greek, refers to offspring, regardless of age . It implies a result or something produced. The result of wise decisions is described as being children of wisdom. (Matthew 11:19). The owner of a vineyard had two children, old enough to work in a vineyard (Matthew 21:28). Jesus called his disciples, Children (Mark 10:24). Thus, all children, of any age , are to obey their parents in everything. Obey in the Greek means to listen attentively, implying obedience to a command. This word is related to that used of the woman's submission. Both words use the Greek preposition hypo, meaning under. However, they are distinctly different . The woman's submission to her husband is based upon arrangement . God has placed the husband as the head, and the woman as the helper, as a matter of arrangement an...

Family and Work, Part 2: The Husband Colossians 3:19 Women are commanded to submit to their husbands as is fitting in the Lord. Men are commanded to love their wives , especially avoiding harsh attitudes and actions. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. (Colossians 3:19 ESV) The Greek word translated here as love is best defined as a strong desire for the eternal good for another person . It is a moral love, a long-term view of love, rather than temporary affection or sensual desire. It is based upon the desire to provide the answer to the question: What would be ultimately best for the one I love? It is used for many relationships, not just that of husband and wife: Jesus commanded this type of love for neighbors, enemies, and God Himself: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 19:19 ESV) Love your enemies. (Matthew 5:44 ESV) You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your s...