Colossians and Philemon

Colossians: Seriously, was not the one of the best reads ever.  This book is 4 incredible chapters that describes

1. What Christ has done
2. What Christians should do

I am not going to pull apart scripture because honestly I think it is one of the clearest letters Paul writes. The only thing I do want to point out is the word Mystery was used 4 times in Colossians.  It makes be think about the difference between a Christian and the rest of the world and why the rest of the world does not “get” the Christian.  It’s a mystery isn’t it.  The one thing that is different in our world vs theirs (besides eternity) is the Holy Spirit.  The fact that God actually lives inside each and every one of us to help guide, comfort,  and lead us.

the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. (Col 1:26)

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. (Col 1:17)

My purpose 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, (Col 2:2)
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. (Col 4:3)

Philemon (by the way this week in front of Lovingood I said Phil uh mon….it is Phil eeee men).   When you think about the purpose of the letter don’t think of the people but think of God’s charater  What is the purpose of this book?

• Respect
• Love
• Forgiveness
• Care
• Protection

Colossians Overview

Paul established a church in Colosse on his third mission journey.  Today this area is in Turkey.  There were two prominent men in Colosse, Philimon and Epaphras,  that became Christians and were spreading the message while Paul was in Prison.   Paul wrote them this letter to be read in the Church.   The trouble in Colosse was other ideas and philosophies from other religions were being introduced and put on the same level as Christianity.  (Is this book not pertinent to today or what!).  This idea of “there are many ways to God” has been since the beginning of the Church, it is called syncretism.

We have been reading since October 1 the New Testament so I think we have a pretty good idea of what it means to live a Christian life.  Well, in Colosse, they were melding Jewish circumcision, food laws, and now was introducing worshipping angels and mysticism.  Click on the word to see the definition, ever watch late night Christian Tv?  or like astrology or Tarot Cards but the person says the revelation comes from God: mysticism.

The idea of angel worship as an intermediaries (some faiths do this with past people) denies the supremacy of Christ.   Angel worship was the newest philosophy being introduced as part of Christendom.   There are few hills I am willing to die on for but this is one of them.  Jesus is your intermediary to God.  No one or nothing else.  Don’t worship, pray to or believe in any Supremacy other than the Christ Head.

This book rebukes the “Hodge Podge” belief system. The church may have lots of body parts, all acting different, but Christ is the head.