BIBLE TALK
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BIBLE - In the New Testament the Church is called:- The Temple Of God (1 Corinthians 3:16)
- The bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:22-32)
- The body of Christ (Colossians 1:18, 24 & Ephesians 1:22-23)
- The Kingdom of God's Son (Colossians 1:13)
- The House of God (1 Timothy 3:15)
- The Church of God (1 Corinthians 1:2)
- The Church of the first Born (Hebrews 12:23)
- The Church of the Lord (Acts 20:28)
- The Churches of Christ (Romans 16:16)
BIBLE - You should know that the Church is:- Built by Jesus Christ (Matthew 16:13-18)
- Purchased by the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28)
- Built on Jesus Christ as the only foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11)
- Not built on Peter, Paul, or any other man (1 Corinthians 1:12-13)
BIBLE - The Lord Jesus Christ:- Loved the Church ( Ephesians 5:25 )
- Adds saved people to the Church ( Acts 2:47 )
- Is the Head of the Church ( Ephesians 1:22-23; 5:23 )
- Will save the Church ( Acts 2:47; Ephesians 5:23 )
- Is coming for those who love Him ( 1 Corinthians 16: 22-23 )
BIBLE - The Faithful Church will:- Worship in Spirit and in Truth ( John 4: 23-24 )
- Give their bodies a living sacrifice in worship ( Romans 12: 1-2 )
- Offer to God a sacrifice of praise ( Hebrew 13: 15 )
- Meet on the first day of the week ( Acts 20: 7; Hebrews 10: 25 )
- Pray ( Acts 2: 42; 1 Timothy 2: 1 - 2; 1 Thessalonians 5: 17 )
- Sing, making melody with one's heart ( Ephesians 5: 19; Colossians 3: 16 )
- Eat the Lord's supper on the first day of the week ( Acts 20: 7; Matthew 26: 26 - 30; 1 Corinthians 11: 20 - 32 )
- Give, liberally and cheerfully ( 1 Corinthians 16: 1 - 2; 2 Corinthians 8: 1 - 5. 19: 6 - 8 )
- Walk in newness of life ( Romans 6: 3 - 6 )
BIBLE - To enter the Church, you must:- Believe in Jesus Christ, our savior ( Hebrews 11: 6; Acts 16: 31 )
- Repent of your sins ( Luke 13: 3; Acts 2: 38; 3: 19; 17: 30 )
- Confess faith in Christ ( Matthew 10: 32; Acts 8: 37; Romans 10: 9-10 )
- Be baptized ( Matthew 28:19; Mark 16: 16; Acts 2: 38; 10: 48; 22:16 )
BIBLE - Know that Baptism requires:- The answer of a good conscience towards God ( 1 Peter 3: 21 )
- Much water ( Acts 10: 47 )
- Going down into the water ( Acts 8: 36 - 38 )
- A burial in water ( Romans 6: 3 - 4; Colossians 2: 12 )
- A new birth ( Romans 6: 4; Colossians 2: 12 )
- A washing ( Acts 22: 16; Hebrews 10: 22 )
BIBLE - By Baptism:- Sins are washed away by the blood of Christ ( Acts 22: 16; Hebrews 9: 22; 10: 22; 1 Peter 3:21 )
- You put on Christ and become a child of God ( Galatians 3: 26 - 27 )
- You are a new creature ( 2 Corinthians 5:17 )
- You obey Christ ( Mark 16:15 - 16; Acts 10:48; 2 Thessalonians 1:7 - 9 )
BIBLE - In the New Testament times there was:- One family of God ( Ephesians 3:15; 1 Timothy 3:15 )
- One kingdom of Christ ( Matthew 16:18 - 19 )
- One body of Christ ( Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22 - 23; 4:4 )
- One bride of Christ ( Romans 7:1 - 7; Ephesians 5:22 - 32 )
- One church of Christ ( Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:22 - 23; 4:4 - 6 )
BIBLE - The same Church today:- Is guided by the same word ( 1 Peter 1:22 - 25; 2 Timothy 3:16 - 17 )
- Contends for the one Faith ( Jude 3; Ephesians 4:5 )
- Pleads for unity of all believers ( Ephesians 4:4 - 6 )
- Is not a denomination ( 1 Corinthians 1:10 - 13; Ephesians 4:1 - 6 )
- Is faithful to Christ ( Luke 6:46; Revelations 2:10; Mark 8:38 )
- Wears the name of Christ ( Romans 16:16 Acts 11:26 1 Peter 4:16 )
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Beaumont Church of Christ
960 Oak Valley Parkway
Beaumont, California
92223
1.951.845.1404
Sunday Morning:
10:00am Bible Study
11:00am Worship Assembly
11:00am stream on YouTube:
"Where Love Dwells Ministries"
You can view our YouTube archived services of "Where Love Dwells Ministries" here.
CALENDAR
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Paul's Ponder
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Posted on April 13, 2025
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Paul’s Ponder
As a young man trying to make sense of God and heaven, I used to think of the judgement day as being like going to a huge drive-in theater. One at a time each person’s life would be displayed for all to see on the huge screen in technicolor with surround sound including my thoughts. All my foibles, bad habits, misdeeds and mis-thoughts would be there for my parents, my siblings and everyone who has ever lived to view. I realized God already knew, but for some reason, to let everyone else know, really bothered me. It would be so embarrassing.
Psalm 130
1
Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
2
Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.
3
If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
Lord, who could stand?
4
But with you there is forgiveness,
so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
Boy, was I wrong!! There will be no drive-ins in heaven. I am so glad!!!! If the Lord kept a record of my sins - I am doomed! God listens to our cry of mercy. God is forgiving. With reverence, let us serve God with a thankful heart.
Just Pondering
Posted on April 9, 2025
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Paul’s Ponder
Thank you for your prayers. Debbie and I just returned from Oklahoma where we were with Debbie’s mom, Louella Martin. Grandma Lou Lou has begun her first treatments of chemo therapy to relinquish her body of the cancer plaguing her. Right now the chemo is plaguing her even more. She has good and bad days, but seems to be turning the corner.
While we were there we were able to share in the concerned love of Debbie’s family that we have not been with more than a day or two in past years. Their devotion to caring for Grandma Lou Lou is exemplary. I also had a chance to visit with my college roommate, Benny Bittle. We rarely see each other, although we do communicate through emails. It was an emotional time to be with one I have loved for so long in the Lord. We had another great time with Garry and Judy Sage on our way home. They have shared love with us and the Palm Desert church for many years and now live in Arizona. We also were able to see the work of God’s people at the Manuelito Navajo Children’s Home in New Mexico.
Psalm 122:1:
I rejoiced with those who said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
I don’t know how people can ignore the church. The gathering of God’s people together is designed by God for our benefit. Without your prayers and the support of several churches and individuals within the church, this trip would have been very painful. David ends this psalm:
8
For the sake of my family and friends,
I will say, “Peace be within you.”
9
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
I will seek your prosperity.
May there be peace and joy within the house of the Lord for the sake of my family and friends whom I love. And because of that joy and peace, I seek the best for the people of God. Let us go to the house of the Lord.
Just Pondering
Posted on March 30, 2025
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Paul’s Ponder
Psalm 119
33 Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees,
that I may follow it to the end.
34 Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
and obey it with all my heart.
35 Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.
36 Turn my heart toward your statutes
and not toward selfish gain.
37 Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
preserve my life according to your word.
40 How I long for your precepts!
In your righteousness preserve my life.
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible and probably the least read. It may be avoided because of its great length (176 verses). I think one reason may also be because it centers on God’s law and decrees. Rules! It doesn’t really tell what the laws are, it talks about the virtue of following the rules in every situation and at all times. To actually long for rules (40). That is not something we typically like. We are free. “Rules are made to be broken”. May we never forget what Jesus said in John 14:15:
If you love me, keep my commands
And again in John 15:10:
If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
Or John’s admonition in I John 5:
2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands.
Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
and obey it with all my heart.
Psalm 119:34
Just Pondering
Princess Warriors
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Posted on April 28, 2025
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Sweet Sisters,
In today’s lesson we begin our tour of the book of James. The primary message of the book of James is that true faith should be demonstrated through action and good works. It emphasizes that faith is not merely a belief in God, but a way of life that actively embodies that faith through practical deeds. James encourages believers to live out their faith in every day life, demonstrating their love for God and others through their actions.
The book of James was written by the brother of Jesus in approximately 62 AD. It was written to Jewish Christians outside of Jerusalem, scattered through the Roman Empire during a time of persecution and poverty.
James 1:1 tells us who wrote the book and to whom he wrote it.
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:
Greetings.
Who is the author?
Who is the audience?
James 1:2 (CEB):
My brothers and sisters, think of the various tests you encounter as occasions for joy.
In the Bible, joy is defined as a lasting internal state of being that comes from a relationship with God and His promises. It is not something you can force or create on your own, but rather a result of the Holy Spirit’s presence and work within a believer.
It can be present even in the midst of suffering, hardships, and trials. It stems from knowing and trusting in God’s promises and His character. Joy is one of the Fruits of the Spirit
James 1:3 - 4 tells us what trials in our life produce.
3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Perseverance can be defined as: determination, endurance, steadfastness, commitment. An attitude of not giving up. James says that perseverance makes us “mature and complete, not lacking anything”. How does this happen?
IN Romans 5:3-5, Paul helps us to understand better what James is talking about in these verses.
3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
If we don’t give up and hang on to God during difficult times, then we gain a higher level of experience or wisdom.
Notice in James 1:4 the word “let”. Difficult times don’t automatically bring one to maturity. We have to let perseverance have its full effect on us. We have to be willing to go through the process. How do we do this?
Our ability to persevere grows with each trial we go through. The smaller ones make us stronger for the bigger ones that will follow. How do you see God working through this process?
If we struggle with this process James says in verse five to ask God for help.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
God will no get angry with you for asking for help. In fact, He will give it to you generously. There is a disclaimer though, in verses six through eight.
6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
The word for “doubt” in this passage is not referring to an honest, intellectual, “help me, I’m confused” kind of doubt. The word here refers to an unstable loyalty to God. A wavering trust. A divided heart. It’s an on again/ off again faith in God.
When we come to God in prayer, God wants us to come with a heart that believes that He will answer our prayer. This may be challenging for a new believer. I think God “gets that”. It’s when, in spite of God answering our prayers, we continue to question whether or not He will. God says, “If you don’t trust me by now, don’t bother asking”.
How do you feel about this passage on prayer?
As we make our tour through the book of James, you will notice that James deals with three themes:
Perseverance
Wisdom
Prayer
When I first read James 1:9-11, I found the passage rather confusing.
9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
After doing some research, I came across this quote that made a lot of sense.
In essence, James 1:9-11 encourages believers to
shift their perspective from earthly possessions to
spiritual blessings. It reminds them that true riches
are found in God’s grace and the eternal rewards of
Christ, not in material wealth or social status.
AI Overview
James returns to the concept of perseverance in verse twelve.
NCV
12 When people are tempted and still continue strong, they should be happy. After they have proved their faith, God will reward them with life forever. God promised this to all those who love him.
NIV
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
“Crown of life” symbolizes victory and glory. Similar to the wreathes awarded to winners in ancient athletic competitions. It is presented as a reward for those who persevere through trial and remain steadfast in their faith.
Interestingly, the Greek word used in this passage for “crown” is not the word for a royal diadem as a king would wear. It is the word stephanos, which describes the crown given to athletes - most notably, runners - after they had run their race or finished their contest victoriously.
I Corinthians 9:24 - 27
24 You know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. So run to win! 25 All those who compete in the games use self-control so they can win a crown. That crown is an earthly thing that lasts only a short time, but our crown will never be destroyed. 26 So I do not run without a goal. I fight like a boxer who is hitting something—not just the air. 27 I treat my body hard and make it my slave so that I myself will not be disqualified after I have preached to others.
Hebrews 12:1-3
12 We are surrounded by a great cloud of people whose lives tell us what faith means. So let us run the race that is before us and never give up. We should remove from our lives anything that would get in the way and the sin that so easily holds us back. 2 Let us look only to Jesus, the One who began our faith and who makes it perfect. He suffered death on the cross. But he accepted the shame as if it were nothing because of the joy that God put before him. And now he is sitting at the right side of God’s throne. 3 Think about Jesus’ example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him. So do not get tired and stop trying.
Sweet Sisters, I love the imagery of running the race, crossing the finish line and Jesus placing a crown of victory on our heads and saying, “Good job!! The victory is yours! Now enjoy your reward!!!”
Next week we will pick up our tour in James 1:13.
TRUST GOD
OBEY GOD
WAIT ON GOD
Debbie
Posted on April 13, 2025
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Sweet Sisters,
We finished our lesson last week with Paul telling us that Christ has redeemed us and has authority over everything.
Paul begins the next part of his letter with the word “therefore”. He could also have said; “so”, or “because of this”. Paul is now going to address the concept of legalism in Colossians 2:16-18.
16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.
The false teachers were trying to convince the church that in order to be acceptable to God they had to keep all the rules and regulations of the Jewish faith. Paul says NO! Those concepts had a place in the past, but no longer. Paul told the church in Ephesus the same thing in Ephesians 2:14 - 17.
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.
Paul is addressing the issue of the barrier between Jew and Gentile here, but he also talks about Jesus setting aside the commandments and the regulations of the old law.
Have you ever had someone say to you, “Have you ever had this particular ‘spiritual experience?’” And when you say no, they get all arrogant and prideful and say, “Well, your faith must not be very strong.” This is what the false teachers were trying to do to the church in verse 18.
18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.
Paul deals with this false teaching in verse 19.
19 They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.
He says that those who teach all these things have lost touch with who Jesus is and what He has done.
Paul summarizes everything up in verses 20 - 23.
20 Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.
Bottom line, Paul says (my translation), if you have died with Christ, why are you even listening to this nonsense that these people are trying to push on you?!?
Instead of focusing on rules and regulations that are based on concepts of men about how to please God, Paul talks about how God wants them to live.
Colossians 3:1 - 2
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
What does Paul say to set their hearts (emotions) on?
What does Paul say to set their minds (intellect) on?
In verses 3 - 4, Paul tells them why he wants them to do this.
3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
What does he say?
Paul is now going to draw a comparison of living according to the ways of the world and living as God’s chosen people. Let’s look at verses 5 - 10 first.
5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
In verse 5, why does Paul use the word “therefore”?
In verse 6, why is the wrath (anger) of God coming?
I find verse 8 very interesting. Let’s look at it in God’s Word Translation.
Also get rid of your anger, hot tempers, hatred, cursing, obscene language, and all similar sins.
Notice the word “also”. Paul has just said that the church used to walk in a certain way. Now Paul says, “but now you must also…”. Why do you think he says this?
I wonder if as hard as we try to “put off the old self” if there are still remnants of the old self that we struggle with? Verse 10 gives us a weapon we can use as we deal with this struggle. What is it?
Paul reminds them in verse 11 that Christ is in all of them.
Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
Once again, as Paul continues his letter, he uses the word “therefore” in verse 12.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
What is he referring back to?
Verses 12 - 17 are the second part of the comparison Paul is making.
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
In verse 12, what does Paul tell the church to clothe themselves with?
In verse 15, how does Paul describe the relationship between believers in the church?
In verse 14, Paul gives the key to perfect unity. What is it?
Paul finishes his instructions on how Christians should live in verses 15 - 17.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Each verse emphasizes a different concept. Please read each verse and write down the concept it discusses:
Verse 15 ________________________________________________
Verse 16_________________________________________________
Verse 17 ________________________________________________
How many times in these verses does Paul mention thankful or gratitude?
Moses wrote something very similar to the children of Israel in Deuteronomy 6:4 - 9.
4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
Sweet Sisters, both Moses and Paul describe a lifestyle focused on God. A lifestyle committed to living, to the best of our ability, in a way that honors Him and reflects who He is to those around us.
Next Week we will talk more about how we honor God in our homes and at work.
TRUST GOD
OBEY GOD
WAIT ON GOD
Debbie
Posted on April 8, 2025
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Sweet Sisters,
On March 6th I sent you all an email that my mom had been diagnosed with cancer and that Paul and I were going to Oklahoma to spend time with her. We stayed a little over three weeks. We were there until a few days after her first chemo treatment. It was a time for making good memories and preparing for the journey to come.
March 27th was her first treatment. She will have her second on April 17th. There will be a total of six treatments every 21 days. She did well the first three days after her first treatment. Sunday through Thursday were horrible days for her. As I write this lesson (Saturday, April 5), she woke up feeling 100% better.
We understand that this is the way her journey will go. We also understand that the power to get her through this journey is prayer. My mom is convinced that God is showing up in countless ways because of all the prayers that are being said on her behalf. She is so grateful to all who are praying for her. She is also grateful to all of you who have sent cards to her. You have no idea what an encouragement they are in her life. If you would like to send a card, her address is:
Louella Martin
29 North Redwood Drive
Sallisaw OK 74955
Today we will begin the second chapter of Colossians. Please remember that one of the themes of Colossians is that everything we need is found in Jesus.
Paul has just told them in Colossians 1:27, that
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.
Paul begins chapter two by talking about how important it is to him that the churches in Colossae and Laodicia know who Christ is.
Colossians 2:1 - 2:
I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My goal 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,
Paul wants four things for them. What are they?
In verse three, Paul describes what treasures are hidden in Christ.
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
What are the treasures?
In verse four, Paul gives them a warning.
I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.
NLT says, “well crafted arguments”.
KJV says, “beguile you with enticing words”
Is it possible for something to sound good or make sense and still not be true? Can the same thing happen regarding God’s Word? Give an example.
Verse five tells the church what delights or makes Paul rejoice about the Colossian church.
For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
What is it that delights or makes Paul rejoice?
Paul begins verses six and seven with the words “so then” or in some versions “therefore”.
6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
I think Paul is referring back to verse three where he commends them for being disciplined and faithful in Christ. Paul lists four ways that they should now live. What are they?
Once again in verse eight, Paul warns them about false teaching.
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.
The phrase “elemental spiritual forces” is very interesting. enterthebible.org says this about the phrase:
“‘forces of violence and power who are not of God.’
Christ comes into the world in order to rescue God’s people from slavery and to restore them to their rightful place as children and heirs of God.”
Paul is warning them, and us, to not be taken captive by the ways of the world that may sound good but are not God’s way. Christ came to rescue us from that kind of thinking.
Verse nine begins with the word “for”. Paul could have said, “because”, “since” or “in favor of".
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,
Verse nine is going to begin a lesson about who Jesus is and what He can do that will run through verse fifteen. Remember, Paul’s focus is that Christ (Jesus) is all we need.
I want to take these verses a concept at a time. We will begin with verses nine and ten.
9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.
What does Paul say dwells in Christ?
What do you think Paul means when he says that “all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form?
John 1:14 comes to mind.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Paul goes on to say that we find our fullness in Christ. Paul has warned them about the false teachers and philosophies around them. This passage emphasizes that believers in Christ find completeness and fulfillment in Jesus. He is all they need. Since Christ has power over every power and authority, there is no need to look anywhere else to find these things.
Our next concept is in verses eleven through twelve. To make it easier to understand, I want to use the New Living Translation.
11 When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature. 12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
How is the circumcision Paul is talking about different?
We are spiritually circumcised when we are baptized with Christ. We are then raised to live a new life. This happens not because of the physical act of being baptized. It happens because we trust in the mighty power of God to circumcise our hearts.
Our next passage is found in verses thirteen and fourteen.
13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.
Before the church can fully appreciate the amazing gifts they have received through Christ, Paul needed to remind them from whence they have come. As the song goes, “I owed a debt I could not pay”. Christ redeemed them. He gave them a new life and forgave their sins.
Our last concept is found in verse fifteen.
And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
Sweet Sisters, Christ Jesus’ victory on the cross stripped the evil spiritual forces of their power and made them a public display of defeat. Paul wanted the church to truly understand that through Christ, we are victorious over satan and his powers.
In our next lesson we will finish chapter 2 of Colossians.
TRUST GOD
OBEY GOD
WAIT ON GOD
Debbie
Posted on March 2, 2025
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Sweet Sisters,
As we begin the next part of our study in Colossians Chapter one, we will be taking verses 15 - 23 one verse at a time. I want to fully focus on each verse. As we read each verse, watch for the word “all” and ask yourself what it implies.
Let me warn you ahead of time. I intend to make you think. You may have to stop and read a paragraph more than once. What Paul is wanting to teach us is “deep” but very important to our understanding who Jesus is.
We will begin with verse 15. I want you to see it in the NIV.
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
And in the NLT
15
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,
When Paul writes that Jesus is the exact image of the invisible God he is saying that Jesus is supreme over all. Essentially, Jesus is truly God. The fullness of God has been put into Jesus. Jesus is the fullest and deepest revelation of God.
While the term “firstborn” originates from being born first chronologically, the meaning in the ancient word is much richer and deeper. Throughout the Bible, “first born” has the meaning of; most significant or prized. Jesus was not born or created first because “all things were created in him”.
Let’s look at what John wrote in John 1:1-3.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
Now look at John 1:14.
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Jesus became the visible form of the God we could not see. What does the word “all” indicate in Colossians 1:15. Did you see the word “all” in this verse?
VERSE 16
NIV
16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
Good News Translation
16 For through him God created everything in heaven and on earth, the seen and the unseen things, including spiritual powers, lords, rulers, and authorities. God created the whole universe through him and for him.
Jesus is Lord over “all” - even Lord over satan and his demonic powers. Paul is emphasizing that whatever ranks of authorities or spirit beings there may be, Jesus created them all and they all ultimately answer to Him.
What does the word “all” tell us about Jesus in verse 16?
VERSE 17
NIV
17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Revelation 21:6 NIV
6 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.
Jesus holds all creation together. Apart from Him creation would cease to exist. What does the word “all” imply in verse 17?
Let’s stop here for a moment and think about what we have learned so far about Jesus in verses 15 - 17. What have you learned about who Jesus is?
Has your perception of Jesus changed? Why or why not?
How do these verses affect your relationship with Jesus?
Let’s move on now to
VERSE 18
NIV
18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
Jesus is the head of the church.
• What does this mean?
• What does a “head” do?
• How well would our physical body work without a head?
Our head is where knowledge is stored. The head sends messages to the rest of the body. It is the location of sight and hearing.
The word for church comes from the Greek word ekklesia (εκκλησία). It means “the assembly”. This means that God’s people are gathered under the leadership of His Son Jesus.
Jesus is the beginning. The word used here for beginning can also be translated “corner”, referencing the cornerstone of a building. It is the first stone laid and bears the weight of the whole building.
I Peter 2:4-6 (NIV)
4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says:
“See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame.”
“Firstborn from the dead” in Colossians 1:18, is a reference to Jesus’ mastery over all of existence, life and death. Jesus’ resurrection defeated death and redeemed man.
VERSE 19
NIV
19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,
“Fullness of God” refers to the totality of God’s power, nature and attributes which dwell in Jesus. It includes God’s knowledge, wisdom, power, holiness, truth and love. Paul wants us to know that Jesus is fully God, not a lesser or partial God. God is not divided. Jesus is the means through which God accomplished His will.
As God’s children we can draw upon all the fullness of God through Jesus. We now have access to all of God’s power.
How is the word “all” used in this verse?
VERSE 20
NIV
20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Good News Translation
20 Through the Son, then, God decided to bring the whole universe back to himself. God made peace through his Son's blood on the cross and so brought back to himself all things, both on earth and in heaven.
Reconcile:
• restore friendly relations
• co-exist in harmony
• make consistent with another.
How does this reconciliation take place?
What does the word “all” mean in this verse?
Paul is now going to switch gears. He is going to move from describing the characteristics of Jesus, to how, who Jesus is, affects them.
VERSES 21 - 22
NIV
21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—
Who does Paul say they once were?
How have they been brought back into harmony with God?
Why did Jesus do this?
Jude 24, 25
24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Jude 24, 25 also describes this process.
VERSE 23
NIV
23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Paul says that what he told them in verse 22 is based on them continuing to do four things. What are they?
Wow! Good Job! You made it through a pretty heavy passage of scripture!!!
Sweet Sisters, my prayer is that you may now have a deeper appreciation of just how awesome and holy our Lord, Jesus, is.
If you want to read ahead, next week we will finish chapter one and move into chapter two.
Debbie
Trust in God
Obey God
Wait on God
Posted on February 23, 2025
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Sweet Sisters,
Colossians is the third book of what is known as Paul’s prison epistles. Ephesians and Philippians are the other two. These letters were written by Paul while he was under house arrest in Rome. It was written in approximately 60 AD.
There is no indication in the New Testament that Paul was ever in the city of Colossae. It is believed that the church was begun by Epaphras, a convert, possibly from the church in Ephesus.
At one time Colossae had been an important economic hub located in the region of Phrygia. It was one hundred miles east of Ephesus, close to the much larger city of Laodicia. Colossae was famous for the beautiful red wool cloth called “colossium” that was manufactured there.
Scholars believe that by the time Paul wrote his letter to Colossae it had declined sharply and was only a shadow of what it had once been.
Colossae was noted for its broad acceptance of diverse beliefs and the tendency of syncretism. Syncretism is a way to thinking that takes various beliefs and philosophies and combines them into one belief system. The church in Colossae was beginning to try and combine the Christian beliefs they had been taught with the diverse beliefs of those living around them. Paul warns them about the false teachers who are promoting this way of thinking.
Paul’s emphasis in his letter to the church in Colossae is the diety and work of Jesus. He wants them to understand that Jesus is all they need.
Paul begins his letter to the Colossians with a greeting in Chapter 1:1-2.
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2 To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father.
Paul tells them that he is an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God.
Apostle is defined as:
• one sent on a mission
• A person who initiates a great moral reform or who just advocates an important belief or system.
An apostle was a chosen messenger of Jesus. A disciple was a follower of Jesus.
Paul wants his readers to know that he was chosen by God to be His messenger. He included Timothy in his greeting because Timothy was probably known to the Colossians and he may have been with Paul at the time.
Paul refers to those he is writing the letter to as “God’s holy people” or in some versions as, “the saints and faithful brothers” (in the Greek, this word indicates male and female). It could also be read as “the church”. Paul tells the readers who he is, who he is writing to and then he gives them a greeting from God.
In verses three and four, Paul says he thanks God for them.
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people
Why is he thankful?
Verse five and the first part of verse 6:
5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6 that has come to you.
Where does Paul say this faith and love come from?
In the last half of verse six, what does Paul say the Gospel is doing?
In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.
What three things do we learn about Epaphras in verse 7 and 8?
7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.
I think as Paul begins writing verse 9, he is referring back to the faith and love the church has demonstrated.
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,
What does Paul ask God to do for them?
How will this happen?
In verse ten, Paul gives four reasons why he prays this prayer for them.
10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
What are they?
As Paul writes verse eleven, he wants God to give them strength. Why?
11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,
The Greek word for “power” in this verse is dunamei (dynamite). Paul uses this word to describe the power of God that believers can use to endure and be patient. He also uses the related word dynamo (might) to describe being strengthened. The word pasan (πασαν) is added to indicate that the strengthening is all-encompassing.
Chapter 1:12-14
12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
What did Paul say the church should be thankful for? He mentions one reason in verse 12, two in verse 13 and one in verse 14.
Sweet Sisters, remember we talked earlier in this lesson that one of the themes of the Colossian letter is that Jesus is the answer to everything we need. We see this concept in these verses. We are part of the kingdom of the Son He (God) loves who has redeemed us and forgiven our sins. Jesus provided what we need.
In our next lesson we will learn about the supremacy of the Son of God and Paul’s purpose for why he labors for the church.
Debbie
TRUST GOD
OBEY GOD
WAIT ON GOD
Posted on March 2, 2025
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Sweet Sisters,
As we begin the next part of our study in Colossians Chapter one, we will be taking verses 15 - 23 one verse at a time. I want to fully focus on each verse. As we read each verse, watch for the word “all” and ask yourself what it implies.
Let me warn you ahead of time. I intend to make you think. You may have to stop and read a paragraph more than once. What Paul is wanting to teach us is “deep” but very important to our understanding who Jesus is.
We will begin with verse 15. I want you to see it in the NIV.
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
And in the NLT
15
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,
When Paul writes that Jesus is the exact image of the invisible God he is saying that Jesus is supreme over all. Essentially, Jesus is truly God. The fullness of God has been put into Jesus. Jesus is the fullest and deepest revelation of God.
While the term “firstborn” originates from being born first chronologically, the meaning in the ancient word is much richer and deeper. Throughout the Bible, “first born” has the meaning of; most significant or prized. Jesus was not born or created first because “all things were created in him”.
Let’s look at what John wrote in John 1:1-3.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
Now look at John 1:14.
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Jesus became the visible form of the God we could not see. What does the word “all” indicate in Colossians 1:15. Did you see the word “all” in this verse?
VERSE 16
NIV
16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
Good News Translation
16 For through him God created everything in heaven and on earth, the seen and the unseen things, including spiritual powers, lords, rulers, and authorities. God created the whole universe through him and for him.
Jesus is Lord over “all” - even Lord over satan and his demonic powers. Paul is emphasizing that whatever ranks of authorities or spirit beings there may be, Jesus created them all and they all ultimately answer to Him.
What does the word “all” tell us about Jesus in verse 16?
VERSE 17
NIV
17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Revelation 21:6 NIV
6 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.
Jesus holds all creation together. Apart from Him creation would cease to exist. What does the word “all” imply in verse 17?
Let’s stop here for a moment and think about what we have learned so far about Jesus in verses 15 - 17. What have you learned about who Jesus is?
Has your perception of Jesus changed? Why or why not?
How do these verses affect your relationship with Jesus?
Let’s move on now to
VERSE 18
NIV
18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
Jesus is the head of the church.
• What does this mean?
• What does a “head” do?
• How well would our physical body work without a head?
Our head is where knowledge is stored. The head sends messages to the rest of the body. It is the location of sight and hearing.
The word for church comes from the Greek word ekklesia (εκκλησία). It means “the assembly”. This means that God’s people are gathered under the leadership of His Son Jesus.
Jesus is the beginning. The word used here for beginning can also be translated “corner”, referencing the cornerstone of a building. It is the first stone laid and bears the weight of the whole building.
I Peter 2:4-6 (NIV)
4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says:
“See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame.”
“Firstborn from the dead” in Colossians 1:18, is a reference to Jesus’ mastery over all of existence, life and death. Jesus’ resurrection defeated death and redeemed man.
VERSE 19
NIV
19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,
“Fullness of God” refers to the totality of God’s power, nature and attributes which dwell in Jesus. It includes God’s knowledge, wisdom, power, holiness, truth and love. Paul wants us to know that Jesus is fully God, not a lesser or partial God. God is not divided. Jesus is the means through which God accomplished His will.
As God’s children we can draw upon all the fullness of God through Jesus. We now have access to all of God’s power.
How is the word “all” used in this verse?
VERSE 20
NIV
20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Good News Translation
20 Through the Son, then, God decided to bring the whole universe back to himself. God made peace through his Son's blood on the cross and so brought back to himself all things, both on earth and in heaven.
Reconcile:
• restore friendly relations
• co-exist in harmony
• make consistent with another.
How does this reconciliation take place?
What does the word “all” mean in this verse?
Paul is now going to switch gears. He is going to move from describing the characteristics of Jesus, to how, who Jesus is, affects them.
VERSES 21 - 22
NIV
21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—
Who does Paul say they once were?
How have they been brought back into harmony with God?
Why did Jesus do this?
Jude 24, 25
24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Jude 24, 25 also describes this process.
VERSE 23
NIV
23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Paul says that what he told them in verse 22 is based on them continuing to do four things. What are they?
Wow! Good Job! You made it through a pretty heavy passage of scripture!!!
Sweet Sisters, my prayer is that you may now have a deeper appreciation of just how awesome and holy our Lord, Jesus, is.
If you want to read ahead, next week we will finish chapter one and move into chapter two.
Debbie
Trust in God
Obey God
Wait on God
Posted on February 23, 2025
use 'up-arrow button' at the bottom left to return to the Quick Links menu.
Sweet Sisters,
Colossians is the third book of what is known as Paul’s prison epistles. Ephesians and Philippians are the other two. These letters were written by Paul while he was under house arrest in Rome. It was written in approximately 60 AD.
There is no indication in the New Testament that Paul was ever in the city of Colossae. It is believed that the church was begun by Epaphras, a convert, possibly from the church in Ephesus.
At one time Colossae had been an important economic hub located in the region of Phrygia. It was one hundred miles east of Ephesus, close to the much larger city of Laodicia. Colossae was famous for the beautiful red wool cloth called “colossium” that was manufactured there.
Scholars believe that by the time Paul wrote his letter to Colossae it had declined sharply and was only a shadow of what it had once been.
Colossae was noted for its broad acceptance of diverse beliefs and the tendency of syncretism. Syncretism is a way to thinking that takes various beliefs and philosophies and combines them into one belief system. The church in Colossae was beginning to try and combine the Christian beliefs they had been taught with the diverse beliefs of those living around them. Paul warns them about the false teachers who are promoting this way of thinking.
Paul’s emphasis in his letter to the church in Colossae is the diety and work of Jesus. He wants them to understand that Jesus is all they need.
Paul begins his letter to the Colossians with a greeting in Chapter 1:1-2.
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2 To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father.
Paul tells them that he is an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God.
Apostle is defined as:
• one sent on a mission
• A person who initiates a great moral reform or who just advocates an important belief or system.
An apostle was a chosen messenger of Jesus. A disciple was a follower of Jesus.
Paul wants his readers to know that he was chosen by God to be His messenger. He included Timothy in his greeting because Timothy was probably known to the Colossians and he may have been with Paul at the time.
Paul refers to those he is writing the letter to as “God’s holy people” or in some versions as, “the saints and faithful brothers” (in the Greek, this word indicates male and female). It could also be read as “the church”. Paul tells the readers who he is, who he is writing to and then he gives them a greeting from God.
In verses three and four, Paul says he thanks God for them.
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people
Why is he thankful?
Verse five and the first part of verse 6:
5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6 that has come to you.
Where does Paul say this faith and love come from?
In the last half of verse six, what does Paul say the Gospel is doing?
In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.
What three things do we learn about Epaphras in verse 7 and 8?
7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.
I think as Paul begins writing verse 9, he is referring back to the faith and love the church has demonstrated.
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,
What does Paul ask God to do for them?
How will this happen?
In verse ten, Paul gives four reasons why he prays this prayer for them.
10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
What are they?
As Paul writes verse eleven, he wants God to give them strength. Why?
11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,
The Greek word for “power” in this verse is dunamei (dynamite). Paul uses this word to describe the power of God that believers can use to endure and be patient. He also uses the related word dynamo (might) to describe being strengthened. The word pasan (πασαν) is added to indicate that the strengthening is all-encompassing.
Chapter 1:12-14
12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
What did Paul say the church should be thankful for? He mentions one reason in verse 12, two in verse 13 and one in verse 14.
Sweet Sisters, remember we talked earlier in this lesson that one of the themes of the Colossian letter is that Jesus is the answer to everything we need. We see this concept in these verses. We are part of the kingdom of the Son He (God) loves who has redeemed us and forgiven our sins. Jesus provided what we need.
In our next lesson we will learn about the supremacy of the Son of God and Paul’s purpose for why he labors for the church.
Debbie
TRUST GOD
OBEY GOD
WAIT ON GOD
Posted on February 16, 2025
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Sweet Sisters,
Back in the late 80’s - early 90’s , after her children were grown, Paul’s mom unintentionally began a tradition that has now become her legacy in our family.
Someone said to her, “I love you”. She responded with “I love you more”. Now days we hear this phrase a lot, but back then not so much. For some reason, in the Schlosser family, this phrase took on a life of its own. Whenever one family member says, “I love you” to another family member, the response often is “I love you more”. The tradition continues today even though Paul’s mom went to her heavenly home years ago.
I want to direct your attention today to a God who loves you more. More than we even have the capability to comprehend or imagine. The Bible is full of verses that illustrate how much God loves us. Let’s look at a few of them.
In Nehemiah 9, Nehemiah is reminding the children of Israel of their history with God. He talks about how God responds to them even when they were arrogant and stiff-necked in verse 17.
They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them,
God was still abounding and steadfast in His love for them. Since God is the same today as He was them, He responds the same way to us when we are arrogant and stiff-necked.
God’s love is a theme in the book of Psalms.
Psalm 36:5
Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
There is no limit to God’s love.
Psalm 86:15-16
15
But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
16
Turn to me and have mercy on me;
show your strength in behalf of your servant;
save me, because I serve you
just as my mother did.
Because of God’s love for us we can go to Him when we need Him.
Psalm 107:8-9
8
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
9
for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.
God provides for those who are hungry for Him.
Song of Solomon 2:4
Let him lead me to the banquet hall,
and let his banner over me be love.
In this passage, “banner” indicates who we are and who we belong to.
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”
God loves us and sings lullaby’s to us.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
God loved us so much He sacrificed His son for us.
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
While we were disobedient to Him, God sent His son to die for us.
Ephesians 2:4 - 5
4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
Because of God’s love for us He made us alive when we were dead.
I John 3:1 (KJV)
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
The word “behold” used here means - Look and see I am telling you something remarkable and impressive.
God loves us and want a relationship with us so much that He’s made a way for us to be called His children.
My sisters and friends, the next time you bow your head in prayer to tell God that you love Him, I hope you hear Him whisper back,
I love you more.
Debbie
ll God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Remember we talked at the beginning of this study on Philippians that Paul starts his letter off the same way we used to start off letters we would write. He begins with a “salutation” or greeting. He ends with a “valediction” or a closing statement. We might have said, “Give my love to Uncle Bob. My sister, Betty, says to tell you hello.”
Sweet Sisters, my prayer is that you have a deeper understanding now of the book of Philippians. My prayer is also that you have a greater desire to rejoice in the Lord and to strive to imitate Him more.
Next week I plan to do a tribute to Valentine’s Day.
Debbie
TRUST GOD
OBEY GOD
WAIT ON GOD
Posted on February 9, 2025
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Sweet Sisters,
Once again Paul begins what he wants to say next with the word, “therefore”. He has just finished telling the Philippians that their home country is heaven and their allegiance should be to its Lord, Jesus Christ. He now goes on to say that since this is true, stand firm in the Lord.
Philippians 4:1
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
In verse two and three of Philippians chapter four. Paul addresses an issue that was threatening the unity of the church.
2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
It is believed that these two women were strong Christian women in the church at Philippi. For some reason, they had some major drama going on between them. It had become so disruptive to the church that Paul hears about it while he is in prison in Rome. Paul feels that it is really important that those two women get whatever it is they are arguing about figured out.
The NIV reads “be of the same mind”. The NAS reads, “live in harmony”. The NLT reads, “settle your disagreement”. It seems that they have not kept the disagreement between the two of them but have pulled the whole church into it. Sadly, more than one church has been disrupted or split because two of its members could not settle an issue they had between them.
In verse four, Paul, once again, returns to the theme of this letter.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
I’m curious if Paul still has these two women in mind as he continues his letter. Maybe, in Philippians 4:5-7, Paul is teaching the church in Philippi how to deal with “drama” in the church?
5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Paul has already said that the first thing the church needs to do (and especially these two women) is to rejoice in the Lord. If our focus is on the joy that we have because of Jesus, we can’t very well focus on the “drama” we may be going through with a brother or sister in Christ.
Paul continues in verse five with “let your gentleness be known to all”. Some versions read:
Reasonableness (ESV)
Considerate in all you do (NLT)
Moderation (KJV)
Forbearance (ASV)
Essentially, these versions all convey the same message that disciples of Jesus should exhibit a gentle, considerate and patient spirit with each other. Is it possible that Paul’s second step in dealing with drama is that we should handle it in an appropriate manner so that Jesus would be proud of us because the Lord is near?
What do you think Paul means when he says “the Lord is near”? Does it mean, He is closer than we realize? Does Paul mean, Jesus is coming soon?
Paul’s third step in dealing with drama in verse six is one of my favorite passages in all of the New Testament. Let’s read it again.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
How much “drama” in our lives would be eliminated if we first brought our issues to God with a heart filled with thankfulness for what He has already done for us?
What does Paul say will be the results if we do this?
Does Paul say, “and God will fix it quick, fast and in a hurry?”
Paul seems to be saying that our peace comes in trusting God to handle our request in His time and in His way.
Paul goes on to explain what we should do while we are waiting on God to handle our requests in Philippians 4:8-9.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Paul mentions eight things to think about. What are they?
God has always known that we become what we think about. Do we speak good to ourselves or do we speak negative? What do you say when you talk to yourself? Do you let God define who you are or do you let satan define you? I think that Paul continues this thought concerning what we think about in Philippians 4:10-13.
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
What does Paul say he has learned?
How is he able to do this?
Is Paul’s reliance on himself or on God?
Paul describes in Philippians 4:14-18 how much the Philippian church has done for him.
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
What have they done?
Paul ends this portion of his letter in Philippians 4:19-20 by asking God to bless the Philippian church because they have blessed him.
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Do you think these verses are a promise for all of God’s people who focus on blessing those around them?
Is it possible that the more we bless others, the more God blesses us?
Paul closes his letter in Philippians 4:21-23 with a valediction.
21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Remember we talked at the beginning of this study on Philippians that Paul starts his letter off the same way we used to start off letters we would write. He begins with a “salutation” or greeting. He ends with a “valediction” or a closing statement. We might have said, “Give my love to Uncle Bob. My sister, Betty, says to tell you hello.”
Sweet Sisters, my prayer is that you have a deeper understanding now of the book of Philippians. My prayer is also that you have a greater desire to rejoice in the Lord and to strive to imitate Him more.
Next week I plan to do a tribute to Valentine’s Day.
Debbie
TRUST GOD
OBEY GOD
WAIT ON GOD
Posted on February 2, 2025
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Sweet Sisters,
Philippians 3:1 (English Standard Version):
Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.
Paul begins chapter 3 with the word “finally”. Another definition for the word “finally” is “ultimately”. I really like this word. Paul seems to be saying that after all I have written to you so far, the really important thing is to rejoice in the Lord. Paul is talking about the joy of our salvation and the joy of being fully accepted by God. We have this assurance because of our faith in Jesus and our obedience to Him.
Remember, rejoicing is a key theme in the book of Philippians. Paul says that he doesn’t mind repeating this concept because it is beneficial to them. Philippians 3:2-3 show us Paul’s “mother bear” side.
2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—
Paul is upset with false teachers for two reasons. First, they are teaching that law keeping is necessary for salvation, and secondly, they are teaching that if Gentile converts want to be truly saved, they must first become Jewish converts.
Paul warns against those who promote a “legalistic” approach to faith, emphasizing outward works and human effort over the grace and finished work of Jesus Christ. He uses strong language to describe these individuals as “dogs” and “evil doers”.
Paul highlights that believers in Jesus find their identity and security in Jesus and not in their own accomplishments or ability to keep rules. He contrasts the “circumcision” of the heart, which is what Jesus really wants from His disciples, with reliance on physical circumstances or other outward practices.
As disciples of Jesus our focus should be on Him. He is the source of our salvation, our joy and our strength. In Philippians 3:4-6, Paul goes into detail about his own personal credentials.
4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
He emphasizes that if anyone could be right with God based on outward abilities, it would be him. However, legalism is not what is important he goes on to explain in Philippians 3:7-11.
7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
For Paul, what was most important was knowing Jesus. What does Paul say he counts as loss?
What does he say is now of worth to him?
Contrast Paul’s righteousness in himself with the righteousness that comes from God.
In verse 10, what does Paul want to know and why?
Paul describes a journey in Philippians 3:12-14.
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Why does he say he continues to press on?
What is the one thing he does?
Why is this important?
What’s the goal?
Philippians 3:15 - 17 talks about maturity in Christ.
15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.
What does Paul say are two signs of maturity?
In verses 18-19 of Philippians 3, Paul describes “enemies of the cross of Jesus”.
18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.
What characteristics do they have?
After describing what those who don’t walk with Jesus look like, Paul starts verse twenty with the word “But”. Philippians 3:20-21”
20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Why do you think he does this?
I want to define two important words in this passage.
1. Citizenship is a relationship between an individual and a state to which the individual owes allegiance and in turn is entitled to its protection.
2. Allegiance is devotion or commitment to a person, group or cause.
In verse 19, Paul says that the enemies of the cross are committed to earthly things. In verse twenty, Paul says that we (the disciples of Jesus) are committed to a relationship with heaven and with its Lord, Jesus Christ.
Because we are in this relationship, what will the Lord of Heaven do for us?
How is He able to do this?
The Greek word for “power” in this verse is dunamis. Remember we talked earlier about “divine dynamite”. Jesus has unlimited “divine dynamite” to transfer our bodies to be like His!
Sweet Sisters, Paul’s emphasis in Philippians three is that if those who are Jesus’ disciples are fully and whole heartedly committed to following Him until the very end, then they will receive an amazing reward in Heaven.
Next week we will move on to chapter four.
Debbie
Trust God
Obey God
Wait on God
Posted on March 2, 2025
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Sweet Sisters,
As we begin the next part of our study in Colossians Chapter one, we will be taking verses 15 - 23 one verse at a time. I want to fully focus on each verse. As we read each verse, watch for the word “all” and ask yourself what it implies.
Let me warn you ahead of time. I intend to make you think. You may have to stop and read a paragraph more than once. What Paul is wanting to teach us is “deep” but very important to our understanding who Jesus is.
We will begin with verse 15. I want you to see it in the NIV.
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
And in the NLT
15
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.
He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,
When Paul writes that Jesus is the exact image of the invisible God he is saying that Jesus is supreme over all. Essentially, Jesus is truly God. The fullness of God has been put into Jesus. Jesus is the fullest and deepest revelation of God.
While the term “firstborn” originates from being born first chronologically, the meaning in the ancient word is much richer and deeper. Throughout the Bible, “first born” has the meaning of; most significant or prized. Jesus was not born or created first because “all things were created in him”.
Let’s look at what John wrote in John 1:1-3.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
Now look at John 1:14.
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Jesus became the visible form of the God we could not see. What does the word “all” indicate in Colossians 1:15. Did you see the word “all” in this verse?
VERSE 16
NIV
16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
Good News Translation
16 For through him God created everything in heaven and on earth, the seen and the unseen things, including spiritual powers, lords, rulers, and authorities. God created the whole universe through him and for him.
Jesus is Lord over “all” - even Lord over satan and his demonic powers. Paul is emphasizing that whatever ranks of authorities or spirit beings there may be, Jesus created them all and they all ultimately answer to Him.
What does the word “all” tell us about Jesus in verse 16?
VERSE 17
NIV
17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Revelation 21:6 NIV
6 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.
Jesus holds all creation together. Apart from Him creation would cease to exist. What does the word “all” imply in verse 17?
Let’s stop here for a moment and think about what we have learned so far about Jesus in verses 15 - 17. What have you learned about who Jesus is?
Has your perception of Jesus changed? Why or why not?
How do these verses affect your relationship with Jesus?
Let’s move on now to
VERSE 18
NIV
18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
Jesus is the head of the church.
• What does this mean?
• What does a “head” do?
• How well would our physical body work without a head?
Our head is where knowledge is stored. The head sends messages to the rest of the body. It is the location of sight and hearing.
The word for church comes from the Greek word ekklesia (εκκλησία). It means “the assembly”. This means that God’s people are gathered under the leadership of His Son Jesus.
Jesus is the beginning. The word used here for beginning can also be translated “corner”, referencing the cornerstone of a building. It is the first stone laid and bears the weight of the whole building.
I Peter 2:4-6 (NIV)
4 As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— 5 you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 For in Scripture it says:
“See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame.”
“Firstborn from the dead” in Colossians 1:18, is a reference to Jesus’ mastery over all of existence, life and death. Jesus’ resurrection defeated death and redeemed man.
VERSE 19
NIV
19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,
“Fullness of God” refers to the totality of God’s power, nature and attributes which dwell in Jesus. It includes God’s knowledge, wisdom, power, holiness, truth and love. Paul wants us to know that Jesus is fully God, not a lesser or partial God. God is not divided. Jesus is the means through which God accomplished His will.
As God’s children we can draw upon all the fullness of God through Jesus. We now have access to all of God’s power.
How is the word “all” used in this verse?
VERSE 20
NIV
20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Good News Translation
20 Through the Son, then, God decided to bring the whole universe back to himself. God made peace through his Son's blood on the cross and so brought back to himself all things, both on earth and in heaven.
Reconcile:
• restore friendly relations
• co-exist in harmony
• make consistent with another.
How does this reconciliation take place?
What does the word “all” mean in this verse?
Paul is now going to switch gears. He is going to move from describing the characteristics of Jesus, to how, who Jesus is, affects them.
VERSES 21 - 22
NIV
21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—
Who does Paul say they once were?
How have they been brought back into harmony with God?
Why did Jesus do this?
Jude 24, 25
24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Jude 24, 25 also describes this process.
VERSE 23
NIV
23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Paul says that what he told them in verse 22 is based on them continuing to do four things. What are they?
Wow! Good Job! You made it through a pretty heavy passage of scripture!!!
Sweet Sisters, my prayer is that you may now have a deeper appreciation of just how awesome and holy our Lord, Jesus, is.
If you want to read ahead, next week we will finish chapter one and move into chapter two.
Debbie
Trust in God
Obey God
Wait on God
Posted on February 23, 2025
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Sweet Sisters,
Colossians is the third book of what is known as Paul’s prison epistles. Ephesians and Philippians are the other two. These letters were written by Paul while he was under house arrest in Rome. It was written in approximately 60 AD.
There is no indication in the New Testament that Paul was ever in the city of Colossae. It is believed that the church was begun by Epaphras, a convert, possibly from the church in Ephesus.
At one time Colossae had been an important economic hub located in the region of Phrygia. It was one hundred miles east of Ephesus, close to the much larger city of Laodicia. Colossae was famous for the beautiful red wool cloth called “colossium” that was manufactured there.
Scholars believe that by the time Paul wrote his letter to Colossae it had declined sharply and was only a shadow of what it had once been.
Colossae was noted for its broad acceptance of diverse beliefs and the tendency of syncretism. Syncretism is a way to thinking that takes various beliefs and philosophies and combines them into one belief system. The church in Colossae was beginning to try and combine the Christian beliefs they had been taught with the diverse beliefs of those living around them. Paul warns them about the false teachers who are promoting this way of thinking.
Paul’s emphasis in his letter to the church in Colossae is the diety and work of Jesus. He wants them to understand that Jesus is all they need.
Paul begins his letter to the Colossians with a greeting in Chapter 1:1-2.
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2 To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father.
Paul tells them that he is an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God.
Apostle is defined as:
• one sent on a mission
• A person who initiates a great moral reform or who just advocates an important belief or system.
An apostle was a chosen messenger of Jesus. A disciple was a follower of Jesus.
Paul wants his readers to know that he was chosen by God to be His messenger. He included Timothy in his greeting because Timothy was probably known to the Colossians and he may have been with Paul at the time.
Paul refers to those he is writing the letter to as “God’s holy people” or in some versions as, “the saints and faithful brothers” (in the Greek, this word indicates male and female). It could also be read as “the church”. Paul tells the readers who he is, who he is writing to and then he gives them a greeting from God.
In verses three and four, Paul says he thanks God for them.
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people
Why is he thankful?
Verse five and the first part of verse 6:
5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6 that has come to you.
Where does Paul say this faith and love come from?
In the last half of verse six, what does Paul say the Gospel is doing?
In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.
What three things do we learn about Epaphras in verse 7 and 8?
7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.
I think as Paul begins writing verse 9, he is referring back to the faith and love the church has demonstrated.
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,
What does Paul ask God to do for them?
How will this happen?
In verse ten, Paul gives four reasons why he prays this prayer for them.
10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
What are they?
As Paul writes verse eleven, he wants God to give them strength. Why?
11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,
The Greek word for “power” in this verse is dunamei (dynamite). Paul uses this word to describe the power of God that believers can use to endure and be patient. He also uses the related word dynamo (might) to describe being strengthened. The word pasan (πασαν) is added to indicate that the strengthening is all-encompassing.
Chapter 1:12-14
12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
What did Paul say the church should be thankful for? He mentions one reason in verse 12, two in verse 13 and one in verse 14.
Sweet Sisters, remember we talked earlier in this lesson that one of the themes of the Colossian letter is that Jesus is the answer to everything we need. We see this concept in these verses. We are part of the kingdom of the Son He (God) loves who has redeemed us and forgiven our sins. Jesus provided what we need.
In our next lesson we will learn about the supremacy of the Son of God and Paul’s purpose for why he labors for the church.
Debbie
TRUST GOD
OBEY GOD
WAIT ON GOD
Posted on February 16, 2025
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Sweet Sisters,
Back in the late 80’s - early 90’s , after her children were grown, Paul’s mom unintentionally began a tradition that has now become her legacy in our family.
Someone said to her, “I love you”. She responded with “I love you more”. Now days we hear this phrase a lot, but back then not so much. For some reason, in the Schlosser family, this phrase took on a life of its own. Whenever one family member says, “I love you” to another family member, the response often is “I love you more”. The tradition continues today even though Paul’s mom went to her heavenly home years ago.
I want to direct your attention today to a God who loves you more. More than we even have the capability to comprehend or imagine. The Bible is full of verses that illustrate how much God loves us. Let’s look at a few of them.
In Nehemiah 9, Nehemiah is reminding the children of Israel of their history with God. He talks about how God responds to them even when they were arrogant and stiff-necked in verse 17.
They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them,
God was still abounding and steadfast in His love for them. Since God is the same today as He was them, He responds the same way to us when we are arrogant and stiff-necked.
God’s love is a theme in the book of Psalms.
Psalm 36:5
Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.
There is no limit to God’s love.
Psalm 86:15-16
15
But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.
16
Turn to me and have mercy on me;
show your strength in behalf of your servant;
save me, because I serve you
just as my mother did.
Because of God’s love for us we can go to Him when we need Him.
Psalm 107:8-9
8
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
9
for he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.
God provides for those who are hungry for Him.
Song of Solomon 2:4
Let him lead me to the banquet hall,
and let his banner over me be love.
In this passage, “banner” indicates who we are and who we belong to.
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”
God loves us and sings lullaby’s to us.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
God loved us so much He sacrificed His son for us.
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
While we were disobedient to Him, God sent His son to die for us.
Ephesians 2:4 - 5
4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
Because of God’s love for us He made us alive when we were dead.
I John 3:1 (KJV)
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
The word “behold” used here means - Look and see I am telling you something remarkable and impressive.
God loves us and want a relationship with us so much that He’s made a way for us to be called His children.
My sisters and friends, the next time you bow your head in prayer to tell God that you love Him, I hope you hear Him whisper back,
I love you more.
Debbie
ll God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Remember we talked at the beginning of this study on Philippians that Paul starts his letter off the same way we used to start off letters we would write. He begins with a “salutation” or greeting. He ends with a “valediction” or a closing statement. We might have said, “Give my love to Uncle Bob. My sister, Betty, says to tell you hello.”
Sweet Sisters, my prayer is that you have a deeper understanding now of the book of Philippians. My prayer is also that you have a greater desire to rejoice in the Lord and to strive to imitate Him more.
Next week I plan to do a tribute to Valentine’s Day.
Debbie
TRUST GOD
OBEY GOD
WAIT ON GOD
Posted on February 9, 2025
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Sweet Sisters,
Once again Paul begins what he wants to say next with the word, “therefore”. He has just finished telling the Philippians that their home country is heaven and their allegiance should be to its Lord, Jesus Christ. He now goes on to say that since this is true, stand firm in the Lord.
Philippians 4:1
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
In verse two and three of Philippians chapter four. Paul addresses an issue that was threatening the unity of the church.
2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.
It is believed that these two women were strong Christian women in the church at Philippi. For some reason, they had some major drama going on between them. It had become so disruptive to the church that Paul hears about it while he is in prison in Rome. Paul feels that it is really important that those two women get whatever it is they are arguing about figured out.
The NIV reads “be of the same mind”. The NAS reads, “live in harmony”. The NLT reads, “settle your disagreement”. It seems that they have not kept the disagreement between the two of them but have pulled the whole church into it. Sadly, more than one church has been disrupted or split because two of its members could not settle an issue they had between them.
In verse four, Paul, once again, returns to the theme of this letter.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
I’m curious if Paul still has these two women in mind as he continues his letter. Maybe, in Philippians 4:5-7, Paul is teaching the church in Philippi how to deal with “drama” in the church?
5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Paul has already said that the first thing the church needs to do (and especially these two women) is to rejoice in the Lord. If our focus is on the joy that we have because of Jesus, we can’t very well focus on the “drama” we may be going through with a brother or sister in Christ.
Paul continues in verse five with “let your gentleness be known to all”. Some versions read:
Reasonableness (ESV)
Considerate in all you do (NLT)
Moderation (KJV)
Forbearance (ASV)
Essentially, these versions all convey the same message that disciples of Jesus should exhibit a gentle, considerate and patient spirit with each other. Is it possible that Paul’s second step in dealing with drama is that we should handle it in an appropriate manner so that Jesus would be proud of us because the Lord is near?
What do you think Paul means when he says “the Lord is near”? Does it mean, He is closer than we realize? Does Paul mean, Jesus is coming soon?
Paul’s third step in dealing with drama in verse six is one of my favorite passages in all of the New Testament. Let’s read it again.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
How much “drama” in our lives would be eliminated if we first brought our issues to God with a heart filled with thankfulness for what He has already done for us?
What does Paul say will be the results if we do this?
Does Paul say, “and God will fix it quick, fast and in a hurry?”
Paul seems to be saying that our peace comes in trusting God to handle our request in His time and in His way.
Paul goes on to explain what we should do while we are waiting on God to handle our requests in Philippians 4:8-9.
8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
Paul mentions eight things to think about. What are they?
God has always known that we become what we think about. Do we speak good to ourselves or do we speak negative? What do you say when you talk to yourself? Do you let God define who you are or do you let satan define you? I think that Paul continues this thought concerning what we think about in Philippians 4:10-13.
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
What does Paul say he has learned?
How is he able to do this?
Is Paul’s reliance on himself or on God?
Paul describes in Philippians 4:14-18 how much the Philippian church has done for him.
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
What have they done?
Paul ends this portion of his letter in Philippians 4:19-20 by asking God to bless the Philippian church because they have blessed him.
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Do you think these verses are a promise for all of God’s people who focus on blessing those around them?
Is it possible that the more we bless others, the more God blesses us?
Paul closes his letter in Philippians 4:21-23 with a valediction.
21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Remember we talked at the beginning of this study on Philippians that Paul starts his letter off the same way we used to start off letters we would write. He begins with a “salutation” or greeting. He ends with a “valediction” or a closing statement. We might have said, “Give my love to Uncle Bob. My sister, Betty, says to tell you hello.”
Sweet Sisters, my prayer is that you have a deeper understanding now of the book of Philippians. My prayer is also that you have a greater desire to rejoice in the Lord and to strive to imitate Him more.
Next week I plan to do a tribute to Valentine’s Day.
Debbie
TRUST GOD
OBEY GOD
WAIT ON GOD
Posted on February 2, 2025
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Sweet Sisters,
Philippians 3:1 (English Standard Version):
Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.
Paul begins chapter 3 with the word “finally”. Another definition for the word “finally” is “ultimately”. I really like this word. Paul seems to be saying that after all I have written to you so far, the really important thing is to rejoice in the Lord. Paul is talking about the joy of our salvation and the joy of being fully accepted by God. We have this assurance because of our faith in Jesus and our obedience to Him.
Remember, rejoicing is a key theme in the book of Philippians. Paul says that he doesn’t mind repeating this concept because it is beneficial to them. Philippians 3:2-3 show us Paul’s “mother bear” side.
2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—
Paul is upset with false teachers for two reasons. First, they are teaching that law keeping is necessary for salvation, and secondly, they are teaching that if Gentile converts want to be truly saved, they must first become Jewish converts.
Paul warns against those who promote a “legalistic” approach to faith, emphasizing outward works and human effort over the grace and finished work of Jesus Christ. He uses strong language to describe these individuals as “dogs” and “evil doers”.
Paul highlights that believers in Jesus find their identity and security in Jesus and not in their own accomplishments or ability to keep rules. He contrasts the “circumcision” of the heart, which is what Jesus really wants from His disciples, with reliance on physical circumstances or other outward practices.
As disciples of Jesus our focus should be on Him. He is the source of our salvation, our joy and our strength. In Philippians 3:4-6, Paul goes into detail about his own personal credentials.
4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence.
If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.
He emphasizes that if anyone could be right with God based on outward abilities, it would be him. However, legalism is not what is important he goes on to explain in Philippians 3:7-11.
7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
For Paul, what was most important was knowing Jesus. What does Paul say he counts as loss?
What does he say is now of worth to him?
Contrast Paul’s righteousness in himself with the righteousness that comes from God.
In verse 10, what does Paul want to know and why?
Paul describes a journey in Philippians 3:12-14.
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Why does he say he continues to press on?
What is the one thing he does?
Why is this important?
What’s the goal?
Philippians 3:15 - 17 talks about maturity in Christ.
15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.
What does Paul say are two signs of maturity?
In verses 18-19 of Philippians 3, Paul describes “enemies of the cross of Jesus”.
18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.
What characteristics do they have?
After describing what those who don’t walk with Jesus look like, Paul starts verse twenty with the word “But”. Philippians 3:20-21”
20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.
Why do you think he does this?
I want to define two important words in this passage.
1. Citizenship is a relationship between an individual and a state to which the individual owes allegiance and in turn is entitled to its protection.
2. Allegiance is devotion or commitment to a person, group or cause.
In verse 19, Paul says that the enemies of the cross are committed to earthly things. In verse twenty, Paul says that we (the disciples of Jesus) are committed to a relationship with heaven and with its Lord, Jesus Christ.
Because we are in this relationship, what will the Lord of Heaven do for us?
How is He able to do this?
The Greek word for “power” in this verse is dunamis. Remember we talked earlier about “divine dynamite”. Jesus has unlimited “divine dynamite” to transfer our bodies to be like His!
Sweet Sisters, Paul’s emphasis in Philippians three is that if those who are Jesus’ disciples are fully and whole heartedly committed to following Him until the very end, then they will receive an amazing reward in Heaven.
Next week we will move on to chapter four.
Debbie
Trust God
Obey God
Wait on God
Peter's Message
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Posted on December 3, 2023
Masters of the Storm
In times of need we may call out to God asking ‘to be taken out of the storm’. We may later reconsider and ask God to ‘calm the storm’, or we may request that He be with us 'in the storm’. Storms are inevitable! Jesus told His disciples that they would receive many blessings ‘with persecutions’ (storms). Paul understood what He meant and said that through trials and temptations that ‘we persevere’. James, the brother of Jesus, said we should ‘count it all joy’ in our trials, and Peter added that we should embrace our suffering in the name of Jesus Christ.
God knows what is needed before people ask, and that He responds when asked. God wants what is best for all people. While Jesus was in the midst of His own storm; facing crucifixion, He relied on God and prayed ‘not My will but Thine’. Parents know that children need godly discipline—Jesus subjected Himself to His parents. Some may not appreciate discipline and may only recognize it’s value later in life—God disciplines those He loves.
God gave Adam and Eve ‘Paradise’; free of storms—they were unappreciative. Today, it is a common practice to ask God for blessings and to live ‘storm free’. Few ask to be challenged or disciplined. All people are given the choice to choose the wide road or the narrow road, the hard road or the easy road. God, our Heavenly Father, places storms in our lives to strengthen us, not to defeat us! As Christians, we delight in our struggles for ‘the joy set before us’. Overcoming a difficult task is exhilarating! Instead of asking God to remove unwanted obstacles let’s ask for the strength to endure and become ‘masters of the storm’. Peter
Peter's Message
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Posted on November 5, 2023
Jesus is called ‘The Lamb of God’. He is also known as Light, Love, Lord, and Lion (of Judah). Creation is a reflection of Jesus; the Creator, made with precision and with purpose. Nothing created is without value or significance.
Jesus is also known as ‘The Good Shepherd.’ He is the shepherd of His sheep and the perfect sacrifice for them. Shepherds are held in high esteem; willing to defend their flock against all predators and willing to stay awake and on guard through the night. Shepherds care for the entire flock, risking their lives for the 99 and one that is lost. Sheep have a special place in the hearts of shepherds who often care for them as their children. Shepherds know how to protect their flock with their lives.
People have taken lambs into their hearts as some do domestic pets. To require of a shepherd that a first born lamb, in full health, be used as a sacrifice is to demand the very best. It is a sacrifice for the shepherd and lamb! Jesus willingly became a sacrifice and went to His death with ‘joy set before Him’, as did God, the Father, make a sacrifice for His ‘love of the world’. He gave His only begotten Son. Mary, Jesus earthy mother, was with Him at His death, suffering silently. Both God the Father and Son purposed to save mankind at the right time and manner—they willingly gave the very best of themselves and heaven. Peter
Peter's Message
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Posted on October 1, 2023
Moses, a servant of God, was chosen by God to deliver His law in what is known as the Ten Commandments, and to set them as God’s standard for His people, Israel. There are two sections: respect for God and respect for fellow man. Many more commands given through Moses have formed the basis of Jewish religious law through the centuries.
Jesus, the Son of God, was chosen by God to speak His words for all people; all nations of the world. Jesus, the Word of God, stated, ‘My words will judge you in the last day’. Jesus has many attributes and is known by several well known titles: He is Christ the Messiah, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, High Priest and Advocate, Great Shepherd and Prince of Peace.
Jesus’ word is God’s Christian standard. On earth, all nations have requirements for all citizens that are accepted as legal and right. By what standard-of-law, then, does God require for entrance into heaven? The Greatest Command Jesus spoke is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself (Mark 12:28-30).
Jesus showed His love for all people by His willingness to forgive sin. Forgiveness is His gift and response to repentance. Jesus is our righteous judge and advocate, and we will appear before His judgment-seat (II Corinthians 5:10, I John 2:1). By His words, eternal life is given to all who hear and believe—these do not come into judgment (John 5:24). Peter
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