Between Isaiah and Jeremiah and before our Wednesday night activities ended for the summer, our group studied Collosians. In looking in my New testament notes, I noticed that I hadn't made notes on Collosians, So I took it as God's perfect timing.

I've been delayed in posting these notes due to the end of the semester seriousness at work. I'm getting around to it though.

The youth showed a movie, and we had praise and worship that prevented our group from meeting for Jeremiah.

All in all - just busy.


Col 1

Its interesting that although Paul didn't start this church, or ever meet them, he took their profession of faith as being legitimate. He prayed for these people that their walk with God would be wonderful. What a wonderful example of un-selfishness, and un-selfcenteredness. Praying for those you don't personally know and wanting the very best for them. Its also an example of realizing He did not know the hearts of these people, but that God did. Do we really know anyone's heart- only God does.

Now an incomparable Christ, these folks had had some influences that had caused Jesus to be on the same level of comparison to other influential people. Paul is telling them that Jesus is God and He is above others to such an extent that comparison takes away from God, and adds to the stature of those compared to God. They were not placing an emphasis on God, He may have been a part of their lives, but He was not the focus. Do we do that today?

God through Jesus created everything, and then He Himself poured Himself into flesh to dwell among men, and gain their redemption.

We formerly are ignorant of God and consequently do our own things. Once we realize our nature we must cling to Him. Paul rejoices in his sufferings for another's sake. This sounds to me like a sacrficial suffering, a giving up of something for the good of others. Do we do that? Do we risk our own suffering for the good of others?

We should proclaim Jesus and admonish men to turn to Christ through God's power. Its our great commission, and just like Paul was sent we are sent. Furthermore we don't haveto be the center of the world, but God is. Others are working where we are not.

The mystery spoken of in this chapter that Jesus in us, the hope of glory. God kept it from the saints, and satan thought by killing Jesus (who really gave up His life) he would thwart God's plan.

Col 2

Paul struggled for those he had not met. He is calling for unity- where does unity in a church come from? focusing on Christ- making Him the leader.

Christ is the source of ALL wisdom and knowledge. So things are to be measured against God's word, in this way we can't be deluded. People who hide things and "roll them out" it just isn't scriptural.

He rejoices in the Spirit, and warns about becoming a captive of the traditions of men. Or men's deception and empty philosophy.

Christ alone makes us complete, not our educational level, or our work. Our baptism is our action of acceptance of Christ's work on the cross. Men could torture him, brutalize Him, and nail Him to a cross, but He was still in control. He gave up His spirit. He came back. Men are helpless against the will of God, but we don't like to admit it.

Yet we still listen to men rather than God. We should seek that fellowship with Him in all things. Do we. Certainly we should obey those in authority over us (it is commanded) but God will also (if we let Him and listen for Him) reinforce the things that He wants. Wouldn't it be a joy to have a boss ask you to do something, and at the same time hear God reinforcing that you should indeed do what is asked. I think this is why the apostles asked should they follow God or man? They were pointing out that there should be agreement. If there is not it can be a witnessing opportunity, and definitely a prayer topic.

In 1 Cor 10:13 it speaks of temptations, temptations allow us to get better, they are a test review, allow us to see different variations of God's word and His ways. The comforting part is we won't actually be tempted beyond our ability to handle it for God is watching out for us.

This chapter speaks of focus, we should be Christ focused and not our works, not our suffering (self focused), and certainly not comparing our walk to that of
another.
If Christ asks you to do something will He be with you? -YES
If you are focused on others, are you focused on Christ? - NO
If you are focused on the task at hand, or the fear of an upcoming trial, are
you focused on Christ? -NO
If you are focused on a specific goal personal and not Christ's) are you
focused on Christ? - NO
If you submit to the decrees of others- are you focused on Christ? - NO We
should submit to authority, but in checking with Christ.
If we focus on Christ only then fleshly indulgence be removed. Focus on Him.

Focus on Christ

Col 3

He continues the focus theme, having Paul admonish us to focus on Heaven and His kingdom, On His son Christ. We are to set our minds on the things above - not on earth.

A life hidden with Christ, this means we have given up all of our self focus for and have focused our efforts on doing His work. In glory we will be revealed. A focus on our self leads to fleshly results. The selfishness of the world will be what brings about God's wrath. Debt, spending future earnings for pleasures now is really very selfish.

Selfishness is something we all have exhibited, and we still have to be aware of its effects. Most pronounced is that it takes our focus off of God.
Selfishness brings about anger - you hurt me,
I'm going to get you back - is an exhibition of wrath. Maybe done
malice and slander (gossip). It all stems from a "me" focus and a "me" interest. Don't lie is commanded - If our old self is truly laid aside, why would we need to lie? Or even feel the need to lie?

If we let God renew us- through learning about Him (which takes action and effort on our part), and then we let God lead us. Physical differences between people fade. Race prejudice goes away.

One of the themes that is often brought to my attention is the way people get to where they don't care for each other. lame is often fixed on the other person, "he did this", "she said that" and it reminds me of just how self focused we are. Consider for a moment eternity and spending it with that person you "hate" or "don't care to be around", or "I can't forgive". I'm sure the argument came to your mind that you are "not" the problem, and it is the other person. I'm sure examples came to mind of actions they have done that convince you that their heart is not where it needs to be. Your's however is in the right place - isn't it?

God's prescription: put on a heart of compassion. Now this sounds good but how? Give up self interests and its easy to do. Let the "hurt" go, holding onto it is selfish. Not letting go of self interests make putting on a heart of compassion impossible (at least very hard).

Bear other's burdens - forgiving - who and what you need to let go of in order to give up your self. Once you die to self (ever heard that?) then you can forgive. Love brings about unity.

More on how to give up self- let the word of Christ dwell within you, you have to act (study) to get it there. It gets there through study.

Then once selfishness is rejected and Christ's ways adopted, do everything for the Lord as unto the Lord- What do you get? Why do you care- your selfish ways have been rejected. Back to the person(s) you don't care for, God is a part of the relationship, and if you let Him (by rejecting your selfish wants) he will lead you. He will steer you if you let Him. This is "doing His work", this is hiding yourself in Christ. This is the only way we can be assured we don't do wrong.

Col 4

In a submitted position (we realize we have a Master), and we will grant justice and fairness. We will also constantly be in fellowship with Him (in prayer), and we will exhibit the attitude of thanksgiving. In this submitted position and consequently an attitude of prayer, we will then be in position for God to use us for His glory and act through us. He will put the words in our mouths. This comes from prayer.

If we do all this what happens? We will feel lonely, like we are the only ones. Part of that is our selfishness trying to sneak back in. Part of that is assuming we can know the hearts of other - which we cannot. So how does Paul end the letter? by reminding them that they are not alone in their walk. We not alone either, many people are praying for us, we don't even know who. What parent doesn't pray and want the best for their children? What spouses don't want the best each other? Children even pray for their parents. That is just immediate family. There is then those in your extended family, and those in your church family. You are not alone.