RIVERWAY CLASSWeek #3

Colossians 1:9-23Instructor: Ernie Zarra

Review of Colossians 1:1-8

The Christian Faith is not . . . State of Discontent or a “Woe is me,” religion

The Christian Faith is not . . . Ethereal and Mindless

The Christian Faith is not . . . Faith in Self

The Christian Faith is not . . . Political Convictions; or Issues-Oriented

The Christian Faith is not . . . An Alternative Way to God

The Christian Faith is . . . About Jesus Christ . . .

◦ Part of Many in Christ◦ Granted By God the Father◦ Graced by the Holy Spirit◦ Gifted and Empowered by the Holy Spirit◦ Characterized by Love

(Matthew 22:37-40)

Love is the Foundation for Bearing Fruit

John 13:34 – “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”

John 13:35 – “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.“

John 15:12 -  "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

Romans 12:10 – “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

Types of Love

Paul’s Credentials◦ Acts 22◦ Colossians 1:1-4

Love used in this passage is “Agape.” “Saints” refers to Christians

Review

True Christians and Love Colossians 1:1-14

Love in the Spirit (The kind of love that only God can give)

Persistence to know God’s will for our own lives Demonstration of spiritual wisdom and

understanding Walk in a manner worthy of the name we bear; Live

as if we respect God as a Person Bear fruit in every good work Increase in knowledge of God; Get to know Who He

is, and not just seek knowledge “about” Him.

Review

Colossians 1:9-23

THIS WEEK’S LESSON

“Paul prayed that the believers ‘might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.’ His use of the very terms employed by the heretics probably startled his readers . . . Paul demonstrated such knowledge was available to all of the believers, not just to a privileged few . . .”

Gromacki, New Testament Survey, p. 271

Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding (Colossians 1:9)

Greek Word is “agathos”◦ Describes that which, being good in its

character, or constitution, is beneficial in its effect; it is used of things physical (tree, ground, etc), in a moral sense, frequently of persons and things.

Every “Good” Work

CAN WE NAME SOME

“GOOD” WORKS?

While walking by the Spirit, we will not carry out the deeds of the flesh◦ Flesh sets desire against the Spirit; and Spirit

against the flesh◦ Led by Spirit, not under Law◦ Deeds of Flesh are evident (5:19-21)◦ Fruit of the Spirit (5:22-26)

Deeds of the Flesh v. Fruit of the Spirit(Galatians 5:16-26)

Legalism of Judaism over whether Gentiles were required to eat certain foods, get circumsized, and celebrate Jewish holy-days.

Gnosticism/Essene Teachings

Heresies Addressed By Paul

A. He is the “image of the invisible God.” (1:15) B. In Him “all things were created.” (1:16) C. . . . through Him things “created.” (1:16) D. . . . for Him things “created.” (1:16) E. He is “before all things.” (1:17) F. He is the “head of the body, the Church . . . the

beginning; the firstborn from the dead.” (1:18) G. . . . in Him all God’s fullness dwells. (1:19) H. . . . through Him “all things . . . “ (1:20) I. . . . through Him “peace” . . . (1:20) J. He has now “reconciled.” (1:22) K. . . . before Him “presented holy and blameless.”

(1:22)

Paul’s Responses to Heresies (1:15-22)

Descriptions of Jesus Christ

A. He could not be the exact representation, or image of God unless He is God. (1:15)

B. “Firstborn” indicates His priority before all creation. (1:15) C. “By Him were all things created” signifies that He took part in

Creation; He did not create Himself. (1:16) D. Not only did He create all things, these things were created

“for Him.” (1:16) E. “He is before all things,” indicates His pre-incarnate state of

deity. Now incarnate, all deity dwells in Him. (1:17) F. He maintains Creation and holds it together. (1:17) G. He is the “head of the Church, firstborn from the dead; Only

One raised in a glorified body.” (1:18) H. Jesus Christ is “preeminent in all things.” (1:18) I. Jesus is 100% God and 100% man; He is the “full fullness.”

(1:19)

Paul’s Responses to Heresies (1:15-19)

Statements Concerning the Person

The question . . .

Proto-tokos v. Proto-ktistos

Is Jesus the Firstborn, the heir of all things created,

or is He the first createdthing of all creation?

What are Some Heresies Facing the Church Today?

YOUR THOUGHTS?