Freedom In Christ (Colossians 2:16-23)

Outline by Scott Pace

We are free from the shackles of reputation

16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath . . . 18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, Colossians 2:16–18 (ESV)

3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God. 1 Corinthians 4:3–5 (ESV)

 We are free from the bondage of religion

16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. 18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. Colossians 2:16–19 (ESV)

 For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. Hebrews 10:1 (ESV)

We are free from the chains of regulations

20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. Colossians 2:20–23 (ESV)

in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’  You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” And he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition! Mark 7:7–9 (ESV)

25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.
Matthew 23:25 (ESV)

Renewal at Bethel (Genesis 35:1-15)

The ritual and the renewal

God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there. Make an altar there to the God who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.” 2 So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you and purify yourselves and change your garments. 3 Then let us arise and go up to Bethel, so that I may make there an altar to the God who answers me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.” 4 So they gave to Jacob all the foreign gods that they had, and the rings that were in their ears. Jacob hid them under the terebinth tree that was near Shechem. Genesis 35:1–4 (ESV)

3  Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord? And who shall stand in his holy place?
4  He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. Psalm 24:3–4 (ESV)

The rite and the renewal

5 And as they journeyed, a terror from God fell upon the cities that were around them, so that they did not pursue the sons of Jacob. 6 And Jacob came to Luz (that is, Bethel), which is in the land of Canaan, he and all the people who were with him, 7 and there he built an altar and called the place El-bethel, because there God had revealed himself to him when he fled from his brother. 8 And Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died, and she was buried under an oak below Bethel. So he called its name Allon-bacuth. Genesis 35:5–8 (ESV)

 20 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, 21 so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, 22 and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house . . . .” Genesis 28:20–22 (ESV)

14 And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he had spoken with him, a pillar of stone. He poured out a drink offering on it and poured oil on it. 15 So Jacob called the name of the place where God had spoken with him Bethel. Genesis 35:14–15 (ESV)

The renaming and the renewal

9 God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Paddan-aram, and blessed him. 10 And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; no longer shall your name be called Jacob, but Israel shall be your name.” So he called his name Israel. Genesis 35:9–10 (ESV)

28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” Genesis 32:28 (ESV)

The reassurance and the renewal

11 And God said to him, “I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations shall come from you, and kings shall come from your own body. 12 The land that I gave to Abraham and Isaac I will give to you, and I will give the land to your offspring after you.” 13 Then God went up from him in the place where he had spoken with him. Genesis 35:11–13 (ESV)

15 Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” Revelation 11:15 (ESV)

Forgiveness Of Sins (Colossians 2:13-15)

Deliverance over Death
13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,
Colossians 2:13 (ESV)

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the flesh and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— Ephesians 2:1–5 (ESV)

 Freedom over Debt
14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. Colossians 2:14 (ESV)

19 I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it—to say nothing of your owing me even your own self. Philemon 19 (ESV)

10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” Galatians 3:10 (ESV)

26 “ ‘Cursed be anyone who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ Deuteronomy 27:26 (ESV)

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 1 Corinthians 15:56 (ESV)

13 Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure. Romans 7:13 (ESV)

19 Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 20 Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. John 19:19–20 (ESV)

Triumph over Demons
15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.
Colossians 2:15 (ESV)

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)

10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. Ephesians 3:10 (ESV)

Circumcision and Baptism: Pictures of the Gospel (Colossians 2:11-12)

Crucified with Christ in a spiritual circumcision: depicting the death of our old sin nature.

11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, Colossians 2:11 (ESV)

11 You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you. 12 He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised. Every male throughout your generations, whether born in your house or bought with your money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring,
Genesis 17:9–14 (ESV)

2 Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. 3 I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. Galatians 5:2–3 (ESV)

6 And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live. Deuteronomy 30:6 (ESV); Mark 14:58

20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (ESV)

Buried with Christ in a symbolic baptism: depicting a break with the sin patterns of the past.

12 having been buried with him in baptism. . . . Colossians 2:12 (ESV)

27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:27 (ESV)

3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin.
Romans 6:3–7 (ESV); 1 Corinthians 15:3–4

Raised with Christ by faith through resurrection: power depicting our regenerate state.

12 . . .  in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. Colossians 2:12 (ESV)

We have a hope of future resurrection:

11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:11 (ESV)

13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,
Colossians 2:13 (ESV)

And you were dead in the trespasses and . . . . 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, Ephesians 2:1–6 (ESV)

A Sober Warning (Colossians 2:8-10)

31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. Acts 20:31 (NIV)

 Know our enemy’s strategy against Christ

8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
Colossians 2:8 (ESV)

 15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.
2 Thessalonians 2:15 (ESV)

 3 Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. Jude 3 (ESV)

 Know our Savior’s immensity as Christ

9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, Colossians 2:9 (ESV)

For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place: “This is my resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it. Psalm 132:13–14 (ESV)

 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 (ESV)

Know our own identity in Christ

10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. Colossians 2:10 (ESV)

16 For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. John 1:16 (ESV)

19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:19 (ESV)

Walk in Jesus (Colossians 2:6-7)

The Christian’s reception before the walking in Jesus

6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, Colossians 2:6 (ESV)

12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
John 1:12 (ESV)

3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.
1 Corinthians 15:3–5 (ESV)

Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 1 Thessalonians 4:1 (ESV)

The Christian’s growth and walking in Jesus

7 rooted and built up in him . . . Colossians 2:7 (ESV)

He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season,

and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:3 (ESV)

17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17–19 (ESV)

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, Ephesians 2:20 (ESV)

11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, Ephesians 4:11–13 (ESV)

The Christian’s consistency of walking in Jesus

7 . . .  and established in the faith, just as you were taught . . . . Colossians 2:7 (ESV)

21 And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, 2 Corinthians 1:21 (ESV)

The Christian’s response while walking in Jesus

7 . . . . abounding in thanksgiving. Colossians 2:7 (ESV)

20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Ephesians 5:20 (ESV)

Near to the Heart of God (Colossians 2:1-5)

Christ’s Church would be characterized by love

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love . . .   Colossians 2:1–2 (ESV)

 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. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
John 13:34–35 (ESV)

 Christ’s Church would be grounded in truth

. . . to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:1–3 (ESV)

 15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 (ESV)

 3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,
2 Peter 1:3 (ESV)

 Christ’s Church would be protected from false teaching

4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. Colossians 2:4 (ESV)

Scott Pace: “The best defense against deception is discipleship.”

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1 (ESV)

Christ’s Church would exhibit an ordered commitment

5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. Colossians 2:5 (ESV)

40 But all things should be done decently and in order.
1 Corinthians 14:40 (ESV)

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
Ephesians 6:10–11 (ESV)

8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 1 Peter 5:8–9 (ESV)

13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13 (ESV)

A True Servant of Christ (Colossians 1:24-29)

The Sufferings of Christ’s Servant (24)

24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church,
Colossians 1:24 (ESV)

 24 Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; 26 on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers;
2 Corinthians 11:24–26 (ESV)

 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 2 Timothy 1:8 (ESV)

 4 . . . , “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Acts 9:4 (ESV)                                

16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” Acts 9:16 (ESV)

The Stewardship of Christ’s Servant (25-27)

25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:25–27 (ESV)

This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.
1 Corinthians 4:1 (ESV)

my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. 6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Ephesians 3:4–6 (ESV)

 The Spotlight of Christ’s Servant (28)

28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. Colossians 1:28 (ESV)

 18 because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy. 1 Thessalonians 2:18–20 (ESV)

 The Strain of Christ’s Servant (29)

29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. Colossians 1:29 (ESV)

 9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.
1 Thessalonians 2:9 (ESV)

Know Thyself (Colossians 1:21-23)

Consider our Past Condition apart from Christ

21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, Colossians 1:21 (ESV)

Alienated:
12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:12–13 (ESV)

Hostile in mind:

21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:21 (ESV)

Evil deeds: Romans 1:29–32

5  Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Psalm 51:5 (ESV) 

12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— Romans 5:12 (ESV)

Consider our Present Reconciliation in Christ

22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death . . . , Colossians 1:22 (ESV)
22 But now he has reconciled you by his physical body through his death, to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before him— Colossians 1:22 (CSB)
4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— Ephesians 2:4–5 (ESV)

Consider our Future Presentation before Christ

22 . . .  in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, Colossians 1:22 (ESV)

18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 1 Peter 1:18–19 (ESV)
Consider our Call to Persevere in Christ

23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
Colossians 1:23 (ESV)

13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:13 (ESV)

14 For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end.
Hebrews 3:14 (ESV)

7 . . .  our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ
1 Corinthians 1:7–8 (ESV)
24 Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, Jude 24 (ESV)

Re-acquainted: A Story of Jacob and Esau (Genesis 32-33)

The fear of Jacob in meeting Esau

6 And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, “We came to your brother Esau, and he is coming to meet you, and there are four hundred men with him.” 7 Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed. He divided the people who were with him, and the flocks and herds and camels, into two camps, 8 thinking, “If Esau comes to the one camp and attacks it, then the camp that is left will escape.”
Genesis 32:6–8 (ESV)
The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. Proverbs 29:25 (ESV)

The appeasement from Jacob before meeting Esau

13 So he stayed there that night, and from what he had with him he took a present for his brother Esau, 14 two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, 15 thirty milking camels and their calves, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys.
Genesis 32:13–15 (ESV)

20 and you shall say, ‘Moreover, your servant Jacob is behind us.’ ” For he thought, “I may appease him with the present that goes ahead of me, and afterward I shall see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.”
Genesis 32:20 (ESV)

The encounter of Jacob before meeting Esau

24 And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob’s hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. 26 Then he said, “Let me go, for the day has broken.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” 27 And he said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 Then he said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for you have striven with God and with men, and have prevailed.” 29 Then Jacob asked him, “Please tell me your name.” But he said, “Why is it that you ask my name?” And there he blessed him. 30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” Genesis 32:24–30 (ESV)
He strove with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought his favor. He met God at Bethel, and there God spoke with us— Hosea 12:4 (ESV) 

10 . . .  For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10 (ESV)

The preparation of Jacob before meeting Esau

2 And he put the servants with their children in front, then Leah with her children, and Rachel and Joseph last of all. 3 He himself went on before them, bowing himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. Genesis 33:2–3 (ESV)

The offering after meeting Esau

16 So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir. 17 But Jacob journeyed to Succoth, and built himself a house and made booths for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place is called Succoth. 18 And Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, on his way from Paddan-aram, and he camped before the city. 19 And from the sons of Hamor, Shechem’s father, he bought for a hundred pieces of money the piece of land on which he had pitched his tent. 20 There he erected an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel. Genesis 33: 16-20 ESV

Jesus Christ: The Reconciler of All Things (Colossians 1:18-20)

The position of Christ in reconciling all things

18 And he is the head of the body, the church . . . Colossians 1:18 (ESV)

 23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Ephesians 5:23 (ESV)

The priority of Christ in reconciling all things

18 . . .  He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.
Colossians 1:18 (ESV)

 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9–11 (ESV)

 The pervasiveness of Christ in reconciling all things

19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven . . .
Colossians 1:19–20 (ESV)

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). Matthew 1:23 (ESV)

30 I and the Father are one.” John 10:30 (ESV)

10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth in him. Ephesians 1:10 (ESV)

5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
1 Timothy 2:5 (ESV)

19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19 (ESV)

The peace of Christ in reconciling all things
20 . . .  making peace by the blood of his cross. Colossians 1:20 (ESV)

11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life. Leviticus 17:11 (ESV)

28 Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. Acts 20:28 (ESV)
18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 1 Peter 1:18–19 (ESV)

Jesus Christ: the Creator of all Things (Colossians 1:15-17)

The identity of Christ as associated with creation

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. Colossians 1:15 (ESV)

 18 No one has ever seen God; God the only Son, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.
John 1:18 (ESV)

 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? John 14:9 (ESV)
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 (ESV)

22 Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord, Israel is my firstborn son, Exodus 4:22 (ESV)

 And I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth. Psalm 89:27 (ESV)

The instigation of Christ as the architect of creation

16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16 (ESV)

 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.
Psalm 33:6 (ESV)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:1–3 (ESV)

2 but in these last days he (God) has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. Hebrews 1:2 (ESV)

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” Revelation 4:11 (ESV)

 The indispensability of Christ as the adhesive of creation

17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17 (ESV)

3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power . . .  Hebrews 1:3 (ESV)

“In Christ:” A summary of what we received through union with Him” (Colossians 1:13-14)

The darkness from which we were delivered

13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness . . . Colossians 1:13 (ESV)

 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)

 9 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.
1 John 5:19 (ESV)

 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.
John 12:31 (ESV)

 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
2 Corinthians 4:4 (ESV)

 8  . . .  The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 (ESV)

 14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,
Hebrews 2:14 (ESV)

 The kingdom into which we were placed

13 . . .  and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, Colossians 1:13 (ESV)

 The union through whom redemption was received
14 in whom we have redemption . . .  Colossians 1:14 (ESV)

5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. Romans 6:5 (ESV)

3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:3 (ESV)

3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3 (ESV)

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, Ephesians 1:7 (ESV)

The sins for which our redemption was paid

14  . . .  the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:14 (ESV)
For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”
Hebrews 8:12 (ESV)
as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12 (ESV)

Finding God's Will (Colossians 1:9-12)

Finding God’s Will (Colossians 1:9-12)

 We should know God’s will

9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, Colossians 1:9 (ESV)

 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might. Ephesians 1:17–19 (ESV)

 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

 We should obey God’s will

10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him . . .  Colossians 1:10 (ESV)

4 Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 (ESV)

 We should form a lifestyle toward God’s will

10 . . . bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Colossians 1:10–12 (ESV)

 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification . . . 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (ESV)

A Prayer of Thanksgiving (Colossians 1:3-8)

A Prayer of Thanksgiving (Colossians 1:3-8)

A prayer of giving thanks in all situations

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, Colossians 1:3 (ESV)

21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Romans 1:21 (ESV)

18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)

 A prayer of giving thanks for the three pillars of sanctification

4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, Colossians 1:4–6 (ESV)

13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13 (ESV)

19 We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19 (ESV)

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 1 Peter 1:3–4 (ESV)

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”
Isaiah 52:7 (ESV)

 A prayer giving thanks for leaders and their dedication

7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit. Colossians 1:7–8 (ESV)

A Grace-Filled Greeting (Colossians 1:1-2)

A Grace-Filled Greeting (Colossians 1:1-2)

How to think about Paul

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, Colossians 1:1 (ESV)

Paul, an apostle—not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead . . . Galatians 1:1 (ESV)

9 . . . we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, Colossians 1:9 (ESV)

19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. Colossians 1:19–20 (ESV)

How to think about Yourself

To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae . . . Colossians 1:2 (ESV)

6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.” Exodus 19:6 (ESV)

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)

21 As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom. Daniel 7:21–22 (ESV)

22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith . . . Colossians 1:22–23 (ESV)

19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, Ephesians 2:19 (ESV)

20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Philippians 3:20 (ESV)

How to think about Life

. . . Grace to you and peace from God our Father. Colossians 1:2 (ESV)

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Ephesians 2:8 (ESV)

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1 (ESV)

A Teachable Moment (Jonah 4:5-11)

A Teachable Moment (Jonah 4:5-11)

The proceedings of the teachable moment

5 Jonah went out of the city and sat to the east of the city and made a booth for himself there. He sat under it in the shade, till he should see what would become of the city. Jonah 4:5 (ESV)
The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. Psalm 145:8–9 (ESV)

The providence in the teachable moment

6 Now the Lord God appointed a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort. So, Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the plant. 7 But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered. 8 When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint . . . Jonah 4:6–8 (ESV)

 . . . hell, 48 ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ Mark 9:47–48 (ESV)

 41 Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.” Luke 9:41 (ESV)

Let them praise the name of the Lord! For he commanded and they were created. And he established them forever and ever; he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away. Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling his word!
Psalm 148:5–8 (ESV)

The passion in the teachable moment

8 . . .  And he asked that he might die and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” 9 But God said to Jonah, “Do you do well to be angry for the plant?” And he said, “Yes, I do well to be angry, angry enough to die.” Jonah 4:8–9 (ESV); Luke 15:28–30
9 But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” . . .  11 He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” Genesis 3:9–11 (ESV)
9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” . . . Genesis 4:9 (ESV)

The point of the teachable moment

10 And the Lord said, “You pity the plant, for which you did not labor, nor did you make it grow, which came into being in a night and perished in a night. 11 And should not I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?” Jonah 4:10–11 (ESV)

2 You shall be careful therefore to do as the Lord your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. Deuteronomy 5:32 (ESV)
“right and left” idiom (cf. Deut 5:32; 17:11, 20; 28:24; Josh 1:7; 23:6; 2 Chr 34:2; Prov 4:27) [Joanne Hoyt]

34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”  . . . Luke 23:34 (ESV)

Unbridled Anger (Jonah 4:1-4)

Unbridled Anger (Jonah 4:1-4)

20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:20 (ESV)

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident . . . enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, Galatians 5:19–20 (ESV)

The self-absorption of Jonah’s anger

But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. 2 And he prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.
Jonah 4:1–2 (ESV)

“‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” Matthew 11:17–19 (ESV)

21 And if you say in your heart, ‘How may we know the word that the Lord has not spoken?’— 22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him. Deuteronomy 18:21–22 (ESV)

14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means! Romans 9:14 (ESV)

The misconception in Jonah’s anger

2 And he prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. Jonah 4:2 (ESV)

9 For if you return to the Lord, your brothers and your sons will find compassion before those who led them captive and will return to this land.  For the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate, and will not turn His face away from you if you return to Him." 2 Chron 30:9 (NASB)

13 And rend your heart and not our garments." Now return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness, and relenting of evil.14 Who knows whether He will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind Him, even a grain offering and a drink offering For the Lord your God? Joel 2:13-14 (NASB); Psalms 86:15

The absurdity from Jonah’s anger

3 Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” Jonah 4:3 (ESV)

The challenge to Jonah’s anger

4 And the Lord said, “Do you do well to be angry?”
Jonah 4:4 (ESV)

The hope in Jonah’s anger

2 And he prayed to the Lord . . .  Jonah 4:2 (ESV)
But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end. Psalm 73:16–17 (ESV)

A Portrait of Genuine Repentance ( Jonah 3:5-10)

A Portrait of Genuine Repentance (Jonah 3:5-10)

 20 but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance.
Acts 26:20 (ESV) Luke 3:8

 30 For as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation . . . . 32 The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here. Luke 11:30–32 (ESV)

 The Ninevites exhibited outward signs from genuine repentance

5 And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them. 6 The word reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 7 And he issued a proclamation and published through Nineveh, “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything. Let them not feed or drink water, 8 but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth . . . .
Jonah 3:5–8 (ESV)

 9 As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. 10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 11 For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter. 2 Corinthians 7:9–11 (ESV)

 “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 6:1 (ESV)

 The Ninevites exhibited an inward change from genuine repentance

 . . . and let them call out mightily to God. Let everyone turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands. Jonah 3:5–8 (ESV); Isaiah 1:15

 46 “If they sin against you—for there is no one who does not sin—and you are angry with them  . . .  if they turn their heart  . . .  and repent and plead with you  . . . then hear in heaven your dwelling place their prayer and their plea, and maintain their cause 50 and forgive your people who have sinned against you . . .
1 Kings 8:46–50 (ESV); 1 John 1:9

  Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. Proverbs 28:13 (ESV)

 The Ninevites exhibited a faith in God from genuine repentance

5 And the people of Nineveh believed God . . .
Jonah 3:5 (ESV)

 9 Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.”
Jonah 3:9 (ESV)

 The Ninevites experienced the grace for God from genuine repentance

10 When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil way, God relented of the disaster that he had said he would do to them, and he did not do it. Jonah 3:10 (ESV)

 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, Titus 2:11 (ESV)

The Grace of Second Chances (Jonah 3:1-5)

The Grace of Second Chances (Jonah 3:1-5)

 The command in Jonah’s second chance

Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it the message that I tell you.” Jonah 3:1–2 (ESV)

 13 Now Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John left them and returned to Jerusalem, Acts 13:13 (ESV)

 37 Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord.
Acts 15:37–40 (ESV)

 11 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.
2 Timothy 4:11 (ESV)

 26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. 27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:26–27 (ESV)

 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach . . . 
  1 Timothy 3:2 (ESV)

 The compliance in Jonah’s second chance

3 So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord . . . Jonah 3:3 (ESV)

 The completion in Jonah’s second chance

3 . . . . Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, three days’ journey in breadth. 4 Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s journey. And he called out, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” Jonah 3:3–4 (ESV)

 19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. Romans 3:19–20 (ESV)

4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Romans 10:4 (ESV)

 The counteraction in Jonah’s second chance

5 And the people of Nineveh believed God. They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them. Jonah 3:5 (ESV)

 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)

 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
John 3:18 (ESV)