Studies in the Book of Colossians, #6 How do people change to be the best that we can be? Colossains 1:21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight; Colossians 1:3 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister. First, a change of attitude occurs when you come into contact personally with the Savior 1. How does Paul describe this change? ANS: Col. 1:21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled. Note: We had no use for God. Perhaps even hostility. That hostility is expressed in evil behavior. But, He came seeking us. Col 1:21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled It is inner alienation, estrangement from God and hostility toward him, that causes evil behavior. 2. Paul says that we are reconciled to God. What is the process by which that is done? ANS: Col 1:22a in the body of His flesh through death,_ Note: We can be reconciled to God by our eternal death (paying for our own sins) or by Jesus' eternal death for our sins. Those are the only two options. 3. What point does Paul emphasize that is absolutely necessary in the Christian walk? ANS: 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard,_ NOTE: It is a "continuing" in the faith that proves it's reality. "If your faith fizzles before you finish, it is because it was faulty from the first!" Second, Others play a part in this process of change Col. 1:23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister. 24 I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, 4. How does the Book of Romans describe the journey of truth to the new Christian? ANS: Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!" 18 But I say, have they not heard? Yes indeed: "Their sound has gone out to all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world." Psalm 19 _. Their voice has gone out to all the earth_.. How do we recognize a true teacher? That person is a SERVANT. 5. How does Paul describe his working for the church? ANS: Col 1:24 I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, 6. How extensive is Jesus' ministry and how long does it go on? Heb 7:25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. I John 2:2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. 7. What attitide did Paul have that made his personal ministry more effective? ANS: Col 1:24 I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, Third, The process requires the understanging of a great mystery. 8. How does Paul describe this mystery? ANS: Col 1:26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Col 1:29 To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. 9. Simply put, that is this mystery? ANS: Jesus died for us so that He might live in us. 10. What is unique about this mystery? ANS:Col 1:26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 10. What is unique about this mystery? ANS:Col 1:26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 11. What Old Testament Passage refers to what the mystery is, but not how it happens? ANS: Isaiah 40:31 But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. 12. What text does Jesus quote to show that the mystery was not being revealed? ANS: Psalm 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, Also Matthew 13 13. How does Jesus further describe this mystery? ANS: John 14:23 Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. 14. Paul lived what he taught. How does he describe this relationship? ANS: Col 1:29 To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. First: He had to be what He was in order to do what He did. Second: He had to do what He did in order that we might have what He is. Third: We must have what He is in order to be what He was --The new birth begins a process which is intended to perfect us, spirit, soul and body. --To advance that process requires pain and commitment on the part of others on our behalf; and when we come to Christ we are to undertake that same pain and commitment on behalf of others. -- all progress occurs only by coming to understand and to practice the mystery of "Christ in you, the hope of glory." Lord Jesus, here I am. Come into my heart. Receive me. Begin to change me.