Building New Warriors for Christ
We have been studying the Apostle Paul’s ‘prison letters,’ consisting of the book of Ephesians (see Immersing Yourself in Spiritual Growth and Insights into the Mystery of Christ), the book of Philippians (Joy is Found in Suffering as Well), and the book of Colossians (Distinguishing What is Godly from Oppositional Self-Serving Lies).
Now, we are going to shift to what is considered Paul’s ‘pastoral letters’ – the books of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. But before we make that shift, I want to render a very brief description of a the last ‘prison letter,’ which is the very short book of Philemon.
Philemon hosted a church in his home, thought to be in city of Colossae. Paul was believed to have visited him there, and he encouraged him as a ‘co-worker’ in Christ. Philemon was also a slave owner. One of his slaves, Onesimus, who, after having committed some disobedience, ran away from his owner, and met up with Paul in Rome, whether purposely or not, is unknown.
The apostle wrote to Philemon in approximately 60 – 62 A.D., and the letter was to be delivered by Onesimus himself, as plea to free his slave. Paul begins by exhorting his co-worker:
I always thank my God, when I pray for you, Philemon, because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand all the good things we have in Christ. Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people. Phn. 1 – 7. NLT
Paul is laying the groundwork for Philemon to see his riches in Christ, and he is recognizing his co-worker’s Christian walk – setting him up for hearing Paul’s request for grace, regarding Onesimus. He tells Philemon that is request is righteous (Phn. 8, 9. NLT).
Furthermore, Paul informs him that he has made a convert out of Onesimus. In addition, Paul asks Philemon to return his slave to him, to help him in his ministry during his arrest in Rome. But he wants Philemon to do it willingly, appealing again to his Christian grace. (Phn. 10 -14. NLT).
Lastly, Paul appeals to Philemon to consider that now that Onesimus is free in Christ, that he should also set the slave free from his bondage:
Yes, my brother, please do me this favor for the Lord’s sake. Give me this encouragement in Christ. Phn. 20 NLT
What we can take away from this brief treatise, is that Paul was reminding Philemon of the power of the Gospel, to bring reconciliation, and he is showing him how it needs be meted out in righteous grace…
Now let us turn back to our original intent – the examination of Paul’s first ‘pastoral letter,’ the book of 1 Timothy.
The time is approximately 64 A.D. Paul was released from what would be his first Roman imprisonment. Unfazed, he continued his ministry and is believed to have taken it as far as Spain. During that journey, he revisited the church of Ephesus. There, he appointed his 14-year disciple and ministerial co-worker, as overseer of the church.
Paul traveled on to Macedonia, where it is believed that he was re-arrested. From there, he wrote a letter to Timothy (known as the book of 1 Timothy), to instruct him in how to be an effective leader in church, and to encourage him in his own walk with God.
It is called a ‘pastoral’ letter because it is all about shepherding the church. It is relevant to us, because all of God’s children are charged with being walking, talking, and acting ambassadors of the church of Christ.
Apparently, the church in Ephesus was infiltrated with false teachers, because Paul addresses this at the outset of his letter:
When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussions of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God.
The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. 1 Tim. 1:3 – 5. NLT
The apostle then contrasts how Timothy should position himself against the false teachers’ attempts to promote Mosaic Law, in their effort to teach that the Gospel cannot stand on its own. Paul does this by teaching Timothy the correct utilization of the law:
…the law is good when used correctly. For the law was not intended for people who do what is right. It is for people who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy… 1 Tim. 1:8, 9. NLT
The law was meant to show unbelievers their sin, and to point the way to their salvation. The Gospel is purposed to be guidepost for the followers of Christ, for facilitating a righteous lifestyle.
Paul holds up his own conversion – from being a persecutor of the church, to becoming a church planter and an evangelizer for Christ, all to fortify Timothy’s faith in the transformative power of the Gospel:
…I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that comes from Christ Jesus.
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” – and I am the worst of all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience, even with the worst of sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 1 Tim. 1:13 – 16. NLT
There is no one the Gospel cannot transform if they are willing…
Next, Paul leads Timothy into the way of facilitating that transformation – first for himself, and then for others:
Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you…Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. 1 Tim. 18, 19. NLT
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.
Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.
For there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity – the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. 1 Tim. 1 – 6. NLT
God wants you to live a peaceful life. That’s why He tells you to pray for your governing leaders (even if you didn’t vote for them), that they would exercise godly wisdom in the dissemination of their governance.
Our Creator also wants everyone to be saved; and the only way to have that happen, is for all to be led into a personal relationship with Christ.
Paul then lays out the character traits that one should possess and exercise, to be an effective leader for God’s kingdom and in the church:
If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position.” So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation.
He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money.
He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church? 1 Tim. 3:1-5. NLT
What was Paul’s ultimate purpose in conveying these godly behaviors to Timothy?
…you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth. 1 Tim. 3:15 NLT
And what is that great truth?
…this is the great mystery of our faith: Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory. 1 Tim. 3:16 NLT
Paul returns to addressing the dangers of false teachers:
Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.
They will say that it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain food. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it by the word of God and prayer. 1 Tim. 4:1 – 5. NLT
The apostle is giving us a Holy Spirit-inspired warning against saddling up to religiosity instead of the word of God. Indeed, many denominational doctrines and man-made traditions
are demonic in nature – used by the devil to sow division in the body of Christ.
Jehovah tells us to throw these conflicted beliefs by the wayside, and cleave to His ways:
If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and good teaching you have followed…train yourself to be godly. 1 Tim. 4:6, 7. NLT
Why should we follow suit? Because godly conduct reflects our faith in His word – that same faith that locks us safely into the Kingdom of God, and helps us to resist the worldly mindset:
This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers. 1 Tim. 4:10
Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 1 Tim. 4:12 NLT
Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you. 1 Tim. 4:16 NLT
What is Paul ultimately preparing Timothy for? Building new warriors for Christ!
Contrast that with the nature of false teachers:
Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy. 1 Tim. 6:4 – 5. NLT
Their ‘false agendas’ all attempt to sow seeds of doubt and discontent, because the master of discontent (Satan) hates the church. These agendas are completely antithetical to the purposes of God:
Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into this world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. 1 Tim. 6:6 – 8. NLT
Jehovah does not have anything against you enjoying your blessings. He just wants you to remember from whence they came from – realizing that He is the source of the fulfillment of all your needs.
When you are assured of this, you won’t obsess over the accumulation of anything, because your faith gives you confidence that God is your great provider. And so, He warns us about how obsessing over one’s possessions leads to destruction:
But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 1 Tim. 6:9,10. NLT
Finally, Paul charges Timothy with living the life of a leader for God, by living out the characteristics of His Son – to bring himself and the souls around him into eternal life:
But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses.
And I charge you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate, that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.
At the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of lords. He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen. 1 Tim. 6:11 – 16. NLT
Goodnight and God bless.
Building Better Americans 102
Distinguishing What is Godly from Oppositional Self-Serving Lies
Moving on in our study on the apostle Paul’s four ‘prison letters’, (see our previous analysis of Ephesians: Immersing Yourself in Spiritual Growth and Insights into the Mystery of Christ, and of Philippians: Joy is Found in Suffering as Well), we now approach the third letter, now known as the book of Colossians.
To bring it into an accurate timeline, Paul wrote this letter, (along with his disciple Timothy), in approximately 62 A.D., simultaneously as the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke were in circulation.
He sent it to the church in Colossae – located 100 miles inland from the port city of Ephesus, in the region of modern-day Turkey. It is thought that when Paul was ministering in Ephesus in 52 – 55 A.D., there was a Colossian in attendance who became a convert by the name of Epaphras, who returned to the city of Colossae, motivated to establish a church.
Later, Epaphras visited Paul during the apostle’s house arrest, bringing him a concern about a person(s) in the church of Colossians who presented himself as some ‘spiritual guru,’ who was trying to convince the congregants to turn to his own brand of ‘doctored’ gospel (read: false teaching).
Paul responds by writing a letter to the church that distinguishes the love and truth of God versus the oppositional lies of self-serving men (who are usually driven demonically, because Satan doesn’t want anyone to be saved.
He begins by exhorting most of the church for their great faith:
We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people, which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. Col. 1:3 NLT
You learned about the Good News from Epaphras, our beloved co-worker. He is Christ’s faithful servant, and he is helping us on your behalf. He has told us about the love for others that the Holy Spirit has given you. Col. 1:7, 8. NLT
We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please God the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. Col. 1:9, 10. NLT
Thus, to walk like God, we must know God; and we know Him by delving progressively deeper into His word.
The exact nature of the ‘false teachings’ being foisted upon the Colossians is not revealed. However, we can deduce that they take away from the divine nature and purpose of the Father and the Son, because Paul jumps right into reaffirming those very things:
For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Col. 1:13, 14. NLT
It is the blood of Jesus that broke the devil’s hold over us – granting amnesty from our old worldly selves and ushered us into Christ’s Kingdom.
Paul Presses on, clarifying the preeminence of our Savior – first, over all creation:
Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see – such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.
He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Col. 1:15 – 17. NLT
Jesus is the animated visible essence of Jehovah, drawn into existence before space and time from God’s quintessence, and He is integrated into His Father, to become Jehovah’s creative vehicle for His universal designs – both in the material universe and in the spiritual realm.
Everything was made for Christ. He has dominion over all things, even the universe itself, and their continuing existence is dependent upon His power.
Christ also holds ultimate eminence as head of the church:
Christ is also head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. Col. 1:18 – 20. NLT
There were others who were raised from the dead, both by the prophets and Jesus Himself. Eventually though, they all went on to die again. Christ is the firstborn of any who died and was resurrected to eternal life; and He was bestowed the power for the resurrection of the dead.
How so? Because Jehovah invested all of Himself, to live in His Son, to reconcile all humankind that accepted Christ as their Savior, through His sacrifice on the cross.
Jesus is the centerpiece and the ultimate authority of the church. He is the reflection of the will of God, and the instrument of our reconciliation with our Creator. Paul next reminds the Colossians of their reconciliation. And He is still at work today – cleansing you, making you presentable before God. Your part is to bring your faith:
This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.
But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it. Col. 1:21 – 23. NLT
God did not only offer this gift for ‘special’ people; it is now freely available for everyone:
This message was kept secret (as a ‘mystery’) for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.
So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God perfect in their relationship to Christ. Col. 1:26 – 28. NLT
The ‘mystery’ revealed, is that salvation is now available for all people, not only the Jewish converts. The revelation states that Christ is ready to live in you now. And, that it is imperative for God’s children to share that message with as many lost souls as possible, because there will be no salvation available at the end of time for those who have heard the Gospel and rejected it.
We can be encouraged and equipped for this task by learning and remembering the truth of our omnipotent, omniscient Jesus – especially by the efforts of those who carried the torch before us, e.g., the apostle Paul:
I want you to know how much I have agonized for you…and for many other believers who have never met me personally. I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love.
I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Col 2:1 – 3. NLT
Now, Paul shifts his Holy Spirit-inspired narrative to the problem of the false teachers within the church of Colossae:
I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments. Col. 2:4 NLT
And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Col. 2:6, 7. NLT
When we do that, we can resist the lies of the demonic fiction-slingers who would distort and minimize the Son of God:
Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.
For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority. Col. 2:8 – 10. NLT
As we better understand the sovereignty of Jesus, we will better appreciate His supreme transformation that He bestows upon those who come to Him:
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. 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.
You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of charges against us and took it away by nailing it on the cross. Col. 2:11 – 14. NLT
Followers of Christ are not required to submit themselves to rituals of the flesh, e.g., physical circumcision. What we need to offer ourselves up to is Christ’s spiritual circumcision of our hearts, as He prepares us to be vessels to receive Him by faith.
Furthermore, Jesus’ work on the cross also constituted a spiritual victory over the darkness in this world on our behalf:
In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. Col. 2:15 NLT
Satan has no claim on the children of God, nor do the devil’s followers, who try to disenfranchise the faith of the saints:
Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels, saying they have had visions about these things. Their sinful minds have made them proud, and they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body. For he holds the whole body together with its joins and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it. Col. 2:18, 19. NLT
We are no longer slaves to ancient Hebrew rituals, nor do we ever worship angels, punish our flesh, or acquiesce to anything designated by humankind, with regards to spiritual growth. Christ is our only teacher in that respect.
If we latch onto what the Holy Spirit is teaching us and own it, we can be warriors of faith – impervious to the lies of false teachers and preachers:
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Col. 3:1 – 5. NLT
So as not to share the fate of the worldly, we must shake off their behaviors that we may be holding onto:
Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.
Put on your new nature and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. Col. 3:6 – 10. NLT
Therefore, we stay focused on godly things, turning away from our old selves and living as a model of Jesus:
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Col. 3:12 – 17. NLT
Finally, Paul instructs us in how to share all this wonder with unbelievers:
Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. Col. 4:4, 6. NLT
You, a child of God, are the expert on Jehovah and His salvation through Christ. You are a facilitator of His salvation. You are a purveyor of the word of God. Look unbelievers straight, but kindly, in the eyes and boldly claim, “With regards to all things spiritual, if it’s not in the Bible, it’s not the truth.”
Amen.
Goodnight and God bless.