Sword in the Fire

Colossians 2 I. Paul’s Struggle for the Faith. FOR I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God the Father, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. 5 For yough I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. “conflict”: Paul’s use of this word is a sign of their danger in face of heresy. This is where we get our word for “agony” or “agonize”. It is a reference to the intensity of his prayer for the believers in Colossae. This word is also used in 4:12 of Epaphras praying for them as well. Laodicea: This was a neighboring ci...

IV. Preeminence of Christ (15-23) A. In Creation. 1. Image of God. 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. This begins a section when Paul begins to combat some of the Gnostic heresies of the area. Remember that the Gnostics taught that Christ was not God but just in a line of emanations the proceeded God. These emanations revealed parts of God but Jesus for the Gnostics was only a link in the chain. We can not see the essence of God. Scripture even says that if man were to see God he would die; yet God has revealed Himself to us in the person of Christ. If we want to know what God the Father looks like; we only have to look to Christ. “firstborn” Jesus is the prototype of what man supposed to be. Remember that the Incarnation did not begin with the Annunciation, but with Creation. When God created the heavens and the earth, the Incarnation was in view. [thanks Clark] 2. The Logos of God. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in...

III. Prayer for the Colossians A. Knowledge of God’s Will. 9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; Knowledge again is epignosis meaning experiential knowledge. It is not just knowledge of the head but of the heart and how to live. Because of Paul use of this word, it appears he is playing of the Gnostics insistence that their gnosis (knowledge) is superior to the Christian revelation. B. Live Pleasing to God. 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; We experience God so that we will be transformed and imitate Him;. An encounter with God should change us because now He lives through us. We can not know God in Paul’s sense of the word and not be changed. To come into relationship with God is a dangerous proposition, because our God is a...

Unfortunately, I have been a little slow to update our class notes, even though it has been a while since we have finished the book of Colossians. Summer is here so I don't have any more excuses. This post is a brief intro to Colossians and the notes on the first 8 verses. Along with the notes, I will be posting an article on Mary that I am writing. It is partly a response to an article I read in Southeastern Seminary's most recent magazine and a summary of some of the discussion we had in class on the contrast between the Roman Catholic and Orthodox understanding of Mary. Let's begin Colossians: The theme of Ephesians was the Body of Christ. It held for the truth that from the beginning of time God predestined to create a people who would bring salvation to mankind. By joining oneself to this Body one becomes part of the predestined group. The book of Colossians upholds the Mystery of Christ Himself. Both books should be taken in concert, Christ restores man...

My previous post gave updates about voting for the upcoming Orthodox Study Bible cover design. Finding that link prompted me to contact Fr. Bob Sanford at Thomas Nelson about a potential launch date. The date he gave was Feb 2008. I hope this hits. It would be perfect timing as we begin all those OT lenten readings. Conciliar Press will allow pre-ordering as we get closer to that date. I can't wait. I am more excited about this release than even the new Harry Potter novel. Make sure you vote on the post below. As I get more info, I will try to pass it along.

I found a link today on another Orthodox blog site to vote for the cover of the upcoming Orthodox Study Bible. Does this mean it is coming soon? I will try to contact Thomas Nelson and find out. I got the honor of helping out with the Bible and did the translation work on 1 & 2 Samuel and the notes on the same. However, I turned in my work in 1999 and since then my Greek has gotten a little rusty. I can't believe it may right around the corner. Please go the following link and vote (perhaps the voting activity will spur the publishing date). Vote here: http://www.thomasnelson.com/research/osb-a.htm

Ephesians 5:21-6:24 C. Submit to one another. 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God. * This portion is a continuation of Paul previous exhortations about life in the Body of Christ. In this passage, he discusses submission. This is such an important topic in the Church and runs throughout its life. We are all subject to one another. No one in the church is an authority to himself. Even the highest ranking bishop is still subject to others and has his own spiritual father to whom he submits. When followed properly, a level of humility is developed that reflects the Trinitarian life of submission. Christ submits to the Father and we follow His example when we submit. St. Jerome: “In the Church, leaders are servants. Let them imitate the apostle. The difference between secular rulers and Christian leaders is that the former love to be lord over their subordinates whereas the latter serve them.” 1. Submission in Family life. 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as ...