Bible Study - Sabbath School Podcast

Standing Perfect and Complete

Books have been written about the purpose-driven life and the purpose-driven church. While "purpose-driven" may not be quite right, a clear "purpose focus" is vital for accomplishing any meaningful endeavor. Paul's life and ministry, as well as that of his coworkers and the other apostles, exemplify this focus (see Phil. 3:13-14). The results speak for themselves--the gospel spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire and beyond (Col. 1:23). The same focus is needed today.

Read Colossians 4:12-13. What purpose is described, and how is it to be accomplished?

As we mentioned in an earlier lesson, Epaphras was probably instrumental in the spread of the gospel to Colossae and to the nearby cities of Laodicea and Hierapolis (see Lesson 1). His greetings and prayers for these churches were no doubt greatly encouraging to believers there. Epaphras's prayers had a clear focus--that the Colossians would "stand perfect and complete in all the will of God" (Col. 4:12). Let's consider more carefully the rich components of this prayer. Stand. The word means to stand firm and unmoved, which is possible only by being "grounded and steadfast" in the faith and confident of the truth of the gospel (Col. 1:23, NKJV). The same word is used several times by Paul in reference to the battle against "the wiles of the devil" (Eph. 6:11) and withstanding the forces of darkness through divine power by putting on "the whole armour of God" (Eph. 6:10-18; compare 2 Tim. 2:19). Perfect. The word refers to the perfection of character that finds its ultimate expression in sacrificial love (Matt. 5:44, 48) by those who will never claim to have "arrived" (Phil. 3:12-15, NIV). Complete. This powerful word means to satisfy fully or bring something to full measure. It is used of Abraham's being "fully convinced" that God would do what He promised, though humanly impossible (Rom. 4:21, NKJV), and Paul's being strengthened by the Lord so that "the message might be preached fully" through him (2 Tim. 4:17, NKJV). All the will of God. The word "all" is comprehensive. Paul himself prayed that the Colossians would be filled with a knowledge of God's will, "live worthily of the Lord and please him in all respects" (Col. 1:9-10, NET) through "His glorious power" (Col. 1:11, NKJV).

Church Connectivity

In a world connected by the internet, social media, and countless devices, it is difficult to imagine the challenge that Paul faced in helping churches feel they were a part of something bigger than their own local congregations.

Read Colossians 4:10-11. Besides sending news back and forth through emissaries (Col. 4:7-9), what other ways did Paul encourage connectivity? In view of some of the problems Paul has addressed in this epistle, what message might be conveyed through these greetings?

With these greetings, Paul creates and fosters connectivity among fellow believers. We learn here that Mark was Barnabas's cousin. Paul thus paves the way for Mark's probable visit to Colossae. Aristarchus is described literally as a "fellow prisoner-of-war"; that is, he was imprisoned with Paul. They were both soldiers with "the armour of God" (Eph. 6:10-11), fighting to set Satan's captives free for service in the kingdom of God (see 2 Tim. 2:1-4). Jesus/Justus (Jewish and Roman names that sound very similar in Greek, like Saul/Paul) is also commended to them as a trustworthy fellow laborer in the gospel.

Paul makes a point of mentioning that Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus are Jewish believers ("of the circumcision"). He then goes on to mention three Gentiles: Epaphras, Luke, and Demas (Col. 4:12-14). It is significant that, despite some tensions in the church between Jews and Gentiles, these coworkers are able to labor effectively together, unitedly and harmoniously. By saying "only," though, Paul seems to imply a certain disappointment that more Jewish Christians have not stood by him in his sufferings. Nevertheless, it is significant that by this time, John Mark, who had some years before deserted Paul and Barnabas during their first missionary journey (Acts 13:13), proves not only loyal but a "comfort" to Paul (Acts 15:36-40).

Threats to unity are nothing new. In recent years, the Adventist Church has undergone profound changes as it has spread globally, and forces have hammered away at its unity. This stress on unity can be felt at every level of the church.

How can you, at your local church, work to lessen the things that threaten our unity? What are these tensions at the local level, and what can be done about them?

Lessons on Outreach

We learn much from Paul about spreading the gospel. His travels covered an estimated 13,400 miles. This is astonishing, since much of it was on foot and some of the time he was also in prison.

Paul spent considerable time in centers of trade, such as Corinth and Ephesus, from which the message could then spread to inland towns. He also returned to churches that he had raised up in order to strengthen and encourage the new believers there. When he couldn't visit the churches personally, he sent letters. This way, the believers knew that he remembered them and cared about them.

Read Colossians 4:7-9; compare Ephesians 6:21. How is Tychicus described, and what reasons does Paul give for sending him and Onesimus to Colossae?

Some things are best communicated orally rather than in writing. It would be interesting to know what news the two men conveyed to the Colossians. Judging from Paul's intent that these things would "comfort" (NKJV) and "encourage" them (Col. 4:7-9, ESV), it probably included details about Paul's circumstances in prison. In any event, such communication was also important as a means of maintaining the personal ties that bind believers together.

Tychicus, whose name means "fortunate," was clearly a trusted emissary. Described as a "faithful minister" and "fellow servant," he was one of two men from Asia selected by Paul (Acts 20:4) to accompany him on his journey with the collection for needy believers in Jerusalem. He was also with Paul during his second imprisonment in Rome, whence he was sent to Ephesus to strengthen the work there (2 Tim. 4:12). Paul also thought about sending him to Titus, in Crete (Titus 3:12). Accompanying him was Onesimus, whom Paul had converted in Rome (see Lesson 1) and describes as "faithful."

It seems Paul also wanted to know about the circumstances of the believers in Colossae. It would not be difficult to send word back to him by someone, if not by Tychicus himself. This was another way Paul conveyed his love and concern for the believers there, even though he had not visited the church personally, and how he strengthened them in the faith so they could reach others.

How do these personal things in Paul's letters not only show his humanity but, in a small way, affirm the validity of his ministry?

Sabbath Afternoon

Read for This Week's Study: Col. 4:7-18; Eph. 6:21; Acts 15:36-40; 2 Tim. 4:10-11; 2 Pet. 3:10-14; Isa. 60:1-3

Memory Text: "In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NKJV).

This final portion of Colossians reveals Paul's wider network of coworkers. Acts shows him teaming up first with Barnabas, then with Silas, and then gives an overview of his three missionary journeys.

This week we will look at Paul's mission strategy, which involved the very efficient use of time and resources in reaching the major centers of the Roman Empire, as well as training promising lay workers in order to reach the cities and towns that Paul would not visit, such as Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis.

Through personal visits during his travels and, especially as a prisoner, through his epistles, Paul was constantly linking people and churches. He recognized that the success of the gospel mission depended upon everyone working together--Jewish and Gentile Christians; men and women; such people as Tychichus, Aristarchus, Justus, Epaphras, Luke, and Nympha. Intriguingly, we also hear of a letter he wrote to Laodicea that has not been preserved for us. Paul packs a lot in these final verses, including a personal exhortation to a man named Archippus. He did everything possible to strengthen the churches while he still could.

* Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, March 28.

Further Thought:

"Every member of the family should realize that a responsibility rests upon him individually to do his part in adding to the comfort, order, and regularity of the family. One should not work against another. All should unitedly engage in the good work of encouraging one another; they should exercise gentleness, forbearance, and patience; speak in low, calm tones, shunning confusion; and each doing his utmost to lighten the burdens of the mother. . . .

"Each member of the family should understand just the part he is expected to act in union with the others. All, from the child six years old and upward, should understand that it is required of them to bear their share of life's burdens."--Ellen G. White, The Adventist Home, pp. 179, 180.

"We must let Christ into our hearts and homes if we would walk in the light. Home should be made all that the word implies. It should be a little heaven upon earth, a place where the affections are cultivated instead of being studiously repressed. Our happiness depends upon this cultivation of love, sympathy, and true courtesy to one another. . . . We should be self-forgetful, ever looking out for opportunities, even in little things, to show gratitude for the favors we have received of others, and watching for opportunities to cheer others and lighten and relieve their sorrows and burdens by acts of tender kindness and little deeds of love. These thoughtful courtesies, that, commencing in our families, extend outside the family circle, help make up the sum of life's happiness; and the neglect of these little things makes up the sum of life's bitterness and sorrow."--Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, pp. 539, 540.

Discussion Questions:

For married couples, what principles have helped you in your relationship? What advice do you have for the unmarried, and how they should prepare for the challenges that marriage always brings?

Many loving, caring parents who raised their children in fine Christian homes often have to deal with adult children who reject the faith. What advice and comfort can you give them? What might be better not to say at all?

Discuss further the admonition to "walk in wisdom." In contrast, what does it mean to walk in "stupidity" as opposed to wisdom? What did you learn from the different times you might have walked in one or the other?

Walking in Wisdom

What is the most important truth that we, as Christians, can know? Of course, it is that Jesus Christ died for our sins and that, through faith in Him, we can have eternal life. This is a truth that we could have never figured out on our own. Instead, it was a truth that had to be told, or revealed, to us. And it has been revealed to us--in the Word of God.

There's a great deal of truth, knowledge, and wisdom that we would never have known were it not for what God has revealed to us in His Word. But this knowledge and wisdom have not been given to us just as knowledge, just as something to know. Rather, we are to live out in our own lives this truth, this knowledge, and this wisdom.

Read Colossians 4:5-6. In what situations does Paul indicate we especially need to "walk in wisdom"? Why might that be?

Unfortunately, as Christians, sometimes we are anything but Christian! And, as Paul indicated (quoting Isaiah 52:5), Israel was also a stumbling block for unbelievers: "For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you" (Rom. 2:24). How we act toward others, especially those not of our faith, matters a lot (see Titus 2:5, 2 Pet. 2:2). A Christian home, a gathering of youth for prayer rather than for mischief, simple kindnesses, and a calm, patient spirit speak volumes to those who are watching to see whether our profession is genuine or not.

In Colossians 4:6, Paul focuses especially on the words we speak: "Let your speech always be gracious" (ESV). More than simply kind or polite, the words we speak should be prompted and permeated by God's grace through the influence of the Holy Spirit.

"Seasoned with salt." Opposite to the world's definition of "salty" speech, our words should be fitting and appealing to those we address.

"That you may know how you ought to answer each one" (NKJV). Only the Holy Spirit can give us the right words at the right time for the right purpose and prepare the minds of the hearers for the message we "must" share (here, too, dei is used--see yesterday's comments on Colossians 4:4).

Think about your words, your actions, and how you walk before others. What message are you sending about your faith and what it means to be a Christian?

Praying for One Another

Read Colossians 4:2-4. What principles for prayer do you find in these verses? What prayer requests does Paul make?

Some of the most important words we can say to someone who is struggling with issues of various kinds, be they family, health, money, or something else, are "I'm praying for you." This is heaven's chosen means of connectivity and interactivity. "It is a part of God's plan to grant us, in answer to the prayer of faith, that which He would not bestow did we not thus ask."--Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, p. 525.

Notice the impactful descriptions of prayer Paul uses: "Continue" (or persevere), "earnestly," "being vigilant," and "with thanksgiving"--signaling that this is a prayer of faith (Col. 4:2, NKJV). He tells us to pray "always" (Eph. 6:18) and "without ceasing" (1 Thess. 5:17). Most amazingly, even though "we know not what we should pray for as we ought . . . the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered" (Rom. 8:26).

Reread Colossians 4:3. What "door for the word" (NKJV) might God open for you to share your faith?

Significantly, Paul also prayed for the right words to speak. Sometimes, when we read his letters or his speeches in the book of Acts, we imagine that the apostle was always eloquent, with never a doubt as to what he should say. But here he asks for prayer that he may proclaim the message "clearly" (Col. 4:4, NIV). He also uses a very important Greek word (dei) in the last phrase of the verse, which could be translated "as I must speak," pointing to the divine necessity of the work of proclaiming the gospel. He recognized the importance of presenting the message to people at the highest levels of the Roman government, including Caesar's household.

"It is not always necessary to bow upon your knees in order to pray. Cultivate the habit of talking with the Saviour when you are alone, when you are walking, and when you are busy with your daily labor. Let the heart be continually uplifted in silent petition for help, for light, for strength, for knowledge. Let every breath be a prayer."--Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, pp. 510, 511.

Work Relations

Read Colossians 3:22-25 and Colossians 4:1. What instructions are given to slaves? What principles are here for work relations generally?

People today sometimes bring up slavery as a way to relegate some of the Bible's counsels to the past, if not to discredit Scripture entirely. But, ironically, this takes little to no account of the historical contexts within Old Testament Israel and the New Testament church. Human beings are made in God's image and, like all of God's intelligent beings, are designed for freedom. Mosaic laws prohibited Israelites from being perpetual slaves (Deut. 15:12) and stipulated six years as the maximum term of service to pay off financial indebtedness (Exod. 21:2-6, Lev. 25:39-43). The slavery in the Bible, however repugnant to our modern sense, was not normally like the abominable practices of slavery that have been seen in the Western world, which was a scourge and horrific crime against humanity.

In New Testament times, the church had to operate within the framework of Roman law, which provided for owning slaves, "But, unlike modern forms of slavery, Roman law afforded slaves considerable rights and opportunities, and attempting to overturn the practice could have threatened the advancement of the gospel."-- Clinton Wahlen and Wagner Kuhn, "Culture, Hermeneutics, and Scripture: Discerning What Is Universal," in Frank M. Hasel, ed., Biblical Hermeneutics: An Adventist Approach (Silver Spring, MD: Biblical Research Institute/Review and Herald Academic, 2020), p. 166.

In fact, within the church, unlike more generally within the Roman Empire, the slave's first obligation was to the Lord. And their masters were instructed to treat them fairly, "knowing that you also have a Master in heaven" (Col. 4:1, NKJV). Moreover, Paul instructed Philemon not to treat Onesimus any longer as his slave but as his brother (Philem. 16). Actually, in both the Old and New Testaments, believers are called slaves (or servants) of God (see, for example, Ps. 34:22, Luke 17:10, 1 Pet. 2:16).

Even if we don't like the cultural circumstances in which some Bible texts were written, we still must accept the authority of the text itself. Otherwise, we have placed ourselves and our culture above Scripture. The better option is to look at everything the Bible says about a topic before reaching a conclusion about what the Bible is telling us about it.

Consider how this passage could apply to your relationships at work. How might its principles be helpful to you as a boss or an employee?

Parents and Children

Children have a vital role as part of the family firm. They need to know they are loved and valued as members of the family and citizens of the heavenly kingdom. Family worship is crucial, simple but regular, morning and evening. At an early age, children can start helping with cleaning and other responsibilities. Most important, they should heed Paul's command: "Obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord" (Col. 3:20, NKJV).

Read the following passages. What principles are given for raising children?

Prov. 22:6, 15

Matt. 19:14

Deut. 6:6-7

Prov. 1:8-9

Rightly trained for the Lord, by precept and example, children will be a blessing to the family, the church, and beyond. And Paul's instruction for parents, like his instruction for husbands and wives, is balanced and reciprocal: "Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged" (Col. 3:21, NKJV). How parents, particularly the father, interact with and discipline children profoundly impacts their spiritual upbringing.

Studies show, too, that when both parents go to church, a higher percentage of children remain churchgoers, as opposed to if only one parent goes. Even more surprising, consistent church attendance by the father, even more than by the mother, means a greater number of children remain in church as adults. The role of the father, then, in the spiritual formation of his children, cannot be underestimated. How crucial that fathers take their roles seriously.

Not all fathers, however, have been (to put it mildly) exemplary role models for their children. How can knowledge of God as our Father help bring healing where needed, especially when earthly fathers have caused great damage?

Husbands and Wives

Several sets of instructions for Christian homes are included in the New Testament (see Eph. 5:21-6:9, Col. 3:18-4:1, Titus 2:1-10, 1 Pet. 2:18-3:7). Notably, these "household codes," as they are called, are not completely hierarchical but include elements to make the relationships more reciprocal and mutually edifying.

Read Colossians 3:18-19. What balance do you see? What additional counsels does Paul give in Ephesians 5:22-25, 33?

Some men quote, "Wives, submit to your husbands" (Col. 3:18, ESV), and stop there, but notice the important qualifier Paul adds: "as is fitting in the Lord." Nowhere does the New Testament teach that women are to submit to all men; nor that wives are subservient or subjugated; nor that they are to blindly submit to their husbands' every whim or desire. Paul's point is that the wife's loyalty is to the Lord first and to her husband second. The wife's individuality must not be swallowed up by her husband, nor can he act as her conscience.

Christ's love for the church in giving Himself up for her illustrates how husbands should love their wives (Eph. 5:25). They will be faithful regardless of the cost. They will make decisions that are in the best interests of the wife, though normally these interests should be aligned. Love like this makes it easier for the wife to obey God's command to respect her husband (Eph. 5:33).

A healthy Christian marriage is characterized by mutuality--consulting each other, thinking things through together, and making decisions as a couple. Sometimes, when making decisions that have serious implications for the whole family, it may be appropriate to include children in these discussions, but never should parents quarrel in front of them. After such a process, if the husband and wife are unable to come to an agreement, the biblical path to peace is for the wife to acquiesce to her husband's judgment, provided it does not violate the Word of God. By the same token, most, if not all, husbands can recall times they were happy that they listened to their wives and took their advice. The more the husband and wife work together as a team, the happier the marriage will be.

How can we avoid doing what has, unfortunately, been done all through history: taking the beautiful principles expressed in these texts and turning them into something evil?