LHIM Weekly Bible Teaching

Colossians 3:1 Therefore...

Ask yourself, “what’s the therefore there for?” This is usually used as an admonition to some action based on what was communicated previously. (Romans 12:1; Ephesians 4:1; 5:1; Philippians 2:1-3; 4:1)

Some of the highlights from Chapters 1 &2

We have a hope laid up for us in heaven

He has qualified us to share in the inheritance

He has rescued us from the domain of darkness

He has transferred us to the kingdom

We have redemption and forgiveness of sins through Christ

Christ is image of the Invisible God

Christ is the Firstborn from the dead

All of the new creation -- dominion, thrones, authorities, are created through Him

By Christ all things hold together

He is head over all things

Christ has reconciled us through death, to present us holy and blameless

It is Christ in you the hope of glory!

In God’s mystery, Christ himself, is hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge

We are not to be captive through philosophy and empty deception.

In Christ, all the fullness of Deity dwells.

In Christ, we have been made complete

Through the cross we have been forgiven all transgressions

Through the cross all rulers and authorities have been defeated.

Christ has set us free from all of the of these elementary principles of the world

Colossians 3:1-7

Therefore... Seek things above; set your mind on things above; consider your earthly body dead to these fleshly things. This is mental! This is what to do with your mind. This is how we are to think.

Put! Let! Do!

Colossians 3:8-14

Put off the old self and put on the new self. Christ is all and in all!

Put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness

Put on love!

Colossians 3:15-16

Let the peace of God rule

Let the word of Christ richly dwell in you

Colossians 3:17

Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father

Specific admonition for Wives, husbands, children, fathers, slaves

Colossians 3:18-25

Colossians contains ancient insights that are eerily relevant in our culture today. Though the philosophies and cultural pressures have new names and angles, Pauls’ prescription remains the preventative cure for them as well as us.

Colossians 2:1-3 The Apostle Paul has never met the Colossians but he wants to encourage them to stick with what they have learned about Christ. In him God has hidden incredible treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Christ is a big deal. He’s not just another religious teacher or life-coach guru.

Colossians 2:4-10 If he can just get the Colossians to grasp how highly God has exalted Christ that will protect them from getting taken in by other religions and philosophies that are harmful to them. Christ is all sufficient and above other rulers and authorities so there is no need to go elsewhere or augment their faith with other allegiances and practices. God dwells in Christ fully (Col 1:19; 2 Cor 5:17) and wants to dwell in them/us as well (Eph 3:19).

Ephesians 1:20-23

20 ...he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Colossians 2:11-15 Christians need not take on Jewish practices to find salvation since through the cross God has made a new kind of forgiveness available. Rather than the expression of Rome’s power to strip and disarm rebels, the cross is where God has defeated the authorities and triumphed over them. The cross is not an embarrassment or cause for shame, but a cosmic victory!

Colossians 2:16-17 We shouldn’t let people push us around and judge whether we practice or don’t practice dietary restrictions, Jewish festivals, or the Sabbath. We have freedom in Christ to embrace these shadows or not.

Colossians 2:18-23 Asceticism is denying pleasure. Certain philosophical sects taught that pleasure was inherently evil and truly enlightened people should resist gratifying their bodily appetites. Paul comes against this strongly, arguing that Christians should not enslave ourselves to “elemental spirits.” Though strict denial sounds wise, it actually doesn’t help in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. Today, we have the opposite pressure acting on us--hedonism. Commercials tell us, “You deserve this.” Social media users declare, “I’m doing this for me.” Our movies urge us to “Be true to yourself.” All of this is pressure to embrace our desires and live them out regardless of what anyone else says. Whether asceticism or... To read the rest of the notes visit lhim.org/sermons

Colossians 1:2 “Who are at Colossae” can be understood as a parenthesis for the epistle is written to all the church then and now. (4:16) Epistle is addressed to the saints (holy ones) and faithful brethren, not unbelievers or unfaithful.

3 -- God is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, clearly, He is not Jesus Christ. Giving thanks is a major theme in the epistle and may even be considered one of the main aims.

5 -- The big three: faith, love, and hope -- 1 Corinthians 13:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:8

1 Peter 1:4 -- Hope is laid up for you in heaven. Our hope is not to live in heaven but protected by God for the future when His kingdom comes. Dee’s memorial service

6-8 -- The great good news (gospel) is our hope -- this life is not our end and therefore not our all and all. Understanding the Kingdom propels us into godly living. 1 John3:1 and 2

9-12 prayer:

Filled with knowledge

Spiritual wisdom

Spiritual understanding

Walk worthy

Please Him

Bear fruit

Increase in God’s knowledge

Strengthened with all power

Steadfastness and patience

Joyously giving thanks

12 -- After prayer, back to hope - Ephesians 5:8 and 9 Doberman, pincher, Chihuahua; what do you call a deer with no eyes?

13 -- We still live in a dark world, but darkness no longer rules us. In the day, darkness will disappear forever. We have been transferred into His Kingdom. Are we in His kingdom?

14 -- Emancipated slave or Israel from Egypt. We are redeemed, but we have not yet received the fullness. Our hope is full redemption, entering the Promised Land.

15 -- Image of the invisible God - he is the image, not God -- Hebrews 1:3

1 Corinthians 15:20; Romans 8:29; Revelation 1:5 -- What does firstborn of all creation mean? The answer must be understood in the context of the entire Bible and not just this epistle. Who was the first person born? When was Jesus born? 9/11/3BC, so what does it mean when it says he is the firstborn of all creation?

Colossians 1:18 -- He is the beginning, the firstborn of the dead. Jesus is the first born of the new creation.

16 -- Yahweh is the Creator. Genesis 1:1; Psalm 96:5; 146:5 and 6; Isaiah 40:12-31 Yahweh is the only eternal one; no one was with Him when He first created.

17 -- Ephesians 1:19-23 Jesus was promoted to this position of superiority by the resurrection and ascension.

20 -- We are reconciled and now... To read the rest of the notes visit lhim.org/sermons

1 Corinthians 1:2

In Christ Jesus we have been sanctified, made holy, called to be saints (holy ones). This calling is not because we were so holy but because of what God did through Christ on our behalf.

1 Corinthians 1:26-31

It was through His doing in Christ Jesus that we have sanctification. There is therefore no boasting.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

God can wash anyone in Christ Jesus, cleanse us, and sanctify us through the spirit of God.

Through the accomplished work of Christ on the cross, we have been sanctified through his sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10).

We have not been left alone, but rather we have the spirit and the word of truth.

2 Thessalonians 2:13 -- Sanctification by the spirit and faith in the truth

1 Peter 1:2 -- By the sanctifying work of the spirit, to obey Jesus Christ

Christ has not left us on our own. We have the holy spirit, and we have the word of truth.

John 14:16-17 -- Through the spirit of truth, Christ will be in you!

John 14:25 -- The holy spirit will teach all things and will bring all that Jesus said to our remembrance.

John 16:5-7 -- Jesus sent “the Helper” to us.

John 17:16-19 -- Jesus prayed that his disciples would be sanctified in truth.

Romans 6:1ff

We no longer need to be slaves to sin. We have Christ in us!! We have the holy spirit! We have the word of truth! We have been freed from sin, enslaved to God, and derive the benefit, resulting in sanctification!!!

Matthew 5:8 -- Pure in heart will see God.

Matthew 7:6 Holiness is a great treasure that is to be honored and upheld dearly.

1 Peter 1:1 and 2 -- “Sanctifying” refers not only to the activity of the holy spirit in setting man apart unto salvation and transferring him into the ranks of the redeemed, but also to enabling him to be holy even as God is holy. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17; Ephesians 1:4

Why does God want us to be holy? So that He can fellowship with us.

Acts 9:13, 32, 41; Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2 Followers of Christ are called saints (holy ones) 60Xs. The word “Christian” occurs only 3Xs in the Scriptures, two of which are in a debasing way.

1 Peter 1:13-16 Be you holy for I am holy

Leviticus 11: 44-47 The Hebrew word that was translated “consecrate” is also translated “sanctified” and “holy.”

Leviticus 19:1-4 Holiness was and is connected with obedience to the commandments of God.

Leviticus 20:6-13 God sanctified us so that we would live holy lives.

Romans 12:1-2 Today, the saints are to present themselves as a holy sacrifice to God.

1 Peter 1:15-25 The reward for holy living is the good life and most importantly fellowship with your Father and Lord Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 4:1-9

Revelation 15:3 and 4 - Last Sunday, we focused on God’s holiness and saw that it is the fundamental nature and perhaps the most important quality that separates Yahweh from all others.

Psalm 36:1 No fear of God before his eyes.

Romans 3:9 Jews and Gentiles are all under sin, everyone. Sin is the antithesis--the direct opposite--of holiness and opposition between God and man.

10-18 God and His son are commonly used as curse words. Holy men such as Moses and David were excluded from the God’s presence. How much more so the unholy?

19 - The Jews completely miss the point of the Law, that is every mouth is shut and that all are guilty, “brought to trial,” unanswerable.

20 We know what sin is because of the Law. Every child should be taught the Ten Commandments so that he or she knows at least the minimum.

First step is acknowledging your unholiness and therefore separation from God. The second step is to accept the reality that you cannot change yourself. The third step is to ask God to help.

3:21-31 The help we find is through our Lord Jesus the Christ. Because of him the sin the separates us from our holy God is dealt with.

5:1 and 2 We now have access to God through him.

Ephesians 2:11-21 All that separated us from God has been taken out of the way.

Ephesian 3:11 and 12 We have access to God.

1:4 We were made blameless and holy; now we are to live blameless and holy.

1 Peter 1:13-21 Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Deuteronomy 10:17 -- Yahweh our God is the great, the mighty, the awesome God.

Jeremiah 10:6-7 -- There is none like You.

Creator -- Rev 4:11

Omniscient [all knowing] -- Psalm 147:5

Omnipotent [all powerful] -- Revelation 15:3

Omnipresent [everywhere present] -- Psalm 139:7-10

Sovereign [supreme ruler over all] -- 1 Chronicles 29:10-12

Exodus 33:20 -- You cannot see My face.

Exodus 34:6-7 -- His glory

Exodus 15:11 -- Majestic in holiness

Revelation 15:4 -- For You alone are holy

Psalm 99:

Let them praise Your great and awesome name; Holy is He. [verse 3]

Exalt the LORD our God And worship at His footstool; Holy is He. [verse 5]

Exalt the LORD our God And worship at His holy hill, for holy is the Yahweh our God. [verse 9]

Isaiah 6:1-7 -- The repetition of a name or an expression three times is unusual in the Scriptures. Jeremiah 7:1-4 - The temple of the Lord; Jeremiah 22:29 - land; Ezekiel 21:27 - a ruin; and 2 Samuel 18:33 - Absalom my son. Each instance communicates extreme intensity exhibiting deep emotion and earnestness.

Revelation 4:1-ff --

Yahweh’s holiness and other-ness are set forth clearly with the tabernacle and the temple. Their structure with the holy place, the holy of holies, and the cherubim illustrates the holiness and separateness of our God. We are incapable of seeing His face today because of our sinful flesh, but in the end, we will see Him face to face.

God’s holiness powerfully inspires profound awe -- Moses turned away, Israel feared greatly, Moses’ face shone, the seraphim covered their faces, Isaiah immediately acknowledged his sinfulness, the cherubim praise Him day and night, and the elders bow down and worship.

1 Corinthians 1:30 -- John’s reaction to the throne room vision is different from Isaiah’s. Because of Jesus we have forgiveness, sanctification, and access through him to this holy, holy, holy God.

Matthew 6:9 -- Our Father who are in heaven, hallowed be Your name.

1 Peter 1:15 and 16 -- Be ye holy for I am holy

Deuteronomy 10:17 -- Our God is the God -- great, mighty and awesome.

1 Corinthians 10:31 Do all to the glory of God

Judges 6-7 God’s whittling down of Gideon’s army provides us a prime example of how important it is to God that He receives proper glory for what He does. He could have worked with thousands, but then they would have thought they had won the victory because of their own military prowess.

1 Peter 4:11 In everything we should give God glory through Jesus Christ. This is not limited to when we are here on Sundays or at other fellowships, but it applies to our whole lives.

Matthew 6:1-18 Jesus teaches us about doing righteous deeds for God, not people

- Pray to God in private

- Fast secretly so God sees, not people

- Give to the poor secretly

Romans 16:27 To God be glory forevermore

Ephesians 3:21 To God be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus

Philippians 1:11 Righteousness comes through Jesus to the glory and praise of God.

1 Thessalonians 2:4 We speak not to please people but God who tests our hearts.

Jesus made his whole life about glorifying God.

- Jn 5:41 “I do not receive glory from people”

- Jn 7:18 “The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent me is true, and in him there is no falsehood”

- Jn 8:50, 54 “Yet I do not seek my own glory...if I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God’”

- Jn 12:43 “for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God”

- John 5:30 "I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.”

How to glorify God in 2017:

- Love God

- Love people

notes not available

Luke 1:26-38 Gabriel visits Mary and tells her God’s plan for the birth of the Messiah. If she agrees, this will irreversibly change her life.

John 8:41

“You are doing the deeds of your father.” They said to Him, “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father: God.”

Luke 2:1-5 They had to travel approximately 90 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem over unpaved roads and significant elevation changes.

Luke 2:6-7 After Mary gave birth to Jesus, she laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:8-20 God announced the birth of His Son to some unnamed shepherds rather than the powerful rulers of the age.

Luke 2:21-24 From Leviticus 12:7-8 we know that the offering Joseph and Mary gave was a provision for those who could not afford a lamb and a pigeon. Simeon and Anna offered encouragement in the midst of it all.

Matthew 2:7-21 Now Herod orders a hit on the child to eliminate any threat to Herod’s legacy that he may pose later once he’s grown. The family becomes refugees in Egypt to escape the slaughter.

God doesn’t stop all suffering in the world; God doesn’t prevent all pain for His people; God didn’t even eliminate hardship for His own Son, but you can trust Him to get you through it.