Transcript

Paul's Greeting To The Church

Colossians 1:1-2
Sunday, September 9, 2001
Pastor Randy Smith

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The heresy was basically a form of syncretism. Syncretism is the combination of many religious beliefs to form a new belief, supposedly superior. Three elements composed this heretical religion: First, there was a Jewish element. The advocates adhered to legalism, ritualism and the observance of particular holy days. Second, there was a pagan element promoting a degree of philosophy, angelolatry, asceticism and astrology. Physical matter was inherently evil and salvation was through knowledge based on mystical experience. Finally, there was a Christian element. Christ was mentioned and some doctrines were evident. However, as Curtis Vaughn said, "It did not deny Christ, but it did dethrone Him. It gave Christ a place, but not the supreme place."

"One thing is certain as to the heresy, (according to Professor Moule), it was a doctrine of God and of salvation that cast a cloud over the glory of Jesus Christ." This heresy was so dangerous that it prompted the Apostle Paul to write the largely insignificant Colossian church the largely significant epistle we will be studying for the next 6 months. His response to the heresy was not so much a rebuttal of its erroneous beliefs, but rather a demonstration of the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ. W. Graham Scroogie concurs: "A true Christology is the final answer to every heresy that has ever been, or ever will be." Merrill Tenny, in commenting on the letter, once said, "Paul will point out that all philosophies, spiritual powers, ceremonial observances and restrictions were secondary to the pre-eminence of Christ."

That was then. Today, pluralism has never been more accepted and expected. Most people believe it doesn't matter what god you pray to because every deity is ultimately the same deity shrouded in a different name. According to the 1993-94 Barna research report, nearly two out of three adults contend that the choice of one religious faith over another is irrelevant because all religions teach the same basic lessons about life. Just 8 years ago, for example, The Parliament of the World's Religions met in Chicago. Their agenda during the 8-day conference was to unify all the world's religions. Through over 700 workshops they sought to present all the religious beliefs as viable options and then break down all the barriers that separate the religions of the world.

Erwin Lutzer, notable and respected pastor of the Moody Memorial Church, attended the conference as an observant. His remarks summarize the collective position ascribed to Jesus Christ: "At times He was variously admired, quoted, and favorable compared to other religious teachers, ancient and modern. He was seen as one more stage in the evolutionary development of religion; indeed, He was a very necessary and important stage, but He was only one enlightened man among many. It was noted that in our day He is overshadowed by others but that He should be admired for being the man for His times. A special man for His times. But alas, He was only one among many others. Though He was respected, He was not worshiped."

In a similar way to the Colossian heresy, religious appetite in the 21^st Century is a combination of everything the spiritual smorgasbord has to offer. Syncretism: A pinch of eastern mysticism, a dash of ritualism, a sprinkling of worldly philosophy and enough Christ amongst the concoction to hold everything together and still claim to be a Christian.

Enter the book of Colossians. Oh how we need the book of Colossians to remind us that Jesus Christ, the Creator of the world in whom the deity dwells in bodily form is supreme and sufficient. In being our Savior, He is able to meet all of our need now and into eternity. Are you struggling with your spouse, children, job or health? Jesus Christ! Are you lonely, depressed, confused or overwhelmed? Jesus Christ! Are you searching for meaning, satisfaction, significance or direction? Jesus Christ! Are you unloved, unappreciated, unfulfilled or unaccepted? Jesus Christ!

But in being our Lord , He demands a full allegiance and will not accept partial devotion or half-hearted commitment. Far from being one religious figure amongst many, Colossians 1:18 says, "He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything."

One author summed up the theme of Colossians well: "The book of Colossians presents the all-sufficiency, the all-supremacy, the uniqueness, and the fullness of the person and work of Christ as the God-man Savior, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe and the total solution for man's needs both for time and eternity."

Without any doubt, Colossae was the least important church the apostle Paul ever wrote an epistle to, but even today we would agree that suddenly the epistle to the little flock in the declining city has become perhaps the most contemporary book in the New Testament library.

Our objective this morning is to take a brief overview of this magnificent epistle as we examine the introduction in verses 1 and 2. The historical and cultural context will hopefully enable you to better understand and appreciate this glorious book in the weeks to come. As you can see in your sermon outline, the message this morning basically has two main points, each with three sub-points. Let's begin in verse 1 with the authorship. Colossians 1:1 "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother…"

1. AUTHORSHIP (1:1)

The Man

A detailed biographical sketch on the great apostle is beyond the scope of this message. However, I believe it imperative to trace Paul's affiliation with the Colossian church in particular. It is of popular opinion that Paul neither planted nor visited the Colossian church prior to his writing. Look at Colossians 2:1: "For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf, and for those who are Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face …" Well then, you ask, how did the church come into existence and how did Paul even know they exist? Look at Colossians 1:5- "because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel". Skip to verse7- "just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf." It is believed that Epaphras was the pastor and primary founder of the Colossian church who brought news to Paul regarding the church and the heresy it was facing. And he was still with Paul at the time of writing. Turn to Colossians 4:12- " Epaphras , who is one of your number, a bond slave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings , always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God."

Let's back up even further. From where did Epaphras hear the gospel? That question brings us full circle, back to Paul in verse 1. Epaphras probably first heart the gospel through Paul. Paul, as you know, was called by God to be an evangelist to the Gentiles in the Mediterranean world. He was one of the first to bring the gospel west. On his third missionary journey, he established a base in Ephesus. Acts 19:10 reads, "And this took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord , both Jews and Greeks." Ephesus was in Asia. A neighboring town called Colossae (100 miles away) was in Asia as well. Most likely Epaphras was converted during this time under Paul in Ephesus and then brought the gospel back to Colossae. No doubt the saints in Colossae knew and respected Paul. No doubt they were overjoyed to receive a personal letter from the legendary apostle and missionary.

So in summary: Epaphras gets saved under Paul's Ephesian ministry, travels 100 miles North East to start the church in Colossae. Some time later, Epaphras travels from Colossae back to Paul and reports unto him the progress of the church in Colossae and the heresy that is being propagated. Paul writes the letter to the Colossians. But still we have not answered two important questions. Where was Paul and when was this letter written? The text gives us some clues.

Based on what was just mentioned, the letter was most likely composed after Paul's third missionary journey, but soon afterward. The timing of the letter can be based on a specific circumstance addressed in the letter. "Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner , sends you his greetings" (Col. 4:10), and "I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment." (Col. 4:18). There can be no doubt that Paul wrote this letter from jail. And without much doubt, the imprisonment he is referring to was his Roman incarceration, the two-year house arrest mentioned in Acts 28. During that duration, Paul wrote 4 biblical letters: Ephesians, Philemon, Philippians and Colossians. Appropriately identified, these 4 letters are nicknamed the "Prison Epistles".

The Ministry

In verse 2 Paul's ministry is also noted. He refers to himself simply as an apostle of Jesus Christ. According to Acts 1, the requirements for an apostle were clear: accompaniment of Christ's earthly ministry and a witness of His resurrection. However, Paul had a unique calling directly from the risen Lord on the Damascus Road. That call is described in Acts 9:15-16: "But the Lord said to him, 'Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons if Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name's sake.'" Acts 26: 16-18 recounts the calling as well: "But arise, and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you; delivering you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, in order that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me." Paul makes it clear in Colossians 1:1 that his calling was "by the will of God". He was not elected by humans nor self-appointed like many do today based on their own desires, ego and ambitions. Rather Paul renounces any personal worth and credits His calling to the grace of God. According to Galatians 1:15, Paul's calling came from before he was even born.

Literally the term apostle conveys this missionary image: it means, "sent one". And when we combine "apostle" with the words "Jesus Christ" that follow in the verse, it's easy to understand that Paul viewed himself as an emissary called by Jesus Christ, sent to minister and speak on behalf of Jesus Christ as an official representative and ambassador. Is it any wonder then that Paul makes this fact crystal clear from the get-go to establish his authority? He speaks on behalf of God and therefore is one who must be obeyed.

Letters of suggestion, direction and correction were commonplace in the ancient world. Paul is making it clear to his readers that he is authorized and sent by God on a direct commission as His spokesman. His words in this letter are not to be taken as suggestive advice; they are to be heeded as the Words of the living God, wise and authoritative. That application applies as much to us 2,000 years later.

The Mate

Also along with Paul during this time of writing was his most beloved mate. Though he is not called an apostle, Paul commonly referred to Timothy with endearing terms such as "brother" in this verse and a "beloved and faithful child in the Lord" in 1 Cor. 4:17. We can sense a feel for Paul's love for Timothy in Philippians 2: "But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly. For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. But you know of his proven worth that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father" (Phil. 2:19-22). Timothy was indirectly converted under Paul's ministry during his first ministry in Lystra and Derbe, most likely he was led to the Lord by his mother and grandmother according to 2 Ti. 1:5. By Paul's second visit to those regions, Timothy became his traveling companion for further missionary journeys. Together the two braved the most hostile forces of 1^st Century missionary work. Eventually, in his final letter, just prior to martyrdom, Paul handed off his leadership to his cherished disciple. In Paul's heart, none were honored more than Timothy.

2. READERSHIP (1:2)

From the Authorship , we move to the Readership in verse 2. "To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father" (Col. 1:2).

The Congregation

The congregation is described by two adjectives: 1) saints, and 2) faithful brethren in Christ. The word saint literally means, "holy one," one separated from sin and set apart to God. Sometimes we call that sanctified. Now, the natural connotation is to envision dead heroes of the faith hundreds of years ago that were especially recognized by the church. Though it is commendable to honor those who live exemplary Christian lives of service, this definition falls short of the one we are considering in the Bible. Let me show you for yourself how this word is used in the Bible.

Romans 1:7 says: "to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints ". Paul was not addressing a select few; the letter was to the church. The church is beloved. The church is the people. The people are saints. "To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours: Saints (hagios); sanctified (hagiazo), holy (hagios). Basically all mean the same thing: separate from sin and set apart to God. The word "saint" is used 61 times in the New Testament to refer to common born-again believers who comprise the church of the living God, never to refer to a specific person, i.e. Saint Paul, Saint Jude, etc.

Just as God called the apostle Paul and set him apart form his mother's womb, God has called men and women as His covenant people. Interestingly, the term originally referred to the nation Israel in the Old Testament (God's elect nation). Now Paul boldly applies the term to the church without them ever becoming Jewish proselytes. The church is God's elect people. Let me be very clear: if you are a Christian, whether it's been 1 day or 100 years, you are a saint with the same status and standing before God as every other Christian.

Now, going through your mind is probably one of two thoughts. Number one: "Pastor, you don't know me well enough. Sure I love Jesus, but I am the farthest thing in the world from a saint! I don't feel very saintly!" With an awareness of my own personal sin, I couldn't agree with you more. However, the term does not apply to your practice , but your position. Not to your conduct but to your justification. At the moment of salvation, the believer, based upon Christ's work on the cross, is justified before God. He or she is made positionally righteous or sanctified (remember basically the same Greek word for saint) and acceptable in God's sight.

The New International Version translates Hebrews 12:14 saying, "Without holiness no one will see the Lord." God will only accept perfection. Christ made us perfect with His righteousness. Therefore we are rightly called saints or "holy ones". The Corinthian church with all their problems was far from a "saintly appearance," but as we just read, Paul referred to them as "saints" in the second verse of the letter.

Now back to the original comment, practically speaking. If we are identified as saints positionally, how much more should our lifestyle ever be seeking to grow into that position? Ultimately, that is the will of God for you: to see you grow and mature into the image of Christ! Your practice (heart before God) should ever be conforming to your position (standing before God). For example: as long as I have children I am a father. Whether I like it or not, accept it or not, I am a father. Positionally before God and my family, I am a father. But practically speaking, I can be a good father or a poor father. I'm a father in position , but I am to mature as a father in practice. Basically the term saint describes both who we are and what we are to become in Christ.

A second concern one might have is this: "Calling myself a saint is the epitome of arrogance and pride." This comment unfortunately does not stem from arrogance, but rather ignorance. You are not a saint based on your own deeds or merit. You are a saint based upon what Christ has accomplished on your behalf. The Bible calls all true believers saints. We glory in that position because we glory in our Savior. Anything less is to downplay the work of Christ at Calvary. The word "saint" does not elevate my pride, but rather it humiliates me, reminding me that there is nothing I can do in my own power to gain favor and acceptance before the Lord. It reminds me that everything I have before God is due to the work of Christ.

The Colossians in verse 2 were also called faithful brethren in Christ. They were firmly committed, steadfast under pressure, trustworthy. Despite all their difficulties, they were "holding fast to the head…" (Col. 2:19). Primarily, the motivation and their strength for godly living was their union with Christ. They were faithful brethren "in Christ" (v.2). They were like limbs united to a body. They were identified personally with Christ through a relationship. Being "in Christ" brought a new kinship. Being "in Christ" brought upon a new identity. Being "in Christ" brought a new solidarity , whereas everything that belongs to Christ now belongs to the believer. The union with Christ is so strong and inseparable that Paul could exclaim: "I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom. 8:38-39).

The City

The city of the church is mentioned as Colossae in verse 2. During the Persian and Greek empires, Colossae was described as being extensively populated, wealthy and large. However, when the road system was changed in Roman times, the city declined in social and commercial importance. At the time of Paul's writing, Colossae was a small, insignificant market town in the Roman province of Asia (an area now included in modern Turkey). The Colossian church has been described by many as "the least important which any epistle of Paul is addressed." Apart from this letter and the companion letter to Philemon, Colossae exerted almost no influence on early church history. There are no accounts about Colossae contained in the book of Acts. By the 8^th century Colossae was largely abandoned, and by the 12^th century it was destroyed.

Verse 2 also contains an interesting parallelism is that is unfortunately omitted in most English translations. Literally, the text should read: "to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colossae." The parallel is obviously between being in Christ and in Colossae. When you consider all that has been mentioned thus far in verse two: saints…sanctified and holy ones…union with Christ…we can sometimes forget that though set apart, we are still living in this present world. Believers throughout the ages have erred by going to extremes in both directions. Some have blended so much with the world that they show no indication that they were ever regenerated (Secularism). Others have developed such distaste for the world that they have completely removed themselves from any contact with people and have secluded into a life of isolation. (Monasticism). The Lord calls for a balance. William Barclay said, "A Christian always moves in two spheres. He is in a certain place in this world; but he is also in Christ. He lives in two dimensions. He lives in the world whose duties he does not treat lightly; but above and beyond that he lives in Christ…this is why outward circumstances make little difference to the Christian…We are all in our own Colossae, but we are all in Christ, and it is Christ who gets the tone of our living." We must separate from the world, hate this present age and live as salt and light. But we must also witness to the unsaved, serve others (including unbelievers) and live as trophies of God's grace. The phrase, "in the world and not of it," seems best to convey the Christian's proper mindset.

These believers were called saints in Colossae. They were called to a standard of holy living that reflected their position in Christ. But they were not in heaven yet they were still in Colossae! They would still struggle with sin, disappointment and persecution. But God expected them to live for His glory in this pagan town. The letter therefore encourages them (as well as us) how to live in a fallen world, while being separated from that fallen world. Paul said in Colossians 3:1-4: "If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory."

The Closing

Finally, in closing this section Paul addresses the church with two blessings attributed from God our Father. Grace is from the Greek word charis (our English word, charity). It generalizes the concept that most clearly understands our means of salvation. We are saved by grace, Christ's work, over and against any form of personal work or merit. But grace doesn't stop with salvation, it also enables us to persevere in the faith and grow in Christlikeness. One commentator rightly said, "(Paul's) prayer in effect is that the grace that first set the Colossian Christians apart as 'saints' will continue to enable them to remain faithful as brothers."

Peace is originally from the Hebrew word shalom. Peace is the product of grace. It conveys our new relationship with God based on Christ's sacrificial work. Once at enmity, believers are now made holy and adopted into God's spiritual family as His children. The peace we experience with God should then extend to each other.

Grace and Peace: two small words, but two words that contain enormous truth and encouragement.

Can you claim these truths for yourself? Can you, like Paul in verse 2, call God your personal Father? What a great way to close the greeting…with terms of intimacy, reconciliation and security! All of it possible because of Christ ! Is there any doubt that the remaining 93 verses of Colossians will present Him as the One who is all-sufficient and all-supreme for all humankind?