Paul's Final Greetings to the Colossian Believers Part 1
Colossians 4:7-9 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. KJV
Paul begins now to end his only letter written to the believers in Colosse that he (according to his own words in this letter never met face to face) as he declared earlier in the letter with these words, "For I want you to know how great is my solicitude for you [how severe an inward struggle I am engaged in for you] and for those [believers] at Laodicea, and for all who [like yourselves] have never seen my face {and} known me personally." (Colossians 2:1) (Amplified Bible), he wants them to know the details of his condition and of his missionary work so he sends Tychicus to them with this letter and news concerning him as he declares with these words, "All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:" (Colossians 4:7) (KJV). Apparently Tychicus was someone Paul trusted greatly and could count on, his name means fortuitous and fortunate or one who is supremely favored as we also find Paul using him in this same capacity to serve the Ephesian believers, "Now that you may know how I am and what I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord [and His service], will tell you everything. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may console {and} cheer {and} encourage {and} strengthen your hearts." (Ephesians 6:21-22) (Amplified Bible).
Paul perhaps was cautious not to disclose all of the details or the names of all of the converts to Christ (seeing that some were in Caesar's household) concerning his missionary journey's in case some of his enemies would confiscate the letters and know his affairs and future plans and would discover the names of the men and women in Caesars household putting their lives in immediate danger, so to make sure this would never happen, Paul left these delicate details out of his letters and trusted them to the mind/memories of his 'fellowservants' such as Tychicus. The English word 'fellowservants' is translated by the Greek word sundoulos meaning a co-slave, that is, servitor or ministrant of the same master (human or divine): In this case, the Master being our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. At the same time, he sends Tychicus to them to deliver this letter and to inform them of his situation, Paul also wanted to know the complete details of how things were going in the Church @ Colosse directly from the Christians in the Church, therefore, he declares to them in closing these words, "Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;" (Colossians 4:8) (KJV).
Most important to the Apostle Paul always was the spiritual state or condition of the Churches bearing the Name of Jesus Christ as we remember these words he wrote to the believers in the Church @ Corinth after he just documented to them all his sufferings he endured for Christ sake (2 Corinthians 11:22-27), "And besides those things that are without, there is the daily [inescapable pressure] of my care {and} anxiety for all the Churches!" (2 Corinthians 11:28) (Amplified Bible). Paul was as concerned for their welfare (even though at the writing of this letter he was in prison in Rome) as they were concerned and touched emotionally and spiritually by his imprisonment. Note: "It is a great comfort, under the troubles and difficulties of life, to have the mutual concern of fellow-Christians." (Matthew Henry). Bringing them news of Paul's continual joy in the Lord, steadfastness in declaring the truth of the Gospel, and his physical condition being well would surely bring comfort to the hearts and minds of the believers in Colosse as they would know that our Lord Jesus Christ was in complete control of Paul's circumstances, and not the enemy of our souls (the devil).
Paul declared our Lord Jesus' comfort with these words to the Corinthian believers, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every comfort (consolation and encouragement), Who comforts (consoles and encourages) us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble {or} distress, with the comfort (consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled and encouraged) by God. For just as Christ's [own] sufferings fall to our lot [as they overflow upon His disciples, and we share and experience them] abundantly, so through Christ comfort (consolation and encouragement) is also [shared and experienced] abundantly by us. But if we are troubled (afflicted and distressed), it is for your comfort (consolation and encouragement) and [for your] salvation; and if we are comforted (consoled and encouraged), it is for your comfort (consolation and encouragement), which works [in you] when you patiently endure the same evils (misfortunes and calamities) that we also suffer {and} undergo. And our hope for you [our joyful and confident expectation of good for you] is ever unwavering (assured and unshaken); for we know that just as you share {and} are partners in [our] sufferings {and} calamities, you also share {and} are partners in [our] comfort (consolation and encouragement)." (2 Corinthians 1:3-7) (Amplified Bible).
Paul sends along with Tychicus 'Onesimus', "With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here." (Colossians 4:9) (KJV), whose name means one who is profitable, however, this did not seem to be the case with this man because when Paul met him, he was actually a runaway slave fleeing from his human master Philemon, they both slave and master were from the city of Colosse or close there by, but this slave Onesimus was converted to Christ and is now exactly what his name means profitable to these Colossian believers and to the Apostle Paul also as he declared in his letter to his human master Philemon with these words, "I appeal to you for my [own spiritual] child, Onesimus [meaning profitable], whom I have begotten [in the faith] while a captive in these chains. Once he was unprofitable to you, but now he is indeed profitable to you as well as to me." (Philemon 1:10-11) (Amplified Bible).
"Paul was the more anxious to know the state of the Colossians, on account of the seductions to which they were exposed from false teachers; owing to which he had 'great conflict for' them (Colossians 2:1)." JFB Commentary
"Onesimus was a native of some part of Phrygia, if not of Colosse itself; and being lately converted to the Christian faith by the instrumentality of the Apostle, he would be able, on this account, to give them satisfactory information concerning the Apostle’s state, which would be doubly acceptable to them as he was their countryman. These brethren could give an account of the transactions at Rome, relative to the Apostle and Christianity, which it might not be prudent for him to commit to writing. The reign of Nero was not only cruel, but suspicious, jealous, and dangerous." Adam Clarke
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
I am a Christian Writer of non-fiction primarily and a little fiction. My purpose for forming this site is to Edify Christians with my writing and reach the lost with the uncompromising Gospel of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, May 31, 2017
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Christ Preeminence is Detailed to the Colossians Volume 42
Paul Exhorts the Believers in Colosse to use their Words Wisely
Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. KJV
It is no coincidence or it is not by happenstance that the Apostle Paul follows his exhortation to walk wisely among unbelievers with an exhortation to use their/our words wisely, because no matter how much we love our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, having to live with and rub shoulders with people who hate and despise you for your faith in Jesus Christ will wear on any saint of God and cause us to spew out words sometimes that are not glorifying to our Lord Jesus Christ and injurious to the hearers of said words, again Paul speaks from his own personal experiences as he also spoke amiss out of anger and frustration of the non-believing Jews who constantly hounded him as we see in these words recorded for us by Dr. Luke, "Then Paul, gazing earnestly at the council (Sanhedrin), said, Brethren, I have lived before God, doing my duty with a perfectly good conscience until this very day [as a citizen, a true and loyal Jew]. At this the high priest Ananias ordered those who stood near him to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, God is about to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit as a judge to try me in accordance with the Law, and yet in defiance of the Law you order me to be struck? Those who stood near exclaimed, Do you rail at {and} insult the high priest of God? And Paul said, I was not conscious, brethren, that he was a high priest; for the Scripture says, You shall not speak ill of a ruler of your people." (Acts 23:1-5) (Amplified Bible). Therefore, Paul tells these Colossian believers and we believers today to, "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) (Amplified Bible). The English word 'speech' appears to be straightforward enough that we should understand what Paul refers to by using it, but the Greek word logos used to translate this English word has an even deeper meaning, which is a primary verb meaning not only something said but (including the thought); by implication a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive. Therefore, we see then that not only the words that proceed forth from the mouth are what Paul wants these Colossian believers and we believers today to hold in check, but it is also the thoughts that produce said words and the motive behind them, for it was surely Paul's errant motive not only to warn those Jews above, but also to scare them and hurt them, which is why in his apology he referred to the Scripture in the Old Testament which reads as such, "You shall not revile God [the judges as His agents] or esteem lightly {or} curse a ruler of your people." (Exodus 22:28) (Amplified Bible).
Paul declares that this caution or guard of our speech/logos should occur at all times because our tongue or our words seem to us so insignificant (especially those spoken in private) we tend to not take them as serious as we do our actions, but let us remember what the Apostle James had to say about the tongue, "Not many [of you] should become teachers (self-constituted censors and reprovers of others), my brethren, for you know that we [teachers] will be judged by a higher standard {and} with greater severity [than other people; thus we assume the greater accountability and the more condemnation]. For we all often stumble {and} fall {and} offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character {and} a perfect man, able to control his whole body {and} to curb his entire nature. If we set bits in the horses' mouths to make them obey us, we can turn their whole bodies about. Likewise, look at the ships: though they are so great and are driven by rough winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the helmsman determines. Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boast of great things. See how much wood {or} how great a forest a tiny spark can set ablaze! And the tongue is a fire. [The tongue is a] world of wickedness set among our members, contaminating {and} depraving the whole body and setting on fire the wheel of birth (the cycle of man's nature), being itself ignited by hell (Gehenna). For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea animal, can be tamed and has been tamed by human genius (nature). But the human tongue can be tamed by no man. It is a restless (undisciplined, irreconcilable) evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who were made in God's likeness! Out of the same mouth come forth blessing and cursing. These things, my brethren, ought not to be so. Does a fountain send forth [simultaneously] from the same opening fresh water and bitter? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine figs? Neither can a salt spring furnish fresh water." (James 3:1-12) (Amplified Bible).
In contrast to this reality, Paul exhorts these Colossian believers and we believers today to yield to God the Holy Spirit that our words may be with grace and seasoned with salt. The English word 'grace' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word charis meaning graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual. The English word 'salt' is translated by the Greek word halas meaning figuratively prudence or discretion and avoidance of embarrassment. In other words, our impulsive words can cause others to be hurt or injured and embarrassed, therefore, we should season our words with graciousness and kindness, thinking of how we would feel if such language were directed to us and about us and more importantly thinking of how our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ thinks of the person or persons such negative language is spoken to or about, even if the person or persons are our enemies and enemies of our Lord Jesus Christ (those spoken of in the last study/commentary out of Deuteronomy 18:9-14), for it was Christ Jesus our Lord who said these words to the very men who brutally beat Him, nailed Him to a wooden Cross, and crucified Him, "And Jesus prayed, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.' And they divided His garments {and} distributed them by casting lots for them." (Luke 23:34) (Amplified Bible) also it was our Lord Jesus who said these words, "But I say to you who are listening now to Me: [in order to heed, make it a practice to] love your enemies, treat well (do good to, act nobly toward) those who detest you {and} pursue you with hatred, Invoke blessings upon {and} pray for the happiness of those who curse you, implore God's blessing (favor) upon those who abuse you [who revile, reproach, disparage, and high-handedly misuse you]." (Luke 6:27-28) (Amplified Bible). If this be our mind-set, then we will be able to hear God the Holy Spirit speaking to our spirit or our inner man or inner woman and we will know what words to say to every person we encounter no matter the person or the circumstance of our discourse with them.
"One answer is proper for one man, and another for another man Proverbs 26:4-5. We have need of a great deal of wisdom and grace to give proper answers to every man, particularly in answering the questions and objections of adversaries against our religion, giving the reasons of our faith, and showing the unreasonableness of their exceptions and cavils to the best advantage for our cause and least prejudice to ourselves. Be ready always to give an answer to every man who asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear, 1 Peter 3:15." Matthew Henry
"The Apostle Paul knew that during our faith pilgrimage we will not always find ourselves in pleasant circumstances or pleasant company, but this must not be an excuse for us to revert back to our old man or old nature and his way of conversing spewing out reviling words or words of profanity in anger or frustration, but instead we should purpose ourselves to respond to fellow Christians and even those outside of Christ as instructed by the Apostle Peter with these words, 'Never return evil for evil or insult for insult (scolding, tongue-lashing, berating), but on the contrary blessing [praying for their welfare, happiness, and protection, and truly pitying and loving them]. For {know that} to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing [from God--that you may obtain a blessing as heirs, bringing welfare and happiness and protection].' (1 Peter 3:9) (Amplified Bible)." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. KJV
It is no coincidence or it is not by happenstance that the Apostle Paul follows his exhortation to walk wisely among unbelievers with an exhortation to use their/our words wisely, because no matter how much we love our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, having to live with and rub shoulders with people who hate and despise you for your faith in Jesus Christ will wear on any saint of God and cause us to spew out words sometimes that are not glorifying to our Lord Jesus Christ and injurious to the hearers of said words, again Paul speaks from his own personal experiences as he also spoke amiss out of anger and frustration of the non-believing Jews who constantly hounded him as we see in these words recorded for us by Dr. Luke, "Then Paul, gazing earnestly at the council (Sanhedrin), said, Brethren, I have lived before God, doing my duty with a perfectly good conscience until this very day [as a citizen, a true and loyal Jew]. At this the high priest Ananias ordered those who stood near him to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, God is about to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit as a judge to try me in accordance with the Law, and yet in defiance of the Law you order me to be struck? Those who stood near exclaimed, Do you rail at {and} insult the high priest of God? And Paul said, I was not conscious, brethren, that he was a high priest; for the Scripture says, You shall not speak ill of a ruler of your people." (Acts 23:1-5) (Amplified Bible). Therefore, Paul tells these Colossian believers and we believers today to, "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) (Amplified Bible). The English word 'speech' appears to be straightforward enough that we should understand what Paul refers to by using it, but the Greek word logos used to translate this English word has an even deeper meaning, which is a primary verb meaning not only something said but (including the thought); by implication a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive. Therefore, we see then that not only the words that proceed forth from the mouth are what Paul wants these Colossian believers and we believers today to hold in check, but it is also the thoughts that produce said words and the motive behind them, for it was surely Paul's errant motive not only to warn those Jews above, but also to scare them and hurt them, which is why in his apology he referred to the Scripture in the Old Testament which reads as such, "You shall not revile God [the judges as His agents] or esteem lightly {or} curse a ruler of your people." (Exodus 22:28) (Amplified Bible).
Paul declares that this caution or guard of our speech/logos should occur at all times because our tongue or our words seem to us so insignificant (especially those spoken in private) we tend to not take them as serious as we do our actions, but let us remember what the Apostle James had to say about the tongue, "Not many [of you] should become teachers (self-constituted censors and reprovers of others), my brethren, for you know that we [teachers] will be judged by a higher standard {and} with greater severity [than other people; thus we assume the greater accountability and the more condemnation]. For we all often stumble {and} fall {and} offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character {and} a perfect man, able to control his whole body {and} to curb his entire nature. If we set bits in the horses' mouths to make them obey us, we can turn their whole bodies about. Likewise, look at the ships: though they are so great and are driven by rough winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the helmsman determines. Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boast of great things. See how much wood {or} how great a forest a tiny spark can set ablaze! And the tongue is a fire. [The tongue is a] world of wickedness set among our members, contaminating {and} depraving the whole body and setting on fire the wheel of birth (the cycle of man's nature), being itself ignited by hell (Gehenna). For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea animal, can be tamed and has been tamed by human genius (nature). But the human tongue can be tamed by no man. It is a restless (undisciplined, irreconcilable) evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who were made in God's likeness! Out of the same mouth come forth blessing and cursing. These things, my brethren, ought not to be so. Does a fountain send forth [simultaneously] from the same opening fresh water and bitter? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine figs? Neither can a salt spring furnish fresh water." (James 3:1-12) (Amplified Bible).
In contrast to this reality, Paul exhorts these Colossian believers and we believers today to yield to God the Holy Spirit that our words may be with grace and seasoned with salt. The English word 'grace' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word charis meaning graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual. The English word 'salt' is translated by the Greek word halas meaning figuratively prudence or discretion and avoidance of embarrassment. In other words, our impulsive words can cause others to be hurt or injured and embarrassed, therefore, we should season our words with graciousness and kindness, thinking of how we would feel if such language were directed to us and about us and more importantly thinking of how our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ thinks of the person or persons such negative language is spoken to or about, even if the person or persons are our enemies and enemies of our Lord Jesus Christ (those spoken of in the last study/commentary out of Deuteronomy 18:9-14), for it was Christ Jesus our Lord who said these words to the very men who brutally beat Him, nailed Him to a wooden Cross, and crucified Him, "And Jesus prayed, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.' And they divided His garments {and} distributed them by casting lots for them." (Luke 23:34) (Amplified Bible) also it was our Lord Jesus who said these words, "But I say to you who are listening now to Me: [in order to heed, make it a practice to] love your enemies, treat well (do good to, act nobly toward) those who detest you {and} pursue you with hatred, Invoke blessings upon {and} pray for the happiness of those who curse you, implore God's blessing (favor) upon those who abuse you [who revile, reproach, disparage, and high-handedly misuse you]." (Luke 6:27-28) (Amplified Bible). If this be our mind-set, then we will be able to hear God the Holy Spirit speaking to our spirit or our inner man or inner woman and we will know what words to say to every person we encounter no matter the person or the circumstance of our discourse with them.
"One answer is proper for one man, and another for another man Proverbs 26:4-5. We have need of a great deal of wisdom and grace to give proper answers to every man, particularly in answering the questions and objections of adversaries against our religion, giving the reasons of our faith, and showing the unreasonableness of their exceptions and cavils to the best advantage for our cause and least prejudice to ourselves. Be ready always to give an answer to every man who asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear, 1 Peter 3:15." Matthew Henry
"The Apostle Paul knew that during our faith pilgrimage we will not always find ourselves in pleasant circumstances or pleasant company, but this must not be an excuse for us to revert back to our old man or old nature and his way of conversing spewing out reviling words or words of profanity in anger or frustration, but instead we should purpose ourselves to respond to fellow Christians and even those outside of Christ as instructed by the Apostle Peter with these words, 'Never return evil for evil or insult for insult (scolding, tongue-lashing, berating), but on the contrary blessing [praying for their welfare, happiness, and protection, and truly pitying and loving them]. For {know that} to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing [from God--that you may obtain a blessing as heirs, bringing welfare and happiness and protection].' (1 Peter 3:9) (Amplified Bible)." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Christ Preeminence is Detailed to the Colossians Volume 41
Paul Exhorts the Believers in Colosse to be Wise Amid Unbelievers
Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. KJV
Immediately after Paul exhorts these Colossian believers to continue in prayer earnestly for themselves and for him and those with him in prison for preaching the Gospel of Christ, the Apostle Paul now exhorts these believers and we believers today to live wisely among non-believers as well as the non-believers who literally worship the enemy of our souls the devil i.e. (all that are mentioned by Moses in Deuteronomy 18:9-14) by saying, "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time." (Colossians 4:5) (KJV). The English word 'walk' is translated by the Greek word peripateo meaning figuratively to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or disciple): The English word 'wisdom' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word sophia meaning to be clear or wise in (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual knowledge): The English word 'toward' is translated by the Greek word pros which is a preposition of direction; forward to, that is, toward (with the genitive case the side of, that is, pertaining to; In compounds it denotes essentially the same applications, namely, motion towards, accession to, or nearness at. Lastly, in this instructional exhortation of the Apostle Paul to these Colossian believers and also to we believers today the English phrase 'them that are without' is translated by one Greek word exo which is an adverb that comes from the tiny Greek preposition ex denoting origin (the point whence motion or action proceeds); figuratively those outside of salvation in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, that is, outside of His Spiritual Body (the Church, His Bride); those not having union or communion with Christ spiritually through the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, in other words, combining all of this we find Paul warning these Colossian believers to walk or live wisely among the enemies of the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:18), even as our Lord Jesus Himself warned the first disciples/Apostles of this very thing with these words spoken to them, "Behold, I am sending you out like sheep in the midst of wolves; be wary {and} wise as serpents, and be innocent (harmless, guileless, and without falsity) as doves. Be on guard against men [whose way or nature is to act in opposition to God]; for they will deliver you up to councils and flog you in their synagogues, And you will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a witness to bear testimony before them and to the Gentiles (the nations). But when they deliver you up, do not be anxious about how {or} what you are to speak; for what you are to say will be given you in that very hour {and} moment, For it is not you who are speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child; and children will take a stand against their parents and will have them put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name's sake, but he who perseveres {and} endures to the end will be saved [from spiritual disease and death in the world to come]. When they persecute you in one town [that is, pursue you in a manner that would injure you and cause you to suffer because of your belief], flee to another town; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. A disciple is not above his teacher, nor is a servant {or} slave above his master. It is sufficient for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant {or} slave like his master. If they have called the Master of the house Beelzebub [master of the dwelling], how much more will they speak evil of those of His household. [II Kings 1:2.] So have no fear of them; for nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, or kept secret that will not become known." (Matthew 10:16-26) (Amplified Bible). Note: "2 Kings 1:2 refers to the 'god of Ekron', that is, Beelzebub our Lord Jesus refers to here, which is literally and figuratively only another name for the devil (who is the god worshipped by those referred to in Deuteronomy 18:9-14 that we mentioned above)."
Finally, Paul exhorts them to be vigilant in 'redeeming the time' or the days or era or region of the world in which they find themselves occupying or living in during their God ordained life span. The English word 'redeeming' Paul uses here in this verse is translated by the Greek word exagorazo meaning figuratively to rescue from loss (improve opportunity): - redeem. In other words, Paul wants these Colossian believers and we believers today to understand that the message of the Cross is foolishness to them that are outside (1 Corinthians 1:18), therefore, they (energized by the devil) will seek to destroy that message and every person bringing that message. Also, Paul wanted them then to know and understand then how evil the times where they were living in and the same would be said by Paul of these days in 2017 the year of our Lord we find ourselves living in today. It was Paul's desire then for these Colossian believers that they live wisely being cautious and wary of the times, places, and circumstances they found themselves in, he says the same to we believers today, for Paul was not writing this without his own knowledge and experience for he was writing this letter from prison for bringing the message of the Cross of Christ everywhere he went and this is how he likewise advised the believers in Ephesus with these words, "Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully {and} worthily {and} accurately, not as the unwise {and} witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16) (Amplified Bible) and also as he instructed the believers in Thessalonica with these words written to them, "To make it your ambition {and} definitely endeavor to live quietly {and} peacefully, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we charged you, So that you may bear yourselves becomingly {and} be correct {and} honorable {and} command the respect of the outside world, being dependent on nobody [self-supporting] {and} having need of nothing." (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12) (Amplified Bible).
"The Apostle exhorts them further to a prudent and decent conduct towards all those with whom they conversed, towards the heathen world, or those out of the Christian Church among whom they lived: Walk in wisdom towards those who are without. Be careful, in all your converse with them, to get no hurt by them, or contract any of their customs; for evil communications corrupt good manners; and to do not hurt to them, or increase their prejudices against religion, and give them an occasion of dislike. Yea, do them all the good you can, and by all the fittest means and in the proper seasons recommend religion to them. - Redeeming the time; that is, either 'improving every opportunity of doing them good, and making the best use of your time in proper duty' (diligence in redeeming time very much recommends religion to the good opinion of others), or else 'walking cautiously and with circumspections, to give them no advantage against you, nor expose yourselves to their malice and ill-will,'. Walk circumspectly, redeeming the time, because the days are evil, that is, dangerous, or times of trouble and suffering." Matthew Henry
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. KJV
Immediately after Paul exhorts these Colossian believers to continue in prayer earnestly for themselves and for him and those with him in prison for preaching the Gospel of Christ, the Apostle Paul now exhorts these believers and we believers today to live wisely among non-believers as well as the non-believers who literally worship the enemy of our souls the devil i.e. (all that are mentioned by Moses in Deuteronomy 18:9-14) by saying, "Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time." (Colossians 4:5) (KJV). The English word 'walk' is translated by the Greek word peripateo meaning figuratively to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or disciple): The English word 'wisdom' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word sophia meaning to be clear or wise in (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual knowledge): The English word 'toward' is translated by the Greek word pros which is a preposition of direction; forward to, that is, toward (with the genitive case the side of, that is, pertaining to; In compounds it denotes essentially the same applications, namely, motion towards, accession to, or nearness at. Lastly, in this instructional exhortation of the Apostle Paul to these Colossian believers and also to we believers today the English phrase 'them that are without' is translated by one Greek word exo which is an adverb that comes from the tiny Greek preposition ex denoting origin (the point whence motion or action proceeds); figuratively those outside of salvation in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, that is, outside of His Spiritual Body (the Church, His Bride); those not having union or communion with Christ spiritually through the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, in other words, combining all of this we find Paul warning these Colossian believers to walk or live wisely among the enemies of the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:18), even as our Lord Jesus Himself warned the first disciples/Apostles of this very thing with these words spoken to them, "Behold, I am sending you out like sheep in the midst of wolves; be wary {and} wise as serpents, and be innocent (harmless, guileless, and without falsity) as doves. Be on guard against men [whose way or nature is to act in opposition to God]; for they will deliver you up to councils and flog you in their synagogues, And you will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a witness to bear testimony before them and to the Gentiles (the nations). But when they deliver you up, do not be anxious about how {or} what you are to speak; for what you are to say will be given you in that very hour {and} moment, For it is not you who are speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child; and children will take a stand against their parents and will have them put to death. And you will be hated by all for My name's sake, but he who perseveres {and} endures to the end will be saved [from spiritual disease and death in the world to come]. When they persecute you in one town [that is, pursue you in a manner that would injure you and cause you to suffer because of your belief], flee to another town; for truly I tell you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. A disciple is not above his teacher, nor is a servant {or} slave above his master. It is sufficient for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant {or} slave like his master. If they have called the Master of the house Beelzebub [master of the dwelling], how much more will they speak evil of those of His household. [II Kings 1:2.] So have no fear of them; for nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, or kept secret that will not become known." (Matthew 10:16-26) (Amplified Bible). Note: "2 Kings 1:2 refers to the 'god of Ekron', that is, Beelzebub our Lord Jesus refers to here, which is literally and figuratively only another name for the devil (who is the god worshipped by those referred to in Deuteronomy 18:9-14 that we mentioned above)."
Finally, Paul exhorts them to be vigilant in 'redeeming the time' or the days or era or region of the world in which they find themselves occupying or living in during their God ordained life span. The English word 'redeeming' Paul uses here in this verse is translated by the Greek word exagorazo meaning figuratively to rescue from loss (improve opportunity): - redeem. In other words, Paul wants these Colossian believers and we believers today to understand that the message of the Cross is foolishness to them that are outside (1 Corinthians 1:18), therefore, they (energized by the devil) will seek to destroy that message and every person bringing that message. Also, Paul wanted them then to know and understand then how evil the times where they were living in and the same would be said by Paul of these days in 2017 the year of our Lord we find ourselves living in today. It was Paul's desire then for these Colossian believers that they live wisely being cautious and wary of the times, places, and circumstances they found themselves in, he says the same to we believers today, for Paul was not writing this without his own knowledge and experience for he was writing this letter from prison for bringing the message of the Cross of Christ everywhere he went and this is how he likewise advised the believers in Ephesus with these words, "Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully {and} worthily {and} accurately, not as the unwise {and} witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil." (Ephesians 5:15-16) (Amplified Bible) and also as he instructed the believers in Thessalonica with these words written to them, "To make it your ambition {and} definitely endeavor to live quietly {and} peacefully, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we charged you, So that you may bear yourselves becomingly {and} be correct {and} honorable {and} command the respect of the outside world, being dependent on nobody [self-supporting] {and} having need of nothing." (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12) (Amplified Bible).
"The Apostle exhorts them further to a prudent and decent conduct towards all those with whom they conversed, towards the heathen world, or those out of the Christian Church among whom they lived: Walk in wisdom towards those who are without. Be careful, in all your converse with them, to get no hurt by them, or contract any of their customs; for evil communications corrupt good manners; and to do not hurt to them, or increase their prejudices against religion, and give them an occasion of dislike. Yea, do them all the good you can, and by all the fittest means and in the proper seasons recommend religion to them. - Redeeming the time; that is, either 'improving every opportunity of doing them good, and making the best use of your time in proper duty' (diligence in redeeming time very much recommends religion to the good opinion of others), or else 'walking cautiously and with circumspections, to give them no advantage against you, nor expose yourselves to their malice and ill-will,'. Walk circumspectly, redeeming the time, because the days are evil, that is, dangerous, or times of trouble and suffering." Matthew Henry
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Saturday, May 20, 2017
Christ Preeminence is Detailed to the Colossians Volume 40
Paul Exhorts the Believers in Colosse to Pray for him
Colossians 4:3-4 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. KJV
Paul knowing the power of prayer (even made from a sincere heart by the weakest saint) exhorts these Colossian believers to be mindful to include him and his fellow-workers with him (Timothy and others) in their prayers to our Heavenly Father saying these words, "Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:" (Colossians 4:3) (KJV). Paul seized every opportunity to solicit the prayers of other believers, in order that he might maximize the Grace of God coming to him seeing that he was at this very time of writing this letter imprisoned by unbelievers for preaching or declaring the Gospel of the Grace of God to every lost sinner he encountered. Even though today we read these letters of Paul to the various Churches that are now Books in the New Testament, at the time he wrote these things to these believers, he did not know what would become of them in the future, for he expected there not to be much future left seeing that he expected our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ to return even before his death.
So, with this mind set, Paul wanted prayers made for him and those with him that would give him more boldness, "That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak." (Colossians 4:4) (KJV) (despite the constant threat of being killed all around him) to preach the truth no matter what he faced as he prayed with these words to the Ephesian believers, "And [pray] also for me, that [freedom of] utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news (the Gospel), For which I am an ambassador in a coupling chain [in prison. Pray] that I may declare it boldly {and} courageously, as I ought to do." (Ephesians 6:19-20 (Amplified Bible). Note: "How ironic that 'Saul of Tarshis' riding down the Damascus Road had been responsible for imprisoning many Christians and even killing many, but now after his conversion to Christ Saul who is now the Apostle Paul is imprisoned himself for preaching the freedom that is found only in the Gospel and in Christ Jesus our Lord the Author of the Gospel."
Whether Paul is here petitioning them to pray for his release from prison that he would be able to continue his missionary evangelistic travels preaching the Gospel and teaching the Word of God or if he request earnestly their prayers that this very thing occurs through other believers who are free matters not, the only thing that is sure is that Paul wanted for himself and other Christians boldness, liberty, and freedom to declare the truth of the Gospel (Galatians 2:5) to overthrow all those false teachers who were free to spew out their filthy lies about salvation to unsuspecting souls. This was Paul's constant battle that of combating the false gospel being declared by the true Gospel and this is why he so wanted their prayers that God would open up for him and others with the truth doors or more specifically spiritual doors to give lost men and women the truth that God the Holy Spirit might do His work of regeneration as he declared to the Corinthian believers his battles with these words, "For a wide door of opportunity for effectual [service] has opened to me [there, a great and promising one], and [there are] many adversaries." (1 Corinthians 16:9) (Amplified Bible).
Note: "The devil does not care about stopping the construction or building of large Cathedrals or Mega Churches with the finest craftsmanship and the most activities available such as basketball, baseball, soccer, movie theaters, game rooms, concert halls, etc., but what terrifies the devil and what he exercises all of his time trying to stop is any man or woman of God that will stand firm in declaring the 'truth of the Gospel', so that God the Holy Spirit will seal sinners as children of God eternally as Paul declared with these words to the Ephesian believers of this eternal seal, 'In Him you also who have heard the Word of Truth, the glad tidings (Gospel) of your salvation, and have believed in {and} adhered to {and} relied on Him, were stamped with the seal of the long-promised Holy Spirit. That [Spirit] is the guarantee of our inheritance [the firstfruits, the pledge and foretaste, the down payment on our heritage], in anticipation of its full redemption {and} our acquiring [complete] possession of it--to the praise of His glory.' (Ephesians 1:13-14) (Amplified Bible)."
Paul was one of these men that the devil spent all of his time trying to stop his declaration of the truth of the Gospel (without success of course), and this is why he entreated these Colossian believers to pray for him, for he declared to the Thessalonian believers this very same fact with these words written to them, "But since we were bereft, bereaved, grief-stricken of you, brethren, for a little while in person, [of course] not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great longing to see you face to face, Because it was our will to come to you. [I mean that] I, Paul, again and again [wanted to come], but Satan hindered {and} impeded us." (1 Thessalonians 2:17-18) (Amplified Bible). I believe the Apostle Paul to be the author of the Book of Hebrews and in that letter at the time we find him entreating for prayers that he would be set free from his bonds that he would once again be with all the brothers and sisters 'in Christ' with these words written to them, "Keep praying for us, for we are convinced that we have a good (clear) conscience, that we want to walk uprightly {and} live a noble life, acting honorably {and} in complete honesty in all things. And I beg of you [to pray for us] the more earnestly, in order that I may be restored to you the sooner." (Hebrews 13:18-19) (Amplified Bible).
"We must pray more. Our lives cannot maintain the Godward attitude without prolonged seasons of communication with Him through the Word. This is so important that we must be ever on the watch against whatever might mar the life of devotion. Intercession will often unlock frost-bitten lips and make our souls glow. Withal praying also for us. If we are shut in and cannot perform active service, we can surely pray for those who are entrusted with the mystery of Christ; and let those who are called to active service be ready to step in when God opens the door. The limitations of life are no excuse for idleness." F. B. Meyer
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Colossians 4:3-4 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. KJV
Paul knowing the power of prayer (even made from a sincere heart by the weakest saint) exhorts these Colossian believers to be mindful to include him and his fellow-workers with him (Timothy and others) in their prayers to our Heavenly Father saying these words, "Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:" (Colossians 4:3) (KJV). Paul seized every opportunity to solicit the prayers of other believers, in order that he might maximize the Grace of God coming to him seeing that he was at this very time of writing this letter imprisoned by unbelievers for preaching or declaring the Gospel of the Grace of God to every lost sinner he encountered. Even though today we read these letters of Paul to the various Churches that are now Books in the New Testament, at the time he wrote these things to these believers, he did not know what would become of them in the future, for he expected there not to be much future left seeing that he expected our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ to return even before his death.
So, with this mind set, Paul wanted prayers made for him and those with him that would give him more boldness, "That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak." (Colossians 4:4) (KJV) (despite the constant threat of being killed all around him) to preach the truth no matter what he faced as he prayed with these words to the Ephesian believers, "And [pray] also for me, that [freedom of] utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth to proclaim boldly the mystery of the good news (the Gospel), For which I am an ambassador in a coupling chain [in prison. Pray] that I may declare it boldly {and} courageously, as I ought to do." (Ephesians 6:19-20 (Amplified Bible). Note: "How ironic that 'Saul of Tarshis' riding down the Damascus Road had been responsible for imprisoning many Christians and even killing many, but now after his conversion to Christ Saul who is now the Apostle Paul is imprisoned himself for preaching the freedom that is found only in the Gospel and in Christ Jesus our Lord the Author of the Gospel."
Whether Paul is here petitioning them to pray for his release from prison that he would be able to continue his missionary evangelistic travels preaching the Gospel and teaching the Word of God or if he request earnestly their prayers that this very thing occurs through other believers who are free matters not, the only thing that is sure is that Paul wanted for himself and other Christians boldness, liberty, and freedom to declare the truth of the Gospel (Galatians 2:5) to overthrow all those false teachers who were free to spew out their filthy lies about salvation to unsuspecting souls. This was Paul's constant battle that of combating the false gospel being declared by the true Gospel and this is why he so wanted their prayers that God would open up for him and others with the truth doors or more specifically spiritual doors to give lost men and women the truth that God the Holy Spirit might do His work of regeneration as he declared to the Corinthian believers his battles with these words, "For a wide door of opportunity for effectual [service] has opened to me [there, a great and promising one], and [there are] many adversaries." (1 Corinthians 16:9) (Amplified Bible).
Note: "The devil does not care about stopping the construction or building of large Cathedrals or Mega Churches with the finest craftsmanship and the most activities available such as basketball, baseball, soccer, movie theaters, game rooms, concert halls, etc., but what terrifies the devil and what he exercises all of his time trying to stop is any man or woman of God that will stand firm in declaring the 'truth of the Gospel', so that God the Holy Spirit will seal sinners as children of God eternally as Paul declared with these words to the Ephesian believers of this eternal seal, 'In Him you also who have heard the Word of Truth, the glad tidings (Gospel) of your salvation, and have believed in {and} adhered to {and} relied on Him, were stamped with the seal of the long-promised Holy Spirit. That [Spirit] is the guarantee of our inheritance [the firstfruits, the pledge and foretaste, the down payment on our heritage], in anticipation of its full redemption {and} our acquiring [complete] possession of it--to the praise of His glory.' (Ephesians 1:13-14) (Amplified Bible)."
Paul was one of these men that the devil spent all of his time trying to stop his declaration of the truth of the Gospel (without success of course), and this is why he entreated these Colossian believers to pray for him, for he declared to the Thessalonian believers this very same fact with these words written to them, "But since we were bereft, bereaved, grief-stricken of you, brethren, for a little while in person, [of course] not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great longing to see you face to face, Because it was our will to come to you. [I mean that] I, Paul, again and again [wanted to come], but Satan hindered {and} impeded us." (1 Thessalonians 2:17-18) (Amplified Bible). I believe the Apostle Paul to be the author of the Book of Hebrews and in that letter at the time we find him entreating for prayers that he would be set free from his bonds that he would once again be with all the brothers and sisters 'in Christ' with these words written to them, "Keep praying for us, for we are convinced that we have a good (clear) conscience, that we want to walk uprightly {and} live a noble life, acting honorably {and} in complete honesty in all things. And I beg of you [to pray for us] the more earnestly, in order that I may be restored to you the sooner." (Hebrews 13:18-19) (Amplified Bible).
"We must pray more. Our lives cannot maintain the Godward attitude without prolonged seasons of communication with Him through the Word. This is so important that we must be ever on the watch against whatever might mar the life of devotion. Intercession will often unlock frost-bitten lips and make our souls glow. Withal praying also for us. If we are shut in and cannot perform active service, we can surely pray for those who are entrusted with the mystery of Christ; and let those who are called to active service be ready to step in when God opens the door. The limitations of life are no excuse for idleness." F. B. Meyer
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
Christ Preeminence is Detailed to the Colossians Volume 39
Paul Exhorts the Believers in Colosse to keep Praying
Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; KJV
Paul now having completed his exhortations to the parties within the Colossian Church, that is, husbands, wives, children, slaves, masters, now he declares to them all their most important responsibility to one another and to themselves individually by saying, "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;" (Colossians 4:2) (KJV). The English word 'continue' is translated by the Greek word proskartereo meaning to be earnest towards, that is, (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a place) to attend with care and persistence all the exercises, or (to a person) to adhere closely to (as a servitor): - give self continually (upon), continue steadfastly. The little English phrase 'in prayer' is translated by the one Greek word proseuche meaning to pray to God, that is, supplicate, worship: pray earnestly. In other words, Paul is declaring to them that if all of the former things are to take place or manifest and demonstrate or be clearly revealed and evidenced in the lives and relationships honoring to God the Father of husbands and wives, parents and children, masters/employers and slaves/employees, then it will only be possible with Divine power coming from the Throne of Grace where our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ sits right now dispensing said grace only to those who commune constantly, continually, and copiously (or in an abundant manner) with Him through prayer and supplication just as Paul instructed the Philippian Church to do with these words, "Do not fret {or} have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance {and} in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God." (Philippians 4:6) (Amplified Bible).
The English word 'watch' is translated by the Greek word gregoreuo meaning to keep awake, that is, watch (literally or figuratively): - be vigilant, be watchful to make prayers to God the Father. In other words, our Heavenly Father (although He is all-knowing and all-powerful) cannot help us if we do not petition Him with our personal specific request to Him individually, collectively as small groups or entire Church congregations, for He will not intervene on our behalf unless we are mindful and watchful in making our prayer request always known to Him as even our Lord Jesus Christ Himself warned the first disciples and us now with these words of great wisdom, "All of you must keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious and active) {and} watch and pray, that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41) (Amplified Bible) and in like manner these words of great wisdom written by the Apostle Peter (one of those 1st disciples who acquired this wisdom from our Lord Jesus), "But the end {and} culmination of all things has now come near; keep sound minded {and} self-restrained and alert therefore for [the practice of] prayer." (1 Peter 4:7) (Amplified Bible).
The English word 'thanksgiving' is translated by the Greek word eucharistia meaning gratitude; actually grateful language (to God, as an act of worship): In other words, our Heavenly Father is the source of all our physical strength, emotional strength, and our spiritual strength, for we all are empty useless clay/dirt vessels without His Grace, therefore, in order for these relationships to thrive or flourish bringing joy and satisfaction to us, then His Grace must be the activating power supply and knowing this should bend us to our knees giving Him alone constant thanks for everything as the Apostle Paul directed the Thessalonian Church to do with these words written to them, "Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) (Amplified Bible).
"And this is the duty of everyone - to continue in prayer. 'Keep up your constant times of prayer, without being diverted from it by other business; keep your hearts close to the duty, without wandering or deadness, and even to the end of it: Watching the same.' Christians should lay hold of all opportunities for prayer, and choose the fittest seasons, which are least liable to disturbance from other things, and keep their minds lively in the duty, and in suitable frames. - With thanksgiving, or solemn acknowledgment of the mercies received. Thanksgiving must have a part in every prayer." Matthew Henry
"This was the Apostle’s general advice to all; without this, neither wives, husbands, children, parents, servants, nor masters, could fulfill the duties which God, in their respective stations, required of them. All might, power, and life come from God; His creatures are continually dependent upon Him for all these: to earnest, persevering prayer, He has promised every supply; but He who prays not has no promise. How few wives feel it their duty to pray to God to give them grace to behave as wives! How few husbands pray for the grace suited to their situation, that they may be able to fulfill its duties! The like may be said of children, parents, servants, and masters. As every situation in life has its peculiar duties, trials, etc.; so to every situation there is peculiar grace appointed. No man can fulfill the duties of any station without the grace suited to that station. The grace suited to him, as a member of society in general, will not be sufficient for him as a husband, father, or master. Many proper marriages become unhappy in the end, because the parties have not earnestly besought God for the grace necessary for them as husbands and wives. This is the origin of family broils in general; and a proper attention to the Apostle’s advice would prevent them all." Adam Clarke
"To persevere in prayer is to 'continue in prayer', for just like an athlete must push himself or herself to train for their particular sport even on the days they don't really 'feel like' training because their 'feelings' will cause them to fall short of their goal of being the best they physically can at their respective sport, so must every one of us 'redeemed, reborn, and renewed' believers in Jesus Christ push ourselves spiritually (just like the athlete) in prayer and supplication to our Heavenly Father through Christ Jesus our Lord in order that we keep up continual communion with Him knowing that outside of His grace we will fall short of our spiritual goals of overcoming certain besetting or ensnaring sins that plague us and cause us not to run this marathon race of faith in victory just as Paul said to the Hebrews with these words, 'Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off {and} throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to {and} entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance {and} steady {and} active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader {and} the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the Cross, despising {and} ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.' (Hebrews 12:1-2) (Amplified Bible)." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; KJV
Paul now having completed his exhortations to the parties within the Colossian Church, that is, husbands, wives, children, slaves, masters, now he declares to them all their most important responsibility to one another and to themselves individually by saying, "Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;" (Colossians 4:2) (KJV). The English word 'continue' is translated by the Greek word proskartereo meaning to be earnest towards, that is, (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a place) to attend with care and persistence all the exercises, or (to a person) to adhere closely to (as a servitor): - give self continually (upon), continue steadfastly. The little English phrase 'in prayer' is translated by the one Greek word proseuche meaning to pray to God, that is, supplicate, worship: pray earnestly. In other words, Paul is declaring to them that if all of the former things are to take place or manifest and demonstrate or be clearly revealed and evidenced in the lives and relationships honoring to God the Father of husbands and wives, parents and children, masters/employers and slaves/employees, then it will only be possible with Divine power coming from the Throne of Grace where our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ sits right now dispensing said grace only to those who commune constantly, continually, and copiously (or in an abundant manner) with Him through prayer and supplication just as Paul instructed the Philippian Church to do with these words, "Do not fret {or} have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance {and} in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God." (Philippians 4:6) (Amplified Bible).
The English word 'watch' is translated by the Greek word gregoreuo meaning to keep awake, that is, watch (literally or figuratively): - be vigilant, be watchful to make prayers to God the Father. In other words, our Heavenly Father (although He is all-knowing and all-powerful) cannot help us if we do not petition Him with our personal specific request to Him individually, collectively as small groups or entire Church congregations, for He will not intervene on our behalf unless we are mindful and watchful in making our prayer request always known to Him as even our Lord Jesus Christ Himself warned the first disciples and us now with these words of great wisdom, "All of you must keep awake (give strict attention, be cautious and active) {and} watch and pray, that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41) (Amplified Bible) and in like manner these words of great wisdom written by the Apostle Peter (one of those 1st disciples who acquired this wisdom from our Lord Jesus), "But the end {and} culmination of all things has now come near; keep sound minded {and} self-restrained and alert therefore for [the practice of] prayer." (1 Peter 4:7) (Amplified Bible).
The English word 'thanksgiving' is translated by the Greek word eucharistia meaning gratitude; actually grateful language (to God, as an act of worship): In other words, our Heavenly Father is the source of all our physical strength, emotional strength, and our spiritual strength, for we all are empty useless clay/dirt vessels without His Grace, therefore, in order for these relationships to thrive or flourish bringing joy and satisfaction to us, then His Grace must be the activating power supply and knowing this should bend us to our knees giving Him alone constant thanks for everything as the Apostle Paul directed the Thessalonian Church to do with these words written to them, "Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) (Amplified Bible).
"And this is the duty of everyone - to continue in prayer. 'Keep up your constant times of prayer, without being diverted from it by other business; keep your hearts close to the duty, without wandering or deadness, and even to the end of it: Watching the same.' Christians should lay hold of all opportunities for prayer, and choose the fittest seasons, which are least liable to disturbance from other things, and keep their minds lively in the duty, and in suitable frames. - With thanksgiving, or solemn acknowledgment of the mercies received. Thanksgiving must have a part in every prayer." Matthew Henry
"This was the Apostle’s general advice to all; without this, neither wives, husbands, children, parents, servants, nor masters, could fulfill the duties which God, in their respective stations, required of them. All might, power, and life come from God; His creatures are continually dependent upon Him for all these: to earnest, persevering prayer, He has promised every supply; but He who prays not has no promise. How few wives feel it their duty to pray to God to give them grace to behave as wives! How few husbands pray for the grace suited to their situation, that they may be able to fulfill its duties! The like may be said of children, parents, servants, and masters. As every situation in life has its peculiar duties, trials, etc.; so to every situation there is peculiar grace appointed. No man can fulfill the duties of any station without the grace suited to that station. The grace suited to him, as a member of society in general, will not be sufficient for him as a husband, father, or master. Many proper marriages become unhappy in the end, because the parties have not earnestly besought God for the grace necessary for them as husbands and wives. This is the origin of family broils in general; and a proper attention to the Apostle’s advice would prevent them all." Adam Clarke
"To persevere in prayer is to 'continue in prayer', for just like an athlete must push himself or herself to train for their particular sport even on the days they don't really 'feel like' training because their 'feelings' will cause them to fall short of their goal of being the best they physically can at their respective sport, so must every one of us 'redeemed, reborn, and renewed' believers in Jesus Christ push ourselves spiritually (just like the athlete) in prayer and supplication to our Heavenly Father through Christ Jesus our Lord in order that we keep up continual communion with Him knowing that outside of His grace we will fall short of our spiritual goals of overcoming certain besetting or ensnaring sins that plague us and cause us not to run this marathon race of faith in victory just as Paul said to the Hebrews with these words, 'Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off {and} throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to {and} entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance {and} steady {and} active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader {and} the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the Cross, despising {and} ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.' (Hebrews 12:1-2) (Amplified Bible)." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Saturday, May 13, 2017
Christ Preeminence is Detailed to the Colossians Volume 38
Paul's Exhortation to Masters/ Employers & Slaves/Employees & Summation to All
Colossians 3:22-4:1 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. KJV
In the days that this letter was written to the Church @ Colosse, slavery was as common then as we find today in this country many individuals and businesses employing illegal immigrants in various jobs that pay them very low wages. Paul was writing to people (even in the Church) who no doubt were slave owners. So, he now begins to instruct those slave owners and the slaves themselves on what their responsibility to one another should be because of them belonging to Christ. For we Christians today it would equate to the relationship between employer and employees, so he begins by saying, "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:" (Colossians 3:22) (KJV). Paul tells the slaves/employees to not only obey their masters/employers when they are present, but also when they are absent from their presence by using the English word 'eyeservice' which is translated by the Greek word ophthalmodouleia (only used here and one other time in the entire New Testament) meaning sight labor, that is, that needs watching over constantly; slackness or the quality of being laxed and neglectful. In other words, Paul wants these Colossian believers that were slaves or just employees to be mindful of working hard for their masters/employers as if they are working for our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ and not just for the human being they serve on the earth, but with sincerity, seriousness, and singlemindness, wanting to please God and not man because of reverence for God and fear of God just as the Prophet Nehemiah showed as documented by him with these words, "Also, in the twelve years after I was appointed to be their governor in Judah, from the twentieth to the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes, neither I nor my kin ate the food allowed to [me] the governor. But the former governors lived at the expense of the people and took from them food and wine, besides forty shekels of silver [a large monthly official salary]; yes, even their servants assumed authority over the people. But I did not so because of my [reverent] fear of God." (Nehemiah 5:14-15) (Amplified Bible). Note: "When we are obedient to God and do not evil, then we do not fear man, but when this is flipped and we disobey God and do evil in His sight, for some strange reason we forget our reverential fear of God and then fear man (this is odd, but true from century to century concerning man)."
Paul declares to them that whatever work they have been assigned to do must be done right as if they were a master craftsmen designing and constructing the place or building they would live in themselves by saying, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;" (Colossians 3:23) (KJV). Their/our work was to be done with such spirit and vigor and enthusiasm and enjoyment as if they were working for our Lord Jesus Christ and not their master/employer as the following Proverbs clearly teach, "He becomes poor who works with a slack {and} idle hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich." (Proverbs 10:4) (Amplified Bible) & "The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slothful will be put to forced labor." (Proverbs 12:24) (Amplified Bible) & "The slothful man does not catch his game {or} roast it once he kills it, but the diligent man gets precious possessions." (Proverbs 12:27) (Amplified Bible) & "The appetite of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the appetite of the diligent is abundantly supplied." (Proverbs 13:4) (Amplified Bible) & lastly, "Do you see a man diligent {and} skillful in his business? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men." (Proverbs 22:29) (Amplified Bible). Nevertheless, no matter the amount of their compensation as an employer or their physical and emotional treatment as a slave the child of God can count on and be sure of the facts associated with the very next verse which reads as such, "Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:24) (KJV). The English phrase 'ye shall receive' is translated by one Greek word apolambano meaning to receive (specifically in full, to take or to get hold of. In other words, even though it is our duty to serve the masters/employers with diligent work for our benefit down here on the earth, yet it is our heavenly inheritance that far outweighs, outshines, and outlast any amount of earthly wealth, property, jewels, stocks, bonds, minerals, oil, etc. that we could accumulate down here when we are joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17) and do own and will own all that He (Christ) owns and all the universes, planets, stars, galaxies, etc. all belong to Him, Hallelujah! follows that truth.
Paul warns these Colossian believers and we believers today of the Omniscient (all-knowing) God whom we serve and belong to Jesus Christ Who sees all that we do, good and bad as he declares with these words, "But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons." (Colossians 3:25) (KJV). The English phrase 'he that doeth wrong' is translated by one Greek word adikeo meaning to be unjust, that is, (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically): - hurt, injure, be an offender, be unjust, (do, suffer, take) wrong. The English phrase 'respect of persons' is translated by one Greek word prosopolepsia meaning partiality, that is, favoritism: In other words, God (Jesus) will reward the unjust and in jurist person according to their actions and He (Christ) will show no favoritism to any person including His children, He will never be unfair to one while favoring another over the others as we found very clear in what He said to and did to King David for his sin of adultery and murder, "Then Nathan said to David, You are the man! Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: I anointed you king of Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. And I gave you your master's house, and your master's wives into your bosom, and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would have added that much again. Why have you despised the commandment of the Lord, doing evil in His sight? You have slain Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife. You have murdered him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now, therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because [you have not only despised My command, but] you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife. Thus says the Lord, Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house; and I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun. [Fulfilled in II Sam. 16:21, 22.] And David said to Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said to David, The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the Lord {and} given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child that is born to you shall surely die. Then Nathan departed to his house. And the Lord struck the child that Uriah's widow bore to David, and he was very sick. David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted and went in and lay all night [repeatedly] on the floor. His older house servants arose [in the night] and went to him to raise him up from the floor, but he would not, nor did he eat food with them. And on the seventh day the child died. David's servants feared to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, While the child was yet alive, we spoke to him and he would not listen to our voices; will he then harm himself if we tell him the child is dead? But when David saw that his servants whispered, he perceived that the child was dead. So he said to them, Is the child dead? And they said, He is. Then David arose from the floor, washed, anointed himself, changed his apparel, and went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he came to his own house, and when he asked, they set food before him, and he ate. Then his servants said to him, What is this that you have done? You fasted and wept while the child was alive, but when the child was dead, you arose and ate food. David said, While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, Who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me and let the child live? But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me." (2 Samuel 12:7-23) (Amplified Bible). The Master/Employer must simply treat his slaves as our Lord Jesus would treat them and the Employer is to pay his employee wages that will lead to him/her being able to take care of their families and treat them with honor just as our Lord Jesus does, not making them work in horrible working conditions, but being mindful of them as they are of themselves, in so doing they please the Lord Jesus Christ.
"It sanctifies a servant's work when it is done as unto God - with an eye to His glory and in obedience to His command, and not merely as unto men, or with regard to them only. Observe, We are really doing our duty to God when we are faithful in our duty to men. And, for servants' encouragement, let them know that a good and faithful servant is never the further from heaven for his being a servant." Matthew Henry
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Colossians 3:22-4:1 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. KJV
In the days that this letter was written to the Church @ Colosse, slavery was as common then as we find today in this country many individuals and businesses employing illegal immigrants in various jobs that pay them very low wages. Paul was writing to people (even in the Church) who no doubt were slave owners. So, he now begins to instruct those slave owners and the slaves themselves on what their responsibility to one another should be because of them belonging to Christ. For we Christians today it would equate to the relationship between employer and employees, so he begins by saying, "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:" (Colossians 3:22) (KJV). Paul tells the slaves/employees to not only obey their masters/employers when they are present, but also when they are absent from their presence by using the English word 'eyeservice' which is translated by the Greek word ophthalmodouleia (only used here and one other time in the entire New Testament) meaning sight labor, that is, that needs watching over constantly; slackness or the quality of being laxed and neglectful. In other words, Paul wants these Colossian believers that were slaves or just employees to be mindful of working hard for their masters/employers as if they are working for our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ and not just for the human being they serve on the earth, but with sincerity, seriousness, and singlemindness, wanting to please God and not man because of reverence for God and fear of God just as the Prophet Nehemiah showed as documented by him with these words, "Also, in the twelve years after I was appointed to be their governor in Judah, from the twentieth to the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes, neither I nor my kin ate the food allowed to [me] the governor. But the former governors lived at the expense of the people and took from them food and wine, besides forty shekels of silver [a large monthly official salary]; yes, even their servants assumed authority over the people. But I did not so because of my [reverent] fear of God." (Nehemiah 5:14-15) (Amplified Bible). Note: "When we are obedient to God and do not evil, then we do not fear man, but when this is flipped and we disobey God and do evil in His sight, for some strange reason we forget our reverential fear of God and then fear man (this is odd, but true from century to century concerning man)."
Paul declares to them that whatever work they have been assigned to do must be done right as if they were a master craftsmen designing and constructing the place or building they would live in themselves by saying, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;" (Colossians 3:23) (KJV). Their/our work was to be done with such spirit and vigor and enthusiasm and enjoyment as if they were working for our Lord Jesus Christ and not their master/employer as the following Proverbs clearly teach, "He becomes poor who works with a slack {and} idle hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich." (Proverbs 10:4) (Amplified Bible) & "The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slothful will be put to forced labor." (Proverbs 12:24) (Amplified Bible) & "The slothful man does not catch his game {or} roast it once he kills it, but the diligent man gets precious possessions." (Proverbs 12:27) (Amplified Bible) & "The appetite of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the appetite of the diligent is abundantly supplied." (Proverbs 13:4) (Amplified Bible) & lastly, "Do you see a man diligent {and} skillful in his business? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men." (Proverbs 22:29) (Amplified Bible). Nevertheless, no matter the amount of their compensation as an employer or their physical and emotional treatment as a slave the child of God can count on and be sure of the facts associated with the very next verse which reads as such, "Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:24) (KJV). The English phrase 'ye shall receive' is translated by one Greek word apolambano meaning to receive (specifically in full, to take or to get hold of. In other words, even though it is our duty to serve the masters/employers with diligent work for our benefit down here on the earth, yet it is our heavenly inheritance that far outweighs, outshines, and outlast any amount of earthly wealth, property, jewels, stocks, bonds, minerals, oil, etc. that we could accumulate down here when we are joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17) and do own and will own all that He (Christ) owns and all the universes, planets, stars, galaxies, etc. all belong to Him, Hallelujah! follows that truth.
Paul warns these Colossian believers and we believers today of the Omniscient (all-knowing) God whom we serve and belong to Jesus Christ Who sees all that we do, good and bad as he declares with these words, "But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons." (Colossians 3:25) (KJV). The English phrase 'he that doeth wrong' is translated by one Greek word adikeo meaning to be unjust, that is, (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically): - hurt, injure, be an offender, be unjust, (do, suffer, take) wrong. The English phrase 'respect of persons' is translated by one Greek word prosopolepsia meaning partiality, that is, favoritism: In other words, God (Jesus) will reward the unjust and in jurist person according to their actions and He (Christ) will show no favoritism to any person including His children, He will never be unfair to one while favoring another over the others as we found very clear in what He said to and did to King David for his sin of adultery and murder, "Then Nathan said to David, You are the man! Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: I anointed you king of Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. And I gave you your master's house, and your master's wives into your bosom, and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would have added that much again. Why have you despised the commandment of the Lord, doing evil in His sight? You have slain Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife. You have murdered him with the sword of the Ammonites. Now, therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because [you have not only despised My command, but] you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife. Thus says the Lord, Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house; and I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun. [Fulfilled in II Sam. 16:21, 22.] And David said to Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said to David, The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the Lord {and} given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child that is born to you shall surely die. Then Nathan departed to his house. And the Lord struck the child that Uriah's widow bore to David, and he was very sick. David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted and went in and lay all night [repeatedly] on the floor. His older house servants arose [in the night] and went to him to raise him up from the floor, but he would not, nor did he eat food with them. And on the seventh day the child died. David's servants feared to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, While the child was yet alive, we spoke to him and he would not listen to our voices; will he then harm himself if we tell him the child is dead? But when David saw that his servants whispered, he perceived that the child was dead. So he said to them, Is the child dead? And they said, He is. Then David arose from the floor, washed, anointed himself, changed his apparel, and went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he came to his own house, and when he asked, they set food before him, and he ate. Then his servants said to him, What is this that you have done? You fasted and wept while the child was alive, but when the child was dead, you arose and ate food. David said, While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, Who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me and let the child live? But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me." (2 Samuel 12:7-23) (Amplified Bible). The Master/Employer must simply treat his slaves as our Lord Jesus would treat them and the Employer is to pay his employee wages that will lead to him/her being able to take care of their families and treat them with honor just as our Lord Jesus does, not making them work in horrible working conditions, but being mindful of them as they are of themselves, in so doing they please the Lord Jesus Christ.
"It sanctifies a servant's work when it is done as unto God - with an eye to His glory and in obedience to His command, and not merely as unto men, or with regard to them only. Observe, We are really doing our duty to God when we are faithful in our duty to men. And, for servants' encouragement, let them know that a good and faithful servant is never the further from heaven for his being a servant." Matthew Henry
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Christ Preeminence is Detailed to the Colossians Volume 37
Paul's Exhortation to Christian Children and Fathers
Colossians 3:20-21 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. KJV
Just as the Christian husband and wife have a unique responsibility to one another, likewise do the Christian children have a separate but vital and essential role and relationship that must be present with their parents as the Apostle Paul declares to all the Christian children in the home with these words, "Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord." (Colossians 3:20) (KJV). The first and most critical instruction Paul gives to children is to 'obey' your parents. This little English word 'obey' carries with it much weight and responsibility and is translated by the Greek word hupakouo meaning to hear under (as a subordinate), that is, to listen attentively; by implication to heed or conform to a command or authority: - hearken, be obedient to, obey. In other words, the child is not to be running the home by any means (through playing one parent against another or through withholding love and affection from the parents or through guilting or shaming their parents or through intimidation when they are older) because he or she has been on the earth far less time than their parents and have no meaningful life experiences to draw from at all.
Obedience in all things means just what it says here, with nothing left out or of limits for the parent to instruct the child in. There is only to be deviation from this command, if the parents are not instructing them according to the will or desires of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. If the parent instructs or commands the child to do things that are outside of what is clearly taught in the Word of God, then the child is to resist and even refuse such instruction (Note: when he or she is older; obviously this is impossible for a 4 year old to do; this is why we need other Parents in the Churches & Teachers in the schools to be attentive to the child's behavior that they might see trouble such as physical or sexual abuse happening to a small child and seek help for them), but so far as the parents instructions are according to Scripture, then it is a good son or daughter who loves their parents unconditionally who will be obedient as the Proverb declares with these words, "Hear, my sons, the instruction of a father, and pay attention in order to gain {and} to know intelligent discernment, comprehension, {and} interpretation [of spiritual matters]. For I give you good doctrine [what is to be received]; do not forsake my teaching. When I [Solomon] was a son with my father [David], tender and the only son in the sight of my mother [Bathsheba], He taught me and said to me, Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments and live." (Proverbs 4:1-4) (Amplified Bible).
It is the wisdom of Father's and Mother's acquired over the years through many trials, tribulations, terrible mistakes made with bitter consequences reaped that serve as instruction to children from their parents who love them and desire to see them avoid some of the pitfalls that were theirs. This attitude leading to this behavior of obeying parents is what is 'well-pleasing' to the Lord Jesus Christ. This English word 'well-pleasing' is translated by the Greek word euarestos meaning fully agreeable: - acceptable. It is obedience to the will of God or the Word of God that brings delight to the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ as declared by the Prophet Samuel to then King Saul with these piercing words, "Samuel said, Has the Lord as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim (household good luck images). Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king." (1 Samuel 15:22-23) (Amplified Bible).
This command Paul reminds the children in the Colossian Church of is the first commandment of the Ten Commandments with a promise as it was declared to the children of Israel when they were delivered from slavery in Egypt with these words, "Regard (treat with honor, due obedience, and courtesy) your father and mother, that your days may be long in the land the Lord your God gives you." (Exodus 20:12) (Amplified Bible). However, in those same days when the children of Israel were brought out of bondage in Egypt, but refused to hearken to the 'voice of the LORD' and rebelled against their parents, the punishment back then was swift and harsh as declared by these words, "If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or his mother and though they chasten him will not listen to them, Then his father and mother shall take hold of him and bring him out to the elders of his city at the gate of the place where he lives, And they shall say to the elders of his city, This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey our voice. He is a glutton and a drunkard. Then all the men of his city shall stone him to death; so you shall cleanse out the evil from your midst, and all Israel shall hear and [reverently] fear." (Deuteronomy 21:18-21) (Amplified Bible). Note: "Dutiful children are the most likely to prosper in the world and enjoy long life." (Matthew Henry).
Fathers have not only a responsibility to love their wives just as our Lord Jesus Christ loves His Church, but just as critical Fathers are to be the beacon or the lighthouse for their children guiding them into the good paths of this life as he follows our Lord Jesus Christ, seeking to see them avoid land mines in this earthly pilgrimage by affirming them 'in Christ' with loving words that build them up and never tear them down, making them know that they can accomplish any of their dreams and desires, therefore, Paul instructs Father's with these words concerning their children, "Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged." (Colossians 3:21) (KJV). The English word 'provoke' is translated by the Greek word erethizo meaning to stimulate (specially to anger): - provoke, that is, providing the needed stimulus for them to get angry by annoying continually or chronically and finding fault with every little thing they do. It is not the earthly Father's job to be his children's judge and jury finding fault with every single thing, but instead (as we said earlier) they are to guide them in the right paths as best they can and then pray for them to be guided even better by the Lord Jesus Christ as Paul wrote to the Hebrews with these words, "Now may the God of peace [Who is the Author and the Giver of peace], Who brought again from among the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, by the Blood [that sealed, ratified] the everlasting agreement (covenant, testament), Strengthen (complete, perfect) {and} make you what you ought to be {and} equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will; [while He Himself] works in you {and} accomplishes that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ (the Messiah); to Whom be the glory forever and ever (to the ages of the ages). Amen (so be it). (Hebrews 13:20-21) (Amplified Bible).
The English phrase 'they be discouraged' is translated by one Greek word athumeo (used this one time only in the New Testament) meaning to be spiritless, that is, disheartened: - be dismayed. In other words, the Father can be the conduit the devil uses to break the spirit of his own child causing him or her to spiral down into depression, darkness, and despair feeling the sense that they have lost all hope seeing that they are not receiving the loving approval and loving support from one of the person's they themselves love the most, making them feel that everything is wrong with them and about them leading them into discouragement, but instead we Father's must heed this warning from the Apostle Paul here and also what he said to the Ephesian believers, "Fathers, do not irritate {and} provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to resentment], but rear them [tenderly] in the training {and} discipline and the counsel {and} admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4) (Amplified Bible).
"This is the hard part for the child, not occasional obedience, but continual. Surely a Christian father or mother will not make unreasonable or unjust demands of the child. Nowhere does modern civilization show more weakness than just here. Waves of lawlessness sweep over the world because the child was not taught to obey. Again, Paul argues that this is 'in the Lord'" Robertson's Word Pictures
"Let not your authority over them be exercised with rigour and severity, but with kindness and gentleness, lest you raise their passions and discourage them in their duty, and by holding the reins too tight make them fly out with greater fierceness. The bad temper and example of imprudent parents often prove a great hindrance to their children and a stumbling-block in their way. And it is by the tenderness of parents, and dutifulness of children, that God ordinarily furnishes His Church with a seed to serve Him, and propagates religion from age to age." Matthew Henry
"Lest, by your continually finding fault with them, they should lose all courage, and despair of ever pleasing you. There is much sound sense and practical wisdom in this observation of the Apostle. Children should not be flattered, but they should be encouraged. They should not be so praised as to make them vain and proud, but they should be commended when they do well. The desire of praise should not be the principle from which they should be taught to act, but they should feel that the approbation of parents is a desirable thing, and when they act so as to deserve that approbation, no injury is done them by their understanding it. He who always finds fault with a child; who is never satisfied with what he does; who scolds and frets and complains, let him do as he will, breaks his spirit, and soon destroys in the delicate texture of his soul all desire of doing well. The child in despair soon gives over every effort to please. He becomes sullen, morose, stupid, and indifferent to all the motives that can be presented to him, and becomes to a great extent indifferent as to what he does - since all that he does meets with the same reception from the parent." Albert Barnes
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Colossians 3:20-21 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. KJV
Just as the Christian husband and wife have a unique responsibility to one another, likewise do the Christian children have a separate but vital and essential role and relationship that must be present with their parents as the Apostle Paul declares to all the Christian children in the home with these words, "Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord." (Colossians 3:20) (KJV). The first and most critical instruction Paul gives to children is to 'obey' your parents. This little English word 'obey' carries with it much weight and responsibility and is translated by the Greek word hupakouo meaning to hear under (as a subordinate), that is, to listen attentively; by implication to heed or conform to a command or authority: - hearken, be obedient to, obey. In other words, the child is not to be running the home by any means (through playing one parent against another or through withholding love and affection from the parents or through guilting or shaming their parents or through intimidation when they are older) because he or she has been on the earth far less time than their parents and have no meaningful life experiences to draw from at all.
Obedience in all things means just what it says here, with nothing left out or of limits for the parent to instruct the child in. There is only to be deviation from this command, if the parents are not instructing them according to the will or desires of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. If the parent instructs or commands the child to do things that are outside of what is clearly taught in the Word of God, then the child is to resist and even refuse such instruction (Note: when he or she is older; obviously this is impossible for a 4 year old to do; this is why we need other Parents in the Churches & Teachers in the schools to be attentive to the child's behavior that they might see trouble such as physical or sexual abuse happening to a small child and seek help for them), but so far as the parents instructions are according to Scripture, then it is a good son or daughter who loves their parents unconditionally who will be obedient as the Proverb declares with these words, "Hear, my sons, the instruction of a father, and pay attention in order to gain {and} to know intelligent discernment, comprehension, {and} interpretation [of spiritual matters]. For I give you good doctrine [what is to be received]; do not forsake my teaching. When I [Solomon] was a son with my father [David], tender and the only son in the sight of my mother [Bathsheba], He taught me and said to me, Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments and live." (Proverbs 4:1-4) (Amplified Bible).
It is the wisdom of Father's and Mother's acquired over the years through many trials, tribulations, terrible mistakes made with bitter consequences reaped that serve as instruction to children from their parents who love them and desire to see them avoid some of the pitfalls that were theirs. This attitude leading to this behavior of obeying parents is what is 'well-pleasing' to the Lord Jesus Christ. This English word 'well-pleasing' is translated by the Greek word euarestos meaning fully agreeable: - acceptable. It is obedience to the will of God or the Word of God that brings delight to the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ as declared by the Prophet Samuel to then King Saul with these piercing words, "Samuel said, Has the Lord as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim (household good luck images). Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king." (1 Samuel 15:22-23) (Amplified Bible).
This command Paul reminds the children in the Colossian Church of is the first commandment of the Ten Commandments with a promise as it was declared to the children of Israel when they were delivered from slavery in Egypt with these words, "Regard (treat with honor, due obedience, and courtesy) your father and mother, that your days may be long in the land the Lord your God gives you." (Exodus 20:12) (Amplified Bible). However, in those same days when the children of Israel were brought out of bondage in Egypt, but refused to hearken to the 'voice of the LORD' and rebelled against their parents, the punishment back then was swift and harsh as declared by these words, "If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or his mother and though they chasten him will not listen to them, Then his father and mother shall take hold of him and bring him out to the elders of his city at the gate of the place where he lives, And they shall say to the elders of his city, This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey our voice. He is a glutton and a drunkard. Then all the men of his city shall stone him to death; so you shall cleanse out the evil from your midst, and all Israel shall hear and [reverently] fear." (Deuteronomy 21:18-21) (Amplified Bible). Note: "Dutiful children are the most likely to prosper in the world and enjoy long life." (Matthew Henry).
Fathers have not only a responsibility to love their wives just as our Lord Jesus Christ loves His Church, but just as critical Fathers are to be the beacon or the lighthouse for their children guiding them into the good paths of this life as he follows our Lord Jesus Christ, seeking to see them avoid land mines in this earthly pilgrimage by affirming them 'in Christ' with loving words that build them up and never tear them down, making them know that they can accomplish any of their dreams and desires, therefore, Paul instructs Father's with these words concerning their children, "Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged." (Colossians 3:21) (KJV). The English word 'provoke' is translated by the Greek word erethizo meaning to stimulate (specially to anger): - provoke, that is, providing the needed stimulus for them to get angry by annoying continually or chronically and finding fault with every little thing they do. It is not the earthly Father's job to be his children's judge and jury finding fault with every single thing, but instead (as we said earlier) they are to guide them in the right paths as best they can and then pray for them to be guided even better by the Lord Jesus Christ as Paul wrote to the Hebrews with these words, "Now may the God of peace [Who is the Author and the Giver of peace], Who brought again from among the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, by the Blood [that sealed, ratified] the everlasting agreement (covenant, testament), Strengthen (complete, perfect) {and} make you what you ought to be {and} equip you with everything good that you may carry out His will; [while He Himself] works in you {and} accomplishes that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ (the Messiah); to Whom be the glory forever and ever (to the ages of the ages). Amen (so be it). (Hebrews 13:20-21) (Amplified Bible).
The English phrase 'they be discouraged' is translated by one Greek word athumeo (used this one time only in the New Testament) meaning to be spiritless, that is, disheartened: - be dismayed. In other words, the Father can be the conduit the devil uses to break the spirit of his own child causing him or her to spiral down into depression, darkness, and despair feeling the sense that they have lost all hope seeing that they are not receiving the loving approval and loving support from one of the person's they themselves love the most, making them feel that everything is wrong with them and about them leading them into discouragement, but instead we Father's must heed this warning from the Apostle Paul here and also what he said to the Ephesian believers, "Fathers, do not irritate {and} provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to resentment], but rear them [tenderly] in the training {and} discipline and the counsel {and} admonition of the Lord." (Ephesians 6:4) (Amplified Bible).
"This is the hard part for the child, not occasional obedience, but continual. Surely a Christian father or mother will not make unreasonable or unjust demands of the child. Nowhere does modern civilization show more weakness than just here. Waves of lawlessness sweep over the world because the child was not taught to obey. Again, Paul argues that this is 'in the Lord'" Robertson's Word Pictures
"Let not your authority over them be exercised with rigour and severity, but with kindness and gentleness, lest you raise their passions and discourage them in their duty, and by holding the reins too tight make them fly out with greater fierceness. The bad temper and example of imprudent parents often prove a great hindrance to their children and a stumbling-block in their way. And it is by the tenderness of parents, and dutifulness of children, that God ordinarily furnishes His Church with a seed to serve Him, and propagates religion from age to age." Matthew Henry
"Lest, by your continually finding fault with them, they should lose all courage, and despair of ever pleasing you. There is much sound sense and practical wisdom in this observation of the Apostle. Children should not be flattered, but they should be encouraged. They should not be so praised as to make them vain and proud, but they should be commended when they do well. The desire of praise should not be the principle from which they should be taught to act, but they should feel that the approbation of parents is a desirable thing, and when they act so as to deserve that approbation, no injury is done them by their understanding it. He who always finds fault with a child; who is never satisfied with what he does; who scolds and frets and complains, let him do as he will, breaks his spirit, and soon destroys in the delicate texture of his soul all desire of doing well. The child in despair soon gives over every effort to please. He becomes sullen, morose, stupid, and indifferent to all the motives that can be presented to him, and becomes to a great extent indifferent as to what he does - since all that he does meets with the same reception from the parent." Albert Barnes
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)