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We continue to thank the Father who has prepared us1 to share in the inheritance of the Saints in that [divine] Light.2
| 1 | Prepared us: Or, qualified, meet, sufficient, fitted, entitled. [HIKANOSANTI – Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2427, to equip one with adequate power to perform duties of one to equip one with adequate power to perform duties of one]. Despite the good works and endurance it is God’s work which brings fulfillment. |
| 2 | To share in the inheritance of the Saints: Or, TCN: in the realms of Light; KNX: to share the light which saints inherit; PME: the share the lot of those who are living in the light; BAR: his dedicated people in the realm of light. The Greek for “lot” is CLEROU from which “clergy” erroneously is derived. Some see that Divine Light described at 1 Timothy 6:16 and Revelation 4:3. [1 John 1:5] |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
Today we begin to take a look at Paul’s epistle to the Colossians. We choose Colossians 1:12 as the theme verse of chapter one – “Transplanted Children.” Paul expresses thanks for the Saints in Colossae. [1-6] He mentions “the Hope being held in reserve” in heaven. The Gospel had by now reached much of the world, and now the Colossians continued to grow and produce fruitage. Paul prayers for increased wisdom on their part. [9-12] The reason for this perfected knowledge and spiritual comprehension is two-fold: first to produce works worthy of the Master – every kind of good work; and, to endure patiently by means of God’s strength.
Christians have been delivered from the power of darkness and the transplanted into the kingdom realm of God’s Son. [13-20] Thus, Christians “experience liberation by ransom in the forgiveness of our sins.” Paul now launches into praise of the Son as “the image of the invisible God” and “the Firstborn of all creation” as the creative agent of both heaven and earth. The Son is the Head of the Church. He is The Beginning – the first to actually be raised from the dead. God’s eternal purpose will be completely fulfilled and realized through the work of His Son.
This unifying work includes the reconciliation of the non-Jews. [21-23] Because of God’s work of reconciliation non-Jews will be ultimately “presented to God in a holy, innocent and guiltless state.” In order to attain this every Christian must “continue in the Faith – steadfast and unshakable.” How blessed such Christians are – those to whom God has “now revealed … that mystery hidden since time immemorial.” The goal of Paul’s work – such “agonizing labor” – was “to present every person spiritually grownup and mature in Christ.” How blest we are to be included among such!
Abba our Father bless our continued spiritual growth.
[11 July 2002]
