Category: Bible

Christ is All in All

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Colossians 3:11-13 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do you. 

‘Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision.’ In the new creation, there is no distinction made in rights and privileges because of race, sex, colour, or position in life (1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:28).

‘Scythian’ – Regarded by the ancients as the lowest type of barbarians. Bond slaves.

‘Christ is all, and in all’ – Christ is all things to all believers and is in all believers For if Christ is in us, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of Him that raised Jesus from the dead dwell in us, He that raised Christ from the dead shall also quicken our mortal bodies by His Holy Spirit that dwells in us (Rom. 8:9-16).

‘The elect of God’ – All classes, races, colours, sexes, and types of people in Christ make the elect, not just the Jews. Anyone chose by God – an individual or nation – is the elect of God (Luke 18:7).

‘Holy and beloved’ All true Christians are: Holy [Greek: hagios] (Rom. 11:16; 12:1; 2Cor. 3:17; Eph. 1:4; 2:21; 3:5; 5:27; Col. 1:22; 3:12; 1Thess. 5:27; 1Tim. 8; Tit. 1:8; Heb. 3:1; 1Pet. 1:15-16; 2:5, 9; 3:5; 2Pet. 1:21; 3:2; Rev. 22:11) and the beloved of God [Greek: agapao] Rom. 1:7; 2Cor. 7:1; Col. 3:12; 1Thess. 1:4; 2Thess. 2:13; 1Jn. 3:2; 4:1, 7, 11).

Put On the New Man

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Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him

‘Put on the new man.’ Nine things to put on (3:10, 12): The new man (Eph. 4:24); bowels of mercies (2Cor. 6:12); kindness (1Cor. 13:4); humbleness of mind; meekness (1Cor. 13:4); longsuffering (1Cor. 13:4); forbearance (Gal. 5:22); forgiveness (Matt. 18:35); divine love (1Cor. 13:4).

‘New man’ – This is the Spirit and nature of God in renewed man (Eph. 4:23-24; 2Pet. 1:4; Rom. 8:9, 14-16).

‘Renewed in knowledge’ – Therefore, because we do not know any man after the flesh, not even Christ, it is vain for any man to profess a relationship with Christ according to the flesh, while he is unchanged in heart and life and dead in trespasses and sins. One must be renewed in the attitude of your mind by renouncing its vanity (Eph. 4:17), its darkness and blindness (Eph. 4:18) and learning of Christ (Eph. 4:20-21).

‘Knowledge’ [Greek: epignosis] full and true knowledge (3:10; 1:9-10; Rom. 1:28; 3:20; 10:2; Eph. 1:17; 4:13; Php. 1:9; 1Tim. 2:4; 2Tim. 3:7; Heb. 10:26; 2Pet. 1:2, 3, 8; 2:20) and acknowledge (2:2; 2Tim. 2:25; Tit. 1:1; Phm. 1:6). Ignorance is the state of the average heathen who gets to know only a little about nature. Christianity teaches man the true and full knowledge of God and nature, and the origin and destiny of all things (Acts 15:18; Eph. 2:7; 3:9-11).

‘Image’ [Greek: eikon] This is one of three places where the word means a pattern or moral and spiritual likeness (3:10; Rom. 8:29; 2Cor. 3:18). The idea here is that God planned for man to have full knowledge. Now He renews man after the original pattern or plan and gives him a sound mind and true knowledge (2Tim. 1:7; 2Pet. 1:3-13). This could read, “renewed in knowledge according to the original pattern of God who created him.”

Put Off All These

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Colossians 3:8-9 But now you also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his deeds

‘Put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.’ Seven things to put off: Anger (3:8; Eph. 4:26); wrath; malice (3:8; Eph. 4:31); blasphemy (3:8; Matt. 12:31); filthy communication, foul language (Eph. 4:29; 5:4); lying (3:9; Eph. 4:25); the old man (3:9; 2Cor. 5:17).

‘Old man with his deeds’ – Two old things that pass away: [1] The spirit, nature, and power of sin the old man, which is nothing more nor less than the spirit, nature, and power of the devil working in men of disobedience (John 8:44; Eph. 2:2; 2Cor. 4:4; 1Jn. 3:8; 5:18). This is what the Bible calls: The old man (Rom. 6:6; Eph. 4:22; Col. 3:9); sin (John 1:29; 8:34; Rom.  6:4 – 8:2); the body of sin (Rom. 6:6); the power of satan (Acts 26:18); the body of this death (Rom. 7:24); the lusts of the flesh (Eph. 2:3); the lust of the eyes (1Jn. 2:15-17); the pride of life (1Jn. 2:15-17); the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19); the world (1Jn. 2:15-17; Jas. 4:4); vile affections (Rom. 1:26, 29); the lusts of the mind (Eph. 2:3); the lusts of sin (Rom. 6:11-12); the motions of sins (Rom. 7:5); the law of sin and death (Rom.  7:7 – 8:2); the carnal mind (Rom. 8:1-13); the god of this world (2Cor. 4:4); spiritual wickedness in high places … rulers of darkness (Eph. 6:12); the lusts of your father (John 8:44); sin that dwells in me (Rom. 7:17); the course of this world (Eph. 2:2); the body of the sins of the flesh (2:11; Gal. 5:24; Rom. 8:1-39). [2] Outward sin or transgression of the law (1Jn. 3:4; Rom. 4:15; Jas. 1:13-15). The outward acts are listed in Mark 7:19-21; Romans 1:18-32; 2Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:19-21 and Colossians 3:5-10.

Both outward and inward sin must pass away or one cannot claim to be in Christ. The theory that only outward transgressions are forgiven and one is still under the control of the old man (the devil) is one of the most erroneous doctrines in Christendom (2Cor. 5:17-18; Eph. 4:24; 1Jn. 5:18; Rom. 6:6-23; 8:1-13).

Mortify Therefore Your Members

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Colossians 3:5-7 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which you also walked some time, when you lived in them. 

‘Mortify’ [Greek: nekroo] put to death (3:5); be dead (Rom. 4:19; Heb. 11:12). The same in meaning as thanatoo, mortify (Rom. 8:13); kill (Rom. 8:36; 2Cor. 6:9); put to death (Matt. 26:59; 27:1; Mark 14:55; 1Pet. 3:18); cause to be put to death (Matt. 10:21; Mark 13:12; Luke 21:16); and become dead (Rom. 7:4).

Five things to put to death: [1] Fornication, all manner of unlawful sexual relationships (Matt. 5:32). [2] Uncleanness, homosexuality and all other forms of sexual perversion. [3] Inordinate affection, unnatural, unrestrained, excessive, and out-of-bounds passion and lust (Rom. 1:26). [4] Evil concupiscence, evil, wicked, and depraved desire, lust, passion or appetite. The Greek word for “evil” is kakos, translated “evil” 38 times (3:5; Mark 7:21); “ill” (Rom. 13:10); “harm” (Acts 16:28; 28:5); “evil things” (Luke 16:25; Rom. 1:30; 2Cor. 10:6); “bad” (2Cor. 5:10); “noisome” (Rev. 16:2); and “wicked” (Matt. 21:41). The Greek word for “concupiscence” is epithumia and means any strong or vehement desire. It is used for good desires a few times, but mainly for evil and depraved lusts. It is translated “desire” (Luke 2:15; Php. 1:23; 1Thess. 2:17); “concupiscence” (Rom. 7:8; Col. 3:5; 1Thess. 4:5); and “lust” 31 times (John 8:44; Rom. 1:24; Eph. 2:3). [5] Covetousness [Greek: pleonexia] It is translated “covetousness” (Mark 7:22; Luke 12:15; Rom. 1:29; 2Cor. 9:5; Eph. 5:3; Col. 3:5; 1Thess. 2:5; 2Pet. 2:3); “covetous practice” (2Pet. 2:14); and “greediness” (Eph. 4:19). Here it is equated with idolatry because the thing coveted becomes an idol. That this sin is also mainly a sexual sin seems clear from the fact that it is listed with four other sex sins in this passage.

‘The children of disobedience.’ Fivefold state of sinners: They walk according to the world system (Eph. 2:2). The word “course” refers to the evils that run like a stream through the whole world. According to the will of satan (Eph. 2:2). In the lusts of the flesh (Eph. 2:3; Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 3:5-10; Rom. 1:19-32). In the lusts of the mind or spirit (Eph. 2:3; 2Cor. 7:1; 1Jn. 2:15-17). By nature as children of wrath (Eph. 2:3; Ps. 51:5; John 8:44; Rom. 5:12-21).

With Him in Glory

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Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall you also appear with him in glory. 

‘When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall you also appear with him in glory.’ This is the 1st New Testament prophecy in Colossians (3:4,) and is still unfulfilled. When is not stated, but the fact of it is (John 14:1-3; 1Thess. 4:16). This refers to the rapture.

‘Our life’ – Eternal life is in Jesus Christ (John 17:2-3; Rom. 5:10; 1Jn. 5:11-13).

‘Appear’ [Greek: phaneroo] to make visibly manifest. Translated “make manifest” (3:4; 1:26; John 1:31; 3:21; 9:3; Rom. 16:26; 1Cor. 4:5; 2Cor. 2:14; 4:10-11; 5:11; 11:6; Eph. 5:13; 2Tim. 1:10; Heb. 9:8; 1Jn. 2:19; Rev. 15:4); “manifest” (Mark 4:22; John 17:6; Rom. 3:21; Tit. 1:3; 1Jn. 1:2; 3:5, 8; 4:9); “manifest forth” (John 2:11); “declare manifestly” (2Cor. 3:3); “be manifest” (1Tim. 3:16; 1Pet. 1:20); “show one’s self” (John 21:1, 14); and “appear” (Mark 16:12, 14; 2Cor. 5:10; 7:12; Col. 3:4; Heb. 9:26; 1Pet. 5:4; 1Jn. 2:28; 3:2; Rev. 3:18). Here it means to make Himself visibly manifest to those whom He translates or causes to meet Him in the air (John 14:1-3; 1Thess. 4:16-17; 1Jn. 2:28; 3:2). It is in glory that we shall apear with Him. We must first appear with Him in the glory of heaven before we come back with Him in His glory to the earth to reign (John 14:1-3; 1Thess. 2:12; 4:16-17; Eph. 5:27; Jude 1:24). The word “glory” is used of heaven in 1Timothy 3:16 and 2Peter 1:17.

Set Your Affection on Things Above

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Colossians 3:1-3 If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 

‘You then be risen with Christ.’ Note the contrast between this and Colossians 2:20 – if you are dead with Christ from rudiments of the world, act like a dead man. Here, if you ‘are risen’ with Christ, act like a living man (3:1-3).

‘Seek those things which are above.’ Focus on that which is given to us from God, His Word and promises. Not this world and its problems.

‘Where Christ sits on the right hand of God.’ Another proof of God and Christ being separate and distinct persons who sit side by side.  From Acts 2:32-33 we see Jesus had been raised by God and exalted by the right hand of God and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost. Proof of three separate and distinct persons.

‘Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.’ Love heavenly things and be engrossed by them and not earthly things (1Jn. 2:15-17). Think about Godly things, not earthly (Php. 4:8), casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ, having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled (2Cor. 10:5-6). We have the warning from Luke 21:34-35 to take heed of ourselves, lest at any time our hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness and the cares of this life so that the day of the Lord come upon us unawares. Take your cares to Him!!

‘You are dead.’ Christians are dead to three things: Sin (Rom. 6:2, 7, 11; 1Pet. 2:24); the law (Rom. 7:4; Gal. 2:19); the rudiments of the world (2:20).

Be Dead with Christ

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Colossians 2:20-23 Wherefore if you be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are you subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. 

‘If you be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world.’ If you are dead with Christ, having been freed from the elementary rules of the world and rudiments of Judaism, why then be subject to them any longer? All such things are to perish. They are mere traditions of men, not laws of God in the new covenant (2:20-23).

‘After the commandments and doctrines of men.’ To follow the commands and doctrines of men and not God, have always been the basis of most religions and also idolatry (Matt. 15:9; Mark 7:7; 1Tim. 4:1).

‘Will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body.’ This is any form of worship man chooses for himself apart from the true worship of God (Rom. 1:21-25). Some forms have a great show of refinement, humility, and asceticism, but they are powerless to deal with sin and the old man. They only feed self-righteousness and pride and do not change the heart.

Having Nourishment Ministered

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Colossians 2:18-19 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he had not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increased with the increase of God. 

‘Let no man beguile you of your reward.’ Let no man take your prize. You have found Christ and been made free from sin by the gospel and the Holy Spirit. You started in the spirit so do not let any man induce you to finish in the flesh (Gal. 3:1-5).

‘Voluntary humility and worshipping angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.’ Five facts about false cults: [1] Self-imposed fastings and self-denials of many things to appear religious, that is not forbidden in Scripture – touch not, taste not and handle not (2:18, 20-23). [2] The Greek word threskeia means worshipping (2:18) and religion (Acts 26:5; Jas. 1:26-27). Here it is a cult or religion of angels and demons (2:18, 23; 1Tim. 4:1-8). [3] Religion that is based upon visions that are supposed to come from God and angels (2:18; Deut. 18:1-22; Jer. 23:1-40; Ezek. 13:1-23). [4] Religion that is based upon the superior knowledge, new discoveries, occult secrets, piety, and sensuous feelings (2:18, 8; Rom. 1:21-23; 1Tim. 6:20). [5] Religion that is not Christ-centered and true to the gospel (2:19; Eph. 4:14; 5:11-12; 2Cor. 11:14-15; Matt. 7:15)

‘Holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered.’ Not acknowledging the Head of the body (Christ) on whom every member depends for nourishment and life.

A Shadow of Things to Come

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Colossians 2:16-17 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ. 

‘Let no man therefore judge you …’ Five things not to judge others about: what to eat (2:16; 1Tim. 4:1-16; Rom. 14:1-23); what to drink (2:16; 1Cor. 10:31); what days to keep (2:16; Gal. 4:1-31); what new moon festivals to keep (2:16); what days to observe (2:16; Rom. 14:5-6; Gal. 4:9-10)

‘Meat’ – refers to clean animals (Lev. 11:1-47; Deut. 14:1-29). The new covenant has never permitted any kind of unclean meat to be used as food, the meat of unclean animals is poisonous and not for human consumption because their meat contains toxins that are not excreted from their bodies like the bodies of cows, sheep, certain bucks and chickens (some other fowls also) and fish with gulls do. Many Scriptures are quoted out of context to allow the eating of unclean toxic meats. God never intended for us to eat dogs, pigs, cats or horses, to name but a few. Some animals were made as scavengers and some for labour and transport. Before Noah’s days, clean and unclean animals were known to man (Gen. 4:4; 7:2-3).

‘Drink’ – The law was very liberal about drinks (Deut. 14:24), and yet under it, God condemned strong drink (Pro. 20:1; 31:4-7; Isa. 5:11-23). Like every other subject, we must go to the new covenant – given under the New Testament – to find out God’s will for Christians. It demands that whatever we eat or drink we are to do it to the glory of God (1Cor. 10:31). It condemns all drunkenness and commands constantly our soberness (1Cor. 15:34; 1Thess. 5:6-8; 1Tim. 3:2, 11; 2Tim. 2:26; 4:5; 1Pet. 1:13; 4:7; 5:8).

‘Holyday’ – Jews had many holy days, new moons, festivals, and sabbaths that were binding upon all men under the old covenant (Lev. 23:1-44; 1Chron. 23:1-32). None of them is commanded in the new covenant and men must heed not to fall back on family traditions and festivals that lead to idolatry (2:14-17; Rom. 14:5-6; Gal. 4:9-10).

‘Sabbath days’ This refers to all the sabbaths of the law of Moses, including the regular weekly sabbath. All of them are now abolished with the law, thus fulfilling prophecy (Isa. 1:13-15; Hos. 2:11). Christians are now free to keep any day they want to as a sabbath (2:14-17; Rom. 14:5-6; Gal. 3:9-10). All sabbaths were a shadow of the rest we now have in Jesus Christ (2:17; Matt. 11:28-30; Heb. 4:3, 10-11; 10:1).

Spoiled Principalities and Powers

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Colossians 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 

‘And having spoiled principalities and powers’ – Christ’s two conquests: [1] Abolished and cancelled the law by Blotting it out (2:14); taking it out of the way (2:14); nailing it to the cross (2:14). [2] Defeated the executors of the law by Spoiling or conquering them (2:15); making a show of them openly (2:15); triumphing over them in the very cross that they thought was a triumph over Him (2:15; 1:20-22; Acts 2:23-36; 3:13-18; 1Cor. 1:18-24; Eph. 2:16).

‘Spoiled’ [Greek: apekduomai] to strip off the clothes of another. Translated spoil (2:15), and put off (3:9). Here it means satan and his forces were stripped of their power to condemn and kill the race. The law was blotted out and they had no further claim to hold man in sin and bondage, as they did employ the law (Rom. 7:5-25).

‘Made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it’ [Greek: deigmatizo] to expose to public infamy and shame. The intensive form, paradeigmatizo, is used in Matthew 1:19 and Hebrews 6:6 of public shame. The allusion is to the custom of conquerors making a public demonstration of conquered enemies. Satan and his human agents made a public shame out of Christ by crucifying Him. By that they thought they would triumph over Him, putting an end to His new religion, but the cross turned out to be their public defeat and shame (2:15; 1:20-22; Acts 2:23; 3:13-18; 5:28; 1Jn. 3:8).