Category: Bible

The Image of the Invisible God – Part 2

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Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature

He has a personal soul with feelings of grief (Gen. 6:6), anger (1Kin. 11:9), repentance (Gen. 6:6), jealousy (Ex. 20:5), hate (Prov. 6:16), love (John 3:16), pity (Ps. 103:13), fellowship (1Jn. 1:1-7), pleasure and delight (Ps. 147:10), and other soul passions like other beings (Gal. 5:22-23).

He has a personal spirit (Ps. 143:10; Isa. 30:1) with the mind (Rom. 11:34), intelligence (Gen. 1:26; Rom. 11:33), will (Rom. 8:27; 9:19), power (Eph. 1:19; 3:7, 20; Heb. 1:3), truth (Ps. 91:4), faith and hope (Rom. 12:3; 1Cor. 13:13), righteousness (Ps. 45:4), faithfulness (1Cor. 10:13), knowledge and wisdom (Isa. 11:2; 1Tim. 1:17), reason (Isa. 1:18), discernment (Heb. 4:12), immutability (Heb. 6:17), and many other attributes, powers, and spirit faculties.

He has been seen physically many times (Gen. 18:1-33; 32:24-30; Ex. 24:9-11; Jos. 5:13-15; Isa. 6:1-13; Dan. 7:9-13; Ezek. 1:1-28; Acts 7:56-59; Rev. 4-5) and can be understood by the things that are made. Man is the visible image and likeness making the invisible God clearly seen as in Romans 1:20.

‘Invisible’ [Greek: aoratos] (Col. 1:15-16; Rom. 1:20; 1Tim. 1:17; Heb. 11:27). The word means not in sight, unseen, concealed. Invisibility consists more of distance than substance. Cities or other material objects cannot be seen even 48 kilometres away. At this distance they are invisible. Objects concealed are invisible. Anything out of eyesight is invisible. God, angels, and other spirit beings are thus invisible. They can appear or disappear at will. They have been seen with the natural eyes many times, proving that invisibility must be understood with them as with all other invisible things that can become visible.

To be continued…

The Image of the Invisible God – Part 1

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Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature 

‘Image’ [Greek: eikon] a figure; image; likeness. Here it means outward and bodily image (Matt. 22:20; Mark 12:16; Luke 20:24; Rom. 1:23; 1Cor. 11:7; 15:49; 2Cor. 4:4; Col. 1:15; Heb. 10:1; Rev. 13:14-15; 14:9-11; 15:2; 16:2; 19:20; 20:4). It is used only three times of moral and spiritual likeness (Rom. 8:29; 2Cor. 3:18; Col. 3:10).

God is a Spirit Being, not the sun, moon, or stars; nor an image of wood, stone, or metal; and not beast or man. He is not the air, wind, universal mind, love or some impersonal quality. He is a person with a personal spirit body, a personal soul, and a personal spirit, like that of angels, and like that of a man except His body is of spirit substance instead of flesh and bones (Job 13:8; Heb. 1:3).

He has a personal spirit body (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19); shape (John 5:37); form (Php. 2:5-7); image and likeness of a man (Gen. 1:26; 9:6; Ezek. 1:26-28; 1Cor. 11:7; Jas. 3:9). He has physical parts such as, back parts (Ex. 33:23), heart (Gen. 6:6; 8:21), hands and fingers (Ps. 8:3-6; Heb. 1:10; Rev. 5:1-7), mouth (Num. 12:8), lips and tongue (Isa. 30:27), feet (Ezek. 1:27; Ex. 24:10), eyes (Ps. 11:4; 18:24; 33:18), ears (Ps. 18:6), hair, head, face, arms (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19; Rev. 5:1-7; 22:4-6), loins (Ezek. 1:26-28; 8:1-4), and other physical parts. He has bodily presence (Gen. 3:8; 18:1-22) and goes from place to place in a body like all other persons (Gen. 3:8; 11:5; 18:1-5, 22, 33; 19:24; 32:24-32; 35:13; Zech. 14:5; Dan. 7:9-14; Tit. 2:13). He has a voice (Ps. 29:1-11; Rev. 10:3-4); breath (Gen. 2:7); and countenance (Ps. 11:7). He wears clothes (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-19); eats (Gen. 18:1-8; Ex. 24:11); rests (Gen. 2:1-4; Heb. 4:4); dwells in a mansion and in a city located on a material place called Heaven (John 14:1-3; Heb. 11:10-16; 13:14; Rev. 21:1-27); sits on a throne (Isa. 6:1-13; Dan. 7:9-14; Rev. 4:1-5; 22:3-6); walks (Gen. 3:8; 18:1-8, 22, 33); rides (Ps. 18:10; 68:17; 104:3; Ezek. 1:1-28); and engages in other activities.

To be continued…

Redemption

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Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins 

‘In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.’ This is the price God paid to manifest His grace and adopt us as sons (1:14; Rom. 3:24-25; 8:23; 1Cor. 1:30; Heb. 12:15; Rev. 5:9-10).

‘Redemption’ [Greek: lutrosis] a ransoming. It is from lutron [a ransom price of redemption; an atonement; a release on receipt of a ransom price; Matt. 20:28; Mark 10:45] and lutroo to redeem (1Pet. 1:18; Luke 24:21; Tit. 2:14) The Greek word apolutrosis means to redeem by paying the price (Ex. 21:8; Gal. 3:13); a deliverance by paying a ransom (1Tim. 2:6); deliverance from the penalty of sin, including forgiveness of sin (1:14; Rom. 3:24; Eph. 1:7, 14; 4:30; Heb. 9:15); and restoration of all creation from the curse (Rom. 8:23).

Man sold himself as a slave to sin and satan. God paid the price of His redemption. Man is now obligated to meet God’s terms of faith, repentance, and service if he wants to be redeemed. The ultimate redemption by atonement is not only to remove all sins but also all sicknesses with complete redemption of body as well as soul (Rom. 8:11, 17-24; Php. 3:21; Eph. 5:27). If God deals with sin now, He also deals with disease as clearly revealed in the whole truth (Isa. 6:10; 61:1; Matt. 13:15; John 10:10).

There are seven steps of gospel redemption: The plan of God to redeem the world by the incarnation of God’s Son (Gal. 4:4; Gen. 3:15; Isa. 7:14; 9:6-7; Matt. 1:18-25). The manifestation of God’s Son in “the fulness of the time” (Gal. 4:4; Dan. 9:24-26; Matt. 1:18-25). The circumstances of His appearing: made of a woman; made under the law; to be a perfect sacrifice (Gal. 4:4-5; John 3:16; Heb. 10:1-18). The redemption by His death (Gal. 4:5; Rom. 3:24; 1Pet. 2:24; Eph. 1:7; Heb. 9:15). The sonship by adoption of all who believe (Gal. 4:6; Rom. 8:14-16; Eph. 1:5). The impartation of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 4:6; Rom. 8:9-16; Gal. 3:14). The heirship of all sons (Gal. 4:7; Rom. 8:14-18; Eph. 1:11; 1Pet. 1:4).

Pray for You

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Colossians 1:9-13 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that you might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That you might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which has made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son

‘Pray for you, and to desire that you might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.’ Twelve things prayed for the Colossians: To be filled with the knowledge of His will (1:9). To be filled with all wisdom. To have spiritual understanding. To walk worthy of the Lord (1:10). To walk pleasing to the Lord. To be fruitful in all good works. To increase in the knowledge of God. To be strengthened with all might (1:11). To have His glorious power. To have all patience. To have all longsuffering. To have joy.

Ten conditions of answered prayer: Have the faith of God (Rom. 4:17; Heb. 11:3; Gal. 5:22-23). Pray: say in no uncertain terms what you want (Mark 11:23-24; Matt. 17:20; 21:21-22; John 15:7). Have unlimited faith without qualifying and limiting God’s will or what you want (Mark 11:23-24; Matt. 17:20; 21:21-22; Mark 9:23; John 15:7, 16). Refuse to doubt in the heart (Mark 11:23; Matt. 17:20; Jas. 1:5-8). Believe that whatever is asked will be given (Mark 11:23-24; Matt. 7:7-11; 17:20; 21:21-22; Heb. 11:6). Believe that whatever is asked is already granted (Mark 11:24; Matt. 17:20; 1Jn. 5:14-15). Be authoritative and command to come to pass what is asked (Mark 9:23; 11:23-24; Matt. 17:20). Believe that what you want is God’s will (Mark 11:24; John 15:7; Matt. 17:20; 21:21-22; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:5-8). Never say “if it be Thy will” concerning anything you ask that is definitely promised of God in His word (Mark 11:23; Ps. 84:11; 2Cor. 1:20; 2Pet. 1:3-4). Have a clean heart and life with God and man (Mark 11:25; John 15:7; 1Jn. 3:22-23).

‘Made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.’ Qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints. This refers to every promise and provision of the gospel for believers who are delivered from the power of satan and are translated into the kingdom of God (1:12-13; Acts 26:18; 2Cor. 1:20; John 14:12-15).

‘Translated’ [Greek: methistemi] to transfer, exchange, remove. Here it means to deliver from satan and his power and kingdom of sin, sickness, and depravity to be placed under the government of the Son of God’s love. This transfer is made possible by redemption through the blood of Christ (1:14).

The Grace of God in Truth

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Colossians 1:6-8 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bring forth fruit, as it does also in you, since the day you heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: As you also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. 

‘Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world.’ Here the gospel is referred to as a traveller making a tour of the whole world. Beginning from Judea it had travelled through Syria and different parts of Asia, Africa, and Europe and had lately visited Colosse. It is also spoken of as bearing fruit all over the world. The gospel is still travelling and bringing forth fruit on the earth. Millions of Bibles in hundreds of languages go into all parts of the earth yearly and the Word of God are available worldwide.

‘The grace of God in truth.’ We can receive this grace from God in truth when we accept Christ and become His followers as described in 1Peter 2:21-23. Then we receive the fullness of grace (John 1:16-17), the fullness of the Holy Spirit anointing upon believers (Luke 24:49; John 7:37-39; Acts 1:4-8), the full gifts and fruit of the Spirit (1Cor. 12:4-11; Gal. 5:22-23), and the complete redemptive acts and processes of which the law was a shadow (Heb. 10:1) were all predicted by the prophets. The way into the holiest by the blood of Christ (Heb. 10:19), the power and authority of every believer to do the works of Christ (John 14:12), and many other truths and experiences were unknown to the prophets.

‘Epaphras’ – mentioned only here (4:12; Phm. 1:23). He was a fellow prisoner of Paul in Rome and a minister of the gospel. He was one of the Colossian believers (4:12).

Give Thanks

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Colossians 1:3-5 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which you have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;

‘Give thanks’ – We have to give thanks to God in all things for all things at all times. Many examples in Scripture: It is good to give thanks unto the Lord (Ps. 92:1). Give thanks in the remembrance of His holiness (Ps. 97:12). Give thanks unto His holy name (Ps. 106:47). Give thanks unto the Lord (Ps. 105:1; 106:1; 107:1; 118:1, 29). Give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good. Give thanks to Him, for His mercy endures forever. (Ps. 107:1). Give thanks to God because of His righteous judgments (Ps. 119:62). Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good and His mercy endures forever (Ps. 136:1, 26). The righteous shall give thanks unto Thy name: the upright shall dwell in Thy presence (Ps. 140:13). Give thanks to God in Jesus’ name (Eph. 5:20). Giving thanks to God and the Father by Him (Col. 3:17). Give thanks always in all things (1Thess. 5:18). Let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name (Heb.13:15). 

‘Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which you have to all the saints.’ Six blessings of the Colossians: They had faith in Jesus Christ (1:4). They had a love for all saints. They had hope for eternal life (1:5; Tit. 1:2). They heard the truth of the gospel. They bore fruit (1:6). They knew the grace of God in truth.

‘We heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which you have to all the saints.’ Compare this statement with Ephesians 1:15. The two epistles are very similar in doctrine and phraseology.

‘Laid up’ [Greek: apokeimai] stored away.

To the Saints and Faithful

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Colossians 1:1-2 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 

‘An apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God.’ An apostle by the will of God. No man had anything to do with the calling and training of Paul. The Greek word apostolos means a delegate, one sent with the full power of attorney to act in the place of another, the sender remaining behind to back up the one sent. In the case of the apostles, it meant that God sent them to do what He, Himself would do if He went. It is translated apostle 78 times; messenger twice (2Cor. 8:23; Php. 2:25); and once he that is sent (John 13:16).

‘Timotheus’ – this is Timothy who was converted by Paul on his first trip (Acts 14:6-7 with 1Tim. 1:2). Part Jew and Greek, uncircumcised, but a good Christian (Acts 16:1-3). A miracle worker like Paul (1Cor. 16:10). Paul’s companion from here on (2:19; Acts 16:1-3; 17:14-15; 18:5; 19:22; 20:4; Rom. 16:21; 1Cor. 4:17). On a mission (Heb. 13:23). It is believed by some that he was Paul’s scribe in writing Hebrews and Galatians. He had the gifts of the Spirit (1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6). He was a great student of Scripture (2Tim. 1:5; 2:15; 3:15).

‘Saints’ are those that are born again and will most definitely be faithful. All saved people are called saints in the Word of God (Acts 9:13, 32, 41; 26:10; Rom. 1:7; 1Cor. 1:2; 6:1-2; 2Cor. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; Php. 1:1; Col. 1:2; 2Thess. 1:10; Jude 1:3; Rev. 5:8; 13:7, 10; 17:6), not sinners as most claim to justify sinful behaviour. Even though all saints were born in sin and had to come to Christ, repent and be justified in Him to qualify for this appellation. There are also no grounds for making people saints after death.

‘Colosse’ – A city of Phrygia just a few miles from Laodicea. Both cities disappeared so completely that only in recent times have the sites been discovered. Eusebius states that Colosse perished in an earthquake a short time after the writing of this epistle.

‘Grace be unto you’ – best greeting ever! Blessing another person with grace – that which Christ accomplished on the cross (redemption and healing) through which we are reconciled with the Father whereby He then has access to us to protect and provide for us.

‘God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ’ – Another clear reference to two separate and distinct persons (1Jn. 5:7). One is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and the other is the Son of the Father (2Jn. 1:3; John 3:16).

Sweet Smell

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Philippians 4:18-23 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you. All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 

‘But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you.’ You have sent me so much by Epaphroditus that I have all I need. Your gift is a sweet aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, and well-pleasing to God. Paul claimed to have all that he needed and more, he was thankful in everything and his life was a great savour for Christ’s testimony!

‘Sweet smell’ [Greek: Euodia] sweet perfume. An aroma of a sweet smell to God. That is, God was well pleased with the offering and sacrifice of Christ because it made possible the redemption of His fallen creation (Rom. 8:18-24).

‘But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.’ A promise that is still true to those who are in Christ and who are faithful to God as the Philippians were (4:14-18).

‘Caesar’s household’ – Nero was emperor of Rome at this time. A more cruel and worthless man never ruled the empire, yet among his household, there were several true Christians. Who they were is not known. Josephus says that the empress Poppaea was a worshiper of the true God (Antiquities, 20:8:11).

‘The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.’ No greater greeting and blessing can be found in life! By God’s grace we are saved (Acts 14:22; Eph. 2:5, 8), healed (Ps. 30:2-7; 103:3, 8; Acts 4:12; 14:3; 1Pet. 2:24) and are we conquerors (Rom. 8:31-39).

Desire Fruit

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Philippians 4:15 – 17 Now you Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but you only. For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 

‘Beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia.’ Philippi was the place of the decisive battle which ended the Roman republic, in 42 B.C. Amphipolis was the chief city when the Romans first took over the country, but after the battle at Philippi that ended the Roman republic, this city became more prominent.

Paul established the Philippian congregation here, hence the statement: “the beginning of the gospel” for the Philippians and it is also where the events of Acts 16:12-40 took place: Paul’s party met a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God and she was baptized with her household. Going up for prayers, Paul and Silas landed in prison when they rebuked the damsel possessed with a spirit of divination and when they worshipped at midnight, an earthquake loosened them. The jailkeeper wanted to kill himself for letting the prisoners flee, but Paul assured him nobody fled, and this led to his conversion as well as his household.

‘Thessalonica you sent once and again unto my necessity.’ Paul supported himself partly by working while starting the Thessalonian congregation and partly through help from Philippi (2Thess. 3:7-9).

‘Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.’ I do not say this to get a further gift from you, but to state facts, wanting you to bear fruit to be put to your account and rewarded in the day of Christ. This will be the fruit of the Spirit which is the sign of all true believers (Gal. 5:22-26). He never wanted their money, affection or praises, he just wanted them to serve God the Father through Jesus Christ – the only true indication of a true teacher of the gospel of Christ.

‘Your account’ – A clear reference to each man as having an account in heaven (Ps. 144:3; Heb. 13:17; 1Pet. 4:5). He is either storing up wrath by his deeds on record in heaven (Rom. 2:5) or he is storing up rewards (Rom. 14:1-12; 1Cor. 3:11-15; 2Cor. 5:10; Gal. 3:6). Even every idle (useless) word men will give an account of (Matt. 12:36). Every cup of cold water given or refused and the minutest details of life, as well as the major acts, will be judged (Matt. 6:1-18; 10:41-42; 16:27; Luke 6:23, 35; 1Cor. 3:8-15; 9:17).

Be Content

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Philippians 4:10-14 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me has flourished again; wherein you were also careful, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me. Notwithstanding you have well done, that you did communicate with my affliction. 

‘At the last your care of me has flourished again; wherein you were also careful, but you lacked opportunity.’ For a time, the Philippians ceased to help the apostle, but now their care for him had come to life again. He apologises for their lacking opportunity to help him. Paul was always thankful for the help but he never made any demands upon converts to support him. Here he does not speak of it to receive from them, but to praise them for their help (4:11-19).

‘For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.’ Ten great lessons to learn: Be content under all circumstances (4:11). How to be abased (4:12); how to abound; in all places; in all things; to be full; to be hungry; to abound; to suffer need; that nothing is impossible through Jesus Christ (4:13; Matt. 17:20; Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; John 14:12-15; 15:7, 16). We must be thankful and content in life not striving to live above our means or status (Rom. 12:3).

‘I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me.’ When we have God’s Word in us, through faith and obedience, (Rom. 11:6) we are in unity with Christ (John 15:1-7) and can only then claim to be able to do all things through His, and not our own, strength. All things: Do all things for God’s glory (1Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:17, 3:23). Do all things in love (1Cor. 13:4). To do all things without murmurings and disputings (Php. 2:14). Do all things in Jesus’ name (Col. 3:17).

‘Affliction’ [Greek: thlipsis] is not a disease, as usually understood, but tribulation. Not once is it used for physical sickness or illness.