January 2: Warn

John Maxwell once said that, “There are two kinds of pride, both good and bad. 'Good pride' represents our dignity and self-respect. 'Bad pride' is the deadly sin of superiority that reeks of conceit and arrogance.” This weeks session focuses on the destructive power of selfish pride. We should be able to determine whether selfish pride is evident in our lives, be aware of the damage it can do, and develop a plan to deal with it.

When we speak of pride, we can be referring to it in positive terms such as pride in our appearance or our work. We encourage our children by saying how proud we are of them. We might even say to them, “You should be proud of yourself.”  All of these expressions communicate a positive kind of pride: dignity, respect and honor, traits that we all can embrace. But pride isn’t always positive. Pride can also mean conceit, arrogance, or superiority. This kind of pride is based on self-centeredness, and it is destructive. This kind of pride invites God’s judgment.

You are a man and not a god

Previously, God’s message through Ezekiel was aimed at the people of God – the Israelites. The message was two-fold. First, it was to those who were taken into Babylonia exile. They were the remnant that God would use to redeem His people once again at a point in the future. Second, it was to those who were still in Jerusalem. His message to them was that judgment was not yet over. 

Then, in Ezekiel 25–32, God pronounces judgement against other nations. Ezekiel highlighted God’s coming judgment on Ammon (Ezekiel 25:1-7), Moab (Ezekiel 25:8-11), Edom (Ezekiel 25:12-14), and Philistia (Ezekiel 25:15-17). These surrounding nations had celebrated Judah’s fall and even assisted the Babylonians in the conquest at some level. God would bring them down.

Ezekiel then announced a lengthy judgment on Tyre, a leading, successful city of the Phoenicians (Ezekiel 26:1–28:19), because of its pride. God describes their pride in Ezekiel 28:1-5: The word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, say to the ruler of Tyre, ‘This is what the Lord God says: Your heart is proud, and you have said, “I am a god; I sit in the seat of gods in the heart of the sea.” Yet you are a man and not a god, though you have regarded your heart as that of a god. Yes, you are wiser than Daniel; no secret is hidden from you! By your wisdom and understanding you have acquired wealth for yourself. You have acquired gold and silver for your treasuries. By your great skill in trading you have increased your wealth, but your heart has become proud because of your wealth. 

The success of Tyre produced selfish, arrogant pride. The ruler of Tyre felt there was no authority higher than himself, that he was above other gods, even the idol god they worshipped, Baal. He also believed he had accomplished everything without the help of any god, and that he needed no one else because of his position. As God’s pronouncement of judgment begins, He reminds the leader of Tyre that he was a man and not a god. 

Success does not mean you are sinless – Ezekiel 28:11-15

While this passage is speaking of the literal king of Tyre and the pride in his life, it uses an analogy comparing the king with someone who was in the Garden of Eden. Some believe this person was Adam, while others believe it is a reference to Satan. Either way, Adam, Satan, and the king of Tyre all had something in common—their successes and blessings did not hide their sinfulness. Ezekiel reminds the king and all of us that wickedness is still persistent in our lives because we live in a sin-broken world.

Reflect on your own life. Consider all that God has done in your life. What are some of the blessings you can identify? Now consider the sins or “wickedness” that still persistently dwell in your life. How can we avoid thinking that our successes and blessings make us greater or better than others? How can we avoid thinking we don’t need God anymore because of our own self-sufficiency?

How would you respond if someone came to you and pointed out that God had blessed you but also pointed out the wickedness of pride that was in you as well? What would your response indicate about pride?

The king should prefer repentance over God’s judgment, compassion over wrath, and the beauty of confession over the ugliness of sin. However, God didn’t hear any confession, regret, or repentance coming from Tyre’s ruler, even after sending a warning shot through His messenger Ezekiel.

Selfish pride will lead to your downfall - Ezekiel 28:16-19

What were the negative results that occurred because of the king of Tyre’s pride? (Violence, sin, disgrace, banishment, corrupted wisdom, losing position, profaning of the sanctuary, destruction, being a negative example to others, and so forth).

Based on these passages, how does one’s arrogant, selfish pride affect the lives of others? How have you seen arrogance and selfish pride affect a church? A home? An individual?

Have you ever been appalled at someone who was arrogant? How has/did their arrogance affect your relationship with them? Did they ever earn your respect? How does this compare to the results described in verse 19?

Many people did business with Tyre, and they would be horrified as they witnessed Tyre’s destruction. Tyre’s judgment would provide a stern warning to all who witnessed it. Tyre would never exist again, something other nations and peoples never thought would occur.  Additionally, the king would become a spectacle and example before other kings.

If you own a business or supervise people in the workplace, how can pride keep you from being an effective leader?

If you are working for someone who reflects arrogant, selfish pride, what type of environment does that create? How do you survive in such an environment?

If you experience this type of pride in a family, what kind of environment does it create? What can you do to survive in such an environment? Are you the perpetrator of such an environment?

God’s judgment and salvation reveal that He is God and we aren’t! - Ezekiel 28:25-26

In 722 BC, the Assyrians conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel and deported the population to various regions in the Assyrian empire (2 Kings 17:6). The Babylonians later had exiled part of the population of Judah, the Southern Kingdom, and soon would destroy Jerusalem and the temple (2 Kings 25:8-10). Throughout history, other smaller nations also had deported groups of God’s people into slavery (Amos 1:6,9). But God promised He would gather His people again, and affirmed: I will demonstrate my holiness through them in the sight of the nations. 

When God’s people experienced His restoration and saw Him judge their enemies, Ezekiel affirmed, they will know that I am the Lord their God. Those who oppose God would and will see His power in judgment, while those who love God would and will experience His love through salvation. In that day, God’s people will know Him at a level they have not known Him previously.

The Rest of the Story

God used Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, as His hand of judgment against the prideful and idolatrous city of Tyre. Nebuchadnezzar besieged Tyre for 13 years, resulting in the destruction of the mainland sectors, but not its island sector. Centuries later, in 332 B.C., Alexander the Great conquered Tyre by constructing a causeway out to the island that his army used to reach and conquer the city. Later, in Roman times, the city flourished again. Jesus visited the area during His ministry. Paul spent seven days in Tyre after his third missionary journey.

Tourists today can walk among the ruins of the once great city of Tyre that stands as a constant reminder of what takes place when man becomes so puffed up with pride that he no longer needs god or actually thinks that he has become as great as god.

Prideful people in our time rise and fall as they did in Ezekiel’s day. Among them are politicians, media stars and personalities, musicians, millionaires, corporate businesspeople, and yes, even churches and church leaders.

Billy Graham once even said that, “self-centered indulgence, pride and a lack of shame over sin are now emblems of the American lifestyle.”

Many believe that self-centered pride is good. The thing about swelled chests, however, is that they often birth feelings of invincibility. Thinking personal god-like power shields them from any force great enough to bring them down, the proud rest in a delusion.

Solomon reminds us in Proverbs 6:16 that God hates six things and the first thing listed is arrogant eyes. The expression refers to a person so proud that he or she denies the one true living God—their eyes are focused solely on self. It is my prayer that you will not allow pride to manifest itself in this way in your life.

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

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December 19: Judges

 

Imagine you worked so hard to give a special gift to someone, only to have them complain about the gift. Or maybe you discover it was discarded. Or perhaps the person forgot you gave it to them! How would you feel? Would it change your relationship with that person? God is the greatest gift-giver yet we will discover in this weeks study how people throughout history have responded to God's mercy and generosity.

Imagine how God felt as He observed, once again, the Israelites disregarding, not appreciating, and abusing the special covenant gift they had been given by Him. Ezekiel helps us understand how God felt and how He deals with His people because they disregarded His gift. 

In order to understand what is about to unfold in Ezekiel 20, one must understand what was taking place in history during this time. In 597 B.C. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon came a second time to Jerusalem. At this time, he deposed and exiled King Jeconiah of Judah (2 Kings 24:8-15) who had only reigned a few months. Then king Nebuchadnezzar left Judah with Zedekiah, a puppet king. Most of the Israelites remaining in Jerusalem thought the worst was over and they were fortunate to survive and escape exile. They thought they were better than the people who were taken into exile. Zedekiah reigned 11 years and was the last of the Kings of Judah before a complete Babylonian conquest.

In the late summer of 591 B.C., news of Egypt’s victory in the Sudan, under Psammetik II, reached the exiles at Tel Abib (Babylon). Rumors also indicated that the Egyptian army would make a triumphal conquest of Palestine as well, thus paving the way for the exiles to return to Jerusalem. This raised the exiles’ expectations as they hoped that Egypt would prove to be the redeemer to free them from Nebuchadnezzar. 

Zedekiah had foolishly shared the same dream and revolted from Babylonian rule and placed his confidence in Egypt’s strength somewhere between the end of 591 and 589 B.C. Such a move was ill-timed; for the Pharaoh soon became ill, and the potential might of Egypt never materialized. (Source: Alexander, Ralph H. 1986. “Ezekiel.” In The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, edited by Frank E. Gaebelein, 6:832. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.)

This brings us to Ezekiel 20. Israel’s elders come before Ezekiel to inquire of the Lord.  The text is silent concerning the exact nature of the elders’ inquiry, but it was probably to ask this question: “Would Zedekiah’s current diplomacy with Egypt succeed in bringing freedom for the exiles from the tyranny of Nebuchadnezzar?” “Would the Hebrew captives soon return to the Promised Land?”

As you study this passage, consider how you have responded to God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

First, we see how God responds to those come asking with unrepentant hearts - Ezekiel 20:1-4

Ezekiel 20 occurred two years after Ezekiel’s initial call (Ezekiel 1:2). Eleven months had passed since Ezekiel had delivered the previous revelations from God that we studied in the last session from Ezekiel 8. Israel’s exiled elders came to inquire of the Lord because they recognized God’s people faced a tough situation. When they came before Ezekiel God provided to Ezekiel a message for them. 

God’s response was not what one would expect. He didn’t roll over and continue to give and give. Basically, God says to them, “I can’t believe you are coming to inquire of me after all you have done.” The leaders who came to seek God’s counsel were not coming with proper attitudes, and God knew their hearts were not fully His.  The detestable practices of their ancestors broadly depicted the people’s many abominations, including idolatry and immorality. Ezekiel would confront the elders with the record of their sin and the sin of prior generations.

God still confronts unrepentant sinners with the truth of their sin. However, unrepentant sinners cannot receive God’s grace as long as they attempt to justify their own attitudes and actions.

Imagine you have given to someone over and over again, and they mistreat you in spite of all you have given.  Would you be more or less likely to ignore them if they came to you for help in getting out of a tough situation? 

Do you think God still loved the people? (Yes) If so, why did He not accept them with open arms when they asked for help? What can we learn from God’s response regarding unconditional love? 

What motivates you to come before God? Is it the gift of the relationship you have with Him through Jesus Christ? Is it a heart of repentance when God reveals sin? Or is it to see if God will get you out of a sticky situation of your own making?

Next, God reminds them of all He had done to love and redeem them and how they responded to Him - Ezekiel 20:5-14

What did God give to the Israelites according to this passage? How did Israel respond to all God had given to them?

In the face of such rebellion, God had demonstrated his unending grace toward his people with great long-suffering. Twice God states that He withheld His wrath of total destruction. Yet, here they are again, rebelling and throwing the gift God had given them back into His face. So again, the time had come for the nation to prepare herself for judgment; for the Lord was going to soon bring Nebuchadnezzar against Jerusalem to destroy the city and to take additional captives to Babylonia (20:45–21:32). 

Repeated rebellion against God invites His judgment. Further, persistent disobedience hardens people against turning to God. God’s mercy is indeed great. Believers fall short regularly, but God extends His mercy and grace in situations when He could bring discipline against us. However, we should never consider His mercy and grace as reasons to sin more (Romans 6:1-2). Further, we must warn our friends, coworkers, and neighbors who do not know God, that they cannot presume on His mercy apart from a relationship with Jesus.

Responding to God's Gift

Man is always subject to this pattern. God’s gift is given. God’s gift is ignored and unappreciated. God judges. God gives grace. Man repents. The cycle starts all over again and will continue until this sin broken world has been redeemed.

Warren Wiersby gives this illustration regarding this passage, as a part of his series, Be Reverent: 

“The American editor and writer Norman Cousins wrote in a Saturday Review editorial (April 15, 1978), “History is a vast early warning system.” But some anonymous thinker has said, “The one thing we learn from history is that we don’t learn from history”; or in the words of Dr. Laurence J. Peter, “History teaches us the mistakes we are going to make.” The Jewish historians, prophets, and psalmists were honest enough to declare the sins of the nation and write them down for future generations to read! Why? So that future generations wouldn’t make the same mistakes that they made. But, alas, God’s people haven’t begun to learn the lessons, let alone obey them.”

Twice God reminds His people that He withheld total judgment. Consider how many times God has withheld His judgment on you. How should that cause you to respond to the gift of salvation that is given to you through Jesus Christ?

Go back to the time when you received Christ. Consider or make a list of ways in which you have habitually rebelled against God since you received Christ as Savior. Can you see God’s mercy and grace in your relationship with Him? How should that change the way you live today?

Consider how you can live a life that demonstrates to a lost world the appreciation one should have for being given the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Consider sharing the gift of salvation with others during this Christmas season.

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

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December 12: Saves

Do you believe many express a false hope because they feel safe and protected by living in the United States? While those of us who live in the United States do enjoy the blessing of usually feeling safe and secure, if we profess Christ, we know that hope for ultimate safety and security rests solely in Christ. Ezekiel 11 reveals that placing hope in the wrong things to save us and keep us safe can be dangerous.

The Bible describes hope as a confident assurance based on God’s promises. However, hope doesn’t mean the absence of difficulties or the absence of God’s judgment. We live in a sin-broken world that is experiencing the judgment of God. We are all held accountable for our sin. But we also have the promise of God’s love for those who seek and respond to His salvation. 

Ezekiel had been living with the Israelite exiles for almost four years when God called him to deliver the truth regarding judgment and repentance. In chapter 8, Ezekiel was transported by the Spirit of God in a vision back to Jerusalem (Ezekiel 8:1-4). God showed Ezekiel a sampling of the terrible abominations the people were committing (Ezekiel 8:5-18). God showed Ezekiel that evil abounded, and He would pity His people no longer (Ezekiel 9:1-11). His glory would abandon the temple (10:1-5) and the Lord’s heavenly hosts would depart (Ezekiel 10:6-22). 

The sins committed by the people in Jerusalem were due to a false sense of security regarding their salvation.

God reminds Ezekiel that salvation is not found in a location – Ezekiel 11:2-4

Chapter 11 begins by describing where Ezekiel is taken and who he sees. Verse 1 states that, “The Spirit then lifted me up and brought me to the eastern gate of the Lord’s house, which faces east, and at the gate’s entrance were twenty-five men. Among them I saw Jaazaniah son of Azzur, and Pelatiah son of Benaiah, leaders of the people.” Here God showed Ezekiel more of the perversion of the nation’s leadership. These twenty-five leaders had given the people false and evil counsel (v.2).  Rather than encouraging the people to repent and seek God, they continued to give wicked advice; the general population followed them into folly because they felt safe inside the walls of Jerusalem like a pot protects the meat that it contains. They assumed their salvation was based upon their location; therefore, there was no need to live a holy life or trust in God.

How can we apply this to our own views regarding safety and security? How can we avoid the attitudes and actions described in these passages?

Another false hope centered on how those in Jerusalem viewed those in exile. 

God reminds Ezekiel that salvation is not found in tradition or history – Ezekiel 11:14-17

When Ezekiel and his fellow exiles were deported from Jerusalem in 597 BC, the ones left behind in Jerusalem falsely assumed that the only ones who were forsaken by God were the ones who had been deported from Jerusalem. They based this upon their understanding of God’s covenant and the past history where God had prevented the fall of Jerusalem. This attitude led the citizens of Judah to look upon the exiles as the unclean and sinful part of the nation. The Judeans encouraged the exiles to get as far away from the land of Israel as possible, because God had given it to those still in Judah, not to the sinful exiles (v.15). 

What attitudes might reveal that Christians view themselves as more important than other believers, because of their traditions or history? How can these attitudes impact our view of other believers around the world?

Ezekiel denounced Jerusalem’s population for its self-righteousness. Ezekiel knew God spoke the truth, but would God ever redeem the situation? Even Ezekiel did not understand that the exiles were the remnant God was saving. In this message, God encouraged Ezekiel  that he and a remnant, his kindred, were purposely being kept by God through the Captivity.  God explains in Ezekiel 11:16-17 that it was the remnant He had deported that He cared for, and He showed his care by promising to regather the exiles to the Promised Land (Ezekiel 11:16–20).

While many understand the promise to Israel as it relates to the Mosaic covenant, consider for a moment how this could apply to the church beginning in verse 16:

• Can you imagine for a moment all the believers that have been scattered among the countries of the world? Why have they been scattered?
• How long does God say this scattering will last? (For a little while)
• We think of a sanctuary as a location, but in this passage, God says, “I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone.” How is God a sanctuary for you? What does this mean regarding how we are to live?
• How would you apply the promise in Ezekiel 11:17?

How do these verses give you hope when you feel as if you are living in exile and experiencing things that you thought you would never have experienced?

God still loved His people, His judgment against them notwithstanding. He affirmed, I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone. They could no longer worship at the sanctuary in Jerusalem, but God Himself would become their sanctuary.  The Lord would continue to be an ever-present sanctuary (refuge) for his people, making provisions for them no matter where they were scattered. 

This is the same ever-present God who today meets the needs of those who trust Him, regardless of their circumstances. Believers today can find real hope in the promise of God’s salvation. The Bible assures us that God is our Father, heaven is our home, and every day is one day closer. In the meantime, God is our sanctuary wherever we are and through whatever we face.

Ezekiel is then reminded that salvation results in a transformed heart – Ezekiel 11:18-21

Notice how many times the word “I” is used in this passage. What does this communicate about God and salvation? Which verse describes an act of repentance? (See Ezekiel 11:18)

When God reveals sin, it must be removed. Ezekiel said the first thing God’s people would want to do when they returned home was to remove all traces of their evil past because it had no place in their redeemed lives. The words translated abhorrent acts and detestable practices can refer either to sins or idols. This is what one must do when God reveals one’s sinfulness. When one repents and turns to God, then God begins His transformational work as is described in Ezekiel 11:19-20.

How are the actions described in Ezekiel 11:19-20 demonstrated in your life? Does this list reveal areas in which you don’t have a repentant heart? Consider how you should respond?

The past focus of their lives had been sin and rebellion; going forward, they would serve God and obey His commands. One day, when Israel recognizes her Messiah, Ezekiel’s words will achieve their ultimate fulfillment. This is the Mosaic covenant that is yet to be fulfilled.

Through His death for sin, once for all, Christ, the Mediator of the new covenant (Hebrews 8:6), made it possible for all believers to be transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit. This is called Sanctification. It’s an ongoing process as we move closer to the time when we are gathered together as His people. This is available to all today who place their faith in the resurrected Messiah, Jesus Christ.

It's Not Always a Pleasant Ending

There is one “but” in verse 21 that can’t be ignored. It relates to a warning to those who don’t repent – "But as for those whose hearts pursue their desire for abhorrent acts and detestable practices, I will bring their conduct down on their own heads. This is the declaration of the Lord God."

Those who received God’s salvation would recognize sin’s ugliness; those who persisted in it would find only God’s judgment. Those who thought salvation was based upon their location, history, or tradition would finally realize that it is only God who can save, not because they experience God's salvation, but because they experienced His judgment.

Perhaps you have claimed to be a believer, but you realize from this passage that you haven’t truly repented and turned to Christ. Consider what you should do to correct what God has revealed. Talk with your pastor or a Christian friend who can help you.

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study, along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

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December 5: Commissioned

Do any of you remember the commercial from several years ago that showed a husband and wife getting ready to go out? The wife has a new outfit on; she is standing in front of a mirror; and she turns to her husband and asks, “Honey, does this dress make me look fat?” We are left wondering how the husband would respond! Does he tell the truth or not? Do you think people really want to know the truth today, or do they want to know what makes them feel good?

As you examine God’s instructions in the passages today, consider the priority you place on sharing and showing the truth regarding the good news of Jesus Christ.

The study begins in chapter 3 of Ezekiel. We pick up the narrative just after God tells Ezekiel about the condition of those to whom he will be speaking the truth. Here is how God describes the Israelites in Ezekiel 3:5-7: For you are not being sent to a people of unintelligible speech or a difficult language but to the house of Israel— 6 not to the many peoples of unintelligible speech or a difficult language, whose words you cannot understand. No doubt, if I sent you to them, they would listen to you. 7 But the house of Israel will not want to listen to you because they do not want to listen to me. For the whole house of Israel is hardheaded and hardhearted.

Notice what he says regarding how people who have never heard the truth respond in verse 6, if I sent you to them, they would listen to you. Then notice how those who had heard the truth and even practiced the traditions surrounding the truth for generations were going to respond, the house of Israel will not want to listen to you because they do not want to listen to me.

Which of these two examples best describes our country's culture today? Which do you find it easier to do, go on a mission trip to share the gospel with those who have never heard the gospel or share the gospel right here at home?

Because most people in our country have at least heard something about the gospel at some point, we can understand the hardheaded and hardhearted attitude. We need to hear what God says to Ezekiel regarding consistently proclaiming His truth in this kind of setting.

First, we should understand that God prepares you to speak the Truth—Ezekiel 3:8-11

Having revealed to Ezekiel that his message would be ignored, the Lord promised to make him as unyielding, stubborn, and hardened as the Israelites. His strength would not only be through the resolve God would give him but in the words that would be given to him. Additionally, he wasn’t to chase the rabbits of personal opinions (his own or of those with whom he would be talking); It was to be what the Lord God says—The truth from God only. Finally, the condition for speaking was obedience and not their response. He was to do this whether they listened or refused to listen.

What fears do you have regarding sharing the gospel? In what ways have you been discouraged by the looks on the faces of others regarding the gospel? How can God’s instructions to Ezekiel in verse 9 to not be afraid of them or discouraged by the look on their faces help you become more faithful in sharing and showing the truth of the gospel?

Next, we should understand that God places us exactly where the truth needs to be spoken – Ezekiel 3:12-15

Most scholars assume the bitterness and anger described resulted from the commission he had just received from the Lord to go to a people who didn’t care. But, also consider the worship experience Ezekiel was having. He didn’t want to leave this and go to such a hard and difficult world to share the truth, but that was what God expected!

Because of this, Ezekiel reminds us that the Lord’s hand was on [him] powerfully. Despite the personal feelings he was experiencing, God was empowering him to move forward. Remember, Ezekiel is the writer of this book, so he is giving you a glimpse into his personal feelings as opposed to God's empowerment. Because of God, he could move forward with God’s plan.

God takes all of us out of our comfort zones and places us right in the middle of those who need to hear, but don’t necessarily desire to hear, the truth about the good news of Jesus Christ. We have a choice, to either sit around stunned, angry, or bitter by what we are seeing, to retreat to the comfort and safety we find when worshipping God, or to respond, through God’s power, by sharing the truth about the Good News of Jesus Christ.

What best describes you today? Do you sit around “stunned” by what you are seeing in the world today? Do you harbor an angry or bitter spirit toward those who don’t seem to care about Christ? Would you rather remain in the comfort of personal or corporate worship, or are you willing to let God take you out of that comfort zone so you can share the truth about Jesus? Do you recognize God has put you right where the gospel needs to be shared?

As a believer, we don’t have an option other than speaking the truth about the Good News of Jesus – Ezekiel 3:16-21

God told Ezekiel that he had made him a watchman over the house of Israel. Watchmen were responsible for guarding a city. They kept watch day and night for any signs of external or internal trouble. Watchmen at key positions might spot an enemy advance while the enemy was still far away. The more quickly the watchmen could identify a potential threat, the more quickly the citizens of the region could respond. Ezekiel’s role was to be a spiritual watchman: whenever you hear a word from my mouth, give them a warning from me. The people should heed the prophet’s warning, for the warning came from the Lord.

Today, as we share our faith with others, God does not hold us responsible for how people react to His message. However, He does expect us to exercise faithful stewardship in telling the truth about the good news of Jesus Christ. Additionally, we are to look for ways to warn brothers or sisters in Christ who have gone astray. We have a responsibility to both because of our relationship to God. While our salvation is not dependent on how many people with whom we talk regarding the truth of the gospel, there are other ramifications. We might end life with the regrets of knowing we didn’t do all we could do to warn others. We will also be judged by God for what we did or didn’t do for Him. But, basically, we should because it is the right thing to do. People need to be told the truth regarding the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are His mouthpiece, his watchmen whom He has placed before a lost world so that they might hear the good news of the gospel!

Speak the Truth Even When People Don't Listen

Perhaps this illustration will help you understand the importance of sharing the truth about the gospel to those who are in danger. It’s the story of another tragedy that could have been aborted had people listened, and it’s a story of one man who did what he could do to help people understand. It’s the tragic story of the explosion of the space shuttle Challenger in 1986. Take some time to listen to the efforts made by this man to warn people of the tragedy and how the people responded. Take note at the end of the story of how people try to comfort him regarding having done all he could to tell the truth.

When you tell the truth about God’s Word and the gospel, then you aren’t ever a loser but a winner; no matter how people respond. The Lord has commissioned you to testify to a world that desperately needs to hear His salvation message. God’s plan to reach the world includes you and me—ordinary people whom God can use in extraordinary ways as we proclaim His truth. Some will receive it, and some will not. Wicked people may persist in their ways, or they may turn to the Lord. 

God may also use you to challenge wayward Christians to turn back to productive, faithful lives. Whether or not they listen is not your problem.

Do you know unbelievers who need to hear the good news? Who are the wayward believers you know who need to hear your words of godly concern?

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

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November 28: Restoration

Think about a time when you were asked to forgive an offense.  What is the hardest thing about forgiving someone? Based on what we are seeing in today's headlines, we probably need to understand the importance of giving and seeking forgiveness a little more than we do.

The book of Philemon is a case study on forgiveness. Paul wrote the Philemon and the Colossian letters while under house arrest in Rome (A.D. 60 or 61) and they were most likely delivered at the same time. The focus is upon three men who are professing believers from very different backgrounds – Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus. Paul is the broker of the forgiveness that needed to take place between Philemon and Onesimus. When you examine the circumstances that brought about this need for forgiveness, you will discover all the personal and cultural difficulties each had to overcome to seek and to offer forgiveness. 

Issues Philemon and Onesimus Were Facing

• Onesimus was Philemon’s servant (slave). He had robbed Philemon and fled to Rome where he could easily hide. Through God’s providence, he met Paul and became a Christian. As a believer, he knew he had to restore his integrity with Philemon by making things right. On behalf of Onesimus, Paul, still imprisoned in Rome, wrote his letter to Philemon. Based on Colossians 4:9, one has to assume that Onesimus, along with Tychicus, is hand delivering the letter to Philemon!
• Philemon and his family lived in Colossae, and the Colossian church met at his house. Philemon was a committed Christian who had opened his home to the whole community of believers. In verses 4–7, Paul talks about his strong faith and love for God’s people.
• We don’t know anything about the past relationship between Philemon and Onesimus except that Philemon was his master and Onesimus was his servant (slave).

According to the Holman Concise Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 1998), p. 615, during Paul’s time in history, the beginning of the first century, it is estimated slaves made up at least half of the population of the Roman Empire. By the century’s end, the city of Rome had 400,000 slaves, one-third of the populace. Many households had several slaves, and a wealthy master might have as many as a thousand.

Slavery of all kinds and in many forms has been an ugly blight that has plagued humanity. It relegates a human to a level that is less than human. It has been used throughout history as a means to control conquered people, expand wealth, exercise power, or to denigrate a race of people. Sadly, slavery is still an issue today.

With this understanding you can see why forgiveness is going to be difficult for both Onesimus and Philemon. As you study Philemon 8-21, consider the following:

• How would respond had you been Onesimus? Would you be willing to deliver such a letter to Philemon – the one who had enslaved you for so long? What enabled Onesimus to deliver such a letter?
• How should Philemon respond? How difficult would it have been for Philemon to change his view of Onesimus in a culture that propagated slavery?
• How should you respond to those who have wronged you or that you have wronged? What can you learn regarding forgiveness from Paul’s words to Philemon and the actions of Onesimus?

Believers Should be an Advocate for Forgiveness – Philemon 8-12

In verses 1-7, Paul had expressed his love for Philemon as a dear friend and coworker (v.1). He described how he thanked God for him in his prayers (v.4) and had experienced great joy and encouragement because of what he had heard about his love for God and the believers. It is for this reason (v.8) that he makes his appeal and not because of his Apostolic authority in the church. The term "appeal" in this case communicates that Paul is basically begging Philemon to honor his request.

Under Roman law, there could have been severe consequences for Onesimus, but Paul applied pressure for Philemon to forgive his servant instead. Paul looked upon the fleeing servant as a spiritual son whom he had fathered. The significance is the fact that a slave, coming to faith in Christ elevated that slave to the status of a kinsman rather than a piece of human property—Onesimus was now a son in the faith to Paul and Philemon.  For this reason, Onesimus returning to Colossae would be vital (useful) to helping the church further the gospel, but Philemon would have to forgive for this to happen. The very act of a slave owner forgiving a slave in this manner would demonstrate to a watching culture the power of the gospel! The very act of an escaped slave returning to his master to express forgiveness and to ask for forgiveness would demonstrate to a lost world the power of reconciliation available to all who believe in Christ.

Imagine for a moment you are living in Colossae, and you hear that a runaway slave is coming back to Philemon’s household. This escaped slave humbly delivers a letter from Paul to his former slave owner, and there is an appeal for reconciliation and forgiveness. What would the lost observers be thinking about this situation? What would the others in the young church at Colossae be thinking? How could this one event impact an entire city?

Recognizing God’s Work in all Circumstances Allows Forgiveness to Take Place – Philemon 13-16

I’m sure you have quoted Romans 8:28 during times when you have faced certain challenges: We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Imagine for a moment you are Philemon—a new believer in Christ. Onesimus has escaped to Rome after stealing from you. Now he is returning with this letter from your beloved friend, Paul, and you read what Paul says regarding God’s work, even in this situation.

Notice, first, the testimony and the integrity Paul expresses in this portion of the letter. Paul desired to keep Onesimus with him so he could serve, but not as a slave but as a son and fellow believer. He distinguishes this by stating that Onesimus would serve me in your place, indicating that, if Philemon were to be in Rome, he and Paul would be serving together. In saying this he elevates the faith and conversion of Onesimus to that of Philemon’s. 

Both had life-changing and equal encounters with Christ!

Also notice the integrity of Paul. He didn’t command anything but wanted Philemon’s consent in this matter. Paul desired that his consent be from the goodness of his heart and of his own free will.

One must realize that Onesimus was spending a lot of time being discipled by Paul in Rome. Since Onesimus is delivering the letter, then one must assume that, because of his discipleship, Onesimus desired to make things right with Philemon because of his desire to obey God. Reconciliation was necessary for Onesimus and for Philemon so the gospel could be fully revealed to a lost world that didn’t understand forgiveness.

Now Paul suggests that God was at work, even during Onesimus’ desertion. He drew a contrast between for a brief time and permanently. He wanted his friend to take a positive slant in his assessment of the actions of Onesimus in leaving. In an admirable and tactful way, Paul chose not to put emphasis on the decision of Onesimus to flee from his position of servitude but the good that God had brought from it. 

One who once was a slave is now a dearly loved brother—Not only to Paul but to Philemon—because of God’s work through the gospel! He is not only a spiritual brother but one in the flesh as well.

How does NOT looking for how God is at work, cause reconciliation or forgiveness be difficult to achieve? 

Accepting Forgiveness is Vital for a Healthy Faith – Philemon 17-21

Paul emphasized how vital forgiveness was by:

• Encouraging Philemon to welcome him as he would Paul – as a partner in the gospel.
• Offering to repay Onesimus’ debt. By running away Onesimus had created headaches for Philemon. He had stolen time, service, and possessions. If Philemon added up all these expenses, Onesimus would face a mountain of debt or other consequences. Paul stepped in to support his new brother in Christ by offering to pick up the tab if it would bring reconciliation between Philemon and Onesimus.
• He reminded Philemon of the fact that he owed Paul a much greater debt: your very self. – Through Paul, Philemon had heard the gospel message and received Christ, thus removing the debt of sin upon his life.
• He explained how his forgiveness of Onesimus would be a blessing to Paul—refresh my heart in Christ.
• He was confident that Philemon would do even more that he asked – perhaps a reference to freeing Onesimus from slavery.

What About You?

Many would say Onesimus did nothing wrong; he only sought freedom that every human deserves. Therefore, he shouldn’t be pursuing forgiveness from a former slave owner. Yet he did, because of his faith in Christ. How could this be? Many would say Onesimus deserved reparations for his time in slavery. Yet he didn’t seek this; he sought forgiveness. Why? Because God’s ways are not ours. Because the gospel offers forgiveness and demands forgiveness whether you are the offended or the offender—each must do their part because of the gospel!

We don’t know how Philemon responded. Did he forgive Onesimus? Hopefully. But we do know that Onesimus had done his part. He had sought reconciliation, and now the response was in the hands of Philemon. Just as your response to someone seeking reconciliation and forgiveness is in your hands.

Live long enough, and you will understand the difficulty of offering forgiveness when you have been wronged. Yet forgiveness serves as a determining factor in who we say we are and how we hope to live our lives. 

In what ways has forgiveness been a struggle for you since you accepted Christ’s forgiveness? Describe what could take place if people sought forgiveness and reconciliation instead of reparations and revenge? How can the church apply Paul’s appeal for forgiveness? How can you demonstrate Paul’s appeal for forgiveness?

When we do not forgive, bitterness takes root in our hearts and chokes the vitality out of us. Allow Paul’s letter to Philemon to encourage forgiveness in your own life, and trust God to foster renewed life in your heart and your relationships. 

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

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November 21: The Gospel and Relationships

Submit, Love, Obey, Serve, Pray, Act Wisely. How are these actions viewed by society today? Which actions are probably perceived in the most negative way? Which is the most misunderstood action? All these actions have to do with healthy relationships as a result of knowing Christ. We relate to one another differently as families, friends, workers, and yes, even strangers, because of the gospel.

The actions and relationships cannot be separated from what Paul said previously in Colossians 3:12-17. Paul reminds believers to put on certain characteristics because of a personal relationship with Christ. They were reminded that it can’t be done alone. His was a corporate message to the church body and not just an individual message. As God’s chosen ones (Colossians 3:12), when believers are worshipping and learning together how to put on all Paul described, the relationships he is about to describe –family, workplace, friends, and even the strangers we encounter – will be transformed. 

If we are learning together to put on the characteristics of Christ daily, we will view submitting, loving, obeying, serving, praying, and acting wisely, differently than the culture does. The way we treat these relationships will be a demonstration of the gospel to a lost world.

Paul’s first actions relate to living out the gospel in the family. As family relationships are examined, remember that the Bible is not teaching that one should remain in a dangerous or abusive relationship, or one that requires you to deny your faith. There are ways to demonstrate these commands while not exposing oneself to life-threatening or faith-threatening situations.

Our family relationships should be different because of the gospel - Colossians 3:18-21

The apostle first addressed believing wives. The one duty given the wife was the responsibility to submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Here is how one should view the instruction by Paul to a wife regarding submission:

• First, we see that a wife is to submit to one man (her husband), not to every man. We can assume then that this submission does not extend to a woman’s place in society at large.
• Second, a wife is to submit as is fitting to the Lord. It doesn’t say “as it fits in with your own agenda.” 
• Third, the attitude and the motivation for a believing wife to submit is found in the overarching command for all believers in Colossians 3:17, "Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
• Fourth, one might ask if verse 17 contradicts what Paul states in verse 11 when he says, "In Christ there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all." The distinction that exists within the roles is a distinction of FUNCTION not VALUE. The fact that she submits to her husband does not imply that she is inferior or less worthy in any way. The husband and wife have an equal standing and an equal dignity before God through redemption.
• Fifth, there are no qualifiers to the command to submit, except in everything. The husband does not have to pass an aptitude test or an intelligence test before his wife submits. It may be a fact that she is better qualified than he to lead in many ways, but she chooses to follow the Lord’s instruction by submitting to her husband’s leadership. In so doing, a godly wife can even win her unbelieving husband to the Lord “without words” simply by her holy behavior (1 Peter 3:1-2).

How do the following passages help us understand submission?

• Ephesians 5:21: Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. (We are to submit to each other as believers.)
• Ephesians 5:24: Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives are to submit to their husbands in everything. (The church is to submit to Christ.)
• John 6:38: For I [Jesus] have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me.(Christ submitted to God, the Father.)

When Christ submitted to the Father was it because He was inferior? (No) When a wife submits to her husband is it because she is inferior? (No) What instructions would you give a wife when the husband is abusive, not a believer, or asks her to deny her faith?

If we are putting on Christ daily as described in Colossians 3:12-14, then submission will not be an issue. It only becomes an issue when someone is not submitting – the husband to God, the wife to the husband, the church to God, etc.

This leads us to Paul’s instruction to the husband in verse 19: to love his wife. This was given in a society in which a wife was often viewed as little more than a piece of chattel property. Paul’s instructions to Christian husbands were quite revolutionary. 

Here is how one should view the instruction by Paul for the husband:

• First, it’s a positive instruction to the husband: love your wives. Paul’s term for love (agapate) was the highest term for love that he could have used. It speaks of compassionate love that is concerned with the well-being of the one loved. It’s the love Christ modeled when He gave Himself for us (Ephesians 5:25).
• Second, love is a deliberate choice based on the command in Colossians 3:17.
• Third, is the negative prohibition: don’t be bitter toward them. When you quit putting on Christ you might slip into viewing your wife as inferior or unworthy of your love, or you may regret marrying her. This leads to bitterness and bitter treatment of your wife. This is not the way of a believing husband. If you put on love, as commanded in Colossians3:14 then the first place it will be evident will be in relationship to your wife, at home! 

J. B. Phillips puts it this way, “Don’t [allow] bitterness or resentment [to] spoil your marriage.”

Paul moved on to write of children’s duties to their parents. Those duties are captured in a single command in verse 20: obey. 

It is important to remember that the child is obeying Christian parents who would not demand immoral or unchristian actions from their children. The second thing about this obedience is that it pleases the Lord.

Finally, Paul reminds fathers of something that should be applied by any parent. Believing parents are not to exasperate the children. How can a parent exasperate a child? What can be the results?

Alistair Begg challenges us to have healthy relationships with these words. “The Christian family is supposed to be a good advertisement—in fact, a fantastic advertisement—for the gospel in the world, for the Christian faith. In fact, if Christianity is ever going to have an impact on society, we must revolutionize our home life.”

Our workplace relationships should be different because of the gospel – Colossians 3:22–4:1

When this letter was penned to the Colossian Christians, it is estimated slaves made up at least half of the population of the Roman Empire. Slavery was the social status of many “professional” people, such as teachers, doctors, and craftsmen. Slaves had no rights; they existed for the convenience of their owners. Paul dealt with the duty of slaves who had become followers of Christ. In our culture, these principles can provide meaningful application to employees and employers in today’s workplace.

Since God directed Paul to urge slaves, who had no voice in the conditions and circumstances of their work, to render faithful, ungrudging service to their masters, then surely He would say no less to us today as we work voluntarily and benefit financially from our work. If we profess a personal relationship with Christ, then we should work, act, and react differently in the workplace. We should view our duties as a service to the Lord. We should work with honesty and sincerity, not for recognition, but keeping our eyes on Christ. We should lead with fairness, remembering we will be held accountable by God for any authority we’re given. How we work should be a living demonstration of Christ and the difference He makes in one who claims to be a Christian.

Notice also that Paul not only gave instructions for slaves but for masters as well. Masters were to treat slaves justly and fairly. The reason for masters to be just and fair was a powerful one—since you know that you too have a Master in heaven. Ultimately, both Christian masters and Christian slaves would answer to their heavenly Master.

What do you do when your boss walks into a room? How do you feel toward having a boss? How does knowing Christ change your perspective? If you are a boss, how do you view your employees? Are you treating them in a manner that opens the door for them to embrace and live the gospel in their own lives?

Our relationships with others should be different because of the gospel – Colossians 4:2-6

Paul gave instructions regarding prayer; then he asked his readers to specifically pray for him and his work. He desired for them to pray passionately that God would open doors for the gospel. This should be our prayer for one another as well, especially if someone asks us specifically to pray for them in this manner. 

We use the phrase “Praying for you” or some form of this almost on a regular basis. Do you feel it is overused? Do you feel it is a misused statement? How did Paul say we should pray? (Devote yourselves; Stay alert in it; with Thanksgiving) Why are these actions important?

Finally, Paul said that we were to act wisely with outsiders. Who are the outsiders today? (People who don’t know Christ, new believers, or people who aren’t like us.) What actions did Paul describe that demonstrate one is acting wisely with outsiders? Why are these actions important?

What About You?

Through Paul, God gave an outline of relationships in which we are to put on and live out the gospel – our family, our workplace, outsiders. We live in a broken world that doesn’t adhere to the same actions that the gospel demands of one who professes Christ. We are to submit, love, obey, serve, pray, and act wisely in these relationships. Why? Because we are different because of Christ.

• Which of these actions (Submit, Love, Obey, Serve, Pray, Act Wisely) do you find most difficult to understand? To practice?
• Paul asked for prayer, and so should you. Is there something related to this passage that you desire to learn? Is it something you can mention to someone so they could pray for you? 

Spend time in prayer this week, evaluating how you are demonstrating the gospel through your relationships: family relationships, work relationships, and relationships with the “outsiders” in your life. Ask God to reveal and transform your relationships in the areas in which you feel you are struggling.

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

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November 14: The Gospel Lived

What steps do you take if you desire to . . . lose weight, buy a house, or plan for retirement? All life-decisions such as these require us to make adjustments and lifestyle changes. This is equally true when one receives Christ. Changes are to take place in one's life because he has been changed by Christ!

Just as we do certain things in order to prepare for life events, as believers we should be making adjustments in our lives. Knowing Christ means we have hope for a promised future, but in between is a life of preparation and growth. We aren’t making changes in order to be saved, we are making changes because we ARE saved! We should ask the question daily, 

“Since I am a Christian, what must I do now?”

Paul helps us answer this question today as we focus on how we should live the gospel.

Paul begins, in Colossians 3:1-4, by reminding us of WHY we should live the gospel.

Paul says a believer lives the gospel by seeking things and setting his mind on things above. Seeking things above refers to heavenly things, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. To seek heavenly things means to desire and pursue the things that center in Christ, and which reflect a personal connection with Him – outward actions.  Setting our minds on things above focuses upon our inner disposition or mindset that lies behind our outward actions. Paul is not saying Christians should withdraw from the real world. While living in this present world, believers are to view present things against the backdrop of eternity.

Why should the promise given in verse 4 motivate us to seek things and set our minds on things above?

Right thinking and acting is not the doorway into the Christian life but is the walkway we occupy as a result of having come to God through Christ. The heart relationship with Christ that is the present but invisible explanation for our newness of life will one day be openly manifested when Christ, who is your life, appears. These words speak of the return of Christ. That will be a glorious day with Him in glory when believers will be on open display with Christ at His coming. In the meanwhile, believers are to focus on Christ and the life He provides them.

Paul begins verse 4 with a phrase, “When Christ, who is your life.” Is Christ truly your life? If He is, then we will strive to live as Paul describes in the next passages.

Paul tells us HOW we live the gospel in verse 5-14 if Christ is our life.

The instructions Paul gives are not one-time acts but continual actions.

• First, Paul says there are things we should continue to put to death. Notice the correlations between verse 5 and verses 3-4. Believers have died—to sin—and their lives are hidden (buried) with Christ.  In Romans 6:11 Paul explains it this way: So, you too consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Christ, who is your life, who has made you alive to God in Christ Jesus, will appear one day and you will appear with Him. The spiritual reality is that all believers “went to the cross” with Christ and were crucified, buried, and raised with Him. Now we have the Holy Spirit living in us to enable us to live holy lives. Our position is “in Christ” (v. 11), but we also live in a wicked world with its powerful influence for evil. Maintaining a heavenly focus is a lifelong process of working out practically what God has done within us.

Because you have died with Christ you should put to death (v. 5) that which has already been killed—the sin nature!

• Second, Paul says we are to continually put away things as well. Rather than saying these things or vices must be put to death, he said these must be put away. Like Lazarus when Jesus raised him from the dead, we must put away our grave clothes and put on new ones. We’d never think of putting on new, clean clothes over old, soiled ones. Basically, you are to clean up your life so the new clothes you have put on won’t continually be soiled by the actions of the past.

• This leads us to Paul’s third instruction. Because we have put on a new self we should be renewed (v. 10) by continually putting on Christ. All believers are to act and live in unity because Christ is all and in all who believe (v. 11). All our ethnic, racial, cultural, historical, or political bias should take a back seat to who we are now in Christ (v. 11). Because we are God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved (v. 12) we are to act and live differently. We are to put on the things which reflect who we are supposed to be in Christ.

Below is a chart of the things Paul says we are to put to death, put away, and put on. Consider how well you are doing with what Paul says should be done by one who says that Christ is his/her life.

Put to Death Sexual immorality:  The perverted sexual pursuits that takes one captive. Impurity: Another possible translation is “uncleanness.” Impurities always weaken what it comes in touch with. Lust: The word refers to evil passions, those desires we allow to live in our minds and hearts that fester and eventually lead us into acts of sin. Evil desire:  The inward yearning and craving for sins of the flesh that dwell within us. Greed: The selfish desire to have more and more. Paul says greed is an expression of idolatry. Put Away Anger: A slow boiling attitude ready to explode. Wrath: The acute manifestation or explosion of anger. Malice:  The “mental brew” that remains after outbursts of anger and wrath. Slander:  Verbal offenses against both God and people. Filthy language:  Low and obscene speech in our daily conversations. Lying to one another. Put On Heartfelt Compassion:  Pity, tenderheartedness. Kindness:  A helpful and friendly spirit that provides for others’ needs through kind deeds. Humility:  Recognizing one’s own weakness as well as God’s power. Gentleness:  A mild and tempered character that understands the importance of demonstrating mercy toward others because God showed mercy to us. Patience:  Comes from a Greek word meaning “slow to anger.” Accept one another: To bear with, to endure, to put up with someone. Forgive one another:  We should forgive those who wrong us because the Lord has forgiven us. Above all, put on love:  The one virtue that welds together the body of Christ in perfect unity. In first-century cultures the common and universal piece of clothing called the sash or girdle completed one’s dressing for the day. This garment integrated all the others, and it held all the others in place.

Are you Living the Gospel Life?

• If you were to write out a list of the changes that have occurred in your life since you trusted Christ as Savior, which of the “Put on” items would be included?

• Does this list reveal things that you are still struggling to “Put to death” or “Put away”?

Most of us can look at this list and discover we still have a lot of growing-in-Christ that needs to take place.

Paul reminds us of something very important in verses 15-17: And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

We would do well to understand that we can’t live out the gospel without one another. We need each other. Notice the words Paul uses that indicate that we can’t go about this alone. He says we are one body. The Word of Christ is to dwell richly among us. We are to teach and admonish one another. Paul says this takes place in the context of gathering as God’s people to worship and study God’s Word. Finally, he tells us that that whatever we do should be to glorify Christ and should be done with a grateful heart.

This is how we live the gospel so others might see Christ in us.

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

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November 7: The Gospel's Freedom

As we approach Veterans Day, we sometimes forget the vets who endured captivity as Prisoners of War, especially during the Vietnam War. It’s hard for us to imagine what this kind of captivity is like. It’s equally hard to understand the adjustments one would have to make once released from captivity. Imagine how this compares to being set free from the condemnation of sin through Christ. Ways in which we have been conditioned to live and the chains of sinful habits and attitudes that once bound us are now gone. Yet many still struggle with casting the chains aside. This is the focus of this weeks session: The Gospel's Freedom.

The believers in Colossae and the surrounding regions had lived in captivity to sin their entire lives, not knowing anything about the freedom that comes through following Christ. They had been captive to sinful lifestyles and cultural practices for as long as they could remember, and were then set free by the power of Christ. Paul reminds them in Colossians 1:21-22 that once you were alienated and hostile in your minds as expressed in your evil actions. But now he has reconciled you by his physical body through his death, to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before him.

Can you imagine being set free from sin but then being told, “Wait a minute, there is something more you need to do in order retain your freedom? You need to do this or that or you aren’t completely free?" How would you feel? How do you feel when this is expressed by some today?

There were false teachers who were doing this very thing.  They tried to place these new young Christians back into captivity through deceptive beliefs that found their roots, not in grace, but in legalism. Paul continues to refute this false teaching in Colossians 2:16-23.

Paul reminds the young believers in Colossians 2:16-17 that the gospel frees us from viewing religious practices as a requirement for salvation.

The festivals and dietary restrictions in verse 16 were most likely Jewish observances from the Old Testament. Apparently, the false teachers among the Colossian believers were laying down rigid restrictions or requirements based upon these.

Can you identify religious practices or special celebrations that one might view as essential for salvation? How can equating certain religious activities and practices with salvation cause one to become captive again?

In their time and for their intended purpose, the special food laws and holy days were important. Paul expressed that importance by referring to them as a shadow of what was to come. The substance of which they were a shadow, was Christ. For the Colossians to listen to the false teachers amounted to embracing the shadow when they could be enjoying the substance to which the shadows pointed -- Jesus Christ. For Paul and for the Colossians, the things that were to come, had come!

Next, Paul reminds the young believers in Colossians 2:18-19 that the gospel frees us from thinking one needs special knowledge or mystical experiences in order to be fully saved.

Apparently, these false teachers sought to intimidate the new believers by suggesting that their experience in Christ was somehow lacking because they did not delight in some kind of special enlightenment or experience. They weren’t to be intimidated. Paul reminds his readers that they have been made complete in Christ.

Have you ever felt as if your salvation was somehow lacking because of something someone else has experienced? Have you ever felt intimidated by someone who says you need to do this or that in order to experience the fulness of your salvation? If you hear someone boasting about some mystical experience they have had, a “special word” God has given them, or a special “angel or saint” that has helped or spoken to them, how do you respond?

The false teachers were not holding exclusively on to Christ as the Head and, as a consequence, were really undernourished spiritually, all the while imagining themselves to be spiritual experts in a class all by themselves.

One who claims to have a greater connection to Christ because of some mystical experience or superstitious act is robbing himself of the freedom that comes from holding on to the head (Christ), from whom the whole body, nourished and held together by its ligaments and tendons, grows with growth from God. You don’t need another experience or superstitious act in order to validate your salvation. Hold on to knowing Christ and Christ alone!

Finally, Paul reminds the young believers in Colossians 2:20-23 that they were free to live without being captive to the fear of doing something wrong.

Paul became quite specific about the regulations the false teachers were urging upon the Colossian Christians: don’t handle, don’t taste, don’t touch. Paul saw right through the self-made religion, false humility, and severe treatment of the body espoused by the false teachers as practices masquerading as wisdom. To the eyes of the false teachers, these practices seemed to be expressions of deep devotion to God and humility. In fact, such an approach to the Christian life has no value in curbing self-indulgence. The result of basing spirituality on such outward matters tends to foster a better-than-thou attitude toward other members of the body of Christ and will ultimately fail in accomplishing what they claim to desire – salvation.

What About You?

Throughout the New Testament we are continually reminded of the freedom we have through Christ. Read these passages and consider what practices or beliefs might be holding you captive, and then consider who you are in Christ. (Remember to place your cursor over the passage and it will appear)

• Hebrews 10:14 – Christ’s sacrifice took care of sin for all time. We don’t need continual sacrifices and festivals.
• Romans 5:1 – We now are at peace with God and have access to God through the work of Christ.
• 1 Timothy 2:5-6 – Christ is our mediator.
• Hebrews 4:14-16 –Christ is our high priest.

If you have a personal relationship with Christ, you can freely approach God as a son or daughter because of your standing in Christ. Through Christ, you can put sin to death and find freedom from guilt and shame. You are free to express your faith without fear of condemnation because Christ has overcome the world.

Paul posed the rhetorical question in verse 20: 

If you died with Christ to the elements of this world, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world?  

Are you still living as if you are in prison—striving to add something more to your salvation because you felt that Christ alone was somehow inadequate? Or, consider the word, “If.” Have you received Christ as Savior? If you haven’t received Christ, then you should respond to the good news of the gospel so you can experience the freedom that comes from knowing Christ.

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

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October 31: The Gospel's Forgiveness

What Scripture do you base that belief upon? This is a question I heard asked to someone recently while on a tour of a church in Greece. The individual had just finished explaining why her faith placed Mary, the mother of Jesus, in such a saintly and almost deified position in their belief system. Her response was that they based this on the apocryphal writings. The belief was based on non-canonical writings; yet they have been treated as equal to the inerrant Word of God, leading to an entire misunderstanding of the humanity of Mary. In this week's Study: The Gospel's Forgiveness, Paul warns us of the deception of teachings that might derail or undermine the work of Christ and the gospel, and could eventually lead one into captivity by the ideas of man.

The Colossian believers had reliable sources for understanding the gospel. It was taught to them by Epaphras. However, false teachers were trying to deceive the Colossians by misrepresenting the gospel. Paul knew people were spreading false information, and he recognized the associated dangers: False information about the gospel could lead people away from Christ (Colossians 2:8). These false teachers were deceiving people by promoting teaching founded on human traditions and not on Christ. In verses 4-15, Paul counters the false teaching by helping the believers realize what they received in Christ, who Christ is, and what He did for them to bring about their salvation. His words to the Colossians should be remembered by all believers today because of all the unreliable messages we hear in our culture regarding Christ, salvation, eternal life, and godly living.

Paul begins by reminding them, in Colossians 2:4-8, why they should continue to hold fast to the gospel.

In verses 1-3 Paul has indicated his concern for them. In verse 4 Paul begins to explain why he was concerned—false teachers were trying to deceive them. Then, in verse 8 Paul warns them that they could be taken captive by the false teachings.

The single Greek word translated takes you captive conveys the image of someone being dragged from truth into the slavery of error. We know that young or immature believers might be drawn toward false teachings for various reasons. No believer is immune to the struggles and doubts that might cause one to explore other teachings to explain one’s faith. However, we must learn from Paul’s instruction that false teachings are deceptive and, when embraced, lead one into captivity.

Note: The Downloadable Teaching helps provides examples of beliefs today that could deceive believers and lead them into captivity. Be sure to check those out and see if there are things you have been led to believe that aren't accurate.

We know that young or immature believers might be drawn toward false teachings for various reasons. These struggles and doubts might come, but when we continue to walk with Christ as Paul outlines, we can avoid being taken captive by the false teachings. 

Paul makes a powerful statement in verse 6 that is foundational to all the instruction he is about to give. He says:

just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him.

Numerous Scriptures such as Ephesians 2:1-8 and Titus 3:5 describe how one receives Christ. It is an act of faith and that faith is a gift of God. Salvation is all God’s work, not man’s. Those who believe in Christ as Lord are saved apart from any effort of their own. Paul knew that, as these young Colossian believers heard so many other views and philosophies regarding salvation, they would be tempted to quit acting through faith and turn to what they could see, touch, feel, and explain. Yet we are reminded in Hebrews 11:1, faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.

Paul was telling them to continue in the same manner by which they received Christ – through faith! We don’t abandon or forget faith after we are saved. We walk in faith so that we can continue to understand the gospel.

How did Paul encourage the Colossians to continue to walk in Him? They were to:

• Sink their roots deeply into Jesus Christ – This is an agricultural metaphor.
• Build their lives on the foundation of the Lord Jesus Christ—This is an architectural metaphor.
• Establish their faith—This is a legal metaphor meaning “confirmed by testimony,” “validated,” or “guaranteed.”

Once one has received Christ through faith, he or she should continue to walk in Christ so that false teachers can’t pull their faith up by the roots, shake their faith to the very foundation, or bring into question their testimony of faith through ungodly actions. If we continue in this manner we will overflow with gratitude for our salvation and for Jesus Christ.

Next Paul reminds them of who Christ is, in Colossians 2:9-10.

Jesus Christ is both fully human and fully divine. He is the One who is head over every ruler and authority. And He is the One who has personally filled you with His salvation and a new relationship. 

How can understanding this give you strength when facing so many different messages regarding Christ, Christianity, and your faith?

Christ is all we need; we are completely filled by Him and our identity is complete in Him. We have the authority of Christ to stand up to lies, false teachers, and demonic forces.

Finally, Paul reminds them of what Christ did in Colossians 2:11-15.

Paul used circumcision to describe the believer’s conversion and water baptism as the way that believers participate in Christ with His burial and resurrection. The circumcision was not physical but spiritual.  It was accomplished by putting off the body of flesh. In Christ, our sinful nature has been stripped away. Finally, it was done in the circumcision of Christ. The circumcision to which Paul referred was that performed by Christ Himself. 

Baptism is a believer’s outward confession that an inner change has taken place as he or she has been buried and raised with Christ.

God took those who were spiritually dead and made them alive together with Christ through His sacrificial death on the cross. Paul reminded the Colossian congregation that this new life in Christ also resulted in forgiveness of all their sins. Nothing needed to be added to or taken away from all Christ did to redeem them.

WRAP UP

God, through Paul’s writings to the believers in Colossae, desires for us to remember what we have received in Christ, who Christ is, and what He did to bring about our salvation. This is vital when facing all the philosophies and false teachings we encounter as we walk with Christ.

If you are struggling with any of these beliefs:

• Dive deeper into God’s Word so that you can seek more understanding.
• Seek out reputable and reliable sources for further help.
• Avoid teachings that might sound nice but are deceptive, realizing these will lead you into captivity.
• Don’t dismiss something you don’t understand in God’s Word, but accept it by faith, just as you did your salvation.

The downloadable teaching helps provide more details for this study along with some tools you can use in guiding a group Bible study. Be sure to use this as a supplement to your study of the Explore the Bible Study resources provided by LifeWay.

Download PDF Version                  Download Word Version