Colossians 3:1

Paul begins this discussion with the word “if.” This is not a conditional “if,” it is the “if” of argument. It is better translated as “since.” It carries the idea of “seeing that” something has been accomplished. In this sentence, the word raised (Greek sunegeiro) meaning to raise together[1] is in the aorist tense which is characterized by its emphasis on punctiliar action; that is, the concept of the verb is considered without regard for past, present, or future time. It could be rendered in this place as “Since you once and for all have been raised together with Christ.” Paul is continually reminding the Colossian believers that when they received Christ they were made one with Him, and they had in effect died and rose again with Christ. This he had reminded them was the image of their baptism (Col.2:12). He wants them to understand that their new life in Christ had already begun. There benefits of salvation was not a future promise, but an already existence.[2]

Because they were already raised up with Christ, Paul is encouraging them to focus on Him. They are to seek (Greek zeteo) carries the image of to seek after, seek for, aim at, strive after, to crave, or demand something.[3] If you watched an Olympic game, the athletes were seeking to be the first. It is an impassioned searching after something. Paul is calling on them to have an impassioned focus on the real heavenly things (2 Cor. 4:18). These are the upward things of Phil 3:14 the treasures of Heaven (Matt. 6:33). Our Head – Jesus – is already there, so we should be striving to accept our home. His interests must be our interests.

Paul speaks of Jesus seated at the right hand of God. He is referring to the opening verse of the Messianic Psalm 110. This verse states, “Jehovah saith unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool” (ASV). He is referring to the exaltation of Christ, the Divine seal of approval upon His mediatorial salvation. As He would also proclaim in Phil. 2:9 – 11 (ASV), “Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” This is the place of exaltation, power, and glory. 

Prayer: May I keep my focus on You, O Lord. I too often live as if this life is all there is. But, because of what You did for me, I am already in the Heavenlies living with You. I must focus on what interests You. I must strive to see You at all times in my life. May I be aware of my relationship with You, Amen.

______________________________

[1] W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger and William White, Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1996). Page 506. 

[2] Consider Paul’s teachings in 2 Cor. 5:14 – 19; Gal. 6:12 – 16; Eph. 2:11 – 22, 4:17 -24 to see more on his teaching of this truth. 

[3] Thayer, J. (n.d.). Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. Retrieved March 4, 2017, from StudyLight.Org: http://www.studylight.org/

Colossians Chapter 3 - Introduction

In each of Paul’s letters, we find that generally the first half is the doctrinal section where he instructs and sets the underlying explanation of the points that are being made. In the second half, he develops the practical side or how to apply that which he has explained. In our letter to the Colossians, chapters 3 and 4 make up the practical application of his teaching.

In chapters 1 and 2, Paul established the preeminence of Christ. He established this in his instruction on the person and work of Christ – His preeminence in creation, redemption, and the church. Paul instructed about the person of Christ, His objective and subjective work that built this preeminence. He then turned to the fact that Christ is the True Freedom that a believer has. Christ is the answer to false philosophy and to rituals.

In chapter 3, Paul will turn his attention to the position and practices of a believer. He will develop more on the fullness of Christ in God by what He does through us. He will develop our position in Christ, and then elaborate on the practice that all believers should be involved in. He will cover the areas of putting off the old man and putting on the new man. He will speak to the factor of holiness in our family, work, and public lives.

We will now see Christ, the fullness of God, poured out in life through believers. Paul will help us to understand that that is the only way He can be poured out. We will start in verses 1 – 4 ascertaining our position in Christ.

Prayer: Father, open my eyes that I might see the wonder and majesty of what Christ can do in today's world by my letting Him work through me. May I be an open vessel, a conduit through which He can reach my world. I am open to Your leadership and guidance. I am willing to be your hands, feet, heart, and mouth as You desire. Teach me and use me. Amen.

Are Christians under obligation to observe the Old Testament Sabbath?

Problem: 

Why do Christians worship on Sunday, while the Old Testament law (as given in the 10 Commandments) set aside Saturday as the day of worship?

Solution: 

It was the custom of the Jews to come together on the Sabbath, which is Saturday, cease work, and worship God. As we study the New Testament, we observe that of the 10 Commandments listed in Exodus 20:1-17, only nine of them were reinstituted in the New Testament. (Six in Matthew 19:18, murder, adultery, stealing, false witness, honor parents, and worshiping God; Romans 13:9, coveting. Worshiping God properly covers the first three commandments). The one that was not reaffirmed was the one about the Sabbath. Instead, Jesus told us that He is the Lord of the Sabbath (Matt. 12:8).

The basis of the origin of the Old Testament command comes from creation when God rested on the seventh day. But, since God is omnipotent, He doesn’t get tired. He doesn’t need to take a break and rest. So, that causes us to stop and ask, why does it say that He rested? The reason is simple: Mark 2:27 says, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath." In other words, God established the Sabbath as a rest for His people, not because He needed a break but because we are mortal and need a time of rest to put our focus on Him. By taking this period of rest, our spirits and bodies are both renewed.

The Old Testament system of Law required keeping the Sabbath as part of the overall moral, legal, and sacrificial system by which the Jewish people satisfied God’s requirements for behavior, government, and forgiveness of sins. The Sabbath was part of the Law in that particular sense. In order to "remain" in favor with God, you had to also keep the Sabbath. If it was not kept, then the person was in sin and would often be punished (Ezekiel 18:4; Rom. 6:23; Deut. 13:1-9; Num. 35:31; Lev. 20:2, etc.).

But with the fulfillment of Jesus’ atonement, and our justification by faith (Rom. 5:1), we no longer are required to keep the Law and hence the Sabbath which was only a shadow of things to come (Col. 2:16-17) for our salvation. We are not under Law but grace (Rom. 6:14-15). The Sabbath is fulfilled in Jesus because in Him we have rest (Matt. 11:28).[1]

While the moral principles still are binding, we are not under the command to rest and worship on Saturday by many observations for the New Testament Church. Jesus resurrection was on the first day of the week (Matt. 28:1). He continued to appear on succeeding Sundays (John 20:6), and the descent of the Holy Spirit was on Sunday (Acts 2:1). The pattern of the early church was to gather to worship on Sunday (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2).[2]

Prayer: Father, I not become entangled in confusion over days and restrictions that are not binding upon me. You want my love, and I will seek to love You with my whole being. Amen.

 

______________________________

[1] Slick, M. (n.d.). Should we keep the Sabbath or not? Retrieved February 28, 2017, from CARM: https://carm.org/should-we-keep-sabbath-or-not 

[2] See more at Geisler, N. L., & Howe, T. (1992). The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Grand Rapids, MI, USA: Baker Books. Pages 77-78, 329-330. 

Does Colossians 2:8 teach that a Christian should not study Philosophy?

Problem: 

The Apostle states here, “See to it that no one takes you captive by means of the philosophy and empty deception….” Are we being instructed that as Christians we should not study philosophy? If this is true, why would God give us a mind and command us to think (Matt. 22:37) and reason (1 Peter 3:15)? Is this a contradiction in the Word?

Solution: 

If we look at the Word of God, we will find that it is not against religion, although there are many warnings dealing with vain religion. In the same way, the Bible is not against the study of philosophy, it warns believers against “empty deceitful” philosophy.

Paul is not writing to the Colossians and warning against philosophy in general, but the early form of Gnostic philosophy infiltrating the region. In the passage here, the Greek definite article ho which can be translated as “the” or “this” shows that it is not a generality that Paul is addressing but a definite, particular part of philosophy.

A true philosopher is a seeker of truth. The Greek word philosophia literally means a “lover of wisdom.” Paul here in this verse delineates that the philosophy that he is warning them against was men’s ideas, it was “not according to Christ.”

If one studies the life of the Apostle Paul, it becomes evident from his writings that he was well-trained in the philosophies of his day, he would even quote from them at times.(Consider Acts 17:28; Titus 1:1 - 2) He “reasoned” or debated with the philosophers on Mars Hill, even bringing some to Christ. In Philippians 1:7 he said that he was appointed for the defense of the Gospel (1:17). Peter told us to “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Pet. 3:15). Jesus commanded us to love the Lord with “all your mind.”

God does not advocate ignorance at any point in His Word, however, He does warn us frequently against the false wisdom of the world. Because many have taught young believers not to study the field of Philosophy, there has arisen a paucity of committed Christian Apologists. If we wonder why the field of philosophy seems so infused by paganism, it might be because of the lack of those who can give a defense of the truth. So, should a Christian study philosophy? Yes, but carefully comparing it to the truth that comes only from God and His Word.

Prayer: May I walk in wisdom. Father, there are many false teachers out there. Give me the wisdom to see the truth and to live by the truth. Help me to study what is right and to understand correctly the philosophy, so-called, of man versus the true philosophy that comes from You and Your Word. Amen.

Colossians 2:23

The taboos and prohibitions have a wordy show[1] (Greek logon) of being of superior knowledge and enlightenment[2] (Greek sophiaz). This leads to a self-made worship (Greek ethelothreskeia) or, as the KJV translates it, a will-worship. This is worship that is an arbitrarily created form of worship, not worship as God designed[3]. This included a trapeinophrosune, or humble opinion of oneself. Used in conjunction with the phrase of self-made worship leads to the conclusion of a false humility.

While much of the ascetic philosophy did include severe treatment of the physical body, they were thinking of the antithesis on Greek thought between the body and the soul. Paul wants the believers to see that these concepts had no value (Greek time) or honor against the indulgence (Greek plesmone) or fulfillment of the flesh. It was impotent to provide a remedy for the flesh (Greek sarx), The word can denote mere human nature, the earthly nature of man apart from divine influence, and therefore prone to sin and opposed to God.[4] A major ingredient in man’s rebellion against God is pride. And, this form of asceticism does not starve the flesh nature, but actually feeds it. The point is that will of man stands against God, and the pride that creates this stand is strengthened and fortified by our own forms of worship and disciplines.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, do I want to live in the showy world of taboos and prohibitions, or do I want to live in the light of Your great Word? May I chose what is best and leave the good behind. I seek to walk in You Word. I love You, Lord. Amen.

___________________________________

[1] Perschbacher, W. J. (Ed.). (1990). The New Analytical Greek Lexicon. Peabody, Massachusetts, USA: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc. Pages 63 and 259. 

[2] Perschbacher, W. J. (Ed.). (1990). The New Analytical Greek Lexicon. Peabody, Massachusetts, USA: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc. Pages 63 and 374. 

[3] Consider that God struck Nadab and Abihu dead for burning strange incense (Lev. 10:1 – 3), Uzziah was stricken with leprosy for usurping the priest’s office (2 Chron. 26:16 – 21) and Saul lost his throne over his “will-worship” in 1 Sam. 13:8 – 14. God is a jealous God and will not accept any would be worship created by self-will. 

[4] Thayer, J. (n.d.). Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. Retrieved March 4, 2017, from StudyLight.Org: http://www.studylight.org/

Colossians 2:22

Paul wants them to remember that these regulations and decrees all pertain to those things which are perishing. The Greek phrase eis pithoran literally means unto corruption.[1] It is speaking of that which short-lived or transient. An example of this kind of teaching Paul uses in his first letter to the Corinthian believers, where he speaks in concern to food (1 Cor. 6:12ff.) As we use (or used up – Greek apochresis) they are used until they are unfit for further use, we might say misused. They will disappear. These are all according to, or passed down (Greek kata) by the precepts or commands and the didaskalia (teaching or doctrine) of anthropos, or a human being. In other words, they are strictly the philosophy that was empty and deceitful that Paul had spoken about.[2] The false teachers were striving to put the Colossian believers under rituals and false teaching that they had put together.

Behind this phrase was what the prophet Isaiah had spoken in 29:13 (ASV) – “And the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw nigh unto me, and with their mouth and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment of men which hath been taught them.” Jesus quoted this in Mark 7:6 – 7 where He asserted that the scribes of his day had made the word of God of no value. These teachings of taboos were frustrating the pure teaching of God with its emancipating emphasis.[3]

Prayer: As I meditate on this verse today, how much do I pay attention to the perishing things of life, and not the eternal parts? Am I concentrating on that things that pass away? Do I think continually on the temporary? May I focus on the eternal, on the things that really matter in the light of eternity. I seek You and You alone. Amen.

___________________________________

[1] W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger and William White, Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1996). Page 468. 

[2] See further Col. 2:8, and the Bible Difficulty explanation on this verse. 

[3] Consider Paul’s teaching in Gal. 3:23 – 4:7.

Colossians 2:21

Paul gives examples of the these decrees. Whether he is mocking the Gnostic teachers or giving exact words is unclear. His purpose is to point out the futility of the this attempt to displace the Colossian believers from what they had come to Christ with.

There is an ascending pattern of a climax to this list.[1] He starts with the word hapse (derived from hapto) and is understood as adhering oneself to another. It was often used of the levitical practice of having no fellowship with heathen practices. Things not to be touched in this manner appear to be both women and certain kinds of food, so celibacy and abstinence of certain kinds of food and drink are recommended. He then speaks of geuo, which means to simply taste or sample. And ends with thiges, a word that means to momentarily touch. This is an example of an Epitrechon.[2] An Epitrechon is a sentence, however short, that is thrown in as an explanatory remark. Paul is writing to enforce their understanding of the folly of trying to improve the old nature through vows, pledges, or works.

He is mimicking the Gnostic statements that one can be made right by not submitting to the elemental forces. Don’t, don’t, don’t. A list of things to refrain from will not change our inner selves. That can only happen through the life-changing interaction of the believer and Jesus.

Prayer: Spirit of the Living God, I am glad that I received a finished salvation when I received Jesus as my Savior. I am so thankful that there is not a list of don'ts, but a desire to live in harmony with You and the Word. I am free in Your love to live in line with Your love. Praises and all thanks to You. Amen.

______________________________________

[1] Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (2008). A Commentary on the Old and New Testaments - Volume 3 (Vol. 3). Peabody, Massachusetts, USA: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc. Page 450. 

[2] Bullinger, E. W. (1968). Figures of Speech used in the Bible. Grand Rapids, Mich., USA: Baker Book House. Page 474.

Colossians 2:20

Paul had already told the Colossian believers that they were participators in the death of Christ (see verse 11).[1] He is saying that since they had died (Greek apothnesko)[2] with Christ their former bondage to the elemental forces of the earth had been severed. The elementary principles (Greek stoicheion) are the rudiments of any intellectual or religious system.[3] Paul wanted them to see that to die with Christ meant that they died to sin, law, self, flesh, the world, and to all who would instruct in these areas.[4] Death means separation, and as such, the Colossian believers were separated from these principles.

Paul asks them why they have sought to put themselves back under these things. They had died to these things in Christ, yet now they were seeking to return to their pre-cross lives. The word used here for world (kosmos), from which we get the English words “cosmic” and “cosmology,” originally described anything that was constructed or built, then its order, or by extension its ordered beauty. The world was a perfect unity, beautiful in its order. From the time of the use of kosmos to describe the world, therefore, the order of the world was primary. It is not speaking of the people, but the world order.[5] The decrees (Greek dogmatizo) were those that had been outworn, annulled, and superseded by the cross of Christ. All these rules and regulations belonged to the pre-Christian life, the sphere of the flesh. As Paul said in Rom. 8:4, that those “who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” are bound by these decrees, but when we walk in the Spirit we are under no further obligation to them.

Prayer: May I truly understand the wonder of my relationship with You, my Savior. Jesus, You have released me from the bondage of sin, laws, self,the flesh and the world. May I use this freedom in line with what You have established for me. I praise You. Amen.

__________________________________

[1] Also, consider and study Rom. 6:2 – 4, 6, 11, 7:4; 2 Cor. 5:15; Gal. 6:14. 

[2] W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger and William White, Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1996). Page 167. 

[3] Perschbacher, W. J. (Ed.). (1990). The New Analytical Greek Lexicon. Peabody, Massachusetts, USA: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc. Pages 63 and 379. 

[4] Allen, C. J. (Ed.). (1971). The Broadman Bible Commentary (Vol. 11). Nashville, TN, USA: Broadman Press. Page 240. 

[5] Butler, T. c. (Ed.). (1991). Holman Bible Dictionary. Retrieved March 1, 2017, from StudyLIght,org: http://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/hbd

Colossians 2:19

Continuing the thought in the previous verse, Paul is explaining why the false teachers were self-inflated and prideful in their religious ministrations. They were not krateo or keeping or faithfully maintaining a firm grasp on the head (kephale) – Jesus Christ. The Greeks word contains the understanding of either the physical head of a person or the metaphorical thought of that which is supreme or chief. We can understand that both images are possible in Paul’s description. Since the loss of the head destroys life, this word is often used in the phrases relating to capital and extreme punishment. If the false teachers did not maintain a connection to the head of the church (body – soma),[1] they would find that they would not survive. They would lack the nourishment needed for survival (life and energy of the Spirit).

The Greek word translated as supplied is epichoregeo[2] is a strengthened form that means to be supplied fully. If one is connected with Jesus, they will not lack in any nourishment of spiritual life. Paul continues to use this anatomy concept to stress the need of unity – joints (Greek haphe) and ligaments (Greek sundesmos). The first word is a word used to speak of a fastening and the second is a word that means a band, bond, that which binds together.[3] This use of the double words stresses the importance of the thought. Paul is emphasizing that we must be connected to Jesus to maintain unity – both with Him and with each other.

He finishes the thought here with the consideration that increase comes by this association. The nourishment and the unity will bring about the true increase. His use of the verb and noun combination is a Polyptoton, or a figure of speech in the Greek where the reader understands the great emphasis placed upon this assertion. It is a kind of superlative degree in the verb to declare the magnitude and gravity of an action or the greatness and importance of its results.[4] The Greek words auxano and auxesis could be literally translated as increase the increase. This growth or increase comes directly from God. Thus, the false teachers were lacking in the nourishment, unity, and growth that can only come from being connected with Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Jesus, may I grasp You and maintain a tight hold on You. I know my salvation is secure because You are the One holding on to me, but to be fruitful, to grow in the knowledge and power that You provide, I need to hold on to You. I seek to be nourished by You, to be unified with You and Your followers, and to ever grow in You. It is my prayer to anchor myself in You. Amen.

_________________________________

[1] See Col.3:15; Eph. 1:22 – 23; 4:16 for more references to the fact that Christ is the Head and the Church the body. 

[2] W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger and William White, Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1996). Page 611. 

[3] Perschbacher, W. J. (Ed.). (1990). The New Analytical Greek Lexicon. Peabody, Massachusetts, USA: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc. Pages 63 and 390. 

[4] Bullinger, E. W. (1968). Figures of Speech used in the Bible. Grand Rapids, Mich., USA: Baker Book House. Page 275. 

Colossians 2:18

Paul charges the Colossian believers to beware against anyone who would seek to pass judgment against or condemn them (Greek katabrabeuo). It is the image of an umpire or arbitrator. We could translate that part as “Let no one rob you.” He identified these people as those who were resolved (Greek thelo) to be self-abased (Greek tapeinophrosune) and religious worshippers (threskos) of angels. The Greek word angelos translates out as a messenger, envoy, one who is sent, an angel, or a messenger from God.

The false teachers seemed to be of the group who saw themselves as having humility; a truly humble person is unconscious of their humility. Others, parade their humility as a badge of honor and what should command respect from others. Paul speaks of a heresy that was prevalent in region. There is much speculation as to the exact meaning of Paul’s phrase here. It can carry the concept of the false teachers worshipped the angels and were seeking to lead the Colossian believers astray into this religion. It can mean that the false teachers were trying to instruct the Colossian believers in how to worship as the angels did. Either way, there appeared to be a angel cult that brought out this strong language from Paul against them.

The word in the Greek (embateuo) translated as “taking his stand” carries with it the meaning of dwelling in or frequenting. It carries with it the idea that the false teacher had previously entered into a higher experience and was now using this appeal to his superior enlightenment to support his teachings.

This person was “puffed up” (Greek phusioo)[1] which can be translated as inflated. They were like a bellows that was inflated with their own self. It was a vain, purposeless, unsuccessful approach. The mind (Greek nous) was the place of reflective consciousness, feeling, judging, and determining.[2] Paul here attaches the word sarx (translated here as fleshly) which denotes mere human nature, the earthly nature of man apart from divine influence, and therefore prone to sin and opposed to God.[3]

Prayer: Holy Spirit, direct my thoughts to understand the truth of God's Word. Help me to be truly humble and open to Your leading. May I not lose focus on Jesus. Being a human, I am tempted to worship all the wrong things. I can be led astray, keep Your hand on me to guide me in the ever correct path. Amen. 

__________________________________

[1] W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger and William White, Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1996). Page 497. 

[2] W. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger and William White, Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1996). Page 409. 

[3] Thayer, J. (n.d.). Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. Retrieved February 28, 2017, from StudyLight.Org: http://www.studylight.org/

Colossians 2:17

The picture that Paul draws with the phrase “shadow of things to come (Greek skia ho mellonton) is that what the Old Testament presented was an image or outline cast by the reality. Plato’s cave analogy was an example of this visual. All of the festivals, Sabbaths, and other types presented in the Scriptures only were there to prepare us to see the one true image – Jesus Christ. The word in the Greek translated as reality is soma. It is the word that is usually translated as body. It can mean that which casts a shadow as distinguished from the shadow itself.[1]

Paul wants the Colossian believers to understand that they have learned the truth, and those who are seeking to infiltrate their minds and hearts with falsehood are not to be listened to. While we learn from the Old Testament the shadows, types, and images of the truth, Jesus when He walked upon this Earth embodied all the reality. What the Old Testament provided in pictures for us, we could now hold to the truth. While even today some of the images are future for us, they are the true reality.

Paul in his letter to the Corinthian believers[2] discusses how the sacrifice of Christ is the reality, while the Passover in Egypt foreshadowed it. He equates the festival of unleavened bread following Passover is the picture of the reality of the Christian life made possible by the sacrifice of Christ.[3]

Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith, and so we do not need to keep looking at the shadowy images. The ceremonies are shadows, superseded, and need to be abandoned. Jesus Christ has come, and since He has, we no longer need the symbols (Heb. 8:13; 10:1).[4]

Prayer: Author and Finisher of MY Faith, I so often look back, and I see the shadows and become confused. Help me to train my eyes to look upon the reality of these truths. Help me to see Jesus and what He has for me. My salvation and my future all lay in His nail-scarred hands. Amen.

______________________________

[1] Thayer, J. (n.d.). Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. Retrieved February 28, 2017, from StudyLight.Org: http://www.studylight.org/ 

[2] 1 Cor. 5:7 – 8 

[3] Bruce, F. F. The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians. Grand Rapids: Eerdman's Publishing Co, 1984. Page 116. 

[4] Falwell, Jerry, ed. Liberty Bible Commentary. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1983. Page 2462.

Is there a contradiction in Colossians 2:16?

Here is the problem: 

Why do Christians worship on Sunday, while the Old Testament law (as given in the 10 Commandments) set aside Saturday as the day of worship?

Consider the solution: 

It was the custom of the Jews to come together on the Sabbath, which is Saturday, cease work, and worship God. As we study the New Testament, we observe that of the 10 Commandments listed in Exodus 20:1-17, only nine of them were reinstituted in the New Testament. (Six in Matthew 19:18, murder, adultery, stealing, false witness, honor parents, and worshiping God; Romans 13:9, coveting. Worshiping God properly covers the first three commandments). The one that was not reaffirmed was the one about the Sabbath. Instead, Jesus told us that He is the Lord of the Sabbath (Matt. 12:8).

The basis of the origin of the Old Testament command comes from creation when God rested on the seventh day. But, since God is omnipotent, He doesn’t get tired. He doesn’t need to take a break and rest. So, that causes us to stop and ask, why does it say that He rested? The reason is simple: Mark 2:27 says, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath." In other words, God established the Sabbath as a rest for His people, not because He needed a break but because we are mortal and need a time of rest to put our focus on Him. By taking this period of rest, our spirits and bodies are both renewed.

The Old Testament system of Law required keeping the Sabbath as part of the overall moral, legal, and sacrificial system by which the Jewish people satisfied God’s requirements for behavior, government, and forgiveness of sins. The Sabbath was part of the Law in that particular sense. In order to "remain" in favor with God, you had to also keep the Sabbath. If it was not kept, then the person was in sin and would often be punished (Ezekiel 18:4; Rom. 6:23; Deut. 13:1-9; Num. 35:31; Lev. 20:2, etc.).

But with the fulfillment of Jesus’ atonement, and our justification by faith (Rom. 5:1), we no longer are required to keep the Law and hence the Sabbath which was only a shadow of things to come (Col. 2:16-17) for our salvation. We are not under Law but grace (Rom. 6:14-15). The Sabbath is fulfilled in Jesus because in Him we have rest (Matt. 11:28).[1]

While the moral principles still are binding, we are not under the command to rest and worship on Saturday by many observations for the New Testament Church. Jesus resurrection was on the first day of the week (Matt. 28:1). He continued to appear on succeeding Sundays (John 20:6), and the descent of the Holy Spirit was on Sunday (Acts 2:1). The pattern of the early church was to gather to worship on Sunday (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2).[2]

Prayer: Almighty and Faithful Lord, may I continually be reminded that there are no contradictions in Your word. If we take the time to study and rest in You, all areas that seem to be so contradictory or confusing can be made plain. And Father, what I cannot understand today, I can trust that You will make it all plain one day. Thank You. Amen. 

____________________________________

[1] Slick, M. (n.d.). Should we keep the Sabbath or not? Retrieved February 28, 2017, from CARM: https://carm.org/should-we-keep-sabbath-or-not 

[2] See more at Geisler, N. L., & Howe, T. (1992). The Big Book of Bible Difficulties. Grand Rapids, MI, USA: Baker Books. Pages 77-78, 329-330. 

Colossians 2:16 - Part 2

Jesus was very explicit in Matthew 5:17, “ Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil.” There is confusion over whether Jesus did away with the Law of Moses. We need to quickly discuss three important considerations.

First, there seems to be confusion in the area of time or timing. While Jesus walked upon this earth He kept the Laws of Moses. He did at times break some of the pharisaical (or false) traditions.[1] The time that Jesus fulfilled all the Law was after the Cross when, as Paul writes, “There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for ye all are one man in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. 3:28 ASV).

Next we can consider the confusion of aspect. Some of the references (if not all of the New Testament references) to the law being done away with deal in the area of the Old Testament ceremonies and types. Jesus clearly did away with all the ceremonial and typological aspects of the Law by fulfilling them, not destroying them.

And finally, consider the confusion of context. In the Old Testament, the Law is set in a national and theocratic context. However when expressed in the New Testament, it is not national and theocratic, but one of a personal and universal context.

We understand that the moral principles embodied in the 10 Commandments reflect the unchanging nature of God is still binding on believers today. Every one of these principles is restated in the New Testament, except the command to worship and rest on Saturday. 

Prayer: Spirit of the Living God, open my eyes to the truth of You Word. Jesus, the One who fulfilled all of the Law, while I fail so much. I am thankful that it is by Your Grace, Father, and only by Your Grace that I can stand before You clean and righteous. Not by what I can do, but what Jesus has done. Amen.

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[1] Look at Matt. 5:43 – 44; 26:19.

Colossians 2:16 part 1

Paul continues his discourse on true freedom in this section by teaching that Christ is the answer to rituals. He starts this verse by tying it back to what he had just established in relation to Christ being the answer to man’s philosophies. Because Jesus had triumphed victoriously over that which would seek to hold us captive, we have been set free.

He says that the Colossian believers, and by reference us also, should not be concerned with those who wish to pronounce censure or judgment upon our beliefs (Greek krino). There appears to be those who had set themselves up as the arbiters to separate and divide the people. They sought to do this in the areas of rituals and traditions. Today, there are still many who are too focused on the outward actions and miss the truth.

Some believe that Paul is speaking strictly of the Old Testament laws. There were Judaizers who constantly tried to bring the Gentile believers under all the restrictions, regulations, and rituals they had imposed upon themselves. He makes reference to dietary stipulations placed upon the nation of Israel. Jesus spoke and declared that all foodstuff was clean (see Mark 7:19 - This he said, making all meats clean”). He also spoke about the “Holydays” of the nation in his reference to “a festival.” These were the observances in the sacred calendar of Israel that was an obligation for all of the Jews. He refers to the “new moon,” this was important to establish the monthly calendar so that they could be sure to observe all the obligatory rites and rituals. 

Some even today try to place all believers under the laws of the Old Testament. They seek to insist that all of the Commandments are for everyone. To see more on this, look at the Bible Difficulty that will be covered shortly.

Prayer: Father, help me to correctly interpret the Scriptures that You have provided for us. May I look past the shadows and focus on the reality - Jesus Christ the Lord. May I be free from ritual and regulations that are not designed to hold me down but to lead me to the reality. I thank You for Your provision of all that I need. Amen.

Colossians 2:15

Continuing in the imagery describing the Colossian believer’s release from the trespasses, Paul depicts glory and triumph of Christ.[1] Christ, by the cross, has not only removed us from the guilt of sin, He has broken the hold of sin over us. He not only blotted out the debt we owed, but He took control; over all forces that would continue to call for our indictment. The instrument of disgrace became the instrument of defeat and disablement to those forces.

As we found in verse 10 above, Christ is the head (Greek kephale) of all rule (Greek arche) and authority (Greek exousia). The word arche literally means a beginning, and carries the connotation of that which is the active cause or origin, whether a person or thing. The word exousia means the right to exercise power, or the power of rule and government. Paul can be referring to the idea of spiritual principalities and powers as presented in the Scriptures. Christ is preeminent over all creation, including all the principalities and powers.

In this celebration of victory and triumph, Paul states the totality in two phrases. The first, “made a public display” (Greek deigmatizo) gives us a picture of a conquering King parading his spoils down the street for all to see. This display would make clear that the king was totally victorious over his enemy. And the second phrase, “triumphing over them” (Greek thriambeuo) repeats this picture again, thus giving an emphasis to the importance of the statement. This was a humiliating procession, driven, involuntary, making the captives impotent before all that saw them. Christ was totally triumphant over all evil forces. 

The cross of Christ is the answer to the theosophy[2] that had been seeking to beguile the Colossian believer’s away from the truth. The spiritual forces had been stripped of and disarmed of their weapons.[3] They had learned the truth, and now could hold on to the promises of God that even though we might not see everything in subjection to Him (Heb. 2:8), we still can be assured that because of His redemptive work on the cross, all creation will one day be set free from the decay and bondage (Rom. 8:21). We can rest assured that we have already entered into the liberty given by the work of Christ over anything that we think might separate us from Christ (Rom. 8:38-39).

Prayer: What a great reminder, as the hymn goes - "He breaks the power of canceled sin." I am set free because of Your work on the cross. That horrid instrument of disgrace, pain, and suffering has become my treasure of defeating my enemies, relieving my pain and removing my suffering. Hallelujah, what a Savior! I can think of doing nothing else but singing Your praises. I am wondrously renewed and made clean. I am so glad that You loved me enough to come and redeem me back. I owe You my all- may I not hold anything back from You. Amen.

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[1] This is a figure of speech called a hypotyposis, or a word-picture. Bullinger, E. W. (1968). Figures of Speech used in the Bible. Grand Rapids, Mich., USA: Baker Book House. Pages 444-445. 

[2] Theosophy is teaching about God and the world based on mystical insights. The Gnostic view was based upon secret knowledge gained only by the indoctrinated. Today, Theosophy is the teachings of a modern movement originating in the U.S. in 1875 and follows chiefly Buddhist and Brahmanic theories esp. of pantheistic evolution and reincarnation. 

[3] See, Matt. 112:29; Luke 11:21-22; John 16:11; Rom. 8:37-39; 1 Cor. 15:55-57; and, Heb. 2:4)