Colossians

Verse by Verse

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Last week we saw how faith works by love (Gal 5:6)

• Today: What’s Love Got to Do with Hope?• First, can anyone tell me the difference between

faith and hope?• Try this one on for size:• Faith: What God has spoken (Rom 10:17)• Ours is not a “hope so” faith, but a “know so”

faith:• 1Jo 5:13 These things have I written unto you

that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

• Hope: What God will do (His hope for us)

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Col 1:4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love to all the saints,

• The Colossians had a love towards others that was agape love; the highest of 3 Greek words translated “love” or “charity”. 1Cor 13 says it best:

• 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.

• 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

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1Cor 13 (cont.)3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and

though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;

5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;

6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;7 bears all things, believes all things,

hopes all things, endures all things.8a: Love never fails.

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Note that hope and love are the last pair of words at the end of the Lord’s definition of love• Correlation?• Go back to Col 1:4,5: • “Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of

the love [which ye have] to all the saints,• For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven,

whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel”

• “For” here is “dia” (think “diameter” = line going through the center of a circle),

• Not only does “faith work through love” (Gal 5:6), apparently HOPE also works “through” love:

• Does it take love to hope, and hope to love? Let’s see5

First let’s identify the hope referred to here in Colossians 1:5

• Note that the Colossian’s love was “because” (NKJ) of THE hope (not just A hope)

• Library illustr: Hand me “A” book, verses hand me “THE” book; if the latter, what would you ask?

• You would likely ask “Which one?”• Even the Gospel of the earthly kingdom held the promise of

eternal life with an earthly inheritance• But THE hope mentioned here in Col 1:5, while incl. eternal

life is a specific hope, different than before.• Remember how topics in the Bible appear with a paired

structure? See outline and notice the focal point (the letter I):

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God’s Two Fold PurposeA. The primal creation heavens and earth. “The world that then was

Gen. 1.1,2; 2 Pet. 3.6B. Satan’s first rebellion. The earth became waste and a ruin Gen.

1.2 C. The earth restored and blessed “the heavens and the earth which

are now” Gen 1.2-2.3; 2 Pet 3.7D. Satan enters and the consequence Gen 3E. Mankind dealt with as a whole Gen 4-Gen 11F. The chosen nation called and blessed Gen 11.27 – Mal 4.6

(Jehovah and his kingdom rejected. Israel scattered)G. The first advent (Mic 5.2; Zech 9.9) the four gospels (Rom 15.8)

the king and kingdom proclaimed and rejected, and the King crucified

H. The kingdom re-proclaimed. Acts 3.19,20. The kingdom again rejected, Israel again scattered and .

I. God reveals His eternal purpose: A hidden for the nations! 7

(compare to above)H. The kingdom postponed and in abeyance. “Not yet” (Heb. 2:8) The Epistles

(Pauline). The Mystery revealed and proclaimed. Eph 3:2-11; Col 1:25; 2:2,3; 1Tim 3:16. The New Hope. Php 3:11,14; Titus 2:13; The Church which is His body is called and taken up: 1Th 4:17

G. The Second Advent, the first resurrection, the [earthly] kingdom established. The King enthroned. “The day of the Lord” Mt 24; 25:31; Lk 19:11-27; Isa 2:11-19; Joel 2, etc.

F. The chosen nation recalled and blessed. Rom 11:11-36; Acts 15:16; Isa 60,61,62; Jer 30:31; Zech 12:13,14

E. Mankind dealt with as a whole. Joel 3:2; Mt 25:31-46; Acts 15:17; Rom 15:8-12; Revelation 4-19

D. Satan Bound and the Consequences. Rev. 20:1-3C. The earth restored and blessed. Rev. 20:4-6. Isa 35; etc. The Millenium.B. Satan’s final rebellion. Rev. 20:7-10 followed by the second resurrection

and the judgment of the “great white throne”. The destruction of all things that offend”. Rev 20:11-15

A. The New Heavens and the New Earth. The day of God. Rev. 21:22; 2Pet 3:12,13; Isa 65:17; 66:22. (Source: EWB) 8

Other books?

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A. Salutatory Colossians 1:1,2 B. Report of Faithful ministry of Epaphras. Gospel of grace heard world over 1:3 8 ‐ C. Prayer that believers come to a precise understanding of the MYSTERY 1:9 2:7‐

D. Preaching to present PERFECT (mature), knit together 1:28 2:1‐ E. Correction and admonishments as to having died with Christ 2:8-23 F. HIDDEN Treasures of wisdom, knowledge and love (your heritage) 2:2,3

G. Beware of those who profess subjection (humility) to philosophy 2:4-8 H. As you received Christ, so walk 2:6 (cp Eph 2:8-10 by grace) I. The triumph of the cross! 2:9-15 H. No hands = no boasting! 2:11-13 G. imposed humility = false humility, deprivation of the flesh is

ineffective because assuming still alive! 2:16-23 (cp Rom 6:11 cp 2:20 w/ Gal. 2:20). F. HIDDEN: Your life, with Christ, seek YOUR inheritance (not earth). 3:1 4‐ E. Correction, admonishments as to being risen with Christ: 3:1-4:1 D. Prayer to stand PERFECT (mature), in all the will of God. 4:2-13 (esp. .12)

C. Pray for open doors to share the hidden MYSTERY, manifested by Paul. 4:2-6 B. Faithful ministers: Archippus: To be faithful need to keep reading Word 4:7 17 ‐A. Salutation 4:18: 10

Now take a closer look at the structure of Colossians chapter 1:

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Colossians chapter 1:A. The hope laid up for you in heaven (.5)

B. Paul’s gospel went to all* then known world Col (.6)

Now let’s pause for a moment and examine this:

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Matthew 24• If Paul is referring to “the gospel of the kingdom” how do we explain Mt 24:14 when the Lord said:• “gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; …then shall the end come.”•Mt 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” because “the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:” Mt 24:29b•If Paul were referring to “the gospel of the kingdom”, then wouldn’t “the end” have come by now? This is•proof that the 12 never left off preaching to Israel 13

Outline of Colossians chapter 1:A. The hope laid up for you in heaven (.5)

B. This gospel went to all* then known world Col (.6) C. the Father, hath made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: (.12) D. Walking worthy of that inheritance (.10)

E. we have redemption through His blood, [even] the forgiveness of sins (.14)

D. In Christ (who alone pleased the Father (.19)

C. For by him were all things created, that are in heaven AND that are on earth, …all things were created by Him, and Him” (.16); now heirs with Christ have MUCH more than just

earth!B. “the gospel, which ye (Colossians) heard …was preached to every creature which is under heaven whereof I Paul am made a minister (.23)

A. The hope of glory (. 27) cp Ro 8:17,19,32:

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Romans 8• 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint–

heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.

• 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (hope!)

• 19 For the earnest expectation of the [whole] creation waiteth (hopes) for the manifestation of the sons of God.

• 32 He that spared not his own Son (for ), but delivered him up for us all (for love), how shall he not with him also freely give us ?” Why?

• For !

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Is hope linked to love?• Some Scripture to shed light on the subject:• 1Co 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope <1680>, charity

<love 26>, these three; but the greatest of these is charity <26>.

• 1Th 1:3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love <26>, and patience of hope <1680> in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

• 1Th 5:8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love <26>; and for an helmet, the hope <1680> of salvation.

• How can hope help me to love others?16

The granddaddy of all “Hope Love” passages:

• Ro 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

• 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

• 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

• 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:• 5 And <1680> maketh not

ashamed; because the <26> of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

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Look to the Living Word• It was only for the hope set before Him that Christ was

able to show the greatest love (John 15:13)• “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our]

faith; who for the joy that was set before him (hope)• endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down

at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb 12:2. • It was this Christ who was speaking when He said:• “Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my

heart standeth in awe of thy word. I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil” Ps 119:161,162

• Ps 119:42 So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word.

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Why is the Word so important?• For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. The

entirety of Your word [is] truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments [endures] forever. Ps 119:89,160. The word builds our faith (Rom 10:17)

• Ps 138:2 I will …praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

• The Word can free us from being totally enslaved to self: Ps 119:133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.

• Ps 119:11 Thy have I hid in mine heart, that I might not against thee.

• This is the hope of any child of God

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The Word can keep us from being utterly depressed:

• Ps 119:147 I rise before the dawning of the morning, And cry for help; I hope in Your word.

• Ps 119:28 My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.

• Ps 119:114 Thou [art] my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word.

• Ps 119:116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope.

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Ever “seen” something after having read it a hundred times?

• Ps 119:82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me?

• Don’t give up!• 2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto

God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

• Keep studying and you will one day say:• Ps 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet,

and a light unto my path.

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We are saved by His Word:• Ps 119:41 Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD,

even thy salvation, according to thy word. • Ps 119:50 This [is] my comfort in my affliction, For Your

word has given me life. • Lu 4:4b man shall not live by bread alone, but by every

word of God.”• Greatest need: A reason for hope: • Ro 8:20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not

willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope;• 1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and

always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear

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Best way to be sharing hope that is in you?• By “speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him

in all things, which is the head, [even] Christ” Eph 4:15

• 2Co 4:2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.

• Pr 27:6 Faithful [are] the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy [are] deceitful.

• 1Jo 3:18 My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. (MSG)

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Concl: This was no mere sentimentality, or camaraderie• The Colossians were showing this very love of God:• This love motivated them (cp 2Co 5:14) to• put their faith into action (remember Gal 5:6?)• God’s love reached into the hearts of others through

the Colossians and produced fruit. (Col 1:10) • Are you sewing in hope? In what way has the Lord

given others hope through you? (Eph 3:17)• Challenge: Ask the Lord every day to show you

someone who needs hope. • Do you know what to expect if you do this?• Before long, you will begin to look at those who

deserve love the as the ones who need it the and then you’ll remember your prayer!

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There was never a greater cause for hope than the cross, because

• By all appearances Christ’s death had dashed all hope, but now

• we know the triumph of the cross! (Col 2:14,15)• How can seeking His face in our dashed hopes

cause us to be drawn closer to Him?• How can we be drawn away from this place where

the sorrows are, to Him in the place where He is?• By remembering how He loved us through hope:• God in Christ hoped the best for us when we were

at our worst:25

Christ faithfully showed His love when He died for ALL your sins and He rose again TO GIVE YOU HOPE

• Ro 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (cp Col 1:21)

• Remember: All in this world that is set to dash your hopes can in fact feed your hope! Listen! What makes you hope to be to be delivered from this place?

• Answer: The very things that are set to dash your hopes!• This is why Ro 8:24 says “For we are saved by hope: but

hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?”

• Are you saved by this hope? Then hope it for others!26

Questions?• We have resources available to help your faith,

aid you in your daily Bible Study (e.g. concordances), and equip you in your primary spiritual gift (Rom 12).

• For more information, please call 303-452-9148 or speak with us afterwards.

• Several of you have taken up the life assignment: • Journaling memories of when the Lord gave you

joy (esp. when in the midst of a circumstance the world would consider unpleasant);

• When you have these memories, you can share them with others when the occasion arises.

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