Colossians – An Exhortation for Unity in Love #4 Speaking the truth

 

Chapter 4 – Speaking the truth

We have seen that the central exhortation of this Epistle is, as expressed in the words of Paul’s prayer
for the believers:

« that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of they mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ » (Col 1:2).

Being united together in a « full assurance of understanding », true brethren in Christ experience a joyous fellowship which greatly surpasses any friendship the world can offer. For the unity of the believers ought to mirror in measure, that perfect unity subsisting between the Father and Son. Thus the lord prayed:

« keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are … neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us … and the glory which thou hast given me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one » (Joh 17:11,21,22).

Being risen with Christ in the baptismal waters of a typical grave (Col 3:1), this is a powerful influence which irresistibly draws brethren together, irrespective of their personal differences. By contrast to the morass of humanity who seek only their own, whose only desire is to satisfy the grovelling instincts of the flesh, Christ’s brethren have no regard for the temporal advantages of this life. Rather, being One with him, and in him, they seek to set their affections

« on things above, not on things on the earth », (Col 3:2),

for ‘above’ is where their Master is, and is therefore where their hope of life is hid (3:3). They are elements of a New Creation (cp 2 Cor 5:17), formed in the image and likeness of their maker (Col 3:10) – the constituent parts of a « new man » (Col 3:10), formed by the living influence of the Word upon the tables of their heart. And as a new man – complete in Christ, having no need of further addition by way of the traditions of men and the Judaising influence of those who would have them believe in « another gospel » – they stand whole, with mutual regard one for the other,

« forbearing one another, and forgiving one another » (Col 3:13),

even as Christ forgave them.

 

+

Preceding

1. Colossians – An Exhortation for Unity in Love #1 Separation from the world
2. Colossians – An Exhortation for Unity in Love #2 Completeness of the united Body of Christ
3. Colossians – An Exhortation for Unity in Love #3 Living the Truth
4. Participants bonded together into one body
5. Oneness with Christ is like glue that ought to hold us together
6. Baptised believers left in the world to use
7. Jesus high priestly prayer for unity

++

Additional reading

1. Not about personal salvation but about a bigger Plan
2. Looking at what the Gospel of Thomas Teaches
3. The night before Jesus his execution
4. The Hater of Jesus and Jesus’ followers having become a speaker for him
5. Days of Nisan, Pesach, Pasach, Pascha and Easter
6. A fact of History or just a fancy Story
7. Be Honest
8. Unity
9. Commitment to Christian unity
10. Being one in Jesus, Jesus in us and God in Jesus
11. Blindness in the Christian world
12. Not making a runner
13. Not bounded by labels but liberated in Christ
14. Today’s Thought: “Your life is hidden” (May 16)
15. Today’s Thought (August 10): Upon this I awaked
16. Today’s thought “Putting on the robe of compassion, kindness, humility and meekness” (November 15)
17. Taught by God to love one another
18. The Greatest of These is Love
19. Matthew 18:21-22 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Forgive 77 Times!
20. Forgiveness always possible
21. He who knows himself, is kind to others
22. Forgiveness
23. Tunnel under resentment
24. Today’s thought “Forgive … from your heart” (January 16)
25. Beautiful feet of those who announce the good news
26. The Ecclesia

Baptised believers left in the world to use

 

In the previous chapter we have seen how Jesus prayed for unity among his followers whom he saw as people entrusted to him.

Jesus said in his prayer to God that his disciples, belong to his Heavenly Father and will be reflected in him.

« All mine is yours, and yours is mine; I am glorified in them. »(John 17: 10 Book)

« All That Is Mine Is Yours, and All That Is Yours Is Mine. They reflect who I am. »(John 17: 10 Book)

Jesus also asks that the disciples be one, just as the father and he Are One, and Jesus is one with his followers.

« I leave the world and come to you, but they still remain in the world. Holy Father, protect In Your Name those whom you have given me, so that they may be one like us. »(John 17: 11 Book)

Being « left behind » in this world, we need that protection from God. In our community, we need to stand up for each other. Together we must form one strong community that provides shelter for those who have not yet been baptised. We must show them that we are best formed by the word of God. By believing in that word we can gain knowledge and be purified.

« Make them pure and holy by teaching them in your word of truth. »(John 17: 17 Book)

For this, we have the master teacher in whom we have all confidence and recognize as our high priest.

26 therefore he is exactly the High Priest we need: he is holy, blameless, and undefiled; he has been set apart from sinners and has been given the highest place in the heavens. 27 ordinary high priests need the blood of sacrificial animals every day to cover their own sins and those of the people. But Jesus Christ once and for all erased all sins when he sacrificed himself on the cross. »(Hebrews 7:26-27 Book)

Through Christ’s act of sacrifice, everyone has been given the opportunity to be delivered from The Curse of death. Jesus did not ask God to take away the believers from the world, but rather to use them in the world. As Jesus was sent into the world, now the believers who have surrendered to Christ Jesus have also received the same commission as Jesus had. Jesus has given us the same task, namely to go out into the world.

« I am sending them into the world, just as you sent me into the world. »(John 17:18 Book)

«  »Peace! »said Jesus. « As the father sent me, so I send you. » »(John 20:21 Book)

« Therefore, go forth to make all nations My disciples. Baptize them in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to always do what I have told you. » (Matthew 28:19 Book)

« For you must teach others what I have taught you and many others. Teach these great truths to reliable men, who, in turn, can pass them on to others. » (2 Timothy 2:2 Book)

We can now open our community to all who want to come to us or are curious about our teachings. By being open, we can give all our visitors the opportunity to see that we are committed to following the Bible. Then they can be convinced that this collection is our guide and that we are a community that does not adhere to church dogmas but only to the provisions and doctrinal rules specified in the Bible.

Even though we have not seen the signs of Jesus ‘ execution and have not experienced His resurrection and ascension, we are convinced that these miracles have taken place. The record in the Book of books is enough for us to believe and spread the good news.

30 many of the miracles Jesus performed before his disciples are not recorded in this book. 31 I have written some of these so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of God. If you believe in him, you live in his name. »(John 20: 30-31 Book)

It was Jesus ‘ great desire that his disciples should become one. He wanted them to be united as a powerful testimony to the reality of God’s love.

Forming a community together, we must now be ready to bring others to God. As brothers and sisters of each other and of Christ, we must share together the love of Christ. To family and friends, wherever we go, we must proclaim what Jesus and his God have done.

« Go to your family, « he said, » and tell them what God has done for you. »The man went everywhere in the city to tell what Jesus had done for him. »(Luke 8:39 Book)

19  » go home, « he said, » to your family and friends and tell them what God has done for you, how good he has been for you. 20 the man went out and told all over the Decapolis region what Jesus had done for him. Everyone listened to him in amazement. »(Mark 5:19-20 Book)

Only baptised persons may sit at the Lord’s table. But those who are allowed to sit can help others to see that they too will be allowed to partake of the bread and wine, if they want to surrender to God and confirm this for the community with their baptism. In this way, the community must grow into a place where many will be able to be partakers, and thereby confirm their faith that Jesus has surrendered for them.

In unity we will be able to meet so regularly, to encourage each other and together to remember Jesus dead.

« We should not stay away from our meetings. Some make a habit of that, but that’s not good. We must encourage and warn one another, especially now that we see that it will not be long before the Lord Jesus returns. »(Hebrews 10: 25 Book)

« For every time you eat of this bread and drink from the cup, you confirm that the Lord has died. Do this until he comes back. »(1 Corinthians 11:26 Book)

+

Preceding

1. Jesus high priestly prayer for unity
2. Faithful to God are baptised
3. Baptised offering unity to the unbaptised
4. Our first baptisms in our brand new ecclesia
5. Why were Catholics not allowed to take communion during the baptismal service
6. Brothers and sisters as one family
7. Lord God let us come together and grow

++

Additional reading

1. Concerning Christ #2 Divine source, connection and divine human being
2. Authority given to him To give eternal life
3. Atonement And Fellowship 7/8
4. Live by Faith
5. The Church is Under Attack…
6. Christians remaining hidden not sharing the gospel
7. Religion and the essence of devotion
8. Disciple of Christ counting lives and friends dear to them
9. The Involvement of true discipleship
10. Testify of the things heard
11. Bringing Good News into the world
12. Jehovah’s Witnesses not only group that preach the good news
13. Avoiding friction and distraction in the body of Christ
14. Being Religious and Spiritual 7 Transcendence to become one
15. Preparation for unity
16. Looking for True Spirituality 7 Preaching of the Good News
17. Time for this and that
18. Preaching by example
19. Witnessing because we love

Jesus high priestly prayer for unity

Quotes from God’s Word. “1  Jesus spoke these things, and then raising his eyes heavenward, he said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify You, 2 just as You have given authority to him over all flesh, in order that all You have given to him, he will give them endless Life. 3 But, this is the endless Life–that they may continue to know You, the only True God, and the One whom You sent forth, Jesus Christ.” (John 17:1-3 MHM) “6  “I manifested Your Name to the men whom You gave me from out of the world of humankind. To You they belonged, and You gave them to me, and they have observed Your Word. 7 Now they know that all the things, everything You gave to me, came from You. 8 Because the Sayings that You gave to me, I have given to them–and they accepted [them] –and for a certainty they realize that I came out from next to You. And they believed that You sent me forth. 9 I am making a request regarding them. I am not making a request regarding the world of humankind, but rather those [apostles] You have given to me. 10 Because they belong to You, and all my things are Yours, and Yours are mine. Also, I have been glorified in their midst.”” (John 17:6-10 MHM) ““Soon I will no longer be in the world of humankind. They will remain in the world of humankind, and I am returning toward You. Holy Father, watch over them because of Your Name which You have given to me.” (John 17:11 MHM) “15 “I am not requesting that You should lift them up out of the world, but rather that You should watch over them because of the Wicked One. 16 These [apostles] are not from out of the world of humankind, just as I am not from out of the world of humankind. 17  Sanctify them in the Truth. Your Word is the Truth. 18 Just as You sent me forth into the world of humankind, I am also sending them forth into the world of humankind.” (John 17:15-18 MHM) “20  “I am not making request regarding just these [apostles] –but also those believing in me by means of their word– 21 so that all of these [apostles] may be one just as You, Father, [are] in me and I in You, so that they may also be one in us, that the world of humankind may believe You sent me forth.” (John 17:20-21 MHM) “22 Also, the glory You have given to me I have given to them, so that they may be one just as we are one– 23 I in them and You in me, so that they may be perfected into one–so the world of humankind my know that You sent me forth, and You loved them just as You loved me.” (John 17:22-23 MHM) “25 Righteous Father, the world of humankind never knew You, but I knew You, also these [apostles] knew You sent me forth. 26 And I have made Your Name known to them, and I shall make it known further, so the love which You loved me may be in them, and I in them.”” (John 17:25-26 MHM)

+

Preceding

Baptised offering unity to the unbaptised

Baptised offering unity to the unbaptised

After some members were baptised, they left the unbaptised with questions. Those who have undergone baptism can now count themselves among Christ’s brethren. For them, Jesus has given assurance that they may look forward to a life without end if they continue to seek the truth and constantly absorb knowledge.

« Now this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Him whom Thou hast sent, Jesus Christ. » (John 17:3).

Jesus made God’s Name public to those whom Jehovah gave him. Here in our ecclesia, too, we find those who were allowed to hear the Word of God and took it for true. They have taken Jesus’ words for true, recognising him as the representative of That One True God, Jehovah the Most High.

« 7 Now they know that all that You have given me is from You. 8 For I brought to them the words which Thou hast given me; they accepted them, acknowledging truthfully that I came forth from Thee, and believing that Thou hast sent me. » (John 17:7-8)

Through baptism, the new members have dedicated themselves to God and are those for whom Jesus now also prays and also hands them over to his father.

« 9 I pray for them; I pray not for the world, but for them which Thou hast given me, because they are thine. 10 All mine are thine, and thine are mine; I am glorified in them. » (John 17:9-10)

Left behind in the world, the baptised like the other brothers and sisters in Christ need His help in addition to God’s blessing. Jesus also expects them to be one as he and his heavenly Father are one.

« Henceforth I am no longer in the world; but they remain in the world, while I come to You. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me; that they may be one, as we are. » (John 17:11)

« I and the Father are one. » (John 10:30)

Now there are the covenants in the ecclesia who are one. But there is also the hope that those who have not yet taken the steps to be baptised, by full immersion in the purifying water, that these may be drawn by the faith and communion of the brothers and sisters present in Christ. They too, need the blessing of God and for them the baptised pray that they too will be allowed to be « sanctified » or set apart.

« For God has not called us to uncleanness, but to holiness. » (1 Thessalonians 4:7)

« By virtue of that will, we have been sanctified once and for all through the Sacrifice of the Body of Jesus Christ. » (Hebrews 10:10)

To this end, we remember Jesus words:

« 20 I pray not for them alone, but also for all who believe in me through their word. 21 May they all be one, as Thou, Father, art in me, and I in Thee; may they also be one in Us, that the world may have faith that Thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou hast given me, I also have given to them, that they may be one, even as We are one: 23 I in them, and Thou in me.
May they possess perfect unity, that the world may recognise that thou hast sent me, and that thou hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

24 Father, I desire that they whom thou hast given me may be with me, where I myself am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me, because thou hast loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 Just Father, though the world has not known thee, yet I have known thee; and they have recognised that thou hast sent me. 26 I have made Your name known to them, and will continue to do so, that the love with which You have loved me may be in them, and I in them. » (John 17:20-26)

Now there are the baptised to further make Jesus known, and to show those who still belong to the world, the true path by which they will come to follow Jesus, so that those who present the wrong path will be exposed so that the truly interested will not be led to death.

« Sometimes one keeps a way for the straight, Which finally ends in death. » (Proverbs 16:25)

« Jesus spake unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. » (John 14:6)

It is now up to the baptised to show their relatives and friends the right door, so that God’s blessing may come upon them too and they will know how to find a safe haven.

« I am the door: if anyone enters by me, he shall be safe, going in and out, and shall find pasture. » (John 10:9)

« Through him we have gained access by faith to this grace, in which we have become firmly established; through him also we glory in the hope of the glory of God. » (Romans 5:2)

« For by him we both have access to the Father in one Spirit. » (Ephesians 2:18)

 » – a new and living way, which he has made for us through the veil, that of his flesh, » (Hebrews 10:20)

+

Previous

1. Prayer for our gathering to save something greater than ourselves
2. God’s Words for the pilgrimage #2 Words of God for life
3. A pilgrimage not exactly without hurdles or obstacles #3 Availability, encounters and exposure to change
4. Faithful to God are baptised
5. Feeling at home in a church or not
6. What it means to belong to a family
7. What does it mean to belong to a church congregation
8. Participants uniting into one body

++

Find also to read

1. Be Honest
2. When believing in God’s existence and His son, possessing a divine legislation
3. Concerning Christ #2 Divine source, connection and divine human being
4. Concerning the saying: I and the Father are one
5. Faith coming by hearing and sent preacher gift from God
6. Authority given to him To give eternal life
7. Atonement And Fellowship 4/8
8. Atonement And Fellowship 6/8
9. Atonement And Fellowship 7/8
10. How to Go Forward without Fear
11. Religion and the essence of devotion
12. Outflow of foundational relationship based on acceptance of Jesus
13. A participation in the body of Christ
14. One Mind, One Accord
15. a Strong Family doesn’t just happen
16. A participation in the body of Christ
17. Preparation for unity
18. Maintaining unity of Spirit in the bond of peace becoming one with God
19. Manifests for believers #5 Christian Union
20. Commitment to Christian unity
21. Observance of the Lord’s Evening Meal
22. Disciple of Christ counting lives and friends dear to them
23. To whom do we want to be enslaved
24. Being one in Jesus, Jesus in us and God in Jesus
25. 1st thought for today “The world may be wicked” (January 16)
26. Today’s thought “It is shameful for a woman to …” (March 1)
27. Today’s thought “Gather into one the children of God” (April 18)
28. Today’s thought “… and learn from me” (July 10)
29. Today’s Thought (August 31): In your thinking be mature
30. Today’s thought “Speaking the truth in love” (October 6)
31. Concerning the Spiritual Body
32. One of the most important Truths
33. New Covenant Possesses
34. Quibbling siblings united or allied children of an organisation or a church
35. Let us become nothing, and Christ everything
36. Importance of Tikkun olam
37. United people under Christ
38. Commitment to Christian unity
39. En Soma: One Body
40. Unity
41. Unity doesn’t mean uniformity
42. Jewish and Gentile Disciples
43. Difficulty in getting new young members
44. Ecclesia – Church – Minding your reference
45. The Ecclesia
46. Ecclesia to exist, grow and communities to have people communicating with each other