Colossians

Chapter 1 v 1 - 2

Ian passionately expounds the opening of Paul's letter to those in Colosse.
There is no difference between those who were saved in the early church and those who are saved now - all are saints.

Reference (at 25mins) to '2 Peter v11' should be '2 Peter Ch3 v11'.

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(1) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
(2) To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Chapter 1 v 1 - 8

Stressing the importance of believers loving one another. Like pins drawn to a magnet themselves taking on magnetic properties and being drawn to each other - so it is with members of the church drawn to Christ and also to each other.

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(3) We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

Chapter 1 v 1 - 8 part 2

Ian talks about THE absolute truth of the bible and explains the difference between the subjective 'truths' like Islam, Mormons, etc. in comparison with the objective truths of Christianity that are based on FACTS and are provable in any unbiased court.

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(4) since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints;
(5) because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel,

Chapter 1 v 1 - 8 part 3

Continuing the theme of objective truth with particular reference to verse 3. Ian stresses the importance of becoming Christian based on truths rather than promises that may not be fulfilled. It is not all health, happiness and prosperity!

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(6) which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit,[b] as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth;

Chapter 1 v 9 - 12

An overview of the previous four sermons is followed by Ian using the Apostle Paul's prayer for those in Colosse as an example of how we should pray for ourselves and other believers.

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(7) as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf,
(8) who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.

Chapter 1 v 9 - 12 part 2

"that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will" (v9)

Once we have an understanding of God's will the effect will be seen in every area of our life. How are we to know God's will?

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(9) For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

Chapter 1 v 9 - 12 part 3

Continuing to explain the importance of knowing God's will Ian says, "the vast majority of people just haven't got a clue what's going on" but Christians can know. We have what the Bible says and can see how it effects us in today's troubled world.

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(10) that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Chapter 1 v 9 - 12 part 4

Ian gives two examples of knowing God's will by referring to the Bible.

We apologise that the first few seconds of this sermon are missing.

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(11) strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;

Chapter 1 v 15 - 20

Many "still haven't found what they're looking for" (Bono)

Others say that you need Christ plus something else. The Bible says if you have Christ you have everything.

Again the first few seconds of this sermon are missing.

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(12) giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.
(13) He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,

Chapter 1 v 15 - 20 part 2

Ian continues the same theme with emphasis on "the firstborn over all creation". (v15)

This sermon was preached in 2008 and some references to events are current to that time.

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(14) in whom we have redemption through His blood,[c] the forgiveness of sins.
(15) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

Chapter 1 v 16

Creation or evolution?

The Heavens declare God's handiwork. Ian looks at the problems with Daoism, Hinduism and Theistic Evolution.

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(16) For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.

Chapter 1 v 16 part 2

Why do people do debased and vile things?

Creation is evidence of God but belief in God is not enough. We are to live that belief.

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(17) And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.

Chapter 1 v 16 part 3

Ian explains 'Thrones, Dominions, Principalities and Powers'. (v16)

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(18) And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

Chapter 1 v 16 part 4

What does Satan look like - red suit, horns and tail?

The bible tells us the truth about angels and demons.

The reference at 15:18 to 2 Corinthians 10 v14 should be 2 Corinthians 11 v14. Sorry about that.

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Chapter 1 v 18

Ian reminds us of how scripture describes Jesus as the 'head', the 'cornerstone', the 'vine' and the 'bridegroom' in our relationship with Him.

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Chapter 1 v 18 part 2

The bible says we have all sinned. How is that and why is it our 'nature'?

How is it that we have the opportunity to be forgiven?

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(19) For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,

Chapter 1 v 19

Bible verses are sometimes quoted out of context.

Ian explains how this results in incorrect beliefs and gives 'universalism' as an example.

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(20) and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

Chapter 1 v 20

What exactly does 'reconcile' mean?

How can Jesus reconcile all things to Himself? Ian explains.

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(21) And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled

Chapter 1 v 21

We have all been enemies of God. There are those who are obviously so but others who may not realise it.

When the apostle Paul wrote 'you' he meant YOU.

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Chapter 1 v 21 - 22

Ian gives examples of reconciliation between people and asks whether it can be of the heart.

Compare this to our reconciliation with God.

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Chapter 1 v 22

We need to understand and rejoice in what it means to be, "holy, blameless and above reproach in His sight"

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(22) in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight

Chapter 1 v 23

"if indeed you continue in the faith". Does the word IF mean it is possible for us to lose our salvation? Ian explains why those who are truly saved remain saved.

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Chapter 1 v 23 part 2

Ian examines, "preached to every creature" - Jesus told us to preach the Biblical Gospel, not some watered down or updated version that is more pleasing to people.

Sorry - The first few seconds when Ian reads the passage are missing.

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(23) if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

Chapter 1 v 24

Why do Christians suffer sickness, betrayal, persecution and other adversities? What does the apostle Paul say about his imprisonment? Is it all the devil's work?

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(24) I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church,

Chapter 1 v 24 - 25

Ian explains how the many sufferings of Paul were the direct consequence of his relationship with Christ.

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(25) of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God,

Chapter 1 v 25

What does Paul mean when he talks of the "stewardship from God which was given to me for you"?

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(26) the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints.

Chapter 1 v 26 - 27

The 'mystery' revealed to Paul is revealed to us His saints.

Ian makes reference to '1 Corinthians 15 v 35-49' describing how we will be raised in glory at our resurrection.

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(27) To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Chapter 1 v 28

Who is 'every man' in verse 28? Ian explains.

Following Paul's example it is Christ we should preach. It is Christ we should teach.

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(28) Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
(29) To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.

Chapter 2

The bible tells us that God does not see denominations.

There is one church, one body in Christ who are knit together in love and grow together in unity.

Ian explains what 'unity' means and the consequences of giving comfort and encouragement.

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(1) For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh,
(2) that their hearts may be encouraged, . . .

Chapter 2 v 3

All knowledge and wisdom of Christ is available to ALL believers. Ian asks us to dig for treasure of infinite worth.

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(3) in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Chapter 2 v 4

Ian reiterates Paul's warning that all of us can be deceived and to beware of those with fine sounding persuasive words by explaining and giving examples of the three stages of persuasion used by Lucifer in the Garden of Eden.

Christians are all on the narrow path as brilliantly described in 'Pilgrim's Progress'.

Note - Ian sometimes reads from the KJV. Our print remains that of NKJV.

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(4) Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words.
(5) For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, . . .

Chapter 2 v 8

'Beware lest anyone cheat (spoil) you through philosophy ...'

We are constantly exposed to the philosophies of the world. These are not of God but are man's ideas and thoughts.

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(6) As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,
(7) rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith,
. . .

Chapter 2 v 9 - 10

Today as in the early church false teachings are prolific. They all demote Christ to something less than He is.

Where are you going after death? Be careful of the theories of man opposing the word of God.

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(8) Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.

Chapter 2 v 11

Ian asks is the Gospel bearing fruit in your life?

People are trying to change the true Gospel, some intentionally in an attempt to make it more acceptable to a sinful people but others change the truth with less deliberate intention by expressing their own opinions.

Ian warns us especially about some 'Study Bibles' where the meaning given to portions of scripture are those of the author and not always correct.

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(9) For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily;
(10) and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

Chapter 2 v 11 part 2

Why is circumcision mentioned so often in the Bible?
Ian explains how people misguidedly believe that certain practices and rituals are the means of salvation but such things are not indicative of what is in their hearts.

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(11) In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,

Chapter 2 v 14

How is it possible for God to forgive all sins?
How can the believer know he is forgiven?
The apostle Paul used Roman law as an example of how the requirements of paying a debt were met. Ian warns that even
when 'free' Satan attempts to re-imprison us.

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(12) buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
(13) And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,

Chapter 2 v 15

"Having disarmed principalities and powers ..."
Ian uses war in the Burmese jungle to explain that our enemy is defeated but some don't realise it. If we permit him Satan has only one real weapon that can be used against us.

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(14) having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, . . .

(15) Having disarmed principalities and powers,
. . .

Chapter 2 v 16

Ian reiterates the message of previous verses and gives an introduction to the topic of the next few weeks - the problem of those who appear to have spirituality, credibility and knowledge but are damaging to the church with their modern methodology and forms of religious practice.

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(16) So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths,
(17) which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.

Chapter 2 v 16 - 17

"... a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ."
It is pointless to keep looking at the shadows when we have the real thing.
Ian explains.

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(18) Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

Chapter 2 v 18 - 19

"Let no one cheat you of your reward".
Not fully understanding that Christ HAS blessed us can leave us vulnerable to false humility, talk of angels, dreams and revelations.
Ian gives examples and instructs us to look where Christ is and look where the cross is in the conversation of others.
Are their lives in accordance with the Bible?

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(19) and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.
(20) Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations

Chapter 2 v 20 - 23

Ian reiterates that the 'law' gives us the knowledge of sin but our salvation is through grace and faith. There have always been those who falsely claim that you must follow certain rules and rituals to be saved - "according to the commandments and doctrines of men".
2 Peter 3:16 says, "... untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures."

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(21) "Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,"

(22) which all concern things which perish with the using according to the commandments and doctrines of men?

Chapter 2 v 20 - Chapter 3 v 10

Ian warns that we may not enjoy what he has to say today. He talks about what the cross means to the believer in our daily life. Our problem and chief enemy is 'self'. This is where the devil gains entry.
The answer is to take up your cross and die to self daily.

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(23) These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

Chapter 3 v 1 - 4

"Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth."
Our 'old' man is dead. We are citizens of heaven.
Ian quotes from Hebrews 12v18 to clarify.

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(1) If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
(2) Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Chapter 3 v 1 - 4 part 2

Ian reiterates a point he explained last week regarding the ritual of marriage and the coming of Christ for his 'bride'.
We are living in a time when there are no more signs prior to the rapture and it may occur at any moment - in the twinkling of an eye.
Don't be burdened by the things of this world.

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(3) For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
(4) When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
(5) Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Chapter 3 v 5 part 2

Ian reminds us of what it means to be a 'real' Christian and explains this by referring to the apostle Paul's instructions as to how we should live. Our unbelieving society lives by the very things Paul tells us in verse 5 to "put to death . . ."

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(6) Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience,
(7) in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.

Chapter 3 v 5 part 3

Ian continues explaining that Christians 'put off' the old person and 'put on' the new but that this is not something that happens in an instant. He uses the Israelites slavery in Egypt and their journey toward the 'promised land' as an example of how difficult it can be to leave the old self behind.

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(8) But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.

Chapter 3 v 5 - 7

What does Paul mean when he says, "put to death your members which are on the earth"? Why does a Christian continue to struggle with the thoughts and intents in their mind after they have been saved? What can we do about it?

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(9) Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,

Chapter 3 v 5 - 7 part 2

"Fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, covetousness," etc. are rife in today's world. Society has made them appear acceptable and they form the basis of much 'entertainment' and lifestyle. Christians are commanded to put these things 'to death'.
Ian tells us to starve the mind of sin and to prevent hunger by feeding on righteousness.

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(10) and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,

Chapter 3 v 8 - 11

TV, pop music, magazines, etc. are examples Ian gives of how people are brainwashed by world, flesh and devil. As Christians we need to brainwash ourselves with the things of God if we are to be as He intends.

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(11) where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

Chapter 3 v 11 - 12

True believers are "the elect of God". "Holy". That is, set apart. The Christian is EXPECTED to 'put off' things of the old man and if we don't do something about our minds the devil definitely will.

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(12) Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

Chapter 3 v 12 - 17

The world believes that people choose to become Christians but the Bible tells us that we are chosen by God.
Two analogies are given to show how Christians are to build on the foundation given by God and the 'precious' things we are to use.

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Chapter 3 v 13

"bearing with one another, and forgiving one another,"
Our Lord has forgiven all that is past and bears with us in our present state. Ian uses Peter (the rock) as an example in that even after baptism in the Holy Spirit he wasn't 'Peter Perfect'.

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(13) bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

Chapter 3 v 14

"But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection."
The Greek word for this 'love' is agape - a pure love, the love that God has for us in delivering His son for sacrifice and the love that Christ demonstrated for us in being prepared to go to the cross for us. Ian gives examples of how we should love one another.

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(14) But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

Chapter 3 v 15

"let the peace of God rule in your hearts,"
What is the difference between the 'peace of God' and the peace that people seek in this world through yoga, meditation, psychotherapy, drugs, etc?
Ian gives examples of the peace of God.

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(15) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Chapter 3 v 15 part 2

Having our instruction book (the Bible) is not enough. We are to be active in following instructions.
Ian takes the words, "be thankful" and tells us why and how. The Bible tells us that being unthankful is one if the characteristics of people in the last days.

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Chapter 3 v 16

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom,"
In writing of wisdom Paul means the whole of scripture and not simply bible knowledge.
It is up to the Christian believer to do the things that Jesus commands him to do.

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(16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Chapter 3 v 16 part 2

Christians must teach and admonish one another. Ian explains with examples of biblical psalms, hymns and spiritual songs which teach us something and give us a warning. A father teaches and admonishes in love.

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(17) And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Chapter 3 v 16 - 17

Whether we have good times or bad God remains the same and so we should always be "singing with grace in (our) hearts to the Lord."

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(18) Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
(19) Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.
(20) Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.

Chapter 3 v 18

Men and women are equal in the sight of God. The Bible tells us their roles.
Ian explains with additional reference to 1Cor 11 v 1-16 and clarifies why we should not consider such things as women's head covering as merely cultural.

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(21) Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
(22) Bondservants, obey in all things your masters
. . .

Chapter 3 v 22

The attitude of a Christian at work and in daily life bears testimony to the Lord.
Believers should not be inconsistent.
What others see in you may be their only understanding of what a Christian is.
"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men."

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(23) And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,
(24) knowing that from the Lord
. . .
(25) But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.

Chapter 4 v 1 - 4

What does Paul mean by, "Continue earnestly in prayer,"?
Ian explains how, why and when we should pray and when we do so seriously and devotedly amazing things happen.

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(1)Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
(2) Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;

Chapter 4 v 5 - 6

We pray for others to be saved but sometimes fail to realise that our Lord wants US to tell them about the Gospel. Some Christians seem to be at a loss when asked basic questions about their faith.
"Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside"
We should have knowledge and understanding and be able to answer any question a sinner may ask.
"redeeming the time"
Time is precious, when its gone its gone. Use it wisely.

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(3) meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains,
(4) that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.
(5) Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.
(6) Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Chapter 4 v 7 - 18

Ian explains what we know about Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Jesus Justus and Epaphras, and relates these people to us and our own relationship with the Lord.

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(7) Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.
(8) I am sending him to you for this very purpose,
. . .

Chapter 4 - conclusion

Ian tells us about . . .
Luke - a Gentile - intelligent and probably wealthy - the writer of 'Luke' and 'Acts'.
Mark - a Jew - the cause of a rift between Paul and Barnabas - but later described by Paul as, "useful to me for ministry".
Demas - once a "fellow laborer" of Paul's but who later, "has forsaken me, having loved this present world".

Luke is an example of how we should 'research' and use our abilities and resources for Christ.
Mark is an example demonstrating that if we are not yet wholeheartedly committed to Christ then it is time we were.
Demas is an example of someone talking the talk but whose love is for worldly things. Where are you?

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(9) with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here.
. . .




(18) This salutation by my own hand - Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.