UNITING HEAVEN AND EARTH,
CHRIST
In Philippians and Colossians

Several decades had passed since Jesus returned to heaven.
The apostles with the help of other faithful followers of Jesus had taken Christ's parting command to teach this gospel of the kingdom to every nation, tongue and people, to heart. And with whole hearted seriousness took it to the whole known world.
Col. 1:23 "the hope of the gospel, which you have heard, which was preached to every creature which is under heaven"

Paul, at first a zealous persecutor of Christians, was specially called by Jesus, to be an apostle to the Gentiles.
Acts 9:15-16 "The Lord said... he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake".
For the rest of his life, Paul's whole zeal and ambition was now to witness for Christ, and tell everyone of our wonderful Savior.

Acts 26:22 "Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
26:23 That Christ should suffer, [and] that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should show light unto the people, and to the Gentiles."

Romans 5:10-11 "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.
And not only [so], but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement".
1 Cor. 1:24 "Unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God."

This quarter we will study letters written by Paul, near the end of his life, as he sat in prison. He is writing to churches he established, writing to confirm their faith, and their walk in Christ: showing aspects of Jesus as our Savior, Redeemer and source of everything good including life itself.

Paul in Philippi
Persecuted but Not Forsaken

Paul was on his second missionary trip when he came to the city of Philippi. He had originally planned to only visit different cities in Asia but the Holy Spirt, through a dream, told Paul and his companion Silas, to take the gospel message to Macedonia (Greece). Thus we find them in Philippi, an important Roman city situated close by the trade route between the west and east.

There was no synagogue there, so first they sought out any believers of the true God. They found a group (mainly women) worshipping every Sabbath down by the river, and they began to speak to the women who had gathered there.
One of the worshippers was a successful business woman, dealing with rich purple. Her name was Lydia.
Lydia received the truth gladly. She and her household were converted and baptized, and she invited the apostles to make her house their home.

From there the missionaries continued to share the gospel in Philippi. Satan was not at all pleased that his kingdom was being invaded. He had taken possession of a slave woman and had been using her as his instrument. Her supernatural abilities brought her masters financial and prestigious gain by her "soothsaying". Her influence had helped to strengthen idolatry.

Satan is a master of taking truth and using it to further his own agenda. He had this woman follow Paul and Silas about and cry out a message which is actually very true, "These men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days." (Acts 16:17-18)
Why was this a problem?

In the name of Jesus, Paul ordered the evil spirit to leave the woman, showing the people that Jesus was far more powerful than satan. The woman, now in her right mind was converted. Her masters were furious because they could no longer use her magic to make money. They brought the apostles before the magistrates with the charge: "These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, and teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans." (Acts 16:20-21)
Paul and Silas were severely beaten. ""And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely: who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks." [Acts 16:23-24)
Preaching the gospel brought many such trials and abuse upon Paul. This wasn't the first time he had been beaten because of the wrath of satanic influence ignited in people against them. During his first missionary journey he had even been stoned "to death" in Lystra, but miraculously survived.

How did Paul handle such abuse?

In Philippi we read that Paul and Silas, with backs bleeding and pain shooting through their bodies as they sat in a filthy prison with their feet in stocks, began to sing praises to God!!!

Paul was ever mindful of how God had forgiven him of his previous life, persecuting people who believed this truth he now loved. He rejoiced that God had accepted him and opened his eyes to the power of redemption through Jesus Christ.

Even in prison Paul and Silas were witnessing for Jesus.



God had not forgotten Paul and Silas. That night an earthquake broke open the prison doors. The jailor and his family were converted. Paul and Silas went on their way to other cities, but the city of Philippi was never the same after that, as the church grew.

This church did not escape persecution for in his letter written to them years later, Paul wrote "Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake; having the same conflict which you saw in me." Yet they were steadfastness in the faith, "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now." (Philippians 1:29, 30, 3-5).

As we study the history of the early Christians we realize they did not have it easy. Satan was angry that his domain was being invaded. By opposition, both physical persecution and slanderous influences, the enemy endeavored to stop people from accepting the true faith.

At the present time, as the end of all things earthly is rapidly approaching, we can expect Satan to put forth desperate efforts to keep the world in his grasp. He is devising many ways to keep people's minds focused on anything except the truths essential to salvation. We see it all around us, in the media, in the news, in all the new inventions, in politics, etc. The archdeceiver is at work to introduce elements of confusion and rebellion, and get people's emotions "fired with a zeal that is not according to knowledge".

The study of the letter to the Philippians and it's message of Jesus, Who sits at the right hand of the God of the universe, yet reaching out His arms to encircle all Who come to Him to unite us with heaven is indeed a timely and precious message for us today.

Paul at Colossae
Persecuted but Not Forsaken

We have no record in the Bible that Paul actually visited Colossae.
He writes in Colossians 2:1 of his care concerning them and those at Laodicea, the town 10 miles north of Colossae, though they had never met him personally.
The church at Colossae as well as the one in Laodicea, most likely began during Paul?s 3-year ministry at Ephesus, a city 100 miles west of Colossae.

The founder of the churches in Colossae as well as the one in Laodicea, was not Paul; but Epaphras (Colossians 1:7).
Apparently Epaphras was visiting in Ephesus during Paul's ministry there, and accepted Christ. He became a faithful Christian worker. Going back home to Colossae he shared his new found faith.

Epaphras is mentioned three times in the Paul's writings.
Col 1:7 As you (the Colossians) also learned of Epaphras our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ...
Col 4:12-13 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ... always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him record, that he has a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea and them in Hierapolis.

While Paul was in prison, Epaphras travelled to Rome to visit him, where he declared unto us (to Paul) your (that is the Colossians) love in the Spirit. Col. 1:8)
It also appears Epaphras was temporarily imprisoned on that journey to Rome, as Paul wrote:
There salute thee Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus; Philemon 1:23

Epaphras also brought concerns to Paul concerning his churches in Colossae and Laodicea. Heresy was arising to threaten the truths of the gospel?

This heresy contained elements of what later became known as Gnosticism: that God is good, but matter is evil, that Jesus Christ was a being less than God but also had not become part of humanity. There was this concept of secret, higher knowledge above Scripture, with deceptive philosophies, which depend on human traditions and the principles of this world. (Col. 2:8) There was a worship of angels and other supposed beings they claimed to see. (Col. 2:18)
There were rituals and restrictions thought necessary for enlightenment and salvation.
Asceticism was on the rise with it's inflicting the body with pain and restrictions on essentials of life, in hopes this would make them holy. (see Col. 2.21 -23).

But most alarming was their loosing the reality of Christ as the all powerful Redeemer and Savior, lowing Him to a lesser, weaker being, to which other things had to be added

Epaphras was so concerned about this heresy that he made the long journey from Colossae to Rome (Colossians 4:12, 13), where Paul was a prisoner.

The Saints in the Churches of Philippi and Colossae
Persecuted but Not Forsaken

Paul begins both these letters calling the recipients "saints".

Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons.

Colossians 1: 1-2 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse.

Saints, in the New Testament, are never deceased individuals who have been canonized by the Catholic church into sainthood.

The word "saint" is derived from a Greek verb (hagiazo) which basically means to be set apart in a holy way or purpose. To be separated, called out, from the common worldly ways, and now being sanctified by one's relationship with our Holy God.

Rev. 14:12 gives a definition of a saint: ?Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.?

Saints are characterized by their obedience to God?s commandments (Rev. 14:12), living lives that reflect His moral and ethical standards (1 John 2:3-6), for they are focused upon Jesus, committing themselves to Him, and by beholding they become changed.
They have Faith: Saints are those who possess genuine faith in Jesus Christ, trusting in Him as Savior and Lord, and following Him.

Saints are not perfect, as we find out when we continue to read Paul's letters, addressed to "saints", but they have chosen to follow Jesus, they have committed their lives to Him, and are reflecting the transformative work God is doing in their lives.

Interestingly, the leaders in the churches, and Paul himself, are referred to as "servants".
The church needs faithful and dedicated leadership, not to "lord" it over them, or become dictatorial, but to guide, like a good shepherd, who cares deeply for those under his guidance and care.
The leaders are servants answering to Christ.

As saints of God, we can rejoice always, even in adversity, because our joy isn't based on earthly things (though we are thankful for all God's blessings) but we have an anchor and a hope in wonderful Savior who loves us and wants us with Him in all eternity.

Reasons for Thanksgiving, Fellowship and Prayer

Paul's Prayer

Philippians 1:1-18 NKJV
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thankfulness and Prayer
3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; 7 just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. 8 For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound more and more, in knowledge and all discernment 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Christ Is Preached
12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

For what is Paul thankful?

1. He thanks God for those he has led to Christ and for their fellowship in the gospel!
2. He is grateful for what God is doing for each person. God began the good work in each person will complete it.
3. He is thankful that the truth of the gospel is being preached.
4. He is thankful for God's grace. That the new Christians are partakers with Him in grace.
5. He is even thankful that his imprisonment is opportunity for "the defense and confirmation of the gospel".

For what does Paul petition God?

1. Requests God's grace for all of them daily, that they all be partakers with him in grace, because they are on his heart.
2. That their love may abound more and more, (with wisdom, discernment and judgment, KJV)
3. that they may approve the things that are excellent, that they may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ,
4. That they be filled with the fruits of righteousness by Jesus for God's glory.

Paul's prayer is completely others-focused, on behalf of the whole church .
It's for eternal blessings over physical blessings. He accepted his physical problems, trusting God knew what was best, and centered the whole prayer on eternal, spiritual blessings.
He didn't plead with God to stop the persecution and release himself and others from imprisonment and other forms of ill treatment, but prayed for spiritual growth, love and discernment. Knowing that spiritual maturity and unity with Christ is what believers in Philippi needed to endure any circumstance, in a world where they faced persecution.

Paul's Prayer Requests:

A closer look to the qualities Paul prayed his new converts would develop.

1. Love to abound more and more

We hear a lot about love in our world. Everyone wants love, but not all are willing to give love. The love that Paul prays will abound more and more is an unselfish love that comes from Christ Himself.
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:" Who came from the highest position in the universe, to that of a man condemned to a cruel death in order to save. (See Philippians 2:5-8)
"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails". (I Cor. 13:4-8)

It's a love that's guided by wisdom and discernment

Wisdom is not quite the same as knowledge. A person can have knowledge but lack in wisdom in how to apply that knowledge. We need knowledge of spiritual things and a wisdom that comes only with close connection with Christ, His Word and Holy Spirit.

2. Discernment is the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend the obscure. The ability to see beneath the surface to understand things that aren't obvious on the surface. The ability to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent.
By God's grace to see the bigger picture, beyond the immediate obvious.

3. Fruits of Righteousness
Fruits are a product that grows when the vine is properly nourished. If a branch cuts off the flow of life giving nutrients it will not be able to produce the fruit. When firmly connected to Christ and His love and truth, it produces much righteous fruit. (see John 15) But if connected to worldly love and feeding on worldly things it also produces a type of fruit -- wild fruit of unrighteousness. (Matt. 7:17)

May we be filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God!

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul also gives thanks for the believers,
in the first 14 verses Paul puts it into the context of their resulting "fruit"!
He writes about "bringing forth fruit as it is since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth." (1:6)

We are familiar with Galatians description of "fruit".
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

In Colossians Paul puts these in the context of -- "knowing the grace of God in truth" (1:6)

Love: "love for all the saints" (1:4) "Your love in the Spirit" (1:8)
Hope: "hope for that which is laid up for you in heaven: (1:5)
Faith: "your faith in Christ Jesus (1:4)
Knowledge: ""of His will" (1:9) "increasing in the knowledge of God"(1:10)
Wisdom: "the knowledge of His will in all wisdom" (1:9)
Discernment: "spiritual understanding" (1:9)
Patience and Longsuffering: according to His great power, (1:11)
Joy: "patience and longsuffering with joy, giving thanks to the Father who qualifies us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints (1: 11-12)

The "fruits" come to those who know God in truth, have a relationship with Christ, respond to the leading of the Holy Spirit and fed on the "Word".

As it is portrayed in Hebrews:
Jesus, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore let us go forth to Him?
let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name?
that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, who will make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 13: 12-21

In light of Colossians 1:6 what is needed for people to be ready for Christ's second coming?
It is to understand, know, embrace the truth and reality of the grace of God in truth. It is to know God and fully trust Him--

John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Colossians 1:6 "bringing forth fruit as it is since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth."
Psalms 112:1,7,8 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is he who fears the LORD, and delights greatly in his commandments....his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. His heart is established,

Lesson Three
Life and Death
Memory Text: "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21, NKJV)

Paul was willing to die for Christ because he had fully surrendered himself to living for Him.

The lesson deals with three broad points;

1. Living for Christ to glorify His name. Life is not about living for self, but keeping one's focus on Christ, being "hid in Christ", fully on His side in this great battle between good and evil. Being filled with a great desire, and empowered by His grace, to share the gospel of His kingdom with others, by our life or our death. For in Christ is life and salvation.

2. Death of a righteous man can also be a powerful affirmation of the gospel of grace. The gospel offers LIFE -- even though this earthly life ends, the hope of resurrection and eternal life is sure for all who are in Christ. For the redeemed, death is just a moment of sleep as time ceases for them until the resurrection, and the next thing they see is Jesus coming in the clouds, to take His children home.

3. The unity of Christ's followers is important in this battle between good and evil.

Lesson Four

Unity Through Humility

Memory Text: "Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind" (Philippians 2:2, NKJV).

Factors of disunity:

Strife (disagreements, arguing, envy, unkindness, suspicion, gossip, covetousness, back stabbing)
Vainglory, (selfish ambition, preforming to look good before the others, pushing others aside for the highest place and honors)
High mindedness (presenting oneself as better or smarter than the others)
Self interest (self comes first)

Factors of unity:

Godly love for one another
Let each esteem the other better than themselves.
Genuinely be interested in uplifting, helping and encouraging others.
Kindness, respect, mercy, believing the best of each person.
Being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind


Paul's remedies:

Philippians 2:21 Seek... the things which are Jesus Christ's.

Philippians 2:5-8 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.


And we find more remedies in these texts: (texts not quoted, but the thought is there)

Philippians 1:4 Like Paul, always in every prayer, pray for each other, making request with joy.

Philippians 1:9 Pray, that your love may abound more and more in spiritual knowledge

Philippians 1:10 We need the same urgent and loving desire as Paul had for the spiritual growth of each church member, and everyone else.

Philippians 1:6 A positive confidence that He which has begun a good work in each of the church members will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:


The Source of Unity is Christ, and His love filling our lives flows out to those around us.