115-23 ~ 115-23 ~ ChristologyChristology115-23 ~ Christology 115-23 ~ Christology revisitedrevisited124-28 ~ Itrsquos not 124-28 ~ Itrsquos not easyeasy21-5 ~ How to 21-5 ~ How to fightfight

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

A definition of who we are dealing with

Philippians 25-8 Philippians 25-8 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature God did not consider Who being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped but equality with God something to be grasped but made himself nothing taking the very nature of a made himself nothing taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness And servant being made in human likeness And being found in appearance as a man he humbled being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself and became obedient to deathhimself and became obedient to death mdashmdash

naturenature ~ morphe form ~ morphe formappearanceappearance ~ schema ~ schema everything in a person which strikes the senses the figure bearing discourse actions manner of life etc

15He is the image of the invisible GodImage think in terms of a picture like that of Caesar on a coin Jesus is all of God that we can seecomprehend to deal with God you have to deal with JesusGod is by nature of his being infinite and eternaltimeless is beyond our greatest imaginings Christ is the best revelation of himself that there can be)

John 114John 114The Word became flesh and made his dwelling The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among among us We have seen his glory the glory of the One us We have seen his glory the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father full of and Only who came from the Father full of grace and truthgrace and truth

The Word The Word fleshflesh became ~ anti-gnostic emphasis became ~ anti-gnostic emphasisdwelling ~ the idea of pitching a tent a dwelling ~ the idea of pitching a tent a temporary locationtemporary locationOne and Only ~ only begotten there has never One and Only ~ only begotten there has never been nor been nor will there ever be others Jesus will there ever be others Jesus is it the is it the exclusive way truth and life exclusive way truth and life

15He is the image of the invisible GodImage think in terms of a picture like that of Caesar on a coin Jesus is all of God that we can seecomprehend to deal with God you have to deal with JesusGod is by nature of his being infinite and eternaltimeless beyond our greatest imaginings Christ is the best revelation of God that there can be

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation

Firstborn does not mean ldquoborn firstrdquo but rather is a term of the position of absolute equality with onersquos father If onersquos father passes from the scene the ldquofirstbornrdquo takes overIsaac and Ishmael Joseph and ReubenSimeonLeviJudah

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

Genesis 11In the beginning God created

Isaiah 425This is what God the LORD saysmdash he who created the heavens and stretched them out who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it who gives breath to its people

and life to those who walk on it

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

before ~ pros in front of before of place time or superiorityhold together ~ sunistaemi to bringplace together (3rdsingperfactind)

If Jesus is the creator then it follows that all of creation only finds fulfillmentpurpose by aligning itself with him Chaos it the alternative

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church

church ~ ekklesia the group of citizens called together to discuss the affairs of state Christ is the head and gives it leadership and visiondirection

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

beginning ~ the idea of origin

firstborn ~ again not ldquoborn firstrdquo There were others who came back to life before Jesus did

Who or what is supreme in my life

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

dwell ~ the idea here is of a fixed settled dwelling This flies in the face of the Gnostic idea that the Christ-spirit merely alighted on the man Jesus The Word indeed became flesh Yes this is a mystery

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

The purpose of Christrsquos coming was reconciliation being the way the truth and life He took all of the initiative To what degree is the non-human aspect of creation affected by the fall (See Romans 8)To what degree was heaven affected by the fall

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The one who is offended has born the burden to make the reconciliation possible offering it to allldquoshedding of bloodrdquo ~ a simple reference to death (122)

tangent

Every drop of blood which flowed in Jesusrsquo body is Every drop of blood which flowed in Jesusrsquo body is still in existence just as fresh as it was when it flowed still in existence just as fresh as it was when it flowed from His wounded brow and hands and feet and side from His wounded brow and hands and feet and side The blood that flowed from His unbroken skin in The blood that flowed from His unbroken skin in Gethsemane the blood that was smeared about His Gethsemane the blood that was smeared about His back as the cruel weighted thongs cut through His back as the cruel weighted thongs cut through His flesh as the flagellator scourged Him the blood that flesh as the flagellator scourged Him the blood that oozed out under the thorny crown and flowed from oozed out under the thorny crown and flowed from His hands His head His feet was never destroyed for His hands His head His feet was never destroyed for it was incorruptible bloodit was incorruptible blood

article on the blood of article on the blood of ChristChrist

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The death of the infinite One is sufficient to cover the penalty for an infinite measure of the finite fallen

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquofrom Godrdquo has been added here to the Greek text This alienation this estrangement isnrsquot just in relation to God The effect of our sinfulness has affected all relationships negatively

Observe the relation damage in Genesis 3

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Verses 21 amp 22 are one thought like Romans 56

You see at just the right time when we were still powerless

Christ died for the ungodly

We can do nothing to merit our reconciliation to GodWe only have the abilityopportunity to surrender to

it

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ephesians 21-5 As for you you were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient All of us also lived among them at one time gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts Like the rest we were by nature objects of wrath But because of his great love for us God who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions mdashit is by grace you have been saved

2121Once you were alienated from God and were Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior behavior 2222But now he has reconciled you by But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusationaccusation mdash mdash 2323if you continue in your faith if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servantservant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the fleshrdquo fleshrdquo

anti-gnostic statementanti-gnostic statement

holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us in Christin Christ

telestaitelestai

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoifrdquo here is rhetorical via the Greek construction It could just as easily be translated ldquoseeing that you are continuing in your faithrdquo (Not a ldquoyou can lose your salvationrdquo reference at all)

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~established ~ a strong foundationfirm ~ settledunmovablenot moved ~ not moving around

You have made a clear definite choice

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

obvious hyperbole

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic 15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic

No we cannot

We must therefore prove demonstratively everything about Christ

Live worthy of the calling you have received

(His being God and all and our being reconciled to him through what he has done he can

probably enable this worthy living thing )

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of the devoted skeptic No we cannot

We must therefore prove Christ demonstratively

Live worthy of the calling you have received

Exactly who are we dealing within the person and work of Christ

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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• Slide 51
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• Slide 54
• Slide 55
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15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

A definition of who we are dealing with

Philippians 25-8 Philippians 25-8 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature God did not consider Who being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped but equality with God something to be grasped but made himself nothing taking the very nature of a made himself nothing taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness And servant being made in human likeness And being found in appearance as a man he humbled being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself and became obedient to deathhimself and became obedient to death mdashmdash

naturenature ~ morphe form ~ morphe formappearanceappearance ~ schema ~ schema everything in a person which strikes the senses the figure bearing discourse actions manner of life etc

15He is the image of the invisible GodImage think in terms of a picture like that of Caesar on a coin Jesus is all of God that we can seecomprehend to deal with God you have to deal with JesusGod is by nature of his being infinite and eternaltimeless is beyond our greatest imaginings Christ is the best revelation of himself that there can be)

John 114John 114The Word became flesh and made his dwelling The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among among us We have seen his glory the glory of the One us We have seen his glory the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father full of and Only who came from the Father full of grace and truthgrace and truth

The Word The Word fleshflesh became ~ anti-gnostic emphasis became ~ anti-gnostic emphasisdwelling ~ the idea of pitching a tent a dwelling ~ the idea of pitching a tent a temporary locationtemporary locationOne and Only ~ only begotten there has never One and Only ~ only begotten there has never been nor been nor will there ever be others Jesus will there ever be others Jesus is it the is it the exclusive way truth and life exclusive way truth and life

15He is the image of the invisible GodImage think in terms of a picture like that of Caesar on a coin Jesus is all of God that we can seecomprehend to deal with God you have to deal with JesusGod is by nature of his being infinite and eternaltimeless beyond our greatest imaginings Christ is the best revelation of God that there can be

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation

Firstborn does not mean ldquoborn firstrdquo but rather is a term of the position of absolute equality with onersquos father If onersquos father passes from the scene the ldquofirstbornrdquo takes overIsaac and Ishmael Joseph and ReubenSimeonLeviJudah

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

Genesis 11In the beginning God created

Isaiah 425This is what God the LORD saysmdash he who created the heavens and stretched them out who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it who gives breath to its people

and life to those who walk on it

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

before ~ pros in front of before of place time or superiorityhold together ~ sunistaemi to bringplace together (3rdsingperfactind)

If Jesus is the creator then it follows that all of creation only finds fulfillmentpurpose by aligning itself with him Chaos it the alternative

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church

church ~ ekklesia the group of citizens called together to discuss the affairs of state Christ is the head and gives it leadership and visiondirection

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

beginning ~ the idea of origin

firstborn ~ again not ldquoborn firstrdquo There were others who came back to life before Jesus did

Who or what is supreme in my life

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

dwell ~ the idea here is of a fixed settled dwelling This flies in the face of the Gnostic idea that the Christ-spirit merely alighted on the man Jesus The Word indeed became flesh Yes this is a mystery

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

The purpose of Christrsquos coming was reconciliation being the way the truth and life He took all of the initiative To what degree is the non-human aspect of creation affected by the fall (See Romans 8)To what degree was heaven affected by the fall

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The one who is offended has born the burden to make the reconciliation possible offering it to allldquoshedding of bloodrdquo ~ a simple reference to death (122)

tangent

Every drop of blood which flowed in Jesusrsquo body is Every drop of blood which flowed in Jesusrsquo body is still in existence just as fresh as it was when it flowed still in existence just as fresh as it was when it flowed from His wounded brow and hands and feet and side from His wounded brow and hands and feet and side The blood that flowed from His unbroken skin in The blood that flowed from His unbroken skin in Gethsemane the blood that was smeared about His Gethsemane the blood that was smeared about His back as the cruel weighted thongs cut through His back as the cruel weighted thongs cut through His flesh as the flagellator scourged Him the blood that flesh as the flagellator scourged Him the blood that oozed out under the thorny crown and flowed from oozed out under the thorny crown and flowed from His hands His head His feet was never destroyed for His hands His head His feet was never destroyed for it was incorruptible bloodit was incorruptible blood

article on the blood of article on the blood of ChristChrist

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The death of the infinite One is sufficient to cover the penalty for an infinite measure of the finite fallen

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquofrom Godrdquo has been added here to the Greek text This alienation this estrangement isnrsquot just in relation to God The effect of our sinfulness has affected all relationships negatively

Observe the relation damage in Genesis 3

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Verses 21 amp 22 are one thought like Romans 56

You see at just the right time when we were still powerless

Christ died for the ungodly

We can do nothing to merit our reconciliation to GodWe only have the abilityopportunity to surrender to

it

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ephesians 21-5 As for you you were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient All of us also lived among them at one time gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts Like the rest we were by nature objects of wrath But because of his great love for us God who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions mdashit is by grace you have been saved

2121Once you were alienated from God and were Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior behavior 2222But now he has reconciled you by But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusationaccusation mdash mdash 2323if you continue in your faith if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servantservant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the fleshrdquo fleshrdquo

anti-gnostic statementanti-gnostic statement

holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us in Christin Christ

telestaitelestai

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoifrdquo here is rhetorical via the Greek construction It could just as easily be translated ldquoseeing that you are continuing in your faithrdquo (Not a ldquoyou can lose your salvationrdquo reference at all)

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~established ~ a strong foundationfirm ~ settledunmovablenot moved ~ not moving around

You have made a clear definite choice

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

obvious hyperbole

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic 15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic

No we cannot

We must therefore prove demonstratively everything about Christ

Live worthy of the calling you have received

(His being God and all and our being reconciled to him through what he has done he can

probably enable this worthy living thing )

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of the devoted skeptic No we cannot

We must therefore prove Christ demonstratively

Live worthy of the calling you have received

Exactly who are we dealing within the person and work of Christ

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
• Slide 2
• Slide 3
• Slide 4
• Slide 5
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Philippians 25-8 Philippians 25-8 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature God did not consider Who being in very nature God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped but equality with God something to be grasped but made himself nothing taking the very nature of a made himself nothing taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness And servant being made in human likeness And being found in appearance as a man he humbled being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself and became obedient to deathhimself and became obedient to death mdashmdash

naturenature ~ morphe form ~ morphe formappearanceappearance ~ schema ~ schema everything in a person which strikes the senses the figure bearing discourse actions manner of life etc

15He is the image of the invisible GodImage think in terms of a picture like that of Caesar on a coin Jesus is all of God that we can seecomprehend to deal with God you have to deal with JesusGod is by nature of his being infinite and eternaltimeless is beyond our greatest imaginings Christ is the best revelation of himself that there can be)

John 114John 114The Word became flesh and made his dwelling The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among among us We have seen his glory the glory of the One us We have seen his glory the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father full of and Only who came from the Father full of grace and truthgrace and truth

The Word The Word fleshflesh became ~ anti-gnostic emphasis became ~ anti-gnostic emphasisdwelling ~ the idea of pitching a tent a dwelling ~ the idea of pitching a tent a temporary locationtemporary locationOne and Only ~ only begotten there has never One and Only ~ only begotten there has never been nor been nor will there ever be others Jesus will there ever be others Jesus is it the is it the exclusive way truth and life exclusive way truth and life

15He is the image of the invisible GodImage think in terms of a picture like that of Caesar on a coin Jesus is all of God that we can seecomprehend to deal with God you have to deal with JesusGod is by nature of his being infinite and eternaltimeless beyond our greatest imaginings Christ is the best revelation of God that there can be

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation

Firstborn does not mean ldquoborn firstrdquo but rather is a term of the position of absolute equality with onersquos father If onersquos father passes from the scene the ldquofirstbornrdquo takes overIsaac and Ishmael Joseph and ReubenSimeonLeviJudah

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

Genesis 11In the beginning God created

Isaiah 425This is what God the LORD saysmdash he who created the heavens and stretched them out who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it who gives breath to its people

and life to those who walk on it

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

before ~ pros in front of before of place time or superiorityhold together ~ sunistaemi to bringplace together (3rdsingperfactind)

If Jesus is the creator then it follows that all of creation only finds fulfillmentpurpose by aligning itself with him Chaos it the alternative

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church

church ~ ekklesia the group of citizens called together to discuss the affairs of state Christ is the head and gives it leadership and visiondirection

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

beginning ~ the idea of origin

firstborn ~ again not ldquoborn firstrdquo There were others who came back to life before Jesus did

Who or what is supreme in my life

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

dwell ~ the idea here is of a fixed settled dwelling This flies in the face of the Gnostic idea that the Christ-spirit merely alighted on the man Jesus The Word indeed became flesh Yes this is a mystery

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

The purpose of Christrsquos coming was reconciliation being the way the truth and life He took all of the initiative To what degree is the non-human aspect of creation affected by the fall (See Romans 8)To what degree was heaven affected by the fall

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The one who is offended has born the burden to make the reconciliation possible offering it to allldquoshedding of bloodrdquo ~ a simple reference to death (122)

tangent

Every drop of blood which flowed in Jesusrsquo body is Every drop of blood which flowed in Jesusrsquo body is still in existence just as fresh as it was when it flowed still in existence just as fresh as it was when it flowed from His wounded brow and hands and feet and side from His wounded brow and hands and feet and side The blood that flowed from His unbroken skin in The blood that flowed from His unbroken skin in Gethsemane the blood that was smeared about His Gethsemane the blood that was smeared about His back as the cruel weighted thongs cut through His back as the cruel weighted thongs cut through His flesh as the flagellator scourged Him the blood that flesh as the flagellator scourged Him the blood that oozed out under the thorny crown and flowed from oozed out under the thorny crown and flowed from His hands His head His feet was never destroyed for His hands His head His feet was never destroyed for it was incorruptible bloodit was incorruptible blood

article on the blood of article on the blood of ChristChrist

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The death of the infinite One is sufficient to cover the penalty for an infinite measure of the finite fallen

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquofrom Godrdquo has been added here to the Greek text This alienation this estrangement isnrsquot just in relation to God The effect of our sinfulness has affected all relationships negatively

Observe the relation damage in Genesis 3

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Verses 21 amp 22 are one thought like Romans 56

You see at just the right time when we were still powerless

Christ died for the ungodly

We can do nothing to merit our reconciliation to GodWe only have the abilityopportunity to surrender to

it

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ephesians 21-5 As for you you were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient All of us also lived among them at one time gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts Like the rest we were by nature objects of wrath But because of his great love for us God who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions mdashit is by grace you have been saved

2121Once you were alienated from God and were Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior behavior 2222But now he has reconciled you by But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusationaccusation mdash mdash 2323if you continue in your faith if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servantservant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the fleshrdquo fleshrdquo

anti-gnostic statementanti-gnostic statement

holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us in Christin Christ

telestaitelestai

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoifrdquo here is rhetorical via the Greek construction It could just as easily be translated ldquoseeing that you are continuing in your faithrdquo (Not a ldquoyou can lose your salvationrdquo reference at all)

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~established ~ a strong foundationfirm ~ settledunmovablenot moved ~ not moving around

You have made a clear definite choice

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

obvious hyperbole

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic 15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic

No we cannot

We must therefore prove demonstratively everything about Christ

Live worthy of the calling you have received

(His being God and all and our being reconciled to him through what he has done he can

probably enable this worthy living thing )

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of the devoted skeptic No we cannot

We must therefore prove Christ demonstratively

Live worthy of the calling you have received

Exactly who are we dealing within the person and work of Christ

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
• Slide 2
• Slide 3
• Slide 4
• Slide 5
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John 114John 114The Word became flesh and made his dwelling The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among among us We have seen his glory the glory of the One us We have seen his glory the glory of the One and Only who came from the Father full of and Only who came from the Father full of grace and truthgrace and truth

The Word The Word fleshflesh became ~ anti-gnostic emphasis became ~ anti-gnostic emphasisdwelling ~ the idea of pitching a tent a dwelling ~ the idea of pitching a tent a temporary locationtemporary locationOne and Only ~ only begotten there has never One and Only ~ only begotten there has never been nor been nor will there ever be others Jesus will there ever be others Jesus is it the is it the exclusive way truth and life exclusive way truth and life

15He is the image of the invisible GodImage think in terms of a picture like that of Caesar on a coin Jesus is all of God that we can seecomprehend to deal with God you have to deal with JesusGod is by nature of his being infinite and eternaltimeless beyond our greatest imaginings Christ is the best revelation of God that there can be

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation

Firstborn does not mean ldquoborn firstrdquo but rather is a term of the position of absolute equality with onersquos father If onersquos father passes from the scene the ldquofirstbornrdquo takes overIsaac and Ishmael Joseph and ReubenSimeonLeviJudah

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

Genesis 11In the beginning God created

Isaiah 425This is what God the LORD saysmdash he who created the heavens and stretched them out who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it who gives breath to its people

and life to those who walk on it

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

before ~ pros in front of before of place time or superiorityhold together ~ sunistaemi to bringplace together (3rdsingperfactind)

If Jesus is the creator then it follows that all of creation only finds fulfillmentpurpose by aligning itself with him Chaos it the alternative

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church

church ~ ekklesia the group of citizens called together to discuss the affairs of state Christ is the head and gives it leadership and visiondirection

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

beginning ~ the idea of origin

firstborn ~ again not ldquoborn firstrdquo There were others who came back to life before Jesus did

Who or what is supreme in my life

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

dwell ~ the idea here is of a fixed settled dwelling This flies in the face of the Gnostic idea that the Christ-spirit merely alighted on the man Jesus The Word indeed became flesh Yes this is a mystery

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

The purpose of Christrsquos coming was reconciliation being the way the truth and life He took all of the initiative To what degree is the non-human aspect of creation affected by the fall (See Romans 8)To what degree was heaven affected by the fall

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The one who is offended has born the burden to make the reconciliation possible offering it to allldquoshedding of bloodrdquo ~ a simple reference to death (122)

tangent

Every drop of blood which flowed in Jesusrsquo body is Every drop of blood which flowed in Jesusrsquo body is still in existence just as fresh as it was when it flowed still in existence just as fresh as it was when it flowed from His wounded brow and hands and feet and side from His wounded brow and hands and feet and side The blood that flowed from His unbroken skin in The blood that flowed from His unbroken skin in Gethsemane the blood that was smeared about His Gethsemane the blood that was smeared about His back as the cruel weighted thongs cut through His back as the cruel weighted thongs cut through His flesh as the flagellator scourged Him the blood that flesh as the flagellator scourged Him the blood that oozed out under the thorny crown and flowed from oozed out under the thorny crown and flowed from His hands His head His feet was never destroyed for His hands His head His feet was never destroyed for it was incorruptible bloodit was incorruptible blood

article on the blood of article on the blood of ChristChrist

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The death of the infinite One is sufficient to cover the penalty for an infinite measure of the finite fallen

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquofrom Godrdquo has been added here to the Greek text This alienation this estrangement isnrsquot just in relation to God The effect of our sinfulness has affected all relationships negatively

Observe the relation damage in Genesis 3

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Verses 21 amp 22 are one thought like Romans 56

You see at just the right time when we were still powerless

Christ died for the ungodly

We can do nothing to merit our reconciliation to GodWe only have the abilityopportunity to surrender to

it

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ephesians 21-5 As for you you were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient All of us also lived among them at one time gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts Like the rest we were by nature objects of wrath But because of his great love for us God who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions mdashit is by grace you have been saved

2121Once you were alienated from God and were Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior behavior 2222But now he has reconciled you by But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusationaccusation mdash mdash 2323if you continue in your faith if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servantservant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the fleshrdquo fleshrdquo

anti-gnostic statementanti-gnostic statement

holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us in Christin Christ

telestaitelestai

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoifrdquo here is rhetorical via the Greek construction It could just as easily be translated ldquoseeing that you are continuing in your faithrdquo (Not a ldquoyou can lose your salvationrdquo reference at all)

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~established ~ a strong foundationfirm ~ settledunmovablenot moved ~ not moving around

You have made a clear definite choice

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

obvious hyperbole

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic 15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic

No we cannot

We must therefore prove demonstratively everything about Christ

Live worthy of the calling you have received

(His being God and all and our being reconciled to him through what he has done he can

probably enable this worthy living thing )

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of the devoted skeptic No we cannot

We must therefore prove Christ demonstratively

Live worthy of the calling you have received

Exactly who are we dealing within the person and work of Christ

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation

Firstborn does not mean ldquoborn firstrdquo but rather is a term of the position of absolute equality with onersquos father If onersquos father passes from the scene the ldquofirstbornrdquo takes overIsaac and Ishmael Joseph and ReubenSimeonLeviJudah

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

Genesis 11In the beginning God created

Isaiah 425This is what God the LORD saysmdash he who created the heavens and stretched them out who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it who gives breath to its people

and life to those who walk on it

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

before ~ pros in front of before of place time or superiorityhold together ~ sunistaemi to bringplace together (3rdsingperfactind)

If Jesus is the creator then it follows that all of creation only finds fulfillmentpurpose by aligning itself with him Chaos it the alternative

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church

church ~ ekklesia the group of citizens called together to discuss the affairs of state Christ is the head and gives it leadership and visiondirection

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

beginning ~ the idea of origin

firstborn ~ again not ldquoborn firstrdquo There were others who came back to life before Jesus did

Who or what is supreme in my life

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

dwell ~ the idea here is of a fixed settled dwelling This flies in the face of the Gnostic idea that the Christ-spirit merely alighted on the man Jesus The Word indeed became flesh Yes this is a mystery

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

The purpose of Christrsquos coming was reconciliation being the way the truth and life He took all of the initiative To what degree is the non-human aspect of creation affected by the fall (See Romans 8)To what degree was heaven affected by the fall

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The one who is offended has born the burden to make the reconciliation possible offering it to allldquoshedding of bloodrdquo ~ a simple reference to death (122)

tangent

Every drop of blood which flowed in Jesusrsquo body is Every drop of blood which flowed in Jesusrsquo body is still in existence just as fresh as it was when it flowed still in existence just as fresh as it was when it flowed from His wounded brow and hands and feet and side from His wounded brow and hands and feet and side The blood that flowed from His unbroken skin in The blood that flowed from His unbroken skin in Gethsemane the blood that was smeared about His Gethsemane the blood that was smeared about His back as the cruel weighted thongs cut through His back as the cruel weighted thongs cut through His flesh as the flagellator scourged Him the blood that flesh as the flagellator scourged Him the blood that oozed out under the thorny crown and flowed from oozed out under the thorny crown and flowed from His hands His head His feet was never destroyed for His hands His head His feet was never destroyed for it was incorruptible bloodit was incorruptible blood

article on the blood of article on the blood of ChristChrist

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The death of the infinite One is sufficient to cover the penalty for an infinite measure of the finite fallen

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquofrom Godrdquo has been added here to the Greek text This alienation this estrangement isnrsquot just in relation to God The effect of our sinfulness has affected all relationships negatively

Observe the relation damage in Genesis 3

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Verses 21 amp 22 are one thought like Romans 56

You see at just the right time when we were still powerless

Christ died for the ungodly

We can do nothing to merit our reconciliation to GodWe only have the abilityopportunity to surrender to

it

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ephesians 21-5 As for you you were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient All of us also lived among them at one time gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts Like the rest we were by nature objects of wrath But because of his great love for us God who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions mdashit is by grace you have been saved

2121Once you were alienated from God and were Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior behavior 2222But now he has reconciled you by But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusationaccusation mdash mdash 2323if you continue in your faith if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servantservant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the fleshrdquo fleshrdquo

anti-gnostic statementanti-gnostic statement

holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us in Christin Christ

telestaitelestai

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoifrdquo here is rhetorical via the Greek construction It could just as easily be translated ldquoseeing that you are continuing in your faithrdquo (Not a ldquoyou can lose your salvationrdquo reference at all)

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~established ~ a strong foundationfirm ~ settledunmovablenot moved ~ not moving around

You have made a clear definite choice

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

obvious hyperbole

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic 15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic

No we cannot

We must therefore prove demonstratively everything about Christ

Live worthy of the calling you have received

(His being God and all and our being reconciled to him through what he has done he can

probably enable this worthy living thing )

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of the devoted skeptic No we cannot

We must therefore prove Christ demonstratively

Live worthy of the calling you have received

Exactly who are we dealing within the person and work of Christ

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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• Slide 90
• Slide 91
• Slide 92
• Slide 93
• Slide 94
• Slide 95
• Slide 96
• Slide 97
• Slide 98

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

Genesis 11In the beginning God created

Isaiah 425This is what God the LORD saysmdash he who created the heavens and stretched them out who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it who gives breath to its people

and life to those who walk on it

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

before ~ pros in front of before of place time or superiorityhold together ~ sunistaemi to bringplace together (3rdsingperfactind)

If Jesus is the creator then it follows that all of creation only finds fulfillmentpurpose by aligning itself with him Chaos it the alternative

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church

church ~ ekklesia the group of citizens called together to discuss the affairs of state Christ is the head and gives it leadership and visiondirection

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

beginning ~ the idea of origin

firstborn ~ again not ldquoborn firstrdquo There were others who came back to life before Jesus did

Who or what is supreme in my life

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

dwell ~ the idea here is of a fixed settled dwelling This flies in the face of the Gnostic idea that the Christ-spirit merely alighted on the man Jesus The Word indeed became flesh Yes this is a mystery

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

The purpose of Christrsquos coming was reconciliation being the way the truth and life He took all of the initiative To what degree is the non-human aspect of creation affected by the fall (See Romans 8)To what degree was heaven affected by the fall

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The one who is offended has born the burden to make the reconciliation possible offering it to allldquoshedding of bloodrdquo ~ a simple reference to death (122)

tangent

Every drop of blood which flowed in Jesusrsquo body is Every drop of blood which flowed in Jesusrsquo body is still in existence just as fresh as it was when it flowed still in existence just as fresh as it was when it flowed from His wounded brow and hands and feet and side from His wounded brow and hands and feet and side The blood that flowed from His unbroken skin in The blood that flowed from His unbroken skin in Gethsemane the blood that was smeared about His Gethsemane the blood that was smeared about His back as the cruel weighted thongs cut through His back as the cruel weighted thongs cut through His flesh as the flagellator scourged Him the blood that flesh as the flagellator scourged Him the blood that oozed out under the thorny crown and flowed from oozed out under the thorny crown and flowed from His hands His head His feet was never destroyed for His hands His head His feet was never destroyed for it was incorruptible bloodit was incorruptible blood

article on the blood of article on the blood of ChristChrist

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The death of the infinite One is sufficient to cover the penalty for an infinite measure of the finite fallen

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquofrom Godrdquo has been added here to the Greek text This alienation this estrangement isnrsquot just in relation to God The effect of our sinfulness has affected all relationships negatively

Observe the relation damage in Genesis 3

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Verses 21 amp 22 are one thought like Romans 56

You see at just the right time when we were still powerless

Christ died for the ungodly

We can do nothing to merit our reconciliation to GodWe only have the abilityopportunity to surrender to

it

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ephesians 21-5 As for you you were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient All of us also lived among them at one time gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts Like the rest we were by nature objects of wrath But because of his great love for us God who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions mdashit is by grace you have been saved

2121Once you were alienated from God and were Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior behavior 2222But now he has reconciled you by But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusationaccusation mdash mdash 2323if you continue in your faith if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servantservant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the fleshrdquo fleshrdquo

anti-gnostic statementanti-gnostic statement

holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us in Christin Christ

telestaitelestai

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoifrdquo here is rhetorical via the Greek construction It could just as easily be translated ldquoseeing that you are continuing in your faithrdquo (Not a ldquoyou can lose your salvationrdquo reference at all)

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~established ~ a strong foundationfirm ~ settledunmovablenot moved ~ not moving around

You have made a clear definite choice

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

obvious hyperbole

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic 15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic

No we cannot

We must therefore prove demonstratively everything about Christ

Live worthy of the calling you have received

(His being God and all and our being reconciled to him through what he has done he can

probably enable this worthy living thing )

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of the devoted skeptic No we cannot

We must therefore prove Christ demonstratively

Live worthy of the calling you have received

Exactly who are we dealing within the person and work of Christ

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

before ~ pros in front of before of place time or superiorityhold together ~ sunistaemi to bringplace together (3rdsingperfactind)

If Jesus is the creator then it follows that all of creation only finds fulfillmentpurpose by aligning itself with him Chaos it the alternative

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church

church ~ ekklesia the group of citizens called together to discuss the affairs of state Christ is the head and gives it leadership and visiondirection

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

beginning ~ the idea of origin

firstborn ~ again not ldquoborn firstrdquo There were others who came back to life before Jesus did

Who or what is supreme in my life

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

dwell ~ the idea here is of a fixed settled dwelling This flies in the face of the Gnostic idea that the Christ-spirit merely alighted on the man Jesus The Word indeed became flesh Yes this is a mystery

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

The purpose of Christrsquos coming was reconciliation being the way the truth and life He took all of the initiative To what degree is the non-human aspect of creation affected by the fall (See Romans 8)To what degree was heaven affected by the fall

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The one who is offended has born the burden to make the reconciliation possible offering it to allldquoshedding of bloodrdquo ~ a simple reference to death (122)

tangent

Every drop of blood which flowed in Jesusrsquo body is Every drop of blood which flowed in Jesusrsquo body is still in existence just as fresh as it was when it flowed still in existence just as fresh as it was when it flowed from His wounded brow and hands and feet and side from His wounded brow and hands and feet and side The blood that flowed from His unbroken skin in The blood that flowed from His unbroken skin in Gethsemane the blood that was smeared about His Gethsemane the blood that was smeared about His back as the cruel weighted thongs cut through His back as the cruel weighted thongs cut through His flesh as the flagellator scourged Him the blood that flesh as the flagellator scourged Him the blood that oozed out under the thorny crown and flowed from oozed out under the thorny crown and flowed from His hands His head His feet was never destroyed for His hands His head His feet was never destroyed for it was incorruptible bloodit was incorruptible blood

article on the blood of article on the blood of ChristChrist

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The death of the infinite One is sufficient to cover the penalty for an infinite measure of the finite fallen

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquofrom Godrdquo has been added here to the Greek text This alienation this estrangement isnrsquot just in relation to God The effect of our sinfulness has affected all relationships negatively

Observe the relation damage in Genesis 3

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Verses 21 amp 22 are one thought like Romans 56

You see at just the right time when we were still powerless

Christ died for the ungodly

We can do nothing to merit our reconciliation to GodWe only have the abilityopportunity to surrender to

it

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ephesians 21-5 As for you you were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient All of us also lived among them at one time gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts Like the rest we were by nature objects of wrath But because of his great love for us God who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions mdashit is by grace you have been saved

2121Once you were alienated from God and were Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior behavior 2222But now he has reconciled you by But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusationaccusation mdash mdash 2323if you continue in your faith if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servantservant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the fleshrdquo fleshrdquo

anti-gnostic statementanti-gnostic statement

holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us in Christin Christ

telestaitelestai

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoifrdquo here is rhetorical via the Greek construction It could just as easily be translated ldquoseeing that you are continuing in your faithrdquo (Not a ldquoyou can lose your salvationrdquo reference at all)

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~established ~ a strong foundationfirm ~ settledunmovablenot moved ~ not moving around

You have made a clear definite choice

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

obvious hyperbole

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic 15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic

No we cannot

We must therefore prove demonstratively everything about Christ

Live worthy of the calling you have received

(His being God and all and our being reconciled to him through what he has done he can

probably enable this worthy living thing )

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of the devoted skeptic No we cannot

We must therefore prove Christ demonstratively

Live worthy of the calling you have received

Exactly who are we dealing within the person and work of Christ

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church

church ~ ekklesia the group of citizens called together to discuss the affairs of state Christ is the head and gives it leadership and visiondirection

15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

beginning ~ the idea of origin

firstborn ~ again not ldquoborn firstrdquo There were others who came back to life before Jesus did

Who or what is supreme in my life

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

dwell ~ the idea here is of a fixed settled dwelling This flies in the face of the Gnostic idea that the Christ-spirit merely alighted on the man Jesus The Word indeed became flesh Yes this is a mystery

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

The purpose of Christrsquos coming was reconciliation being the way the truth and life He took all of the initiative To what degree is the non-human aspect of creation affected by the fall (See Romans 8)To what degree was heaven affected by the fall

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The one who is offended has born the burden to make the reconciliation possible offering it to allldquoshedding of bloodrdquo ~ a simple reference to death (122)

tangent

Every drop of blood which flowed in Jesusrsquo body is Every drop of blood which flowed in Jesusrsquo body is still in existence just as fresh as it was when it flowed still in existence just as fresh as it was when it flowed from His wounded brow and hands and feet and side from His wounded brow and hands and feet and side The blood that flowed from His unbroken skin in The blood that flowed from His unbroken skin in Gethsemane the blood that was smeared about His Gethsemane the blood that was smeared about His back as the cruel weighted thongs cut through His back as the cruel weighted thongs cut through His flesh as the flagellator scourged Him the blood that flesh as the flagellator scourged Him the blood that oozed out under the thorny crown and flowed from oozed out under the thorny crown and flowed from His hands His head His feet was never destroyed for His hands His head His feet was never destroyed for it was incorruptible bloodit was incorruptible blood

article on the blood of article on the blood of ChristChrist

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The death of the infinite One is sufficient to cover the penalty for an infinite measure of the finite fallen

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquofrom Godrdquo has been added here to the Greek text This alienation this estrangement isnrsquot just in relation to God The effect of our sinfulness has affected all relationships negatively

Observe the relation damage in Genesis 3

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Verses 21 amp 22 are one thought like Romans 56

You see at just the right time when we were still powerless

Christ died for the ungodly

We can do nothing to merit our reconciliation to GodWe only have the abilityopportunity to surrender to

it

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ephesians 21-5 As for you you were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient All of us also lived among them at one time gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts Like the rest we were by nature objects of wrath But because of his great love for us God who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions mdashit is by grace you have been saved

2121Once you were alienated from God and were Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior behavior 2222But now he has reconciled you by But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusationaccusation mdash mdash 2323if you continue in your faith if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servantservant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the fleshrdquo fleshrdquo

anti-gnostic statementanti-gnostic statement

holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us in Christin Christ

telestaitelestai

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoifrdquo here is rhetorical via the Greek construction It could just as easily be translated ldquoseeing that you are continuing in your faithrdquo (Not a ldquoyou can lose your salvationrdquo reference at all)

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~established ~ a strong foundationfirm ~ settledunmovablenot moved ~ not moving around

You have made a clear definite choice

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

obvious hyperbole

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic 15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic

No we cannot

We must therefore prove demonstratively everything about Christ

Live worthy of the calling you have received

(His being God and all and our being reconciled to him through what he has done he can

probably enable this worthy living thing )

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of the devoted skeptic No we cannot

We must therefore prove Christ demonstratively

Live worthy of the calling you have received

Exactly who are we dealing within the person and work of Christ

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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15He is the image of the invisible Godthe firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

beginning ~ the idea of origin

firstborn ~ again not ldquoborn firstrdquo There were others who came back to life before Jesus did

Who or what is supreme in my life

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

dwell ~ the idea here is of a fixed settled dwelling This flies in the face of the Gnostic idea that the Christ-spirit merely alighted on the man Jesus The Word indeed became flesh Yes this is a mystery

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

The purpose of Christrsquos coming was reconciliation being the way the truth and life He took all of the initiative To what degree is the non-human aspect of creation affected by the fall (See Romans 8)To what degree was heaven affected by the fall

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The one who is offended has born the burden to make the reconciliation possible offering it to allldquoshedding of bloodrdquo ~ a simple reference to death (122)

tangent

Every drop of blood which flowed in Jesusrsquo body is Every drop of blood which flowed in Jesusrsquo body is still in existence just as fresh as it was when it flowed still in existence just as fresh as it was when it flowed from His wounded brow and hands and feet and side from His wounded brow and hands and feet and side The blood that flowed from His unbroken skin in The blood that flowed from His unbroken skin in Gethsemane the blood that was smeared about His Gethsemane the blood that was smeared about His back as the cruel weighted thongs cut through His back as the cruel weighted thongs cut through His flesh as the flagellator scourged Him the blood that flesh as the flagellator scourged Him the blood that oozed out under the thorny crown and flowed from oozed out under the thorny crown and flowed from His hands His head His feet was never destroyed for His hands His head His feet was never destroyed for it was incorruptible bloodit was incorruptible blood

article on the blood of article on the blood of ChristChrist

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The death of the infinite One is sufficient to cover the penalty for an infinite measure of the finite fallen

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquofrom Godrdquo has been added here to the Greek text This alienation this estrangement isnrsquot just in relation to God The effect of our sinfulness has affected all relationships negatively

Observe the relation damage in Genesis 3

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Verses 21 amp 22 are one thought like Romans 56

You see at just the right time when we were still powerless

Christ died for the ungodly

We can do nothing to merit our reconciliation to GodWe only have the abilityopportunity to surrender to

it

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ephesians 21-5 As for you you were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient All of us also lived among them at one time gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts Like the rest we were by nature objects of wrath But because of his great love for us God who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions mdashit is by grace you have been saved

2121Once you were alienated from God and were Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior behavior 2222But now he has reconciled you by But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusationaccusation mdash mdash 2323if you continue in your faith if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servantservant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the fleshrdquo fleshrdquo

anti-gnostic statementanti-gnostic statement

holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us in Christin Christ

telestaitelestai

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoifrdquo here is rhetorical via the Greek construction It could just as easily be translated ldquoseeing that you are continuing in your faithrdquo (Not a ldquoyou can lose your salvationrdquo reference at all)

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~established ~ a strong foundationfirm ~ settledunmovablenot moved ~ not moving around

You have made a clear definite choice

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

obvious hyperbole

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic 15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic

No we cannot

We must therefore prove demonstratively everything about Christ

Live worthy of the calling you have received

(His being God and all and our being reconciled to him through what he has done he can

probably enable this worthy living thing )

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of the devoted skeptic No we cannot

We must therefore prove Christ demonstratively

Live worthy of the calling you have received

Exactly who are we dealing within the person and work of Christ

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

dwell ~ the idea here is of a fixed settled dwelling This flies in the face of the Gnostic idea that the Christ-spirit merely alighted on the man Jesus The Word indeed became flesh Yes this is a mystery

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

The purpose of Christrsquos coming was reconciliation being the way the truth and life He took all of the initiative To what degree is the non-human aspect of creation affected by the fall (See Romans 8)To what degree was heaven affected by the fall

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The one who is offended has born the burden to make the reconciliation possible offering it to allldquoshedding of bloodrdquo ~ a simple reference to death (122)

tangent

Every drop of blood which flowed in Jesusrsquo body is Every drop of blood which flowed in Jesusrsquo body is still in existence just as fresh as it was when it flowed still in existence just as fresh as it was when it flowed from His wounded brow and hands and feet and side from His wounded brow and hands and feet and side The blood that flowed from His unbroken skin in The blood that flowed from His unbroken skin in Gethsemane the blood that was smeared about His Gethsemane the blood that was smeared about His back as the cruel weighted thongs cut through His back as the cruel weighted thongs cut through His flesh as the flagellator scourged Him the blood that flesh as the flagellator scourged Him the blood that oozed out under the thorny crown and flowed from oozed out under the thorny crown and flowed from His hands His head His feet was never destroyed for His hands His head His feet was never destroyed for it was incorruptible bloodit was incorruptible blood

article on the blood of article on the blood of ChristChrist

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The death of the infinite One is sufficient to cover the penalty for an infinite measure of the finite fallen

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquofrom Godrdquo has been added here to the Greek text This alienation this estrangement isnrsquot just in relation to God The effect of our sinfulness has affected all relationships negatively

Observe the relation damage in Genesis 3

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Verses 21 amp 22 are one thought like Romans 56

You see at just the right time when we were still powerless

Christ died for the ungodly

We can do nothing to merit our reconciliation to GodWe only have the abilityopportunity to surrender to

it

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ephesians 21-5 As for you you were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient All of us also lived among them at one time gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts Like the rest we were by nature objects of wrath But because of his great love for us God who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions mdashit is by grace you have been saved

2121Once you were alienated from God and were Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior behavior 2222But now he has reconciled you by But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusationaccusation mdash mdash 2323if you continue in your faith if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servantservant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the fleshrdquo fleshrdquo

anti-gnostic statementanti-gnostic statement

holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us in Christin Christ

telestaitelestai

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoifrdquo here is rhetorical via the Greek construction It could just as easily be translated ldquoseeing that you are continuing in your faithrdquo (Not a ldquoyou can lose your salvationrdquo reference at all)

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~established ~ a strong foundationfirm ~ settledunmovablenot moved ~ not moving around

You have made a clear definite choice

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

obvious hyperbole

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic 15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic

No we cannot

We must therefore prove demonstratively everything about Christ

Live worthy of the calling you have received

(His being God and all and our being reconciled to him through what he has done he can

probably enable this worthy living thing )

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of the devoted skeptic No we cannot

We must therefore prove Christ demonstratively

Live worthy of the calling you have received

Exactly who are we dealing within the person and work of Christ

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

The purpose of Christrsquos coming was reconciliation being the way the truth and life He took all of the initiative To what degree is the non-human aspect of creation affected by the fall (See Romans 8)To what degree was heaven affected by the fall

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The one who is offended has born the burden to make the reconciliation possible offering it to allldquoshedding of bloodrdquo ~ a simple reference to death (122)

tangent

Every drop of blood which flowed in Jesusrsquo body is Every drop of blood which flowed in Jesusrsquo body is still in existence just as fresh as it was when it flowed still in existence just as fresh as it was when it flowed from His wounded brow and hands and feet and side from His wounded brow and hands and feet and side The blood that flowed from His unbroken skin in The blood that flowed from His unbroken skin in Gethsemane the blood that was smeared about His Gethsemane the blood that was smeared about His back as the cruel weighted thongs cut through His back as the cruel weighted thongs cut through His flesh as the flagellator scourged Him the blood that flesh as the flagellator scourged Him the blood that oozed out under the thorny crown and flowed from oozed out under the thorny crown and flowed from His hands His head His feet was never destroyed for His hands His head His feet was never destroyed for it was incorruptible bloodit was incorruptible blood

article on the blood of article on the blood of ChristChrist

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The death of the infinite One is sufficient to cover the penalty for an infinite measure of the finite fallen

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquofrom Godrdquo has been added here to the Greek text This alienation this estrangement isnrsquot just in relation to God The effect of our sinfulness has affected all relationships negatively

Observe the relation damage in Genesis 3

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Verses 21 amp 22 are one thought like Romans 56

You see at just the right time when we were still powerless

Christ died for the ungodly

We can do nothing to merit our reconciliation to GodWe only have the abilityopportunity to surrender to

it

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ephesians 21-5 As for you you were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient All of us also lived among them at one time gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts Like the rest we were by nature objects of wrath But because of his great love for us God who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions mdashit is by grace you have been saved

2121Once you were alienated from God and were Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior behavior 2222But now he has reconciled you by But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusationaccusation mdash mdash 2323if you continue in your faith if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servantservant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the fleshrdquo fleshrdquo

anti-gnostic statementanti-gnostic statement

holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us in Christin Christ

telestaitelestai

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoifrdquo here is rhetorical via the Greek construction It could just as easily be translated ldquoseeing that you are continuing in your faithrdquo (Not a ldquoyou can lose your salvationrdquo reference at all)

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~established ~ a strong foundationfirm ~ settledunmovablenot moved ~ not moving around

You have made a clear definite choice

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

obvious hyperbole

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic 15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic

No we cannot

We must therefore prove demonstratively everything about Christ

Live worthy of the calling you have received

(His being God and all and our being reconciled to him through what he has done he can

probably enable this worthy living thing )

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of the devoted skeptic No we cannot

We must therefore prove Christ demonstratively

Live worthy of the calling you have received

Exactly who are we dealing within the person and work of Christ

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The one who is offended has born the burden to make the reconciliation possible offering it to allldquoshedding of bloodrdquo ~ a simple reference to death (122)

tangent

Every drop of blood which flowed in Jesusrsquo body is Every drop of blood which flowed in Jesusrsquo body is still in existence just as fresh as it was when it flowed still in existence just as fresh as it was when it flowed from His wounded brow and hands and feet and side from His wounded brow and hands and feet and side The blood that flowed from His unbroken skin in The blood that flowed from His unbroken skin in Gethsemane the blood that was smeared about His Gethsemane the blood that was smeared about His back as the cruel weighted thongs cut through His back as the cruel weighted thongs cut through His flesh as the flagellator scourged Him the blood that flesh as the flagellator scourged Him the blood that oozed out under the thorny crown and flowed from oozed out under the thorny crown and flowed from His hands His head His feet was never destroyed for His hands His head His feet was never destroyed for it was incorruptible bloodit was incorruptible blood

article on the blood of article on the blood of ChristChrist

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The death of the infinite One is sufficient to cover the penalty for an infinite measure of the finite fallen

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquofrom Godrdquo has been added here to the Greek text This alienation this estrangement isnrsquot just in relation to God The effect of our sinfulness has affected all relationships negatively

Observe the relation damage in Genesis 3

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Verses 21 amp 22 are one thought like Romans 56

You see at just the right time when we were still powerless

Christ died for the ungodly

We can do nothing to merit our reconciliation to GodWe only have the abilityopportunity to surrender to

it

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ephesians 21-5 As for you you were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient All of us also lived among them at one time gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts Like the rest we were by nature objects of wrath But because of his great love for us God who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions mdashit is by grace you have been saved

2121Once you were alienated from God and were Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior behavior 2222But now he has reconciled you by But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusationaccusation mdash mdash 2323if you continue in your faith if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servantservant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the fleshrdquo fleshrdquo

anti-gnostic statementanti-gnostic statement

holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us in Christin Christ

telestaitelestai

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoifrdquo here is rhetorical via the Greek construction It could just as easily be translated ldquoseeing that you are continuing in your faithrdquo (Not a ldquoyou can lose your salvationrdquo reference at all)

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~established ~ a strong foundationfirm ~ settledunmovablenot moved ~ not moving around

You have made a clear definite choice

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

obvious hyperbole

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic 15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic

No we cannot

We must therefore prove demonstratively everything about Christ

Live worthy of the calling you have received

(His being God and all and our being reconciled to him through what he has done he can

probably enable this worthy living thing )

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of the devoted skeptic No we cannot

We must therefore prove Christ demonstratively

Live worthy of the calling you have received

Exactly who are we dealing within the person and work of Christ

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The death of the infinite One is sufficient to cover the penalty for an infinite measure of the finite fallen

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquofrom Godrdquo has been added here to the Greek text This alienation this estrangement isnrsquot just in relation to God The effect of our sinfulness has affected all relationships negatively

Observe the relation damage in Genesis 3

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Verses 21 amp 22 are one thought like Romans 56

You see at just the right time when we were still powerless

Christ died for the ungodly

We can do nothing to merit our reconciliation to GodWe only have the abilityopportunity to surrender to

it

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ephesians 21-5 As for you you were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient All of us also lived among them at one time gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts Like the rest we were by nature objects of wrath But because of his great love for us God who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions mdashit is by grace you have been saved

2121Once you were alienated from God and were Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior behavior 2222But now he has reconciled you by But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusationaccusation mdash mdash 2323if you continue in your faith if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servantservant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the fleshrdquo fleshrdquo

anti-gnostic statementanti-gnostic statement

holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us in Christin Christ

telestaitelestai

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoifrdquo here is rhetorical via the Greek construction It could just as easily be translated ldquoseeing that you are continuing in your faithrdquo (Not a ldquoyou can lose your salvationrdquo reference at all)

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~established ~ a strong foundationfirm ~ settledunmovablenot moved ~ not moving around

You have made a clear definite choice

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

obvious hyperbole

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic 15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic

No we cannot

We must therefore prove demonstratively everything about Christ

Live worthy of the calling you have received

(His being God and all and our being reconciled to him through what he has done he can

probably enable this worthy living thing )

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of the devoted skeptic No we cannot

We must therefore prove Christ demonstratively

Live worthy of the calling you have received

Exactly who are we dealing within the person and work of Christ

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquofrom Godrdquo has been added here to the Greek text This alienation this estrangement isnrsquot just in relation to God The effect of our sinfulness has affected all relationships negatively

Observe the relation damage in Genesis 3

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Verses 21 amp 22 are one thought like Romans 56

You see at just the right time when we were still powerless

Christ died for the ungodly

We can do nothing to merit our reconciliation to GodWe only have the abilityopportunity to surrender to

it

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ephesians 21-5 As for you you were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient All of us also lived among them at one time gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts Like the rest we were by nature objects of wrath But because of his great love for us God who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions mdashit is by grace you have been saved

2121Once you were alienated from God and were Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior behavior 2222But now he has reconciled you by But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusationaccusation mdash mdash 2323if you continue in your faith if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servantservant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the fleshrdquo fleshrdquo

anti-gnostic statementanti-gnostic statement

holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us in Christin Christ

telestaitelestai

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoifrdquo here is rhetorical via the Greek construction It could just as easily be translated ldquoseeing that you are continuing in your faithrdquo (Not a ldquoyou can lose your salvationrdquo reference at all)

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~established ~ a strong foundationfirm ~ settledunmovablenot moved ~ not moving around

You have made a clear definite choice

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

obvious hyperbole

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic 15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic

No we cannot

We must therefore prove demonstratively everything about Christ

Live worthy of the calling you have received

(His being God and all and our being reconciled to him through what he has done he can

probably enable this worthy living thing )

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of the devoted skeptic No we cannot

We must therefore prove Christ demonstratively

Live worthy of the calling you have received

Exactly who are we dealing within the person and work of Christ

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Verses 21 amp 22 are one thought like Romans 56

You see at just the right time when we were still powerless

Christ died for the ungodly

We can do nothing to merit our reconciliation to GodWe only have the abilityopportunity to surrender to

it

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ephesians 21-5 As for you you were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient All of us also lived among them at one time gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts Like the rest we were by nature objects of wrath But because of his great love for us God who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions mdashit is by grace you have been saved

2121Once you were alienated from God and were Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior behavior 2222But now he has reconciled you by But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusationaccusation mdash mdash 2323if you continue in your faith if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servantservant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the fleshrdquo fleshrdquo

anti-gnostic statementanti-gnostic statement

holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us in Christin Christ

telestaitelestai

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoifrdquo here is rhetorical via the Greek construction It could just as easily be translated ldquoseeing that you are continuing in your faithrdquo (Not a ldquoyou can lose your salvationrdquo reference at all)

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~established ~ a strong foundationfirm ~ settledunmovablenot moved ~ not moving around

You have made a clear definite choice

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

obvious hyperbole

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic 15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic

No we cannot

We must therefore prove demonstratively everything about Christ

Live worthy of the calling you have received

(His being God and all and our being reconciled to him through what he has done he can

probably enable this worthy living thing )

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of the devoted skeptic No we cannot

We must therefore prove Christ demonstratively

Live worthy of the calling you have received

Exactly who are we dealing within the person and work of Christ

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~Ephesians 21-5 As for you you were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient All of us also lived among them at one time gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts Like the rest we were by nature objects of wrath But because of his great love for us God who is rich in mercy made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions mdashit is by grace you have been saved

2121Once you were alienated from God and were Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior behavior 2222But now he has reconciled you by But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusationaccusation mdash mdash 2323if you continue in your faith if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servantservant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the fleshrdquo fleshrdquo

anti-gnostic statementanti-gnostic statement

holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us in Christin Christ

telestaitelestai

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoifrdquo here is rhetorical via the Greek construction It could just as easily be translated ldquoseeing that you are continuing in your faithrdquo (Not a ldquoyou can lose your salvationrdquo reference at all)

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~established ~ a strong foundationfirm ~ settledunmovablenot moved ~ not moving around

You have made a clear definite choice

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

obvious hyperbole

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic 15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic

No we cannot

We must therefore prove demonstratively everything about Christ

Live worthy of the calling you have received

(His being God and all and our being reconciled to him through what he has done he can

probably enable this worthy living thing )

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of the devoted skeptic No we cannot

We must therefore prove Christ demonstratively

Live worthy of the calling you have received

Exactly who are we dealing within the person and work of Christ

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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2121Once you were alienated from God and were Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior behavior 2222But now he has reconciled you by But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusationaccusation mdash mdash 2323if you continue in your faith if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servantservant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the The Greek here literally says ldquoin the body of the fleshrdquo fleshrdquo

anti-gnostic statementanti-gnostic statement

holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us holy blemishless and blameless ~ how God sees us in Christin Christ

telestaitelestai

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoifrdquo here is rhetorical via the Greek construction It could just as easily be translated ldquoseeing that you are continuing in your faithrdquo (Not a ldquoyou can lose your salvationrdquo reference at all)

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~established ~ a strong foundationfirm ~ settledunmovablenot moved ~ not moving around

You have made a clear definite choice

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

obvious hyperbole

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic 15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic

No we cannot

We must therefore prove demonstratively everything about Christ

Live worthy of the calling you have received

(His being God and all and our being reconciled to him through what he has done he can

probably enable this worthy living thing )

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of the devoted skeptic No we cannot

We must therefore prove Christ demonstratively

Live worthy of the calling you have received

Exactly who are we dealing within the person and work of Christ

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoifrdquo here is rhetorical via the Greek construction It could just as easily be translated ldquoseeing that you are continuing in your faithrdquo (Not a ldquoyou can lose your salvationrdquo reference at all)

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~established ~ a strong foundationfirm ~ settledunmovablenot moved ~ not moving around

You have made a clear definite choice

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

obvious hyperbole

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic 15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic

No we cannot

We must therefore prove demonstratively everything about Christ

Live worthy of the calling you have received

(His being God and all and our being reconciled to him through what he has done he can

probably enable this worthy living thing )

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of the devoted skeptic No we cannot

We must therefore prove Christ demonstratively

Live worthy of the calling you have received

Exactly who are we dealing within the person and work of Christ

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~established ~ a strong foundationfirm ~ settledunmovablenot moved ~ not moving around

You have made a clear definite choice

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

obvious hyperbole

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic 15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic

No we cannot

We must therefore prove demonstratively everything about Christ

Live worthy of the calling you have received

(His being God and all and our being reconciled to him through what he has done he can

probably enable this worthy living thing )

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of the devoted skeptic No we cannot

We must therefore prove Christ demonstratively

Live worthy of the calling you have received

Exactly who are we dealing within the person and work of Christ

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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• Slide 97
• Slide 98

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

obvious hyperbole

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic 15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic

No we cannot

We must therefore prove demonstratively everything about Christ

Live worthy of the calling you have received

(His being God and all and our being reconciled to him through what he has done he can

probably enable this worthy living thing )

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of the devoted skeptic No we cannot

We must therefore prove Christ demonstratively

Live worthy of the calling you have received

Exactly who are we dealing within the person and work of Christ

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic 15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic

No we cannot

We must therefore prove demonstratively everything about Christ

Live worthy of the calling you have received

(His being God and all and our being reconciled to him through what he has done he can

probably enable this worthy living thing )

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of the devoted skeptic No we cannot

We must therefore prove Christ demonstratively

Live worthy of the calling you have received

Exactly who are we dealing within the person and work of Christ

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of

the devoted skeptic

No we cannot

We must therefore prove demonstratively everything about Christ

Live worthy of the calling you have received

(His being God and all and our being reconciled to him through what he has done he can

probably enable this worthy living thing )

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of the devoted skeptic No we cannot

We must therefore prove Christ demonstratively

Live worthy of the calling you have received

Exactly who are we dealing within the person and work of Christ

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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• Slide 98

Can we absolutely prove empirically anything about Jesus to the satisfaction of the devoted skeptic No we cannot

We must therefore prove Christ demonstratively

Live worthy of the calling you have received

Exactly who are we dealing within the person and work of Christ

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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• Slide 98

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

Hebrews 13 The Son is the radiance of Godrsquos glory and the exact representation of his being sustaining all things by his powerful word

God is by nature beyond the detection of our senses In Christ we have all of God that we can be perceived with our senses

I John 11-3That which was from the beginning which we have heard which we have seen with our eyes which we have looked at and our hands have touched mdashthis we proclaim concerning the Word of life The life appeared we have seen it and testify to it and we proclaim to you the eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us

(ldquoappearedrdquo ~ openly shown)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

We must note that although the evidence of Jesus was as empirical as one could possibly have his identity was still rejected by the lsquosmart folksrsquo See John 1145-50

What the smart ones could not deal with was the life that the early Church lived The unbelief was so strong that the persecutions of Acts 8 broke out which only stoked the Fires

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

ldquoFirstbornrdquo does not means born-first The expression deals with total equality with ones father though in submission to him if he is living

This is an adjectival clause ldquotherdquo being added to make for easier reading and represents one thought with the previous expression

Here as well as with ldquoimagerdquo Jesus is the most of God that can be experience The will of the firstborn and that of the father are one in the same Is it the will of the father or the will of the son that dominates Yes

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

Go back to Genesis 11-2 ldquoNow the Earth was formless and empty rdquo

This covers all manner of refinement and organization Do you want to know how ldquoxrdquo should work

Seek the original

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him

ldquocreatedrdquo here goes way beyond mere ldquobringing into beingrdquo The word (ktizo) deals with organizing according to a functioning plan

This would include all manner of physical law and setting up how governments should function

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

17He is before all things and in him all things hold together

ldquobeforerdquo ~ pretty much any application of before works

whether of time priority place authority et al

What happens when first thing arenrsquot first

ldquoHold togetherrdquo ~ literally all have come together as in a unit

Is unity possible apart from Christ

See 311 The dividing walls no longer have meaning

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation 16For by him all things were created things in heaven and on earth visible and invisible whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities all things were created by him and for him 17He is before all things and in him all things hold together 18And he is the head of the body the church he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This seems to be out of synch with the rest of the paragraph which is completely ldquobig picturerdquo

oriented

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

18And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly summoned the legislative assembly

ldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living) a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

ldquoTribunician powers gave [Augustus] the right to call the senate to meetings to propose legislation in the popular assembly and to veto any enactments

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

(link to article)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

1818And he is the head of the body the church And he is the head of the body the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ldquoldquochurchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens churchrdquo ~ ekklesia an assembly of the citizens regularly regularly summoned the legislative summoned the legislative assemblyassembly

ldquoldquobodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas bodyrdquo ~ soma body corpse carcass (demas stresses living)stresses living) a material substance a material substance the whole or the mass of a thing the whole or the mass of a thing

ldquoldquoheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in chargeheadrdquo ~ in this case the leaderruler in charge

Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here Hugo thinks Paul is committing treason here gently stating that Jesus is over the political gently stating that Jesus is over the political structures even to the point of saying that Jesus structures even to the point of saying that Jesus is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13) is in charge and not Caesar (See Romans 13)

Link to online lexicon

Link to Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Huge statement Huge statement about the political about the political

spectrum spectrum

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ἀρχή (archē 746)ἀρχή (archē 746)1 beginning beginning origin 1 beginning beginning origin 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the 2 principality ndashies beginning of time the commencement of dignity the first place commencement of dignity the first place government the highest dignitaries of the State government the highest dignitaries of the State relates to the dignity of the position to its executive relates to the dignity of the position to its executive authority and power authority and power 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the 3 magistrate ndashs beginning spoken of persons the first primus first primus 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc 4 power ndashs beginning then spoken of dignity etc the first place that is to say the power rule the first place that is to say the power rule dominion dominion 5 principle ndashs beginning5 principle ndashs beginning6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first 6 rule [noun] beginning spoken of dignity the first place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence place that is to say power dominion pre-eminence precedence precedence 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the 7 corner beginning of time place or dignity the first in time order or rank also of place the first in time order or rank also of place the extremity the corner as of a sheet extremity the corner as of a sheet 8 first beginning commencement 9 first 8 first beginning commencement 9 first estate estate

Greek study tool

Jesus is Jesus is LordLord(Even (Even

today)today)

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead so that in everything he might have the the dead so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule He is supreme after death Hades doesnrsquot rule that realmthat realm

Greek study tool

1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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1515He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation over all creation

he is the beginning and the firstborn from among he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead the dead so that in everything he might have the so that in everything he might have the supremacy supremacy ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of This is a ldquomiddle voicerdquo conveying the idea of both performing and receiving the action both performing and receiving the action Who he is and what he does generates the Who he is and what he does generates the supremacy (firstness) that supremacy (firstness) that he receiveshe receives

It might be good to look at this as earned It might be good to look at this as earned ldquofirstnessrdquo ldquofirstnessrdquo that was deserved before it was earned but that was deserved before it was earned but that was earned nonethelessthat was earned nonetheless

Greek study tool

Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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Philippians 25-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ attitude should be the same as that of Christ JesusJesus Who being in very nature GodWho being in very nature God

did not consider equality with God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped something to be grasped but made himself nothingbut made himself nothing

taking the very nature of a servanttaking the very nature of a servant being made in human likenessbeing made in human likeness

And being found in appearance as a man And being found in appearance as a man he humbled himself he humbled himself and became obedient to death mdashand became obedient to death mdash

even death on a crosseven death on a cross Therefore God exalted him to the highest place Therefore God exalted him to the highest place

and gave him the name that is above every and gave him the name that is above every namename that at the name of Jesus every knee should bowthat at the name of Jesus every knee should bow

in heaven and on earth and under the earthin heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord

to the glory of God the Father to the glory of God the Father

Greek study tool

intrinsic intrinsic firstness

firstness

earned earned firstness firstness

declared declared firstness firstness

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him

In Jesus all that is God is crammed into a human being occurring at Jesus conception

When you are dealing with Jesus you are dealing with all of God (See John 14 9-13)

15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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15He is the image of the invisible God the firstborn over all creation

20and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven by making peace through his blood shed on the cross ~~~~~~~~~~

The offended makes up for the offense (no other way)

His reconciliatory act is so infinite that the location of sinrsquos damage is not relevant

The reconciliation initiated by God in Christ is made possible by his cross-blood (blood of the cross of him) his death for us

21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior 22But now he has reconciled you by Christrsquos physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation mdash 23if you continue in your faith established and firm not moved from the hope held out in the gospel This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I Paul have become a servant ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

parallel text is Ephesians 21-10verse 21 see Isaiah 59 verse 22 positional holiness (live up to it)verse 23 ldquoifrdquo here carries the idea of ldquoseeing thatrdquo

(not a conditional us of ldquoifrdquo) note the need to greater solidity as a part of living a worthy life

Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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Consider the wonder

The Almighty the Infinite the All-present the Source of knowledge itself the Alpha and Omega the Origin and the Completion the Creator of all that is visible and not visible whom we have defied via our sinful behavior and hearts became one of us without losing a speck of his being so that he could bear the price of a reconciliation that we could not make and that we do not deserve because he loves us and wants us to be with himself

Should we not then be seeking to honor him fully with all of our heart soul mind and strength Is there anything less that we should offer than to live the way that he meant us to live in the first place

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Light of the world you stepped down into

darkness opened my eyes let me see beauty that made this heart

adore You hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes(C) 2000 KingswayThankyou Music

CCLI 2572664

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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• Slide 98

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

King of all days oh so highly exalted

glorious in heaven above humbly you came

to the earth you created all for loversquos sake became

poor

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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• Slide 14
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• Slide 16
• Slide 17
• Slide 18
• Slide 19
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• Slide 97
• Slide 98

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Irsquoll never know how much it cost

to see my sin upon that cross

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

Lord herersquos my heart wonrsquot you make it and mold

it into the image of Christ

the least I can offer everything my God I offerLord I surrender to you

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

here I am to worship here I am to bow down

here I am to say that Yoursquore my God

yoursquore altogether lovely altogether worthy

altogether wonderful to me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Hebrews 1011-12Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties again and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God

tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of tetelestai ~ from teleo which deals with the idea of paying in full completing the contract what is owed paying in full completing the contract what is owed The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) The grammar here (perfect passive indicative) conveys that this completion is and remains conveys that this completion is and remains accomplished by someone other than the one who is accomplished by someone other than the one who is responsible for the completion (see John 1930)responsible for the completion (see John 1930)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Timothy 310-13You however know all about my teaching my way of life my purpose faith patience love endurance persecutions sufferings mdash what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch Iconium and Lystra the persecutions I endured Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them In fact everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse deceiving and being deceived

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

2 Corinthians 13-11 5For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives so also through Christ our comfort overflows

8We do not want you to be uninformed brothers about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia We were under great pressure far beyond our ability to endure so that we despaired even of life 9Indeed in our hearts we felt the sentence of death But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God who raises the dead

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Matthew 10 17ldquoBe on your guard against men they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues 18On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles 19But when they arrest you do not worry about what to say or how to say it At that time you will be given what to say 20for it will not be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

The Book of Acts

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was This does not mean that the sacrifice of Christ was incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 incomplete in the least See Hebrews 101-18 tetelestai tetelestai

Recall that Paul is writing this during his 45 year confinement

(Also see II Corinthians 1116-1210)

This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos This suffering is directly related to resistance to onersquos faith and the telling of it and not related to the faith and the telling of it and not related to the ldquonormal human conditionrdquoldquonormal human conditionrdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Nothing grows without costNothing grows without cost

Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to Ekklesia ~ we are by nature a counter movement to the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are the direction of the world 1 Peter 2 4-12 We are his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a his assembly an ekklesia of hearts committed to a Kingdom that supersedes all others Kingdom that supersedes all others

Nothing of worth grows without cost Nothing of worth grows without cost

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized occasional and localized

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsafflictions for the for the sake of his body which is the church sake of his body which is the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been Persecution of Christrsquos ekklesia has usually been occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe occasional and localized It can nonetheless be severe

Asai Bibi under a deathAsai Bibi under a death Pastor Shi Enhao Maryam Rustampoor sentence in Pakistan sentence in Pakistan has been sentenced amp amp Marzieh Amirizadeh to two years of jailed in Iran for ldquore-educationrdquo 8 months in a labour camp

More on More on IranianIranian

persecutionspersecutions

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictionsChristrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is for the sake of his body which is the church the church ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

William Dembski William Dembski Ben SteinBen Stein David CoppedgeDavid Coppedge

Daring to questionDaring to question(These men are listed only to show that there are (These men are listed only to show that there are

consequences to defying accepted dogmas)consequences to defying accepted dogmas)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 915-16Acts 915-16 15But the Lord said to Ananias ldquoGo This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel I will show him how much he must suffer for my namerdquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Paulrsquos commission Paulrsquos commission Acts 2616-18Acts 2616-18 16lsquoNow get up and stand on your feet I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you 17I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in mersquo

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planEphesians 32-6Surely you have heard about the administration of Godrsquos grace that was given to me for you 3that is the mystery made known to me by revelation as I have already written briefly 4In reading this then you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ 5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to Godrsquos holy apostles and prophets 6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel members together of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus o

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planI Peter 110-12 10Concerning this salvation the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you searched intently and with the greatest care 11trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven Even angels long to look into these things

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the planWhy was it kept secret until JesusWhy was it kept secret until JesusWe have a great track record of disastrously meddling in Godrsquos plans

Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces Our hearts were too hard to assemble the pieces See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 See I Corinthians 26-8 amp II Corinthians 312 ndash 46 John 625-70John 625-70

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saintsdisclosed to the saints ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The lid is off of the planThe lid is off of the plan

disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday disclosed ~ openly revealed (like opening a birthday present at present at the party) the party)

This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1)This disclosure is a one time complete thing (Heb1) (aorist tense) (aorist tense)

How is the mystery made knownHow is the mystery made known Through worthy living Through worthy living (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel (see verses 19-13 Phil 214-16 No bushel baskets)baskets)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mysteryJesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin Jesus God incarnate being the sacrifice for Sin (Romans 1625)(Romans 1625)Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians Salvation is for everyone (Romans 1626 Ephesians 32-13)32-13)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)This life is not the end (I Corinthians 1550-58)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)All things willing will be under Jesus (Ephesians 19)

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The mysteryThe mystery

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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• Slide 89
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• Slide 93
• Slide 94
• Slide 95
• Slide 96
• Slide 97
• Slide 98

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory 2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

2424Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is Christrsquos afflictions for the sake of his body which is the church the church 2525I have become its servant by the I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullnessmdash of God in its fullnessmdash 2626the mystery that has been the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the saints disclosed to the saints 2727To them God has chosen to To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of of this mystery which is Christ in you the hope of glory glory

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ everyone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied proclaim ~ the idea of ldquoto anyonerdquo is implied ldquoeveryonerdquo ldquoeveryonerdquo precedes admonishing and teaching precedes admonishing and teaching admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo admonishing ~ it is not all ldquoJesus loves yourdquo teaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterteaching ~ there is a body of truth to masterpresent ~ as in a formal ceremonypresent ~ as in a formal ceremonyperfect ~ the idea of completenessperfect ~ the idea of completeness

2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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2828We proclaim him admonishing and teaching We proclaim him admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone perfect in Christeveryone perfect in Christ 2929To this end I labor To this end I labor struggling with all his energy which so powerfully struggling with all his energy which so powerfully works in meworks in me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~labor ~ working until you are wearylabor ~ working until you are wearystruggling ~ like competing in a conteststruggling ~ like competing in a contest

ldquoldquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquohis energy which energizes me in powerrdquo

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
• Slide 2
• Slide 3
• Slide 4
• Slide 5
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Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Persecution ~ We are against the flowPersecution ~ We are against the flowFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyFatigue ~ This life is not for the lazyLetting go ~ Why do we value poop Letting go ~ Why do we value poop (Greek (Greek skubalon)skubalon)

(In the end the Lie costs far far more)(In the end the Lie costs far far more)

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
• Slide 2
• Slide 3
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• Slide 5
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• Slide 89
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• Slide 91
• Slide 92
• Slide 93
• Slide 94
• Slide 95
• Slide 96
• Slide 97
• Slide 98

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

That the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat the price is fully paid ~ tetelestaiThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat everyoneanyone is as welcome as I amThat it is all about JesusThat it is all about Jesus

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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• Slide 90
• Slide 91
• Slide 92
• Slide 93
• Slide 94
• Slide 95
• Slide 96
• Slide 97
• Slide 98

Sometimes telling about the Truth can be Sometimes telling about the Truth can be costlycostly

Sometimes folks just donrsquot get itSometimes folks just donrsquot get it

We keep it up anywayWe keep it up anyway

Hebrews 1035-39 So do not throw away your confidence it will be richly rewarded You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what he has promised For in just a very little while ldquoHe who is coming will come and will not delay But my righteous one will live by faith And if he shrinks back I will not be pleased with himrdquo But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed but of those who believe and are saved

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mysterymay know the mystery c c of God namely Christ of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo This is a huge struggle for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be for Paul Perhaps the idea of ldquocontendrdquo needs to be incorporatedincorporatedPaul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from Paul is communicating this (along with Timothy) from prison where he is because of that exact kind of prison where he is because of that exact kind of thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He thing that he is doing in writing this letter (He doesnrsquot quit)doesnrsquot quit)There is also prayer as a means of contending for There is also prayer as a means of contending for othersothersCan you have an affect on those you have never Can you have an affect on those you have never even meteven met Can your contending reach beyond your location Can your contending reach beyond your location

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

• Slide 1
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11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an struggling ~ any conflict with the idea of peril an organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo organized conflict or ldquogamerdquo

Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the Do not think for a moment that the darkness is in the least content with having lost you Do not amuse least content with having lost you Do not amuse yourself with the notion that you will meet no yourself with the notion that you will meet no resistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christresistance as you seek to walk worthy of Christ

The world systemThe world systemThe old natureThe old natureSatanSatan

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christmay know the mystery of God namely Christ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~encouraged ~ called along side to aid encouraged ~ called along side to aid united ~ knit together united ~ knit together full riches ~ all that there is to understand full riches ~ all that there is to understand complete understanding ~ full assurance of complete understanding ~ full assurance of understandingunderstandingthe mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation the mystery of God ~ Jesus (review the incarnation and its purpose)and its purpose)

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledgeknowledge~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was If Jesus is the origin and originator of all that is was and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and will be (the ldquoarchaerdquo) then it follows that reason and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)and knowledge begin and end in him (See 115-20)

Any system of truth must recognize him in order to Any system of truth must recognize him in order to be validbe valid

Any true system of knowledge will lead to himAny true system of knowledge will lead to him

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) deceive ~ (deceit is always intentional) fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel fine sounding arguments ~ At first you feel overwhelmed but overwhelmed but then you draw away and studyreflect then you draw away and studyreflect

11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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11I want you to know how much I am struggling for I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally not met me personally 22My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love so that they may have the full and united in love so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding in order that they riches of complete understanding in order that they may know the mystery of God namely Christ may know the mystery of God namely Christ 33in in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge knowledge 44I tell you this so that no one may I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments deceive you by fine-sounding arguments 55For For though I am absent from you in body I am present though I am absent from you in body I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is are and how firm your faith in Christ is ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in absent ~ Paul is in prison not sleeping in

Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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Ephesians 610-13 Finally be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devilrsquos schemes For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything to stand

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