Milo – Page 20

The 365-Day Devotional Commentary

Exodus

INTRODUCTION
Exodus means “going out.” The book tells the story of the Israelites’ release from bondage in Egypt about 1450 B.C.
Exodus tells how God, faithful to the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, performed miracles to shatter the bonds holding His people. The fast-paced adventure moves quickly to Sinai. Here Exodus lingers, and in careful detail explores the Law that God gave His people to live by. This code was intended to teach the Israelites how to love God and how to love one another.
Exodus also introduces Moses, that towering Old Testament character who is revered in Judaism as the lawgiver, and whose faithfulness to God serves as a model for modern Christian laymen and leaders.
Most significant, however, is what Exodus reveals about God. God uses His power to redeem His people. God demands holiness from those who claim relationship with Him. And God provides a way for sinners to approach Him and be transformed.

GOD REVEALED TO MOSES
Exodus 1–4

“This is My name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation” (Ex. 3:15).

In these chapters we meet Moses. But most important, in these chapters we meet God, and learn His most personal name, I AM.

Overview
The Israelites multiplied in Egypt, but were enslaved (1:1–22). Moses was found and adopted by a princess (2:1–10), but as an adult he identified with his people and was forced to flee (vv. 11–25). When Moses was 80 years old, God revealed Himself to Moses as I AM. Bearing the divine name, Moses was sent to Pharaoh to win Israel’s freedom (3:1–22). Equipped with miraculous signs, a reluctant Moses returned to his people (4:1–31).

Understanding the Text
“The Israelites . . . multiplied greatly” Ex. 1:1–7. A family of 70 persons entered Egypt. Based on the number of men of military age reported in Numbers 1:46, there must have been between 2 and 3 million Israelites at the time of the Exodus!
“Multiplied greatly” suggests God’s reason for Israel’s sojourn in Egypt. Canaan served as a land bridge between Egypt and great northern empires. Armies marched across it and fought in its hills and valleys. If the Israelites had remained in Canaan, they could never have grown the population base needed to establish a nation.

“They put slave masters over them” Ex. 1:8–22. Initially the Israelites enjoyed a favored position in Egypt. They were settled in “the best part of the land” and many were employed by Pharaoh himself (cf. Gen. 47:5–6). Some time after Joseph’s death, however, the Israelites were enslaved. This passage emphasizes the terrible conditions under which God’s people were forced to live. Words and phrases like “oppress,” “forced labor,” “worked ruthlessly,” and “lives bitter with hard labor” are used. The ultimate oppression is seen in Pharaoh’s command that Hebrew boy babies be thrown into the Nile to drown!
The Israelites’ situation in Egypt is intended to mirror the spiritual condition of the human race. As Israel was in bondage to Egypt, so all humanity is in bondage to sin. Only the miracle-working power of God, which forced Israel’s release, can break the bonds forged by sin and make us truly free.

Moses Ex. 2:10. Moses is the dominant figure in Exodus and the next three Old Testament books. He was 80 years old when God commissioned him to deliver the Israelites, and he led God’s people for 40 years. We can learn much from Moses’ life, and will do so as we read Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The New Testament says Moses was “faithful as a servant in all God’s house” (Heb. 3:5). We can discover much about faithfulness in such revealing stories about Moses as are told in Exodus 32–33, Numbers 12, 16, and 21.

“He became her son” Ex. 2:1–10. This simple phrase reminds us that Moses, found by a princess, was adopted into Egypt’s royal family. As the princess’ son, Moses may even have had a claim to Egypt’s throne! Stephen repeated an accurate oral tradition when he said that “Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action” (Acts 7:22).
Despite his advantages, Moses identified with his oppressed people and their God. Hebrews 11:24–25 says that “by faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.”
This surely is one source of Moses’ greatness. His priorities were not shaped by wealth or privilege. He truly cared about God and about God’s people.

“He killed the Egyptian” Ex. 2:11–24. Despite Moses’ concern for his people, he apparently wavered until he was 40 years old. Then when Moses saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew he first glanced “this way and that and seeing no one” he then killed the Egyptian (v. 12). Moses was unready to take a public stand with the Hebrews, or to lead a slave uprising.
We can sympathize with Moses. How can anyone represent an oppressed people to their oppressors? Still, when even righteous anger is expressed in hostile acts, little is accomplished.

“Who am I?” Ex. 3:1–22 When God spoke to Moses from a bush that burned without being consumed, the 80-year-old seemed a very different person from the angry firebrand of age 40. Four decades of life in the desert had humbled Moses. The one-time prince of Egypt who dreamed great dreams had learned his limitations. When God said, “I am sending you to Pharaoh,” Moses replied, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”
The rest of the passage, which reports Moses’ dialogue with the Lord, shows how hesitant Moses was. Moses brought up difficulty after difficulty—a pattern that continues into Exodus 4 despite God’s repeated promises to be with Moses and bring him success.
Again we can identify with Moses. As we grow older, and discover our limitations, the dreams of youth fade away. We won’t be famous. Or rich. Or find the cure for cancer. Or become a well-known evangelist. As our early self-image shrinks, we find ourselves less willing to risk. Instead of opportunities we see problems. Instead of trying, we think of all the reasons why we are sure to fail.
This is what happened to Moses. Even promises from God weren’t quite enough to change a view that had developed over 40 years of failure. Yet in a sense it was Moses’ awareness of his weaknesses that made him suitable for God’s purpose! Moses had finally realized that there was nothing he could do. Now all Moses needed to learn was that God can do anything!
It’s the same with you and me. It’s healthy to acknowledge our weaknesses. But we need not dwell on them. What we really need to do is to fix our eyes on the Lord, and remember that there is nothing too hard for Him. Any task God may call you or me to do is a task that He can accomplish through us.

“What is that in your hand?” Ex. 4:1–9 Moses continued to object, focusing on his weaknesses rather than on God’s strength. Finally the Lord gave him three miraculous signs to serve as evidence to the Israelites that God truly had sent Moses.
The signs weren’t spectacular. And God chose simple things—the shepherd’s staff Moses carried. His own hand. Water from the river.
But what strikes me as special is the phrase “in your hand.” God took what Moses already had and transformed it.
We may not perform miracles. But God still takes what we have at hand and uses it to convince others that He is real.

“I will harden his heart” Ex. 4:18–23. Earlier God had given Moses repeated promises. Now He gives Moses a warning. Why? Sometimes human beings misunderstand the promises of God. We assume that God will make our lives easy and remove all the obstacles in our path. But God’s promises never imply that! Instead the promises of God express His commitment to be with us and help us when the obstacles are greatest! It is only in facing, and living through, pain and tragedy that we experience God’s faithfulness.

“The LORD . . . was about to kill him” Ex. 4:24–26. This puzzling event teaches an important lesson. Centuries before, God had commanded that male descendants of Abraham should be circumcised as a sign of their membership in the covenant community (Gen. 17:9–14). Moses had not yet circumcised his own sons. It seems likely Zipporah, his wife, had objected, for when Moses was taken deathly ill she apparently knew the reason, and acted immediately to circumcise her two boys. Her subsequent anger (Ex. 4:25) suggests she had been against the rite.
But why was it so important that Moses’ sons be circumcised? Because Moses was to be a leader. A spiritual leader in any era must himself be obedient to God.
If we are to be used by God, we must first be responsive to Him.

“And they believed” Ex. 4:27–31. The Israelites welcomed Moses and believed his promise of deliverance. It must have been encouraging to Moses. But this early response, as is often the case, would soon turn into angry accusations as things didn’t work out as the people of God expected.
Faith that counts is faith that persists, even when things seem to go wrong.

DEVOTIONAL
God Reveals Himself
(Ex. 3)
When Moses held back, fearful, on the doorstep of commitment, God told Moses His name.
In biblical times names had meaning. They were intended to convey something of the identity, the essence, of the thing or person named. So when God told Moses the name by which He was to be known “forever”—the name “by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation” (v. 15)-that revelation was significant.
The name the Lord revealed was “I AM.” We know it as Jehovah or Yahweh. Wherever most English versions have LORD, the Hebrew reads “I AM.”
That name is constructed on the Hebrew verb “to be,” and is best taken to mean “The God Who Is Always Present.” God, who was with Abraham centuries before, was present with Moses and the Exodus generation. God, who delivered them then, would be present with every coming generation as well! In the past, in the present, and in the future, GOD IS! He who was with Moses is with you and me even today.
These Exodus chapters help us see why this name of God is so important. When Moses hesitated to respond to the Lord, God gave him a series of promises. Note each of these in the text.
“I will be with you” (v. 12).
“The elders of Israel will listen to you” (v. 18).
“I will stretch out My hand . . . and [perform] wonders” (v. 20).
“I will help you speak and teach you what to say” (4:12).
How could Moses know that God would keep His promises? The name told him. God is the great I AM. Because He is always present with His people, God is able to fulfill in our present every promise He made in our past.
When God told Moses “this is My name forever,” God was speaking to you and me as well as to His prophet. God truly is The One Who Is Always Present. He is with you today. He will be with you tomorrow. And because God IS, every promise He has made us in Christ will surely be fulfilled.

Personal Application
Is there a time or situation in which you need to hold on to the fact that God IS, and that He is present with you?

Quotable
“If I could give you information on my life it would be to show how a woman of very ordinary ability has been led by God in strange and unaccustomed paths to do in His service what He has done in her. And if I could tell you all, you would see how God has done all, and I nothing. I have worked hard, very hard, that is all; and I have never refused God anything.”—Florence Nightingale

The 365-Day Devotional Commentary

CHRIST IN THE LIFE
Colossians 3–4

“As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Col. 3:12).

It’s easy to recognize Christ in another person’s life—and even easier to recognize Him in your own.

Background
Review and preview. Paul began his letter by affirming the superiority of Christ. He then showed that our union with Christ is the key to a vital Christian experience. Because we are “in Christ,” His power can flow through us. We were saved by faith in Christ, and we must live by faith in Him. Alone.
Now Paul went on to describe Christ in the Christian’s life. How do we recognize His presence? Paul earlier rejected the notion that spiritual reality is found or displayed by following religious rules or self-discipline’s “harsh treatment of the body.” Now he showed that spiritual reality is experienced and expressed in rejection of evil and a transformed character. We recognize Christ in the Christian’s life by the love and mutual submission expressed in every relationship.
What a thrilling book Colossians is. And what wonderful assurance it provides. Christ is supreme. We are in Christ. And Christ now lives out His own holy and dynamic life through us.

Overview
Christ makes us new persons, who reject evil (3:1–11), live holy, loving lives (vv. 12–17), and express our faith in relationships rather than by keeping rules (v. 18–4:1). Paul concluded with several instructions (vv. 2–6) and lengthy greetings (vv. 7–18).

Understanding the Text
“You have been raised with Christ” Col. 3:1–4. It’s easy for us to feel down. When we do, Paul has a suggestion. Look up. Look up, and see Christ seated at the right hand of God. And then realize that you are up there too for “your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”
In Tarpon Springs, a little city about 10 miles from where we live, one of the major occupations is sponge diving. The sponge diver puts a helmet on his head, drops into the water, and as he gathers sponges he breathes through air lines fed by pumps in a boat far above him. Without that connection to a source of life far above him, the diver would be unable to survive.
Paul is telling us that we too live this life in a dangerous and deadly environment. But we too are connected to a source of life far above us. Whenever we feel down, or get discouraged, or feel endangered, we’re to fix our minds not on what surrounds us, but on what sustains us. The very life force of Jesus flows into and through us. Because we are connected to Him, we will not only survive. We will triumph.

“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature” Col. 3:5–11. The Christian’s greatest enemy is not outside, but inside. It is the “earthly nature” which struggles to express itself in our attitudes and actions. We need to be alert, recognize that nature for what it is, and deal with its appearance immediately. How can you recognize the earthly nature? It’s that nature that has crept out whenever you sense yourself feeling anger or malice, whenever your thoughts wander to the impure, or your imagination to what you would do if you had a million dollars. And the time to deal with it is as soon as the first thoughts and feelings drift across your consciousness.
How? Paul said, “Put [it] to death” (v. 5), and he further explained with the image of “taking off” the old self and “putting on” the new.
My wife likes to try on clothes. She prides herself as a teacher in looking professional, and is very conscious of how she dresses. And she’s very critical of what she tries on. What looks good on the rack may not hang just right, or be cut just right, to fit her well. This is a picture of what Paul is telling us here in Colossians. Take a good look in the mirror, and when you sense anger or impurity or evil desires in yourself, decisively reject them. Such things simply don’t fit the Christian!
God has a much better looking set of clothing for us, one that fits and flatters us. And also honors Him.

“As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved” Col. 3:12–14. How does Christ express Himself in the believer’s life? First, He clothes us in His own character, filling us with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. He gives us grace to forgive as we have been forgiven, and fills us with love. Then He calls us to live out His character in our relationships with others.
This is true spirituality. It is not found in rules that we follow, or in rigorous self-discipline. It is found instead in simple and pure expressions of compassion and love for others (see DEVOTIONAL).

“Let the peace of Christ rule” Col. 3:15–16. In the Old Testament peace is shalom, which conveys a sense of well-being, of harmony within and without. When Christ has drained us of our selfishness and competitiveness and given us His own deep love for others, peace will rule in our hearts, and in our congregations. Then we will be able to “teach and admonish one another with all wisdom” and will worship together with joy.
True spirituality is Christ living out His life through the individual believer, and through a united Christian community.

“Whatever you do” Col. 3:17. The false teachers at Colosse had impressed everyone with their rigor and the many rules they proposed for spiritual advancement. Paul shrugged all that aside, and replaced every do and don’t with one instruction. “Whatever you do . . . do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
This is really the only rule required by those who wear the new man, and in whom Christ is being formed. “Lord, can I do this in Your name, rejoicing and thanking God for the opportunity?” If you have put off the old man, and the answer to this question is “Yes,” rules and regulations are irrelevant.

“Wives, submit” Col. 3:18–4:1. If Christians don’t need rules, why did Paul go on immediately to instruct wives and husbands, children and parents, slaves and masters?
We see a similar pattern in the Old Testament. In Exodus 20 God gave Israel Ten Commandments expressed as principles: do not do this, or that, or the other. Then in chapters 21–23 a number of specific cases are discussed. This “case law” illustrates how the general principles are to be applied.
In the same way Paul now illustrated how the qualities he had described, and the general principle of acting in Christ’s name, will be expressed in the most intimate personal relationships of the first-century world.
Paul’s choice of illustrations brings home a telling point. Those who will really know if Christ is in our lives are those who know us best—our families, and people we work with every day. A spirituality which does not find expression in these relationships is empty indeed.

“Pray that I may proclaim it clearly” Col. 4:2–6. Expressing Christ in our lives is vital to an effective witness. But it is not enough. The Gospel is a message delivered in words, and authenticated by life. Both word and life must be shared.

DEVOTIONAL
The Emperor’s New Clothes
(Col. 3:6–17)
You remember the story. The fast-talking tailor convinced the emperor he was preparing a magnificent suit from cloth so special that only an honest man could see it. The emperor couldn’t see it, but he was too embarrassed to say so. His courtiers couldn’t see it, but since they didn’t dare appear dishonest, they loudly praised it at every fitting. And so when the special occasion came for which the suit was being made, the emperor proudly marched down the avenue—in his underwear. Only the snicker of a little child, the only one truly honest, brought the fraud all knew about into the open.
Colossians has been something like this story. Paul had taken an honest look at the “superior” religion of false humility, ritual, and rigorous self-discipline promoted by some at Colosse, and exposed it. Folks who struggle to put on this suit find that, like the emperor, they have nothing on at all! All they have done has no spiritual value at all.
But Paul did go on to describe clothing fit for an emperor—clothing you and I are to wear. It is not the cloaking of ourselves in pious appearing actions. It’s putting on the new self we have in Christ and reflecting His image. Our new clothes are not seen in the rules we keep, but the love we express. The marks of reality in the Christian life are a warm compassion, a responsive kindness, an unself-conscious humility, a gentleness and patience, that well up in our lives as we love, worship, and respond to Jesus. The mark of reality in the Christian life is Christ’s likeness, as Jesus expresses Himself through us in every relationship.
Don’t worry about looking pious, or even feeling pious. That’s as useless as the emperor’s invisible suit of clothes. Love Jesus, let His love fill your life, and “whatever you do” do it thankfully, in Jesus’ name. Then you’ll find that you are clothed with a compassion and kindness fit for a child of the King of kings.

Personal Application
Let Christ show Himself to the world in your life.

Quotable
“The person who has the abundance of life Christ came to bring us can spend virtue lavishly because his resources are plentiful. He can care for people unreservedly, the people near him and all over the earth, people of his own creed, color, and nationality and those of other faiths, races, and nations, because his resources of care are attached to the limitless reservoirs of God’s care.
“He can afford to be slighted, shunned, hurt, because he has enough forgiveness in his heart for any crisis that comes his way. He can squander love upon the undeserving and the unresponsive because he knows there will always be more love where the last love came from.”—Harold E. Kohn

The 365-Day Devotional Commentary

LIFE IN CHRIST
Colossians 2

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Col. 2:6–7).

Understand life in Christ and we won’t be taken in by substitutes for true spirituality.

Overview
It is essential to know Christ (2:1–5) and live in Him (vv. 6–7). Christianity offers union with Christ, and this brings life (vv. 8–13) and releases from the burden of Law (vv. 14–15). Disciplined submission to rituals and rules may make a person look pious but is no route to spiritual reality (vv. 16–23).

Understanding the Text
“For all who have not met me personally” Col. 2:1. The spirit of prayer breathes through all of Paul’s letters. Yet perhaps we sense his commitment to prayer most clearly here. Paul prayed not only for churches he founded, but for groups of Christians “who have not met me personally.”
Actually, this habit is an easy one for us to develop! Every night on the news we hear of people in tragic situations. How easy it would be to turn to God, and ask Him to bless or comfort them. We read Christian magazines, and listen to Christian radio. Again and again we hear of believers who face great difficulties. How simple it would be to bear them up, and ask God to be with them in power. We talk to a friend on the phone, or chat over a Coke. How easy to pray briefly for that person as we hang up or walk away.
Paul cultivated the habit of praying for others as he heard about them. A week of serious effort to cultivate just such a habit might very well transform our prayer lives!

“Encouraged in heart and united in love” Col. 2:2. If you want to know Christ better, get to know your brothers and sisters better. Paul said this before (cf. Eph. 3:15–18). If we are to have a complete understanding of Christ, we need to deepen our relationships with others.
Perhaps one reason is suggested in the phrase “encouraged in heart.” As we draw close to others, we sense God at work in their lives, and become more and more confident that He can work in us. Faith grows stronger as we see the reality of Jesus through His impact in those we love.
The most important thing you can do to encourage another believer may be to share what Christ is doing in your own life.

“All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” Col. 2:3–5. The promoters of the heresy corrupting the Colossian church claimed to have access to a “hidden” or special wisdom through a series of angels who were supposed to exist in ordered ranks between Christ and God. Paul said that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are “hidden” in Christ.
Here “hidden” does not mean concealed. It means stored up. God has a warehouse full of riches—and He has given us the key! Christ. In Him, we have access to all God has and is.
Many Christians are honestly hungry for deeper spiritual experiences. Some are so hungry that they will follow any seemingly pious route that others suggest.
“All you need to do is pray an hour daily—preferably at 4 A.M., to show God you’re really serious.”
“Meditation techniques will make all the difference.”
“Just fast until God gives you a special filling of the Spirit.”
“Follow this list of do’s and don’ts, and be in church three times a week.”
Paul dismissed all such prescriptions as deceptive. God has stored everything we could possibly need in Christ. We will find spiritual fulfillment in Him, and in Him alone.

“Continue to live in Him” Col. 2:6–10. To say that Christ is the warehouse in which all God’s treasures of wisdom and knowledge are stored sounds right. But it also sounds mystical, or obscure. How do we obtain these riches? If Christ is the key, how do we use it to open the door?
Paul tells us. “Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,” he said, “continue to live in Him.” How did we receive Christ? By faith. We rested the full weight of our hope on what Christ has done for us, and trusted Him completely. This, Paul tells us, is the way we unlock the treasures of the Christian life. Live in Christ just as you received Him. Rest the full weight of your hopes on what Christ will do in you, and trust Him completely.
We can’t count on early morning prayer, on meditation techniques, on fasting, on keeping lists of do’s and don’ts. We can’t rely on anything we do. We must rest our full weight on Christ, and trust Him to work as we live our lives in Him.
Live each day for Jesus, and because you live in Jesus, His wisdom and power will express themselves through you.

“Hollow and deceptive philosophy” Col. 2:8. Paul’s approach to spirituality is deceptively simple. In contrast, the rigorous approach of the Gnostics sounded both “religious” and reasonable to the folks at Colosse. But it was hollow and deceptive for three reasons. It depended on “human tradition,” the various pagan philosophies current during that day. It depended on the “basic principles” of the world. The Greek word may mean “the ABCs,” and thus an elementary rather than an advanced understanding of the universe. But it may mean “elemental power,” and refer to demonic evil forces. Most decisively, however, it does not depend on Christ.
Any system promising spiritual advancement that replaces complete dependence on Christ with anything at all is “hollow and deceptive.”

“All the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form” Col. 2:9–12. The safest thing you or I can do is set out to live godly lives, and rely completely on Christ to make it possible.
Why is this so safe? Because all Christ is flows into us as we live for Him. This is the implication of Paul’s statement, “You have been given fullness in Christ, who is the Head over every power and authority.”
The Christian life isn’t like the pump that stood on the back porch of my uncle’s cottage on Cedar Lake. I had to run down to the lake, get a can of water, prime the pump, and then pump the handle up and down endlessly until a trickle of water flowed. The Christian life is more like a fireman who connects his hose to a city hydrant, turns it on, and struggles to hold on as the water surges powerfully out!
You and I are connected to Jesus, who is Himself a reservoir of endless power. Simply open yourself to God by total reliance on Jesus, and His power will flow into and through you.

“In Him you were also circumcised” Col. 2:11–13. The circumcision promoted by the corrupters of the faith in Colosse physically cut away the flap which covered the end of the male penis. It was a symbol in Old Testament times of covenant relationship with God. Paul reminded his readers that the New Testament symbol of covenant relationship with God is spiritual circumcision. God, not man, cuts away and discards not a mere flap of skin, but man’s sinful, bodily nature itself!
How was this done? Through our union with Christ in His death and resurrection! We who were dead in sins and the “uncircumcision of your sinful nature” have been made alive in Christ.
That is how Christ’s power can flow through us. We are alive in Him now. We are united to Him. No wonder we can rely completely on Him. We are channels through which the vibrant, surging life of Christ is now ready to flow.

“Canceled the written code” Col. 2:14–15. The word translated “written code” was used in ancient times of an indictment drawn up against a prisoner. Paul, clearly referring here to the Mosaic Law and its regulations, viewed the written code as a devastating charge list, signed and entered in court, proving us guilty. Yet in Christ all our sins have been forgiven, and the code that condemned us has itself been canceled.
Again, Law in itself is holy, just, and good. But in terms of its impact on a sinful humanity, Law was “against us” and “stood opposed to us.” Any demand that we “do” is an instrument of condemnation. That is why our life in Christ is not weighted down by Law or demands.
Understanding this, every New Testament call to obedience, and every New Testament exhortation to live a holy life, is transformed. New Testament commands are not laws, demanding that we “do.” They are promises, explaining what Christ will do in us as we respond in faith.

“Having disarmed the powers and authorities” Col. 2:15. The Cross freed us from Law. And it marked Christ’s triumph over hostile spiritual forces. Like a conquering general who displays his defeated enemies to all, Christ has made a public spectacle of every enemy.
What possible reason should you and I have not to rely on Christ the Victor? We live our Christian life not by self-effort, but by faith in Him.

DEVOTIONAL
Find Reality
(Col. 2:16–23)
How do we find reality in our spiritual lives? Folks at Colosse had answers that still appeal to those who see a need for strict and rigorous self-discipline. Follow dietary laws (v. 16). Keep holy days (v. 16). Submit to various rituals and regulations (v. 17). Concentrate on mystical experiences (v. 18). Live an ascetic life of self-denial (vv. 21–23). Follow rules designed to make you a disciplined person.
We can almost see Paul shake his head as he completed this list. These aren’t avenues to spiritual reality. They are detours away from reality in our spiritual lives. A life marked by rigorous self-discipline may “have an appearance of wisdom,” Paul said. But such “false humility” and “harsh treatment of the body” has no value at all in “restraining sensual indulgence.”
Paul was saying that rules that measure spirituality by externals look holy, but tend to make a person contemptuous of others internally! And inner sins are just as much “sensual indulgence” as gluttony or sexual promiscuity.
Paul wants us to experience spiritual reality. He didn’t want us to just appear holy but to be holy. And we find the secret of being holy only in Christ, not in trying to follow lists of do’s and don’ts.
In fact, Christ is reality. We experience reality only as we experience Him. So let’s rest every hope in Him, and trust Christ to live out His life in us as we take daily steps of obedience to His Word.

Personal Application
Don’t rely on self-effort. Let Christ make something of you.

Quotable
“If you make a great deal of Christ, He will make a great deal of you; but if you make but little of Christ, Christ will make but little of you.”—R.A. Torrey

The 365-Day Devotional Commentary

Colossians

INTRODUCTION
Colossians is one of four letters Paul wrote from prison in Rome, about A.D. 61. This letter has a sharp focus: Paul wrote to combat a peculiar heresy that seemed to blend occult superstition with a “hollow and deceptive philosophy” (2:8). The effect of the heresy was to rob Christ of His central role in Christian faith. To oppose it, Paul provided one of Scripture’s clearest and most powerful statements of who Jesus is and what He has done.
Paul then went on to describe the way of life that is appropriate for those who know the real Jesus, and shows us that true spirituality is living a godly life in this present world.

CHRIST SUPREME
Colossians 1

“He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy” (Col. 1:18).

Without Christ, Christianity is nothing.

Background
The Colossian heresy. Features of the heresy that was corrupting the church at Colosse have been deduced from Paul’s letter, and seem to match a movement later known as Gnosticism. The Gnostics held a strict dualism: all matter was evil. Thus God, who is good, could never have really become a man. This directly challenged Christian doctrine of the Incarnation, and relegated Jesus Christ to a minor role in salvation history. To replace faith as a way of salvation the Gnostics offered a hidden knowledge (gnosis). To replace the living of a holy life in this world, the Gnostics might either try to subdue their fleshly body by asceticism, or they might live profligate lives, arguing that the “evil” body was simply following its nature, while the inner “I” was unaffected.
While the Gnostic movement dissolved long ago, Colossians remains a vital book for Christians who want to let Christ rule supreme, and to know true spirituality.

Overview
Paul reported two prayers he offered for the Colossians (1:3–14), and immediately made a profound affirmation of Christ’s supremacy (vv. 15–23) and His living presence in the believer (vv. 24–29).

Understanding the Text
“To the holy and faithful brothers” Col. 1:1–3. Paul’s greeting shows characteristic gentleness. He did not attack them, even though many had apparently been sucked into a heretical group that neither lived a holy life nor was faithful to the doctrine of Christ. Paul was convinced that the truth he presented would correct their misunderstandings and rescue them.
Doctrinal dispute can become so vitriolic that those in error are driven from the truth by those who know it. If you know others who are currently trapped in misunderstanding, don’t attack them. Trust them to respond to truth when it is clearly and gently presented.

“When we pray for you” Col. 1:3–8. Paul continued his loving approach by telling how he thanked God each time he prayed for them. Pray for an “opponent” and thank God for him or her, and it will change your attitude for the better!

“All over the world this Gospel is producing fruit” Col. 1:6. This is a gentle reminder. The Gospel the Colossians originally heard was the one that was being preached so effectively all over the world. The Gnostics were like the mother who saw her son marching with the high school band and said, “Look, they’re all out of step except my Bernie!”
When everyone else is out of step, it’s time to reexamine your position!

“We have not stopped praying for you and asking God” Col. 1:9–11. This prayer for the Colossians is one of the most significant in the New Testament, for it depicts the process of spiritual growth. Simply, the prayer describes a growth cycle, one which spirals ever upward to maturity. If you want to grow spiritually, let this prayer of Paul’s be your constant guide.
You begin with “the knowledge of [God’s] will” (v. 9a). This is the kind of information about Himself and His will that God has revealed in Scripture. But you hold this knowledge in “all spiritual wisdom and understanding” (v. 9b). Both “spiritual wisdom” and “insight” describe seeing implications: seeing how to respond in every life situation by applying your knowledge of God.
You then respond according to God’s Word, “that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him” (v. 10a). And, in the process of living out God’s known will, you bear “fruit in every good work” (v. 10b) and you also come to know God Himself better (v. 10b). In this whole process you are “being strengthened with all power” by God Himself, and so share in all that you have inherited through your relationship with Jesus.
What is exciting about this to me is that it clearly defines our part in the spiritual life, and God’s part. You and I must (1) seek to know God’s revealed will and (2) seek to apply it in daily life. As we do, God supernaturally (1) strengthens us with His power, (2) produces fruit in and through us, and (3) makes Himself ever more real to us.
There’s no great mystery about living the Christian life. And no overwhelming difficulties. We need simply to study and apply God’s Word as best we can—and trust God to do the rest!

“The image of the invisible God” Col. 1:15–19. In its essence idolatry is putting anything less than God in God’s place.
The Gnostics did this by honoring imagined ranks of angels, each a little less material and more spirit, standing between the universe and God. And they placed Jesus below these angels, very distant from God!
One of the magazines I take and enjoy very much is the Catholic Digest. It is a warm and often enriching magazine. But every now and then I’m troubled by references to Mary that make her, in effect, the focus of a Christian’s prayers and faith. “Ask Mary, and she’ll get her Son to do it for you,” is an all too frequent theme. To the extent that Mary is given Christ’s role, the respect rightly won by the young Jewish woman so long ago is transformed into idolatry too.
Paul wants us to put nothing in place of Christ. He is supreme. He is all. In Christ the invisible is revealed. Christ has the “firstborn’s” right to inherit all things. His claim is doubly established, for “by Him all things were created.” Visible and invisible—including the ranks of angels that the Gnostics superstitiously honored (v. 16b)—were created by Christ.
And the resurrected Jesus, as Head of His body the church, is to be supreme in our lives. God in all His fullness, all that God is, exists and finds its expression in Jesus Christ (v. 20).
It is this Jesus, the exalted God, who bled and died for us, who now represents us before the throne of grace. How foolish, when He who is God Himself is on our side, to put anyone or anything in Jesus’ rightful place.

“To reconcile to Himself all things” Col. 1:20. The Gnostics proposed a great gap between earth and heaven. Paul rejected the notion. Christ proves that God can and does act in the material universe. In becoming man and dying, Christ made peace. He is the bridge, not just over troubled waters, but between heaven and earth.

“Enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior” Col. 1:21. The Gnostics had the peculiar idea that the mind, as man’s immaterial part, could be in tune with God no matter what the body, the material and thus “evil” element of a person, might do.
The idea hasn’t died out yet. Folks still go to church and assume they can think good thoughts on Sunday, and live like the devil during the week. Research has shown that many a wife beater spends a pious Sunday in church, or even serves as a church officer!
To be really in tune with God, all that we are must be in harmony with Him. A “faith” that is not expressed in a godly life is not “faith” at all, and the mind of such a person remains hostile to the God revealed in Jesus.

“Not moved from the hope held out in the Gospel” Col. 1:21–23. The warning is directed to the Colossian church, not to individuals. The church must never exchange the hope held out in the Gospel for the false hope offered by mere human philosophies. And, again, Jesus Christ as God in the flesh is the focus of our hope! Because He died for us we stand before God holy, without blemish, and free from accusation.

“Christ in you, the hope of glory” Col. 1:24–29. J.B. Phillips translates this phrase, “Christ in you, the hope of all the glorious things to come.” Because Jesus is in His body now on earth, you and I as part of that body have hope for the future. Not just the hope of resurrection glory, but hope for glorious things now! The living presence of Christ in us, of God still present in the world of here and now, opens up our future to glorious possibilities.
We are not yet all we could be. But because Christ is in us, we are becoming.
As we go on in full commitment to Christ, we will become “perfect [mature] in Christ.”

DEVOTIONAL
Christ in You
(Col. 1:15–28)
The French have a phrase, Le Bon Dieu. It means “the good God,” and is used almost with fond contempt. It suggests a grandfatherly figure in his dotage, vaguely but fondly nodding when visited briefly by one of his many offspring. Le Bon Dieu may not be pleased at everything one does, but if he should notice, he’s much too mild to take any action. A person can feel comfortable with Le Bon Dieu—and safely ignore him.
What a different image of the invisible God from that portrayed in Christ! Here in Colossians we meet a dominant God, Master of Creation, who boldly stepped into the physical universe. He took on a body to deal with those sins that seem trivial to those who worship Le Bon Dieu. He endured the cross with fierce dedication. He triumphed in a resurrection that lifted Him above power. Looking at Christ we find no Le Bon Dieu who is dead, but the all-powerful Ruler of heaven and of earth.
For the patrons of Le Bon Dieu, the real Christ is a disquieting figure. For the Christian, however, Christ preeminent, Christ incarnate, is recognized with a surge of hope and excitement. For Paul tells us that this Christ who brought God to earth is “in you”!
The Incarnation meant that God expressed His supreme power in this world of space and time in the person of Jesus. “Christ in you” means that God still expresses His supreme power in this world—through us!
Because this Christ is in us, we do have hope for glorious things ahead. We will triumph today, and tomorrow will join Christ in glory!

Personal Application
Don’t give up. Christ in you cannot fail.

Quotable
“Jesus is not to us as Christmas is to the world, here today and gone tomorrow.”—Rick Mylander

The 365-Day Devotional Commentary

Titus

INTRODUCTION
This brief letter to one of Paul’s young associates was probably written shortly after Paul’s release from prison in Rome, in A.D. 62 or 63. It was intended to guide Titus on his mission to correct faults in the churches of Crete. The letter is practical, and emphasizes the essential link between doctrine and moral purity.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Titus 1–3

“I left you in Crete . . . that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town” (Titus 1:5).

Titus summarized the things that we too should teach—and must learn.

Biography: Titus
Little is known of Titus. He is mentioned in Galatians 2:1–3 as a companion of Paul. Shortly before writing 2 Corinthians, Paul sent Titus on a mission to that church, which was quite successful (2 Cor. 2:12–13; 7:6–13). When Paul wrote this letter, Titus was working in Crete to “straighten out” the disorganized and somewhat corrupt churches there. A last mention of Titus is found in 2 Timothy 4:10, which shows him off on another mission as Paul faced execution in Rome.
Commentators agree that the few references to Titus which exist depict him as a forceful, resourceful, and yet tactful young Christian leader, who was successful in dealing with a variety of sensitive problems in the early church.

Overview
Paul greeted Titus (1:1–4) and reviewed his mission on Crete (vv. 5–16). Titus’ teaching was to focus on a lifestyle appropriate to sound doctrine (2:1–15). In view of Christ’s kindness (3:1–7), believers are to devote themselves to doing good (vv. 8–11). Paul closed with personal remarks (vv. 12–15).

Understanding the Text
“The preaching entrusted to me” Titus 1:1–3. Paul’s introductory remarks are exceptionally long, matched only in his much lengthier Letter to the Romans. Paul underlined his high calling, possibly as a reminder and as an encouragement to Titus. God had entrusted the apostle with a mission. He was to bring to God’s people life-giving truth that leads to godliness. The eternal commitment of God to provide eternal life has been fulfilled in Christ, and this Paul had been commissioned to proclaim.
Titus, Paul’s son in their “common faith,” was on a difficult mission. He may well have needed the reminder. However difficult our task, when we serve God and His elect we engage in the highest calling of all.

“Appoint elders in every town” Titus 1:5–9. One of Titus’ tasks was to strengthen the organization of Crete’s churches. This was done by appointing leadership teams in each congregation.
The word “appoint” or “ordain” does nothing to help us understand how leaders were selected in the apostolic church. Certainly Titus supervised the process, and established guidelines to be followed. As in his first Letter to Timothy, Paul emphasized character in specifying a leader’s qualifications.
We may use a variety of means to select our spiritual leaders. But we cannot afford to ignore the New Testament’s emphasis on character.

“Rebuke them sharply” Titus 1:10–14. I learned long ago that, when teaching a Sunday School or Bible class, it’s better to simply overlook dumb things people say. If you say, “You’re wrong,” and make a big issue of the error, what usually happens is that people remember the error rather than the correction! And after a few embarrassing lectures on their mistakes, folks in your class aren’t likely to risk speaking up and being wrong again. In such cases it’s better to find some small point to agree with—and then go on to state the truth that corrects the error in a simple, positive way.
But Paul doesn’t suggest my approach to Titus. Why? I suspect because the folks that Titus dealt with were like Joe, a Ph.D. I had in one of my Sunday School classes. Joe didn’t say dumb things. He said wrong things. On purpose, and just to stir up trouble. That’s what was happening in Crete. People were teaching error on purpose, and in the process “ruining whole households.” In this case, Paul said, don’t be so gentle. Confront such people openly, and rebuke them publicly.
The Cretans, like some modern Christians, just weren’t taking the faith seriously, and were playing games. Perhaps this is another reason for Paul’s lengthy greeting. We need to remember that the words in the vocabulary of our faith are God’s words, and the issues they deal with are matters of life and death.

“To the pure, all things are pure” Titus 1:15–16. Paul was undoubtedly thinking of the Jewish legalists who played a disruptive role in Crete’s congregations (cf. v. 10). Legalism located “purity” in such things as the foods one ate. Christianity locates purity in the heart. It is not what we eat, but what we think and feel and do that marks us as pure.
The contrary is also true. If a person is corrupt within, whatever regulations he observes are corrupt as well, tainted by their association with him (v. 15).
While this is the interpretation of the passage, there is an interesting application. The pure in heart tend to see things in a pure light. The pure see others as persons God loves—the impure see them as sex objects. The pure ascribe the best of intentions to others, and so are seldom hurt by remarks the impure see as slights or attacks. The pure rejoice over another’s success, the impure feel jealous.
The purity of your heart will shape the way you look at all things. A heart purified by God protects from much hurt and harm.

“Teach what is in accord with sound doctrine” Titus 2:1–15. Here as in Timothy “sound” doctrine is “healthy” doctrine. God’s truth has a vitality, that is not only healthy itself but that produces health and well-being in the believer.
In a way, Christian truth is a wonder drug. Kept in the laboratory, or the theologian’s dissertation, truth may be fascinating and worthy of study. But the real value of truth is when it is given to suffering human beings, and makes us well.
When Paul said, “Teach what is in accord with sound doctrine,” he put the emphasis on truth’s application to life. He did not say, “Teach sound doctrine,” as though truth were to be examined only in the classroom. He said, “Teach what is in accord with sound doctrine” (italics added). Christian teaching is to emphasize the healthy lifestyle that is produced in believers by God’s health-giving Word (see DEVOTIONAL).

“We too were” Titus 3:1–3. The “before and after” snapshot is as applicable to Christian faith as to diet clinics. In fact, the approach is much more reliable in faith than diet ads. Christ in the life makes life different. And makes us different too.

“The kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared” Titus 3:4–7. These verses are one of Scriptures’ most beautiful and clear expressions of the Gospel. Salvation: not because of who we were, but because of who God is. Not to keep us as we are, but to make us new.

“Devote themselves to doing what is good” Titus 3:8. Sarah and her friend Vanessa are currently devotees of the New Kids, a singing group that might well be forgotten by the time this is published. Yesterday afternoon Vanessa brought over a New Kids video tape—so my wife and I retreated to my office, closing the door against the ecstatic little-girl screams that found their way even through two sets of closed doors. I suppose it’s cute. I’m sure its typical. After all, little girls act like little girls.
We all realize that it’s appropriate for people to act in character. This was Paul’s point here. We Christians have experienced the kindness and love of God. He has saved us, and with salvation poured out on us the Spirit of rebirth and renewal. We are new persons now, and so it is appropriate that we act in character. It is important that we Christians be what we are.
And “in character” for a Christian is to “devote [ourselves] to doing what is good.” Let’s do it with the all the enthusiasm and energy of Sarah and Vanessa. If we do, the reverberations of our good works will penetrate the closed doors of many a heart, and open those doors for Jesus.

“Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good” Titus 3:12–15. Perhaps this sums up the message Paul wanted Titus and the Cretans to hear. Being and doing good is not optional for Christians. It’s a “must.” In the same way that birds must fly, and fish swim to live in harmony with their nature, so Christians must be devoted to doing good to live in harmony with the new nature God has given us.

DEVOTIONAL
Teaching Is . . .
(Titus 2)
If you’ve thought of “teaching” and of “learning” as something that happens in a classroom, where rows of students sit to listen as a teacher gives them important information, Titus 2 holds some surprises. In the first place, “teaching” here isn’t about information. Teaching is about life. It’s not “sound doctrine” but “what is in accord with sound doctrine” that Paul urged Titus to teach (v. 1). Paul didn’t insist Titus make sure each believer can proof-text the Trinity. But he did insist believers learn to be reverent, self-controlled, pure, upright, and godly.
Next, teaching isn’t a classroom kind of thing! The teacher of Titus 2 is so involved in life with the learners that he or she is able to “set them an example by doing what is good” (v. 7).
Finally, Christian “teaching” is such a broad concept that no single word can describe the activity. This chapter says “teach” (vv. 1–4, 7, 9–10, 12, 15), “train” (v. 4), “encourage” (vv. 6, 15), “set an example” (v. 7), and “rebuke” (v. 15). If we were to include all the ideas conveyed by the Greek words, teaching would be: speaking, communicating, asserting, encouraging, advising, urging, providing a pattern or example to follow, instructing, guiding, correcting, bringing to light, exposing, pointing out, convincing, and reproving when necessary to convict—and all to help another live a life that fits the truth we believe, and the relationship we have with Jesus Christ.

Personal Application
More real teaching takes place outside the church building than in it—and you and I are the teachers!

Quotable
“I am convinced if I asked any one of you suddenly to recall five sermons you have listened to, you would be hard put to answer. But if I should ask you to name five persons through whom God has put His hand on your life, you would not hesitate a moment.”—Halford E. Luccock