Ministry by Revelation; Colossians 2
ZADOK PUBLICATIONS - Dr. C. R. OLIVER
September 1, 2018

You may watch this Newsletter in a video HERE.

ZADOK PUBLICATIONS MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

September 1, 2018

Ministry by Revelation
Colossians 2

Introduction:

Last month's Newsletter ended at the threshold of Paul's caution against deceit and his naming the issues which were forming a base for heresy in the Colossae church. As stated before, Paul had not visited Colossae at this time. He was a great distance away and in prison, so what he declares in this second chapter was given him by Divine revelation-allowing him to "see into" their situation. Such ministry exceeds the norm of using surveys or committee opinions. Paul could see the groundwork of satan and how near they were to departing the true gospel.

If the Colossae Church was to grasp the import of Paul's warning, they must experience an infusion of Wisdom and Knowledge. (Similar to the current need among those seeking to lead the modern church.)

Colossae was blind to its error.

Listen to Paul's prayer and note his conflict or wrestling (warring) over their condition.

Colossians 2:1-3:
2 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
NKJV

Transitioning, from the opening appraisal which sited their great love in Chapter One--to the place of trepidation because of their drifting away from the basic gospel, would require Divine intervention. Paul was doing battle in the heavenlies for them. He was battling himself over the awesome task of "calling things as they are." He well may have had the consternation of Jude, who began his writing with one intent--only to be led by the Spirit to another more somber theme.

Paul cared so much for them and he wished to be in their presence to emphasize the importance of his words. Non-caring persons would exhibit no such conflict. (Alas, that ministers would exhibit care like Paul and with similar boldness "see into" and declare the church's errors! Modern congregations have a deep need for such Divine intervention.)

Bathed in prayer, and from his great heart, Paul begins by addressing those who will receive his encyclical letter. He was aware that what had crept into one had also affected the surrounding congregations. (Laodicea, like Ephesus, received heavenly rebuke in Revelation, which could have been avoided had they taken Paul's words to heart.)

Commitment of the whole church to receive this message would require a cohesiveness based on interactive love.

…that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding…

If there is to be application of the truths about to be laid before them, the entire body must be bound together and determined not to have opinionated differences. What Paul is about to introduce would not be popular but must be addressed. So, for openers, he calls for supernatural understanding and wisdom to come down upon them.

"Full assurance of understanding" is the rich foundation for receiving truth (Understanding of the "mystery" would bring a confidence garnered no other way.)

… to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

From Jesus' birth to His resurrection, there was a steady stream of fulfilling the prophecies about Him. These hidden mysteries many times came from the prophets who viewed from afar, but now made plain. The mystery surrounding Jesus in the Old Testament found understanding as He carried out the unveiling. From "unto us a child is born" to "He bore our griefs and carried our sorrows" down to such minutia as "riding on the foal of an ass," each was unfolding the mystery-until the whole picture lay before the church. The great mystery of how God, the Father, allowed His only Son to be the propitiation for sinful man was a giant revelation. The great plan of God unveiled in His Son is the absolute heart of the Gospel---every thing else pales before it. The mystery of Gentles being grafted into that plan is cause to pause and reconsider every program, ideology or theology which detracts from that great fact.

All that is worthwhile to know is found in the Father and Christ. Paul felt anything added to the equation was suspect and must be seriously examined. The Colossae Church had several issues they sought to place alongside this great mystery. Paul's basic premise was "when you have Christ, you have all you need to understand deep spiritual matters and will have the wisdom it takes to apply them." Who needs culture, religion and mystic visions to be adjunct to Him?

Colossians 2:4-7:
4 Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. 5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

Deception # 1: The reasoning of man taking precedence over the Spirit's direction.
Paul declared he was writing to them in order for them not to be deceived with persuasive words. Using the rationale of their culture had corrupted them (and there are plenty of examples of similar corruptions today among congregations).

Persuasive words abound in today's accepted society---be not deceived! The culture of the world has permeated the church. If one should argue against this fact--let them be reminded of this quote by a noted professor of political science. Hear the words one encounters in church and groups.

Our progressive politicians and opinion leaders proclaim their commitment to diversity almost daily, chanting the same refrain: "Diversity is our strength." This is the gospel according to political correctness. But how does diversity strengthen us? Is it a force for unity and cohesiveness? Or is it a source of division and contention? Does it promote the common good and the friendship that rests at the heart of citizenship? Or does it promote racial and ethnic division and something resembling the tribalism that prevents most of the world from making constitutional government a success…

…Any honest and clear-sighted observer should be able to see that diversity is a solvent that dissolves the unity and cohesiveness of a nation---and we should not be deceived into believing that its proponents do not understand the full impact of their advocacy.
(Taken from a speech made by Dr. Edward J/ Erler, April 11, 2018)

Politically correct messages touting diversity, acceptance of alternative lifestyles, compliance in assisting "sanctuary cities" defy the law, union with interfaith projects, adherence to the idea of redemption attainable by all religious systems, compliance with the development of a "universal" church formed in conjunction with a world government---these are a few to review.

Violation of political correctness is sure to label the offender as homophobic, Islamophobic, xenophobic, sexist, or a myriad of other names determined to castigate and isolate. In case there are doubters, I cite a recent phone call from the West Coast from a weeping saint who had just been dubbed a homophobic and a "religious fanatic" by a leader in her congregation of many years. (Assembly of God)

This sort of criticism was nearly identical to the issuing of a pastoral directive stemming from a paper entitled, "remedies against resisters": used by those in the Purpose Driven Life program (a program that has caused 6000 churches to disband and close in Rwanda alone.)

In Colossians Chapter Two, Paul addressed three major deceptions and the very first was adherence to the rationale of the Greco-Roman culture of the day. He treats all three issues with one solution.: "Let Christ determine your thoughts and ways."

Paul's inoculation from deception was, "Make it all about Him."

Walk with Him
Be rooted in Him
Built up in Him (foundationed by the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus being the chief cornerstone)

Be Established in Faith (as Paul and others of the early church taught)
Abound in the first truths you were taught with Thanksgiving.

The very first issue of deception was the adoption of worldly cultural standards. Greek humanism with their adoration of the creature, not the Creator, served to make God in their own image. Their gods exhibited human passions and were plural in number.

Inquiry into the study of culture began with the philosophies of inquiring minds like Plato's, The Cave. Intellectualism was encountered by Paul in Acts 17 atop Mars Hill in Athens-just a short distance from the Parthenon and the Temple of the gods-where he jousted with this most dangerous creed. (He was stoned because of preaching against the "Great Goddess Diana.") Imagine his concern when he saw evidence of error in the Colossian church.

Colossians 2:8-11:
8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
NKJV

No wonder he was conflicted and torn between not wounding their love and revealing their deception. (How can one approach the deception taking place today in the "parallel church?")

The remedy to cultural heresy is: "Preach Colossians Two fervently!"

Look now, at a modern adaptation in the church by appealing to cultural license.

In an article about churches who use professional musicians, in stage band format, to appeal to younger age "faithful," was revealing (Sunday, August 5, 2018, "Belief" section of the Houston Chronicle).

Groups of young, beautiful people in their 20's sit in rows of folding chairs (Heights Theater worship service of the West End Church). 'a night of entertainment with drinks, fellowship and Jesus.' (The article points out a large number of churches competing for inclusion and how it benefits the musicians of the area, where 80% play in nightclubs and local churches-some drawing six figure salaries in the larger venues.) Patrick Kelly, pastor of West End Church commented, Music, for us, is the open door. People invite their friends for an evening out, have a beer and listen to a great band for a cheap price, that's how important music is to us in terms of a calling card to the community."

(In the words of C.B. Jackson, a Baptist evangelist in the 1950's, "S'cuse me, but you know its so." In the same period the cogent observation by Vance Havner, "As I look out over this vast audience-I think to myself, 'the Disciples could fellowship with this church, provided they severely backslid.')

Paul knew the Greek culture pinioned around libation, leisure and pleasure. At the time Paul wrote to the Corinthians, Corinth had embraced sexual license to the point of including tile streets emblazoned with phallic pictures. The Roman baths were famous for homosexual and heterosexual activities. The Romans absorbed Greek culture with all its emphasis on architecture (Doric, Ionic pillars, etc.) and its interest in science (mankind was capable of achieving God-like dominance of their fate).

The Greek language was universal at the time, making it the common language for commerce, travel and cross-cultural communication. Militarism among the Spartan's, and ultimately Rome, was world famous. Beauty and art zoomed to the top of interests with sculptors, poets and philosophers. Reason was the prominent feature of senators, judges and politicians.

Is it any wonder Paul attacked the deception? To embrace the slightest degree of the Greco-Roman culture ushered in spiritual compromise! (What must be the order for our day? The church has bathed itself in programs and themes which have inculcated liberalism and cultural compromise. Where are the Holy brethren?)

Deception # 2: Religious legalism replacing Christ.
The second deception Paul enumerated involved a constant enemy of Paul. Judaizers! Criticism of Jesus by the Judaizers was a New Testament constant, both in the earthly ministry of our Lord and subsequently with the Disciples.

Colossians 2:11-23:
In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. 18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 and fast not holding to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.

20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations: 21 "Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle," 22 which all concern things which perish with the using - according to the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

Integral to this issue is the fact the book of Acts had not been written when Paul wrote Colossians, so many of the early churches could not reference the decision of the Apostles, to not burden the Gentiles with Jewish tradition. Below is a copy of the decision.

Acts 15:23-29:
Greetings.

24 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, "You must be circumcised and keep the law" - to whom we gave no such commandment - 25 it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: 29 that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.

Farewell.
NKJV

Paul carried this decision to the early Gentile churches, but low and behold, he found Judaizers who were adding to the gospel those things that were Old Testament "shadows" of the coming Messiah.

Gentiles had been exonerated by the Jerusalem council from following Jewish traditions. Although Paul, several times, carried out some of these requirements (he circumcised Timothy and later shaved his own head for a vow).

Here, a question arises: Is their evidence today of groups requiring legalistic decorum? Yes! (In regard to certain legalistic practices of Judaism?) The Messianic Movement emphasizes keeping Sabbath, attending and preparing for Feast Days, making heavy emphasis on the Torah, reverencing the Hebrew language and its derivatives to name a few. As long as their primary purpose is to educate believers as to the rich heritage of their forefathers, well and good-but when they drift toward spiritual elitism----not good.

This is similar to denominational "add-ons" which reflect doctrinal and theological biases. The Roman Catholic Church is a flagrant offender in this regard, with its confessionals, hierarchal control and its enumerable regulations and rules.

Modern Protestant churches have accumulated similar rules and positions that almost resemble the Judaizers. (I know of one Baptist Seminary which will not grant a degree to those who do not embrace and promise to preach futurism [pre-millennialism].)

Even so-called free churches will not allow ministers to fill pulpits who are not of their persuasion. Rigid rules take precedence over the Spirit (one such tongue talking group owns the buildings that house their worshippers and forbids any minister who leaves their ranks to occupy a pulpit of a member pastor on pain of "having his papers" removed, thus forfeiting his retirement and any office he might hold.)

Many mega churches are not open for the Spirit's direction for their programs are set and executed with military style. (Try talking to the pastor after a service and see how many body guard's cordon you off.)

Certain authors are approved for reading, while others are excluded. Some seek control of personal life, like who one marries, what profession one pursues and how many children can be born to that union. (One group will not send a missionary who talks with tongues.)

What Paul denounced in the first churches is alive and well in the modern church.

Deception #3: New Age type mysticism.
The third element addressed by Paul had to do with mysticism and the worship of Angels and seeking them to act as intermediaries. This matter was spawned by the Judaizers, mainly because it was an adjunct to Jewish mysticism.

Colossians 2:18-19:
18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.

Mystics relish the supernatural. They approximate witchcraft in their rush to have extra-terrestrial experiences. The worship of Angels as intermediaries between God and man is part of the formula.

Colossians 2:18-19:
Don't let anyone declare you lost when you refuse to worship angels, as they say you must. They have seen a vision, they say, and know you should. These proud men (though they claim to be so humble) have a very clever imagination. 19 But they are not connected to Christ,
TLB

Kabbalah is found today in Christian circles and among Jews. It is a deadly course for most. Review this definition:

Kabbalah (Hebrew: קַבָּלָה, literally "parallel/corresponding," or "received tradition"[1][2]) is an esoteric method, discipline, and school of thought that originated in Judaism. A traditional Kabbalist in Judaism is called a Mekubal (מְקוּבָּל).
Kabbalah's definition varies according to the tradition and aims of those following it,[3] from its religious origin as an integral part of Judaism, to its later Christian Kabbalah, Hermetic Qabalah and New Age adaptations. Kabbalah is a set of esoteric teachings meant to explain the relationship between an unchanging, eternal, and mysterious Ein Sof (infinity)[4] and the mortal and finite universe (God's creation). While it is heavily used by some denominations, it is not a religious denomination in itself. It forms the foundations of mystical religious interpretation. Kabbalah originally developed within the realm of Jewish tradition, and kabbalists often use classical Jewish sources to explain and demonstrate its esoteric teachings. These teachings are held by followers in Judaism to define the inner meaning of both the Hebrew Bible and traditional rabbinic literature and their formerly concealed transmitted dimension, as well as to explain the significance of Jewish religious observances.[5]
Traditional practitioners believe its earliest origins pre-date world religions, forming the primordial blueprint for Creation's philosophies, religions, sciences, arts, and political systems.[6] Historically, Kabbalah emerged, after earlier forms of Jewish mysticism, in 12th- to 13th-century Southern France and Spain, becoming reinterpreted in the Jewish mystical renaissance of 16th-century Ottoman Palestine. Isaac Luria is considered the father of contemporary Kabbalah. It was popularized in the form of Hasidic Judaism from the 18th century onwards. Twentieth-century interest in Kabbalah has inspired cross-denominational Jewish renewal and contributed to wider non-Jewish contemporary spirituality, as well as engaging its flourishing emergence and historical re-emphasis through newly established academic investigation.

Colossians 2:18:
Let no one defraud you by acting as an umpire and declaring you unworthy and disqualifying you for the prize, insisting on self-abasement and worship of angels, taking his stand on visions [he claims] he has seen, vainly puffed up by his sensuous notions and inflated by his unspiritual thoughts and fleshly conceit,
AMP

New Age followers have infiltrated the modern church very subtlety. Paul would boldly denounce such intrusion. But, his argument would be the same as in Colossae---draw close to Jesus and forsake these worldly avenues.

Colossians 2:19:
holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.
NKJV

Paul points to Jesus and says, in essence, "He is all one needs; You are complete in Him." Why incorporate these worldly programs in your church? Why complicate your life with things that ultimately will be your downfall?

Summation:
In Colossians Two, the reader is able to identify deception and error, review Paul's reasoning for alarm, view his solutions and follow his directives for what to incorporate in the believer's daily walk to avoid these satanic traps.

However, one must not miss the wonderful and positive passages mingled among those three cautions. In those verses are truths found nowhere else in the epistles and so great is there impact it behooves the reader to ponder just those vibrant words.

1. We see the intent of the four chapters.

Colossians 2:2-3:
that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge
NKJV

(There is a plateau of knowledge and wisdom which cannot be reached without hearts being knit together in love, a state brought about by the Spirit and leading to the hidden manna. (a great study will come to the person who studies the passages in the Bible using the word: Hidden.)

2. Several passages emphasize the "Headship of Christ."

Colossians 2:10-11:
you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands

3. We learn the power of the cross.

Colossians 2:13-15:
And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

Most of all, we see the intent of satan to challenge our faith, demean the cross and substitute scurrilous elements into the mix. It's time to:

Wake up O' church-be done with lesser things -it's' time to crown Him Lord, for He is KING OF KINGS!

Until Next month,

Dr. Cosby R. Oliver, PhD.

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