Mystery of the Ages

Colossians 4:2-6

It was just after 12:20 a.m. on March 8 when Malaysian Airlines Flight 370 took off from Kuala Lumpur International Airport with 227 passengers and 12 crew members, headed to Beijing, China. About 45 minutes into the flight, air traffic controllers lost contact with the plane and a mystery was born that kept people glued to their TVs for days and weeks.

Unfortunately, the search for the plane produced more questions than answers, leaving the affected families and viewing public frustrated, bewildered and angry. How can you lose an airplane of this size and with this many people on board when technology is so sophisticated that it can track your every turn with GPS and guide you to your next “country road” destination? How is it possible that there is a part of the world where satellite and radar tracking is so sparse that you cannot monitor a plane flying in the wrong direction with potentially deadly consequences? After all, we know exactly where Russian troops are amassed on the border of Ukraine and even an approximate number of how many are deployed there.

As this Malaysian mystery deepened, theorists began speculating as to what could have happened on board that ill-fated flight. Was it hijacked? Was it parked in a hangar being readied for some terrorist plot? Was it death by pilot? Was it a malfunction or some other catastrophic failure? One conspiracy theorist even postulated that it might have been aliens that made the plane vanish.

What all this shows, and many more stories like it prove, is that people are intrigued by mysteries. Mysteries capture people’s attention and make them lean in to look for the answers. It’s the reason for the popularity of mystery novels and news magazine shows that take you into some “strange” occurrence that is ultimately resolved for you in the end.

However, when you think of a biblical “mystery,” as the word is commonly used in scripture (“the mystery of Christ”--Colossians 4:3; cf. 1:26, 27; 2:2), don’t think of it in the sense of the search for the missing Malaysian airliner, like a puzzle whose pieces have to be put together.

The sense of the word “mystery” in NT phraseology is not about something mystical or intriguing that can ultimately be figured out by human reasoning. Actually, as the word is commonly used in Paul’s writings, it refers to something that no one can even know or think to pursue apart from God supernaturally revealing it...making it known.

Author Ray C. Steadman catches the meaning of the word when he writes, “[This] does not mean a riddle you have to puzzle over. This word mystery is used in the New Testament of an insight into reality that is hidden from secular wisdom...It is something only revelation makes clear, so it will never be part of the human compendium of knowledge...It is a mystery, a secret about life that is hidden from the secular mind…”

In other words, the only way for a biblical “mystery” to be known is that God makes it known. That’s what the word literally means in this context…”a previously unknown truth that is now revealed by God to man.” (read: Colossians 1:26-27)

Four times (1:26, 27; 2:2; 4:3) in this letter to the church in Colossae, Paul makes mention of the “mystery” that has been revealed. And, as he closes the letter, he declares that he must make it known to others. Consequently, he asks the Colossian believers to pray for him that in communicating this “mystery” he might have three things:

1. Opportunity (“open us a door” -- 4:3; cf. 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12)

2. Clarity (4:4 -- “manifest” -- to make clear, to make something clearly known)

3. Tenacity (to “speak” -- i.e., ...and not be timid or quiet -- 4:3, 4)

And, what was this “mystery” about which he was so passionate? He calls it, “the mystery of Christ” (4:3). Another way to say this is, “the mystery which is Christ and which Christ reveals.”

Author and scholar, Dr. William Hendrickson, explains the “mystery” this way, “...its content [is] Christ himself as the source of salvation, full and free, for both Gentile and Jew, a secret no longer concealed but now...fully revealed, and not revealed only but realized in the hearts and lives of people of every class, station, and nationality.” (Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953–2001). Exposition of Colossians and Philemon (Vol. 6, p. 181). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House)

It’s the Good News we commonly call the Gospel that is wrapped up in the person of Christ!

This “mystery” that Paul wanted to clearly proclaim entails at least three specific things:

He wanted to make clear...

1. Who Christ is.

Who is this Christ revealed in scripture? The answer is found in His birth, His life, His death, His resurrection and His ascension.

• No one has ever been born like Him...the virgin birth.
• No one has ever lived like Him...in sinless perfection.
• No one has ever died like him...paying a penalty He did not owe (cf. Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
• No one has ever risen from the dead like Him...in His body, never to die again.
• No one has ever ascended to Heaven like Him...promising to return again.

He is the Christ! He is the Messiah! He is God in the flesh. He is the Savior of all who will receive Him (cf. John 1:12).

But He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

...who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed. (1 Peter 2:24)

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name… (John 1:12)

He wanted to make clear...

2. What Christ has done.

A. He satisfied the justice of God against our sin (Propitiation).

By dying in our place for our sins, Christ removed the wrath of God that we rightly deserved and turned it into favor. (Note: propitiation does not turn wrath into love — God already loved us fully. The reason he sent Christ to die is so His wrath could be turned into favor, so that His love may realize its purpose of doing good to us every day. (cf. Romans 3:25-26; Hebrews 2:17; 1 John 4:10)

B. He removes our sin from us so it will never be remembered against us (Expiation).

Not just our past sins, not just our present sins, not just our big sins, not just our little sins...but ALL OF OUR SINS! Too often, we think God is like many Christians...waiting for us to fail and then never letting us hear the end of it. THANK GOD HE IS NOT THAT WAY! (cf. Hebrews 9:26; cf. John 1:29; Isaiah 53:6)

What would our lives be like if we believed this truth?

• We would spend less time regretting the past and more time living the present.
• We would be less concerned about keeping people at "arms distance" (for fear they might discover the "real you") and be more willing to be open to those around us.
• We would justify less and confess more.
• We would spend less time licking our wounds and more time counting our blessings.
• We would find it easier to forgive others.
• We would love Christ more.

C. He reconciles us to God through His death so we are no longer alienated from Him (Reconciliation). (cf. Romans 5:10-11)

D. He sets us free from captivity to our sins (Redemption).

Because we are captives to sin, Christ paid the “ransom” price (with His death) to deliver us from that captivity. There are three things we had to be released from:

• The curse of the law (cf. Galatians 3:13-14).
• The guilt of sin (cf. Romans 3:24).
• The power of sin (cf. Romans 6:5-14; 1 Peter 1:18-19).

E. He defeated the power of Satan over us.

Satan’s only weapon that can ultimately harm people is unforgiven sin. Christ took this weapon away from him for all who believe, defeating him and all the powers of darkness in his death. (cf. Colossians 2:13-15)

He wanted to make clear...

3. What Christ is doing through His church.

Part of this incredible “mystery” Paul wanted to make known is that Christ has broken down the wall that separates us from one another that we might all be brought together in one body...the body of Christ (cf. Colossians 1:27; Galatians 3:27-28). The ground is level at the foot of the cross.

For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. (Ephesians 2:14-18)

One author summarizes these three truths in this way: “The heart of the revealed secret is that in Christ, Jews and Gentiles come together with equal access to the blessings of God (cf. ‘mystery of Christ,’ Eph. 3:4; ‘the mystery of the gospel,’ Eph. 6:19).” (Martin, E. D. (1993). Colossians, Philemon (p. 198). Scottdale, PA: Herald Press.) And, it’s available to all that will receive it!!

Closing Analogy:

I shook my head in disbelief. This couldn’t be the right place. After all, I couldn’t possibly be welcome here. I had been given an invitation several times, by several different people, and had finally decided to see what this place was all about. But, this just couldn’t be the right place. Quickly, I glanced down at the invitation that I clutched in my hand. I scanned past the words, "Come as you are. No jacket required." and found the location. Yes, I was at the right place. I peered through the window again and saw a room full of people whose faces seemed to glow with joy. All were neatly dressed, adorned in fine garments and appeared strangely clean as they dined at this exquisite restaurant.

Ashamed, I looked down at my own tattered and torn clothing, covered in stains. I was dirty, in fact, filthy. A foul smell seemed to consume me and I couldn’t shake the grime that clung to my body. As I turned around to leave, the words from the invitation seemed to leap out at me..."Come as you are. No jacket required." I decided to give it a shot. Mustering up every bit of courage I could find, I opened the door to this restaurant and walked up to a man standing behind a podium. "Your name, sir?" he asked me with a smile. "Jimmy D. Brown," I mumbled without looking up. I thrust my hands deep into my pockets, hoping to conceal their stains. He didn’t seem to notice the filth that covered me and he continued, "Very good, sir. A table is reserved in your name. Would you like to be seated?"

I couldn’t believe what I heard! A grin broke out on my face and I said, "Yes, of course!"

He led me to a table and, sure enough, there was a place card with my name written on it in a deep, dark red. As I browsed over the menu, I saw many delightful items listed. There were things like, "peace," "joy," "blessings," "confidence," "assurance,"hope," "love," "faith," and "mercy." I realized that this was no ordinary restaurant! I flipped the menu from back to front in order to see where I was..."God’s Grace," was the name of this place!

The man returned and said, "I recommend the ’Special of the Day’. With it, you are entitled to heaping portions of everything on this menu." You’ve got to be kidding! I thought to myself. You mean, I can have ALL of this! "What is the ’Special of the Day’ I asked with excitement ringing in my voice. "Salvation," was his reply. "I’ll take it," I practically cried out. A sick, painful ache jerked through my stomach and tears filled my eyes. Between my sobs I said "Mister, look at me. I’m dirty and nasty. I’m unclean and unworthy of such things. I’d love to have all of this, but, but, I just can’t afford it. Undaunted, the man smiled again. "Sir, your check has already been taken care of by that Gentleman over there," he said as he pointed to the front of the room. "His Name is Jesus." Turning, I saw a man whose very presence seemed to light the room. He was almost too much to look at. I found myself walking towards Him and in a shaking voice I whispered, "Sir, I’ll wash the dishes or sweep the floors or take out the trash. I’ll do anything I can to repay you for all of this." He opened His arms and said with a smile, "Son, all of this is yours if you just come to me. Ask me to clean you up and I will. Ask me to take away the stains and it is done. Ask me to allow you to feast at my table and you will eat. Remember, the table is reserved in your name. All you must do is accept this gift that I offer you."

Astonished, I fell at his feet and said, "Please, Jesus. Please clean up my life. Please change me and sit me at your table and give me this new life." Immediately, I heard the words, "It is finished." I looked down and white robes adorned my squeaky clean body. Something strange and wonderful had happened. I felt new and I found myself seated at His table. "The ’Special of the Day’ has been served," the Lord said to me. "Salvation is yours."

We sat and talked for a great while and I so enjoyed the time that I spent with Him. He told me, me of all people, that He would like for me to come back as often as I liked for another helping from God’s Grace. He made it clear that He wanted me to spend as much time with Him as possible. As it drew near time for me to go back outside into the "real world," He whispered to me softly, "And Lo, I am with you always." And then, He said something to me that I will never forget. He said..."My child, do you see these empty tables throughout this room?" "Yes, Lord. I see them. What do they mean?" I replied. "These are reserved tables...but the individuals whose names are on each placard have not accepted their invitations to dine. Would you be so kind as to hand out these invitations to those who have not joined us yet?" Jesus asked. "Of course," I said with excitement as I picked up the invitations." "Go therefore into all nations," He said as I turned to leave.

I walked into God’s Grace dirty and hungry. Stained in sin. My righteousness as filthy rags. I walked out a brand new man...robed in white, His righteousness. Jesus had certainly cleaned me up. And so, I’ll keep my promise to my Lord. I’ll go. I’ll spread the “mystery of Christ.” I’ll share the Gospel...I’ll hand out the invitations. And I’ll start with you. Have you been to God’s Grace? There’s a table reserved in your name, and here’s your invitation... "Come as you are. No jacket required."

Laboring for the Lord

Colossians 3:22-4:1

In our modern society, it’s not uncommon to hear two different stories when talking to those who are employees and employers. Employers are sometimes heard to say that it is difficult to find people that want to work, while employees say that their employer is only looking out for himself/herself. And, maybe both of these statements are true at times and/or in some situations. However, what this cycle of discontent/distrust usually produces is conflict, decreased productivity and poor quality that ultimately does disservice to the very consumer that is absolutely necessary to both the employer and the employees.

There is a better way to do business, especially as a follower of Jesus who desires to obey His Word and glorify His name!

Before looking at some of the specific principles we can glean from this text about unity in the workplace, we need to first discuss what is the proverbial “elephant in the room.” It has to do with slavery and why Paul addresses it without condemning it in the process. Unfortunately, what many people do with texts like these is read twenty-first century sensibilities into first-century realities without even attempting to understand the circumstances of that society.

Let’s note at the outset that both Jesus and Paul spoke against slavery during their lifetimes.

Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to  proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” (Luke 4:18-19; quoting Isaiah 61:1)

Paul wrote, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)

“...and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.” (Colossians 3:10-11)

These passages prove that both Jesus and Paul opposed slavery and desired to bring freedom to people in bondage. They would have both considered the slave trade of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries to be an abomination that violated human dignity and was forbidden as human theft (cf. 1 Timothy 1:9-10). They would have both opposed the dehumanization and oppression of any person created in the image of God! What is unique, though, is that their method of overthrowing slavery was not a “top down” approach, but a “bottom up” approach.

Paul Copan writes in his book entitled, “Is God A Moral Monster,” and addresses some of these difficult issues about slavery and the Bible. He states, “Paul’s position on the status of slavery was clear on various points: (1) he repudiated slave trading; (2) he affirmed the full dignity and equal spiritual status of slaves; and (3) he encouraged slaves to acquire their freedom whenever possible (1 Corinthians 7:20-22). Paul’s revolutionary Christian affirmations helped to tear apart the fabric of the institution of slavery in Europe.”

He continues, “Paul (and Peter) didn’t call for an uprising to overthrow slavery...On the one hand, a slave uprising would do the gospel a disservice and prove a direct threat to an oppressive Roman establishment...Rome would meet any flagrant opposition with speedy, forceful, lethal opposition...On the other hand, the early Christians undermined slavery indirectly and certainly rejected common Greco-Roman assumptions about it…Thus, like yeast...Christlike living could have a gradual leavening effect on society so that oppressive institutions like slavery could finally fall away. This is, in fact, what took place throughout Europe...” (Is God A Moral Monster, Pg. 152-153)

Scholar, Douglas Moo adds, “‘...freedom,’ or ‘liberation,’ was not in the first-century world the obvious good that it is for us in the modern world. Many of us, whose knowledge of slavery is determined by the institution as it existed in the antebellum United States South, think of slavery in terms of the forced subjugation of a certain race of people. However, while many people in the ancient world became slaves by force (through war, for instance), many others voluntarily sold themselves into slavery. Nor was slavery in the Greco-Roman world racially based: slaves came from all races and ethnic groups. And because they were spread over so many occupations and social classes, ancient slaves had little sense of solidarity...Moreover, legal freedom was by no means always a positive move for a slave...Once set free...former slaves (“freedmen”) were on their own and often found it very difficult to make a living. Legal freedom would not, then, have been the obvious good in the first century that we would consider it to be today.

He further states that, “...New Testament Christians were a tiny religious group living within an all-powerful, authoritarian empire. They lacked the power to influence government policy. More important, they lacked the categories (simply assumed by those of us who live in liberal democracies) within which they could conceive of what we would call ‘social action.’”

Then he concludes, “...New Testament Christians focused on the creation of an alternative society, a realm in which, whatever the realities around them, kingdom values would be lived out. Slavery, for instance, was not going to be abolished anytime soon; it was a reality that the early Christians lived with. Their focus, then, was on encouraging Christians to realize, in their relationships with each other, that their ‘new realm’ of existence was what ultimately mattered and that this existence must dictate the way they would relate to one another…(see esp. 1 Cor. 7:17–24)” --Pillar Commentary

Just so there is no misunderstanding, let me quote from one additional scholar, Dr. James Dunn. He writes, ". . . those who live in modern social democracies, in which interest groups can hope to exert political pressure by intensive lobbying, should remember that in the cities of Paul's day the great bulk of Christians would have had no possibility whatsoever of exerting any political pressure for any particular policy or reform. In such circumstances a pragmatic quietism was the most effective means of gaining room enough to develop the quality of personal relationships which would establish and build up the microcosms (churches) of transformed communities." (Dunn, James D. G. The Epistles to the Colossians and to Philemon: A Commentary on the Greek Text. The New International Greek Testament Commentary series. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., and Carlisle, England: Paternoster Press, 1996.)

Again, our problem too often is the desire to force twenty-first century sensibilities on  first-century realities. In other words, organizing first-century Christians into a political movement that could ultimately overthrow Roman slavery would have been like telling modern-day Christians in China or North Korea to organize and demand their freedom.

Just in recent days a news report from North Korea stated, “[The] supreme leader, Kim Jong Un has reportedly ordered the execution of 33 people for converting to Christianity and receiving money from a South Korean Baptist missionary to start 500 underground churches.

“An unidentified source told [their local news agency, i.e., propaganda machine] that the 33 converts will be executed in a secret cell at the State Security Department on charges that they were trying to overthrow North Korea's regime by establishing the underground churches...

“...According to experts, Kim Jong Un intends to make a harsh example out of the converts as a part of ramped up efforts to reinforce his country's...self-reliance doctrine and keep out capitalist practices and beliefs.” (Christian Post)

In similar fashion, first-century Christians that opposed Roman policies would have been met with swift and lethal force. Instead, Paul’s approach to dealing with slavery was threefold:

1. He taught that we should recognize every human being as a morally responsible person...including slaves (Colossians 3:22-25).
2. He acknowledged that within the body of Christ there are no “status” distinctions as those which existed in first-century society (1 Timothy 6:2).
3. What he said to “masters” about their conduct toward slaves and accountability to God would have been considered “outrageous” in his day. (P.T. O’Brien, The Letter to the Ephesians, Pillar Commentary [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1999], p. 454) --Four times Paul reminds both slaves and masters that they are answerable to God for their conduct toward each other (3:22, 23, 24; 4:1).

Christianity was not primarily a political or social movement. It was a spiritual movement focused on affecting people’s eternal destinies. But, in the process of spreading the Gospel comes the practical effect of undermining oppressive policies like slavery by recognizing the equality of every person in Christ.

Though this passage deals primarily with slaves and masters, the closest application is in the realm of employer/employee relations. Actually, the difference between slaves/masters and employees/employers is mostly a matter of degree.

How does Paul transform the work environment into a place of greater productivity that ultimately brings glory to God?

1. He raises our perspective on the work we do.

We have a tendency to make a hard distinction between the secular and the sacred. We figure that Sunday is reserved for the sacred and Monday through Saturday is for the secular. However, Paul changes that perspective by declaring that all work is sacred to the follower of Jesus. Every job we do should be done to the glory of God! That changes how we view our work environment and the work assigned to us. That impacts how an employer sees his/her responsibility to those he/she employs. We aren’t just working for “that” person we have difficulty respecting. We are actually working for the One who is the ultimate Master of our souls. That’s why the basic command to those employed is to “obey” those that have the authority over them.

2. He reminds us that we are accountable to God for our work.

In the final judgment, it is God that will give the rewards or reprimands for the work we have done. With Him...there is no partiality (3:25)! We do our jobs not to please men, but to please Him! We give our best to whatever we’re asked to do. We don’t just work when the boss is around...we work diligently because God is always watching. At the final judgment, we will receive according to the quality of the work we have done.

• 3:22 “Sincerity” - A focused and unvarying concentration of the will that produces constant conduct, i.e., wholeheartedness.

3. He requires all authority be exercised responsibly.

In a stunning fashion, Paul addresses the “masters” to remind them that they must also be “just and fair.” That certainly requires from employers that their employees be given a living wage, proper benefits and adequate rest. We capitalists cannot excuse our hard heartedness toward those we employ on the grounds that they are not what they ought to be. One of the tragedies of our day is that labor conflicts could often be avoided if employers cared more about the welfare of their employees. This principle requires that employers do more than give their employees what is kind and patronizing. They should give what measures up to the standard of God (“just”) and is fair.

• 4:1 “Just” - conduct that meets the standard of God.

Closing:

• From 3:18 to 4:1 Paul uses the Greek word for “lord” eight times, six of which are in direct reference to the Lord (3:18, 20, 23, 24 [twice]; 4:1)!
• Four phrases stand out in these verses: “as is fitting in the Lord,” “for this is well pleasing to the Lord,” “for you serve the Lord,” and “you also have a Lord.”

This entire passage (3:18-4:1) deals with household relationships and requires that we be fully submitted to the Lordship of Christ. Anything less will result in the conflict that characterizes too many marriages, families and businesses.

So what is the best way to promote unity? It begins with the transformation of the heart. When we adopt the mind of Christ, we develop an attitude of humility and we focus on service toward others (Phil. 2:5-11). Only in Him can we access the power to “look out not only for [our] own interests, but also for the interests of others” (v.4). Soon the needs, concerns and hopes of others become more important to us than our own. When people stop looking out for themselves primarily, unity will be begin to grow in marriages, families and businesses.

• Our mission as a church is to present Christ as Savior and pursue Christ as Lord!