COLOSSIANS INDUCTIVE BIBLE OVERVIEW

By Dennis Schmidt 11/2014

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This paper discusses the book of Colossians. Many comparisons are made with the book of Ephesians which Paul wrote about the same time. Colossians centers on the Lord Jesus Christ using Christ 26 times, Lord 13 times, and Jesus 8 times. Colossians also mentions God the Father 4 times and Spirit 1 time. Paul wrote the book against false teachers of Greek metaphysics. All scriptures are from the King James' version Bible.

COLOSSIANS THEME:

DIVINITY, SUPREMACY, & GLORY OF CHRIST AS GOD'S ETERNAL SON. Colossians 1:15-19, Colossians 2:8-10

AUTHOR: Apostle Paul {1:1, 4:18} DATE: 61 AD FROM: Rome prison {4:18} ; {Acts 28:16} TO: Colosse church near Turkey {1:2}

PURPOSE:

TEACH THE GOSPEL OF GOD THAT JESUS THE CHRIST RECEIVE THE SUPREMACY AS THE DIVINE SON OF GOD. Colossians 1:13-15, Colossians 2:9-10

KEY SCRIPTURES:

1) God is in control: Colossians 1:13-15

2) Our part: Colossians 2:12, Colossians 3:3

3) Frame of our mind: wisdom and understanding:

KEY WORDS / LOCATIONS: [ love ] (5) {1:4=; 1, 2, 3}; [ faith ] (5) {1:4=, 1, 2}; [ walk ] (4) {1:10=, 1, 2, 4}; [ body ] (8) {1:18=, 1, 2, 3}; [ bond ] (4) {3:11=, 3, 4}; [ perfect ] (5) {1:28=, 1, 2, 3, 4}; [ mystery ] (4) {1:26=, 1, 2, 4}; [ wisdom ] (6) {1:9=, 1, 2, 3, 4}; [ knowledge ] (10) {1:9=, 1, 2, 3, 4}; [ understanding ] (2) {1, 2}; [ complete ] (2) {2, 4}; grace (5) {1:2=, 1, 3 ,4}; word (5) {1:5=, 1, 2, 3}; power (5) {1:11, 1, 2}; thanks (5) {=1:3, 1, 2, 3, 4}; all things (8) {1:16=, 1, 3, 4};

OUTLINE FOR COLOSSIANS:

I) INTRODUCTION: {COLOSSIANS 1:1 - 1:14}

A) SALUTATION/AUTHORSHIP: {COLOSSIANS 1:1 - 1:2}

B) GRATITUDE FOR THEIR FAITH IN ACTION: {COLOSSIANS 1:3 - 1:8}

C) PRAYER TO GOD, BY PAUL, FOR GROWTH & THANKS: {COLOSSIANS 1:9 - 1:14}

II) EXALTED CHRIST: {COLOSSIANS 1:15 - 1:29}

A) CHRIST CHARACTER: {COLOSSIANS 1:15 - 1:23}

B) CHRIST'S COMMISSION TO PAUL: {COLOSSIANS 1:24 - 1:29}

III) CHRISTIANITY EXALTED: {COLOSSIANS 2:1 - 2:23}

A) CHRISTIANITY EXALTED OVER PHILOSOPHY: {COLOSSIANS 2:1 - 2:10}

B) CHRISTIANITY EXALTED OVER LEGALISM: {COLOSSIANS 2:11 - 2:17}

C) CHRISTIANITY EXALTED OVER MYSTICAL TEACHING: {COLOSSIANS 2:18 - 2:19}

D) CHRISTIANITY EXALTED OVER ASCETICISM: {COLOSSIANS 2:20 - 2:23}

IV) EXALTED CALLING: {COLOSSIANS 3:1 - 4:6}

A) CERTAINTIES OF OUR CALLING: {COLOSSIANS 3:1 - 3:4}

B) CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR EVERYDAY CALLING: {COLOSSIANS 3:5 - 3:17}

C) CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR CALLING IN THE HOME: {COLOSSIANS 3:18 - 3:21}

D) CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR SERVANT MASTER: {COLOSSIANS 3:22 - 4:1}

E) CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR CALLING IN PRAYER: {COLOSSIANS 4:2 - 4:4}

F) CHARACTERISTICS OF OUR WITNESS & SPEECH CALLING: {COLOSSIAN 4:5 - 4:6}

V) CONCLUDING PERSONAL REMARKS: {COLOSSIANS 4:7 - 4:18}

JESUS CHRIST PRE-EMINENCE

CHRIST PREEMINENCE IN THE ENTIRE CREATION

FALSE TEACHINGS

HERESY PROBLEMS: Syncretism combining Judaism teachings with Gnostic teachings

LOCATED:

Colossi in New Testament times was a ancient Roman city in Phrygian and was the third largest city in Macedonia located in Northern Greece about 50 miles south of the city of Philadelphia. Laodicea was more modern and near to Colossi. It may have been visited by Paul on a fourth missionary journey. See Philemon 1:22 where Onesimus (Paul’s fellow laborer) was sent back to his master Philemon who as a run away slave may be punishable by death.

BACKGROUND:

Paul had never been to either of the Colossians or Ephesians Churches. They were started by a convert of Paul - Epaphras. See Colossians 1: The two Epistles letters, Ephesians and Colossians, were written about the same time and are very similar. Colossians was written to oppose the heresy false teachers of Greek philosophy using human wisdom of worshipping angels, legalism, & traditions. Colossians and Ephesians also emphasizes Christ as head of the church with a unity of Jew and Gentile fellow heirs of the church the body of Christ. Colossians has Jesus the Christ receiving the supremacy as the divine Son of God.

OVERVIEW COMPARISON OF COLOSSIANS TO EPHESIANS

DETAILED COMPARISON OF COLOSSIANS TO EPHESIANS

I) INTRODUCTION: {COLOSSIANS 1:1 - 1:14}

OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER

CHAPTER 1:

1) To see the relationship between understanding the grace of God and bearing fruit {Colossians 1:2, 6}

2) To examine Paul's prayer for the Colossians for the keys to successful Christian living {Colossians 1:9-14}

3) To appreciate the preeminence of Christ in creation and our redemption {Colossians 1:16-17}

A) SALUTATION/AUTHORSHIP: {COLOSSIANS 1:1 - 1:2}

Paul: Saul: means asked for and Paul: means little or small. Paul is in Rome in prison and certainly needs the comfort and help of Onesimus, but his care for the church is of more importance. He does ask for pray and that a room be set aside from Philemon so that he could come to Philemon's home (verse 22). Paul had never been to Colosse.

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MISC: PAUL’S QUALIFICATIONS {2 CORINTHIANS 1:1 – 13:14}

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GOD’S CHOSE PAUL

(1) Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: {2 Corinthians 1:1}

(2) Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; {2 Corinthians 1:21}

(3) Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. {2 Corinthians 3:6}

(4) Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; {2 Corinthians 4:1}

(5) And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; {2 Corinthians 5:18}

(6) But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, {2 Corinthians 6:4}

(7) Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. {2 Corinthians 11:15}

(8) Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. {2 Corinthians 11:23}

PAUL HAS HOLY SPIRIT

(1) Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. {2 Corinthians 1:22}

(2) Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 2 Corinthians 3:6

(3) Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. {2 Corinthians 3:17}

(4) But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. {2 Corinthians 3:18}

(5) We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; {2 Corinthians 4:13}

(6) Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. {2 Corinthians 5:5}

(7) By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, {2 Corinthians 6:6}

(8) The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13:14}

PAUL DEPENDS ON GOD ALONE

(1) For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. {2 Corinthians 1:12}

(2) Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. {2 Corinthians 2:14}

(3) Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God; {2 Corinthians 3:5}

(4) Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. {2 Corinthians 3:6}

(5) But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. {2 Corinthians 4:7}

(6) We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. {2 Corinthians 6:1}

(7) Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; {2 Corinthians 8:1}

(8) And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind: {2 Corinthians 8:19}

(9) And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: {2 Corinthians 9:8}

(10) And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. {2 Corinthians 9:14}

(11) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. {2 Corinthians 12:9}

PAUL WAS GIVEN APOSTLE AUTHORITY

(1) Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: {2 Corinthians 10:1}

(2) But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. {2 Corinthians 10:2}

(3) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: {2 Corinthians 10:3}

(4) (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) {2 Corinthians 10:4} 

(5) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; {2 Corinthians 10:5}

(6) And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. {2 Corinthians 10:6}

(7) Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's. {2 Corinthians 10:7}

(8) For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: {2 Corinthians 10:8}

(9) That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters. {2 Corinthians 10:9}

(10) For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. {2 Corinthians 10:10}

(11) Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present. {2 Corinthians 10:11}

(12) I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. {2 Corinthians 12:11}

(13) Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. {2 Corinthians 12:12}

(14) Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction. {2 Corinthians 13:10}

PAUL’S DIVINE VISIONS

(1) It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. {2 Corinthians 12:1}

(2) I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. {2 Corinthians 12:2}

(3) And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) {2 Corinthians 12:3}

(4) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. {2 Corinthians 12:4}

(5) Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities. {2 Corinthians 12:5}

(6) For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. {2 Corinthians 12:6}

(7) And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. {2 Corinthians 12:7}

PAUL’S MINISTRY TO CORINTHIANS

(1) And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea. {2 Corinthians 1:16}

(2) For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. {2 Corinthians 1:19}

(3) For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. {2 Corinthians 4:15}

(4) Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: {2 Corinthians 10:1}

5) For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ: {2 Corinthians 10:14}

(6) But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been thoroughly made manifest among you in all things. {2 Corinthians 11:6}

(7) Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. {2 Corinthians 12:12}

(8) For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong. {2 Corinthians 12:13}

(9) And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed. {2 Corinthians 12:21}

PAUL LOVES THE CHURCH

(1) For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. {2 Corinthians 2:4}

(2) Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: {2 Corinthians 3:2}

(3) Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshly tables of the heart. {2 Corinthians 3:3}

(4) For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: {2 Corinthians 5:14}

(5) By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, {2 Corinthians 6:6}

(6) O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you, our heart is enlarged. {2 Corinthians 6:11}

(7) Ye are not straitened in us, but ye are straitened in your own bowels. {2 Corinthians 6:12}

(8) Now for a recompense in the same, (I speak as unto my children,) be ye also enlarged. {2 Corinthians 6:13}

(9) I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you. {2 Corinthians 7:3}

(10) Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth. {2 Corinthians 11:11}

(11) And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved. {2 Corinthians 12:15}

PAUL’S BLAMELESS CHARACTER AND ACTIONS

(1) For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. {2 Corinthians 1:12}

(2) But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. {2 Corinthians 4:2}

(3) Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: {2 Corinthians 6:3}

(4) But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, {2 Corinthians 6:4}

(5) Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. {2 Corinthians 7:2}

(6) Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: {2 Corinthians 8:20}

(7) Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. {2 Corinthians 8:21}

(8) Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely? {2 Corinthians 11:7}

(9) I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service. {2 Corinthians 11:8}

(10) And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself. {2 Corinthians 11:9}

PAUL WAS TRUTHFUL

(1) But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay. {2 Corinthians 1:18}

(2) For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. {2 Corinthians 2:17} 

(3) But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. {2 Corinthians 4:2}

(4) By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, {2 Corinthians 6:7}

(5) By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; {2 Corinthians 6:8}

(6) Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. {2 Corinthians 7:2}

(7) For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth. {2 Corinthians 7:14}

(8) As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia. {2 Corinthians 11:10}

(9) For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me. {2 Corinthians 12:6}

(10) Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds. {2 Corinthians 12:12}

(11) For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. {2 Corinthians 13:8}

PAUL WAS PERSECUTED & SUFFERS FOR THE FAITH

(1) Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. {2 Corinthians 1:4}

(2) For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. {2 Corinthians 1:5}

(3) And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. {2 Corinthians 1:6}

(4) And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation. {2 Corinthians 1:7}

(5) For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: {2 Corinthians 1:8}

(6) But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: {2 Corinthians 1:9}

(7) Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us; {2 Corinthians 1:10}

(8) We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; {2 Corinthians 4:8}

(9) Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; {2 Corinthians 4:9}

(10) Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. {2 Corinthians 4:10}

(11) For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.{2 Corinthians 4:11}

(12) So then death worketh in us, but life in you. {2 Corinthians 4:12}

(13) But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, {2 Corinthians 6:4}

(14) In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; {2 Corinthians 6:5}

(15) As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; {2 Corinthians 6:9}

(16) As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. {2 Corinthians 6:10}

(17) For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. {2 Corinthians 7:5}

(18) In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: {2 Corinthians 11:32}

(19) And through Who is weak a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands. {2 Corinthians 11:33}

PAUL’S INDIVIDUAL TRIALS

(1) We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; {2 Corinthians 4:8}

(2) Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; {2 Corinthians 4:9}

(3) Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. {2 Corinthians 4:10}

(4) For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. {2 Corinthians 4:11}

(5) So then death worketh in us, but life in you. {2 Corinthians 4:12}

(6) But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, {2 Corinthians 6:4}

(7) In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; {2 Corinthians 6:5}

(8) By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, {2 Corinthians 6:6}

(9) By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, {2 Corinthians 6:7}

(10) By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; {2 Corinthians 6:8}

(11) As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; {2 Corinthians 6:9}

(12) As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things. {2 Corinthians 6:10}

(13) Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. {2 Corinthians 11:23}

(14) Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. {2 Corinthians 11:24}

(15) Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; {2 Corinthians 11:25}

(16) In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; {2 Corinthians 11:26}

(17) In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. {2 Corinthians 11:27}

(18) Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches. {2 Corinthians 11:28}

(19), and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not? {2 Corinthians 11:29}

(20) If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities. {2 Corinthians 11:30}

(21) And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. {2 Corinthians 12:7}

(22) For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. {2 Corinthians 12:8}

(23) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. {2 Corinthians 12:9}

(24) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. {2 Corinthians 12:10}

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Apostle: An Apostle is one sent by God, with power of attorney and authority, to act (with power) in place of the sender (Jesus). He was chosen and ordained to the position to be a witness of what God shows him. Apostles started many churches and appointed Elders to the church.

See my paper: "Church Officers and Their Qualifications" THE FIVE FOLD MINISTRIES & THE DEACON MINISTRY ARE PRESENTED for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "Apostle" SHOWN ARE THE NEW TESTAMENT APOSTLES & THEIR MINISTRIES for more information on this subject.

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MISC: APOSTLES {1 CORINTHIANS 1:1 – 15:9{ {COLOSSIANS 1:1}

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(1) Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, {1 Corinthians 1:1}

(2) For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. {1 Corinthians 4:9}

(3) Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? {1 Corinthians 9:1}

(4) If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord. {1 Corinthians 9:2}

(5) Have we not power to eat and to drink? {1 Corinthians 9:4}

(6) Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? {1 Corinthians 9:5}

(7) Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working? {1 Corinthians 9:6}

(8) And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. {1 Corinthians 12:28}

(9) Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? {1 Corinthians 12:29}

(10) After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. {1 Corinthians 15:7}

(11) And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. {1 Corinthians 15:8}

(12) For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. {1 Corinthians 15:9}

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By the will of God:

Galatians 1:1 "Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

Ephesians 4:11 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;" The Holy Spirit appoints one to the ministry as He wills.

Hebrews 2:4 "God also bearing <them> witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?" Apostles were given the gifts for the task.

Timothy (Timotheus): Means worship of God. He was as a son to Paul. He was to carry on Paul's ministry after Paul departed. His real father was a Greek and mother was a Jew (Acts 16:1). His mother was Eunice and grandmother was Lois, both of whom were Christians (2 Timothy 1:5). Paul's letter send with regards from Timothy include: 2 Corinthians 1:1, Philippians 1:1, Colossians 1:1, 1&2 Thessalonians, Philemon 1 & Hebrews 13:23. Paul writes to Timothy in his 2 books. Paul addresses his ministry in 1 Corinthians 16:10 & 1 Timothy 4:11-4:16. His apostleship in 1 Thessalonians 1:1/2:6.

2 Timothy 1:4-6 "Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; {5} When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. {6} Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands." Paul's last testament from prison (were 2 Timothy was written) to his spiritual son

TO WHOM: COLOSSIANS WHERE: COLOSSE

Saints: Sanctified one, set apart, by God, for His purpose.

Colosse: 100 miles east of Ephesus and 50 miles south of Philadelphia in Asia minor (near turkey or Greece).

See my paper: "One-In-Christ" CHRISTIAN'S RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD IS IN CHRIST for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "Sanctify" SANCTIFICATION PROCESS: GOD PREDESTINES THE CHRISTIAN AS SON OF GOD, SANCTIFIES OR SETS HIM APART FOR HIS PURPOSE, BEING MADE HOLY, GOING ON TO THE PERFECTION, MADE IN THE IMAGE OF CHRIST, BECOMES GOD-LIKE, MADE IN THE DIVINE NATURE AS HE MATURES for more information on this subject.

Grace: Getting what we do not deserve as compared with mercy: not getting what we deserve.

God's grace within the Christian drives him to labor for God.

See my paper: "Grace" DEFINITION OF GRACE; GRACE FOR BELIEVERS; ONLY KINDNESS TO UNBELIEVERS; GRACE GROWTH; GRACE SAVES for more information on this subject.

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KEY WORD: GRACE {COLOSSIANS 1:2-4:18}

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(1) To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. {Colossians 1:2}

(2) Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: {Colossians 1:6}

(3) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. {Colossians 3:16}

(4) Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. {Colossians 4:6}

(5) The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen. {Colossians 4:18}

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MISC: GRACE {COLOSSIANS 1:2}

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GRACE DEFINITION: Unmerited flavor from God to man. Getting what we do not deserve as compared with mercy: not getting what we deserve.

(1) Titus 3:5 "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;" Mercy not grace

GRACE IS A GIFT:

(1) Romans 5:15 "But not as the offence, so also <is> the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, <which is> by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many." Gift from God to elected believers only

(2) Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: <it is> the gift of God: {9} Not of works, lest any man should boast." God gives grace & we believe unto salvation. It is a gift of God and not of man's work.

WE ARE SAVED BY GRACE:

(1) Psalms 84:11 "For the LORD God <is> a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good <thing> will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." God gives the grace so man can walk saved

(2) Acts 15:11 "But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." Grace from God to save the elect

(3) Romans 11:6 "And if by grace, then <is it> no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if <it be> of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work." God's grace is not man's works

GRACE GROWS BY KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS & OUR HUMILITY:

(1) Proverbs 3:34 "Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly." Grace to lowly

(2) James 4:6 "But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." Grace to humble

(3) 1 Peter 5:5 "Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all <of you> be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble."

(4) 2 Peter 1:2 "Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord," Grace multipled by knowledge of God

(5) 2 Peter 3:18 "But grow in grace, and <in> the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him <be> glory both now and for ever. Amen."

GOD GIVES ONLY LOVING KINDNESS TO UNBELIEVER: Only Christians receive God's grace starting with salvation making them God's children. God provides loving kindness to man so that he can exist.

(1) Matthew 5:45 "That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." Loving kindness

(2) Acts 14:17 "Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness." Loving kindness

(3) 1 Timothy 6:17 "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;" Loving kindness

MAN MAY FAIL TO RECEIVE GOD'S GRACE: God provides grace to only His Christians. Unbelievers do not receive grace in vain, are bitter & defiled, have wrong gospel, & deny Jesus.

(1) 2 Corinthians 6:1 "We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain." God is blessing, but the unbeliever is not receiving making the grace vain

(2) Galatians 1:6-7 "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: {7} Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." To follow the wrong gospel removes the person from grace.

(3) Hebrews 12:15 "Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;" Bitterness leads to failed grace.

(4) Jude 1:4 "For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ." God's grace used wrong leads man to denying Christ.

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Peace: Hebrew word Shalom used for hello, good-bye & God bless you. Only God gives true peace to ones spirit of forgiveness & restoration.

Peace the opposite to anxiety, tranquility, & worry free.

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MISC: PEACE {COLOSSIANS 1:2-3:15}

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(1) To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. {Colossians 1:2}

(2) And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. {Colossians 1:20}

(3) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. {Colossians 3:15}

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God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: God is a Triunity. God can not be divided. Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit are the way the one God reveals himself. If one sees Jesus, he also sees the Father and the Holy Spirit at the same time since God can not be separated (Colossians 1:15). Jesus is both a perfect man and God. Jesus was always God, but at His birth become true man. However, in the plan of God, Jesus was true man before the world came into existence.

Triunity Godhead presented as equals.

See my paper: "Triunity: Father, Son, & Holy Spirit" GOD IS A QUALITATIVE ONE TRIUNITY NOT TRIUNE: THREE SEPARATE PERSONS. for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "Just Who Is God" GOD CAN NOT BE DIVIDED. GOD IS A QUALITATIVE ONE TRIUNITY NOT THREE SEPARATE PERSONS. for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "The One God - The Shama" THE KEY BIBLE SCRIPTURE FOR ONE GOD IS DEUTERONOMY 6:4. THE WORD FOR GOD IS A PLURALITY, & THE WORD FOR ONE IS A COMPOUND UNITY. THIS IS THE CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE FOR GOD WHO IS A TRIUNITY PLURALITY ONE UNITY. for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "God the Holy Spirit / Ghost Scriptures & Notes" SCRIPTURES & NOTES THAT SHOW THE HOLY SPIRIT IS GOD & A MANIFESTATION OF THE TRIUNITY GODHEAD for more information on this subject.

See my paper: "Godhead Relationship": HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH EACH MANIFESTATION OF THE GODHEAD FOR FULFILLMENT, NOT ONLY JESUS. for more information on this subject.

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LIST: GOD THE FATHER {JOHN 1:14 – 20:22} {COLOSSIANS 1:2}

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(1) The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. {John 1:14}

(2) No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. {John 1:18}

(3) The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. {John 3:35}

(4) Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. {22} Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. {23} But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. {John 4:21-23}

(5) But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. {18} Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God. {19} Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. {20} For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth him all things that himself doeth: and he will show him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. {21} For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. {22} For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: {23} That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. {24} Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. {25} Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. {6 } For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;" {John 5:17-26}

(6) I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. {John 5:30}

(6) But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. {37} And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. {John 5:36-37}

(8) Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. {John 5:45}

(9) Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. {28} Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? {29} Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. {John 6:27-29}

(10) Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. {33} For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. {34} Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. {35} And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. {36} But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. {37} All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. {38} For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. {39} And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. {40} And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. {41} The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. {42} And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? {43} Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. {44} No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. {45} It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. {46} Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. {John 6:32-46}

(11) As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. {58} This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. {John 6:57-58}

(12) And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. {John 6:65}

(13) And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me. {17} It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. {18} I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me. {19} Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also. {John 8:16-19}

(14) They understood not that he spake to them of the Father. {28} Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. {29} And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. {John 8:27-29}

(15) I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. {39} They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. {40} But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. {41} Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. {42} Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. {John 8:38-42}

(16) Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. {John 8:49}

(17) Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? {54} Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: {John 8:53-54}

(18) As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. {16} And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. {17} Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. {18} No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. {John 10:15-18}

(19) Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? {37} If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. {38} But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. {John 10:36-38}

(20) Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. {42} And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. {John 11:41-42}

(21) If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour. {27} Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. {28} Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. {John 12:26-28}

(22) For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. {50} And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak. {1} Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end. {2} And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him; {3} Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; {John 12:49-13:3}

(23) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. {7} If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. {8} Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. {9} Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? {10} Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. {11} Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. {12} Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. {13} And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. {14} If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. {15} If ye love me, keep my commandments. {16} And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; {John 14:6-16}

(24) At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. {21} He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. {22} Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? {23} Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. {24} He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. {25} These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. {26} But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. {27} Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. {28} Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. {29} And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. {30} Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. {31} But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence. {1} I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. {John 14:20-15:1}

(25) Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. {9} As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. {John 15:8-9}

(26) Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. {16} Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. {John 15:15-16}

(27) He that hateth me hateth my Father also. {24} If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. {25} But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause. {26} But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: {John 15:23-26}

(28) And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. {John 16:3}

(29) Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. {8} And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: {9} Of sin, because they believe not on me; {10} Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; {11} Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. {John 16:7-11}

(30) All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you. {16} A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father. {17} Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father? {John 16:15-17}

(31) And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. {24} Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. {25} These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall show you plainly of the Father. {26} At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: {27} For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. {28} I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. {John 16:23-28}

(32) Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. {33} These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. {1} These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: {John 16:32-17:1}

(33) And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. {John 17:5}

(34) And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.{12} While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. {John 17:11-12}

(35) That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. {22} And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: {23} I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. {24} Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. {25} O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. {26} And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them. {John 17:21-26}

(36) Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? {John 18:11}

(37) Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. {John 20:17}

(38) Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. {22} And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: {John 20:21-22}

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B) GRATITUDE FOR THEIR FAITH IN ACTION: {COLOSSIANS 1:3 - 1:8}

Thanks:

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KEY WORD: THANKS {COLOSSIANS 1:3-4:2}

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(1) We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, {Colossians 1:3}

(2) Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: {Colossians 1:12}

(3) Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. {Colossians 2:7}