March 16
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INSTRUCTIONS TO NYMPHA AND ARCHIPPUS
15 Greet the brothers and sisters who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her house. 16 When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part, read my letter that is coming from Laodicea. 17 Tell Archippus, “See to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, so that you may fulfill it.”18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be with you. – Colossians 4:15-18
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In an article entitled “Nympha: a house church leader in the Lycus Valley” by Marg Mowczko, an Australian theologian and writer wrote in summary: Whether Nympha lived in Laodicea or Colossae, or even Hierapolis, there is little doubt she hosted a house church. This means she may have been the patron and, most likely, the supervisor of the congregation. That Paul does not greet anyone else connected with the house church, makes the idea fairly certain that Nympha was its leader in verse 15 and Paul definitely approved of her leadership.
According to gotquestions.org, many believe Archippus to have been the son of Philemon and Apphia, close friends of Paul’s. The connection between Archippus and Philemon seems clear in Philemon 1:2–2, “To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker—also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home” Paul is writing to a household. Philemon; his wife, Apphia; and his son, Archippus comprise the family unit. The church of Colossae met in their home.
Some believe Paul’s words to Archippus to “complete the ministry” are a gentle rebuke for having neglected certain of his duties. But a majority see Paul’s admonition to Archippus as simple encouragement,
In this letter, we see how Paul exercises his authority on the churches that was planted as a result of him bringing the gospel to the Gentiles. He specifically instructs those in leadership to ensure that they are fulfilling their roles and exercising their gifts to build the church and bring glory to the heavenly Father.
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REFLECTION
• Why is important for church leaders to be accountable to their spiritual head?
Tag Archives: ILMA ARTS STUDIO
THREE JEWISH FRIENDS OF PAUL BRINGING HIM COMFORT ILMA’S VLOG
March 14
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THREE JEWISH FRIENDS OF PAUL BRINGING HIM COMFORT
10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas’ cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him); 11 and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision, and they have proved to be an encouragement to me. – Colossians 4:10-11:
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Aristarchus was a Thessalonian believer who was a close companion of Paul. Acts 20:4 says that he was a Macedonian from Thessalonica. Acts 19:29 mentions him again as one of the travel companions of Paul when he was in Ephesus when a riot happened there. In Acts 27:2, Aristarchus was mentioned again as a companion of Paul as he sails to Rome. In Philemon 24 Paul referred to him again as a fellow prisoner of Christ as he tells the Colossians his greetings for them. It seems that Aristarchus was always with Paul especially when Paul was in situations of trouble. William Ramsay suggests that he actually made himself Paul’s slave so that he could travel with him on this journey to Rome.
John Mark who is usually known as Mark, is the author of the gospel of Mark. As Paul mentions here, he is Barnabas’ cousin. In Acts 13:5, Mark and Barnabas were with Paul in his first missionary journey but in Acts 15, we hear that Mark deserted Paul and went home to his mother. According to Bruce, it “It is from this reference alone that we learn that Mark was Barnabas’ cousin – a piece of information which throws light on the special consideration which Barnabas gives to Mark in the narrative of Acts.” It seems that in this letter, Paul has forgiven Mark during those time that he deserted him as he highly endorses him to be welcomed by the believers in Colossae.
According to biblestudytools.com, Jesus Justus is not mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament, and there is nothing more known about him than is given in this passage, namely, that he was by birth a Jew–“of the circumcision”–that he had been converted to Christ, and that he was one of the inner circle of intimate friends and associates of the apostle during his first Roman captivity.
David Guzik comments that at that time, Paul had only three fellow workers with a Jewish heritage. Yet these three did a great work, they proved to be a comfort to Paul.
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REFLECTION
• How important is it for believers to have fellow-believers who can walk with them through thick or thin?
EPAPHRAS, THE EARNEST BOND-SERVANT OF CHRIST ILMA’S VLOG
March 15
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EPAPHRAS, THE EARNEST BOND-SERVANT OF CHRIST
12 Epaphras, who is one of your own, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings, always striving earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and Demas does also. – Colossians 4:12-14
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Bible Gateway describes Epaphras as the man who was a giant in prayer and as Paul’s “fellow-servant” and “servant,” his “fellow-prisoner,” and a “faithful minister.” He was also Paul’s representative at Colossae where he had founded the church (Col. 1:7) and sought under Paul’s advice to combat prevalent heresies there. The apostle had affection for Epaphras, who ministered unto his need and the need of others.In this translation, he was referred to as a bond-servant. According to gotquestions.com, a bondservant is a slave. In some Bibles the word bondservant is the translation of the Greek word doulos, which means “one who is subservient to, and entirely at the disposal of, his master; a slave.”In Roman times, the term bondservant or slave could refer to someone who voluntarily served others. But it usually referred to one who was held in a permanent position of servitude. Under Roman law, a bondservant was considered the owner’s personal property. Slaves essentially had no rights and could even be killed with impunity by their owners. The Hebrew word for “bondservant,” ‘ebed, had a similar connotation.
Guzik comments that Paul called Epaphras a bondservant of Christ, using a phrase that he often applied to himself, but never to anyone else, except here and in Philippians 1:1 where he speaks of himself and Timothy together as bondservants of Jesus. Vaughn says that Epaphras was a bondservant, and prayer was an important area where he worked hard. Laboring fervently “is a free translation of echei polyn ponon, a phrase the key word of which (ponom) suggest heavy toil to the extent of pain.”
Paul commends Epaphras in this letter to the Colossian believers how blessed they are for having a minister who prays earnestly for their maturity and full assurance in Jesus Christ. He testifies to the deep concern that Epaphras have for his flock and those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis. He also mentions greetings from Luke, the physician and Demas.
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REFLECTION
• Why should all true believers consider themselves as bond-servants of Christ?
• How different is it to be a servant of Christ than of the world or any man?
MESSENGERS OF PAUL SENT TO ENCOURAGE THE COLOSSIANS ILMA’S VLOG
March 13
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MESSENGERS OF PAUL SENT TO ENCOURAGE THE COLOSSIANS
7 As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond-servant in the Lord, will bring you information. 8 For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts; 9 and with him is Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your own. They will inform you about the whole situation here. – Colossians 4:7-9
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According to David Guzik’s commentary on this letter to the Colossians, Tychicus, a beloved brother of Paul, didn’t know who Tychicus was. He would carry this letter to them (v.9 indicates that he will inform them about the situation where Paul is. Guzik says that Epaphras, who brought the news from Colossae to Paul in Rome (Colossians 1:7) will not be able to return to them, so Paul sent Tychicus instead.
Tychicus was mentioned in Acts 20:4 as one of the men who came with Paul from the Roman province of Asia to Jerusalem, to carry the offering of those believers to the needy Christians of Jerusalem and Judea. According to Bruce, “The reference to Tychicus is almost word for word identical with Ephesians 6:21-22. He was evidently the bearer of the letter to the Ephesians as well as this one.”
In verse 8, we hear Paul’s great commendation about Tychicus. Paul sounded like he trusts him very well and that his presence will encourage the Colossian believers. It is amazing that while he is in prison, Paul was still thinking about the believer’s faith. He didn’t want them to be discouraged just because he was in prison.
Gotquestions.org says this: We may not know much about Tychicus, but what we do know is impressive and praiseworthy. Tychicus was a trusted messenger, faithful preacher, and loyal friend. Paul placed great confidence in him, sending him to accomplish important works. Tychicus obviously had the ability to minister in a variety of situations, bringing encouragement to those he served.
Onesimus was a slave owned by a believer in Colossae, but he ran away and came into contact with Paul in Rome. There, Onesimus became a Christian and a dedicated helper to Paul. His story is continued in Paul’s letter to Philemon.
I am amazed at how Paul manifested so much love and concern for the believers in Colossae. He had to sent these two messengers to ensure that they are not discouraged.
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REFLECTION
• How did Paul exhibit selflessness and love for the Colossian believers?
INSTRUCTION ON THE BELIEVERS’ PUBLIC LIFE ILMA’S VLOG
March 12
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INSTRUCTION ON THE BELIEVERS’ PUBLIC LIFE
5 Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. 6 Your speech must always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. – Colossians 4:5-6
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In these verses, Paul continues his instructions to the Colossian believers. In this part of his letter, he instructs them on the following:
1. To exercise wisdom towards people outside their faith or unbelievers
2. To make use of every chance they can to witness to those who do not know God
3. To speak graciously with gentleness and love
4. To be observant of other people so they can be wise in responding to each of them
How do you exercise wisdom to unbelievers? We can’t just be wise without outwardly manifesting it. Why is it important to especially watch yourself when you are with unbelievers? Because they watch every move we do. They want to see if we walk our talk. We need to convince them with our lives; that our faith is making Jesus attractive to them.
According to theologyofwork.com, the ancient city of Colossae was built on a major trade route through the Lycus River Valley in the Roman province of Asia Minor (in the southwest corner of modern-day Turkey). There the Co¬lossians manufactured a beautiful dark red wool cloth (colossinum) for which the city became famous. Their city was busy with trading and most people forget the focus on using connections with others as a way to bring the Good News. Most people are busy earning money and enriching themselves.
How do we become gracious in our speech and be attractive to others? We can’t be able to be gracious if we don’t know Christ. He is the epitome of grace and love. We need to be able to follow how Christ was abundant in grace and love. It is love that makes everything full of grace. Wright comments that “The word ‘grace’ has, in Greek as in English, the possible double meaning of God’s grace and human graciousness.”
To be able to observe others is a gift that comes with those who have walked in the Spirit.
As we become Christians, the Holy Spirit uses us as a vessel to be sensitive to others. He leads us away from “selfishness” to “selflessness.” It is only by depending on God’s Spirit
that we will see others the way God sees them. We can’t see others when we don’t truly love as Christ loves us.
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REFLECTION
• Why did Paul emphasized the importance of living a public life with integrity?
INSTRUCTION FOR MASTERS ILMA’S VLOG
March 11
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INSTRUCTION FOR MASTERS
Masters, grant your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.2 Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; 3 praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; 4 that I may make it clear in the way that I ought to proclaim it.
– Colossians 4:1-4
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In the previous chapter, Paul instructs the slaves how to serve their masters. In this chapter, he addresses their human masters. In the first verse, he reminds them that they need to exercise justice and fairness in treating their slaves. But the more important thing in this verse is that Paul holds them accountable to God, their Master in heaven. Just as their slaves are accountable to them, he is also responsible for his slaves to his heavenly Master. In Luke 12:48, we know that to whom much is given, much is required. Since these human masters are given much, they are responsible for much as well.
In verse 2, Paul gives them the key to be a good master. They need to faithfully find time to pray. It is in prayer, that they are equipped with a bigger chance at victory over the enemy’s tactics. Prayer will give them the awareness of any schemes that the devil has over them. An attitude of gratitude to God is also another form of strengthening themselves to be good stewards of God’s gifts. The more they pray, the less they will focus on what they do not have and the danger of boasting. This brings contentment to their lives.
Verses 3-4 is a request of Paul to all believers to pray for him. Since he is in prison, it was a challenge to proclaim the gospel under such circumstances. We hear how passionate Paul is to do what he is called to do for the Lord: to bring God’s truth and the mystery of Christ to as much people as he can. He lived for this purpose. Not even the bars of prison can make him stop the bring the Good News of Christ to as many people as possible. He requests them to pray that there will be opportunities to serve his purpose of preaching the gospel. What exemplary faithfulness we can learn from Paul! Despite being a captive, he never complained about his circumstances. Instead, he asks for prayers that he will still find open doors to exercise his God-given calling. All he ever focuses on, is to be able to do the work that God intended for him to do: to preach the Good News.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important for a leader or master to be accountable for their own flock?
INSTRUCTION FOR THE FAMILY ILMA’S VLOG
March 9
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INSTRUCTION FOR THE FAMILY
18 Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not become bitter against them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not antagonize your children, so that they will not become discouraged. – Colossians 3:18-21
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This letter of Paul to the Colossians gives clear-cut guidelines for the family of believers. In verse 18, Paul addresses the wives to submit to their husbands as they would submit to the Lord. Why is it so important that the wives surrender to their husbands? As Paul wrote the believers in Ephesus which was written in 49AD which was written ahead of this letter to the Colossians, he mentions that the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the church (Ephesians 5:23). Division and disunity in the marriage may occur as a result of the wrong order in the relationship as God intended it to be. Since the man is the head and not the wife. After the fall of Adam and Eve, one of the consequences of the sin on Eve’s part is that she will want to take control of her husband stated in Genesis 3. Paul reiterates the importance of the wife’s submission to the husband to ensure peace and harmony in the marriage.
In verse 19, the husbands are commanded to love their wives and ensure that they do not become bitter against them. The same guidelines were given to the Ephesians. Paul explains in-depth why. Ephesians 5:25-33 says that husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself for we are members of his body. “For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” In that context, husbands will avoid letting bitterness creep into their marriage.
Once again, Paul instructs the children of Colossian believers as he did the Ephesians: to follow what their parents says in everything. This is important so they can learn surrender and submission to authority. Honoring your parents is the first commandment with a promise as he explains to the Ephesians. It leads to a life that is long and enjoyable. Then the fathers specifically got a very important instruction in verse 21. They must not provoke their children so that they will not be discouraged. Ephesians 6:4 says that children can be provoked to anger by the way they are treated. Fathers are instructed to bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.
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REFLECTION
• Why do members of the family need to follow God’s guidelines?
WHATEVER YOU DO, DO IT FOR THE LORD ILMA’S VLOG
March 8
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WHATEVER YOU DO, DO IT FOR THE LORD
15 Let the peace of Christ, to which you were indeed called in one body, rule in your hearts; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. – Colossians 3:15-17
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In this letter, Paul reminds the Colossian believers that they were all called to be united, in one mind, one heart and one body with the peace that dwells in all those who belong to Jesus. It sounds more like a charging or blessing to those who gave their lives for the Lord Jesus Christ. He declares to them the peace that will make them be in harmony with one another, bearing the mind of Christ. In verse 16, Paul reminds them of the importance of feeding on the word of God, which brings them all the wisdom to teach and to rebuke and encourage each other. Paul also reproves them to worship the Lord in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, not forgetting the gratitude they ought to speak about. Verse 17 is a very wise word of advice for the believers: all their words and deeds must be done for God and to be grateful to God through their acknowledging His own Son, Jesus, who is the mediator of all believers.
Paul couldn’t stress more the essence of a true believer: they have the peace of Christ in them. In other words, they do not think only of their own selfish agenda. They think for the whole body of believers. They don’t think individually. They follow Christ’s example of unity with God the Father and Holy Spirit. He never operates on His own, but always in harmony with the Father and the Spirit.
How different the “world” operates from God’s kingdom? In the world, the “self” wants to be gratified, not the other. In God’s kingdom, the believers serve others so God can be glorified. Believers rather give than receive.
The wise counsel of Paul in verse 17 is actually the key to living a life that is alive and full. When you do your job thinking that you are doing it for Jesus, your master, would you complain? When you love someone as Christ loves you, wouldn’t you be unconditional too? When we love ourselves as Christ loves us, don’t we begin to keep ourselves holy for the Lord? This is how we show that we operate in God’s law of love.
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REFLECTION
• How does your life change when you do and say everything for the sake of Jesus?
STRIP OFF THE OLD AND PUT ON THE NEW SELF ILMA’S VLOG
March 6
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STRIP OFF THE OLD AND PUT ON THE NEW SELF
8 But now you also, rid yourselves of all of them: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene speech from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you stripped off the old self with its evil practices, 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created it— 11 a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, and free, but Christ is all, and in all.
-Colossians 3:8-11
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Paul continues to give them an exhaustive list of the things that lead to idolatry in this letter to the Colossians. Among these second list are the following
1. Anger- Strong emotional reaction of displeasure, often leading to plans for revenge or punishment. There are many words for anger in Hebrew; in Greek orge [ojrghv] and thumos [qumov”] are used more or less interchangeably.
2. Wrath- is a strong vengeful hatred or resentment. We can become consumed by rage and revenge to the point of acting irrationally and immorally. This is the wickedness of wrath and why it is included as a deadly sin.
3. Malice- means enmity of the heart, malevolence, a disposition to injure others-without cause, for mere personal gratification, or from a spirit of revenge. The word comes from the Latin word militia from the root word malus, literally meaning evil.
4. Slander- is an accusation maliciously uttered, with the purpose or effect of damaging the reputation of another. As a rule, it is a false charge (but it may be a truth circulated insidiously and with a hostile purpose
5. Obscene speech- means speech that is offensive to modesty or decency; indecent; lewd. Causing or intended to cause sexual excitement or lust or anything offending against recognized standards of propriety or good taste; vulgar.
6. Lie- is defined as a criminal falsehood; a falsehood uttered for the purpose of deception; an intentional violation of truth.
Paul stresses the importance of the believers to remove their old sinful ways and put on the new self in Christ Jesus. When one becomes a believer, he is being transformed into a creation like his creator Himself, he is being renewed. The old is gone and the new has begun. This renewed self sees all people without distinctions or prejudices.
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REFLECTION
• Why do we need to be aware of putting off the old and wear the new person?
ACTS THAT LEAD TO IDOLATRY ILMA’S VLOG
March 5
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ACTS THAT LEAD TO IDOLATRY
5 Therefore, treat the parts of your earthly body as dead to sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. 6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. – Colossians 3:5-7
________________________________________In this part of his letter, Paul tells the Colossians to be dead to the following acts that lead to idolatry:
1. Sexual immorality -the word most often translated “sexual immorality” is porneia. This word is also translated as “whoredom,” “fornication,” and “idolatry.” It means “a surrendering of sexual purity,” and it is primarily used with premarital sexual relations. From this Greek word we get the English word pornography, stemming from the concept of “selling off.” Sexual immorality is the “selling off” of sexual purity and involves any type of sexual expression outside the boundaries of a biblically defined marriage relationship
2. Impurity- Impurity is the condition of being defiled in some sense. The word impurity can also refer to the contaminant itself: an unwanted substance that makes something unclean. The concepts of purity and impurity are important in the Bible’s presentation of holiness. Impurity in Greek is “akatharsia”, which means “defiled, foul, ceremonially unfit.” It connotes actions that render a person unfit to enter God’s presence.
3. Passion-also translated as “lust or inordinate affection.” These are inappropriate cravings which distract us from the things that are above and lead us to commit the sins of immorality and impurity.
4. Evil desire- likely includes wanting things which are wrong, whether sexual or material things.
5. Greed -also called covetousness is a strong and selfish desire to have more of something, most often money or power.
Paul vehemently warns the believers to be stripped off from these acts that brings about the wrath of God to those who commit these sinful acts.
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REFLECTION
• Which of these sins have you struggled in the past before you were a believer?
• How has God transformed you from these idolatrous acts when you believed?