Biblical Places Spiritual Spaces Colossae, Hierapolis and Laodicea

 

The Lycus-Meander Valley

Today we look at two letters written to three churches located in the same valley in SW Turkiye. Their geographical location helps us understand the Biblical message.

Colossae- at the base of the mountains where the cool waters flow

Hierapolis- the warm healing spring coming out of the mountains on the opposite side of the valley

Laodicea- the rich city in the plain in between Colossae and Hierapolis where the water was lukewarm and disagreeable

 

 

The blue dot at the top is ancient Hierapolis, modern Pamukkale, a popular hot air balloon destination. The Red designator is Laodicea, and at the bottom, below the highway D320 marker is the ancient site of Colossae.

One of the major ancient trade routes through southwestern Turkey starts at the coast at Ephesus and runs east through  the Meander River valley to an ancient hot springs at Hierapolis. This spring created white cliffs of calcium and magnesium on the north side where the ridgeline dips to the level land.  With its extensive natural pools, Hierapolis was a place where many came to soak in the healing waters. It still is and there are many hotels located at the base of this natural hot springs where visitors from all parts of the world come to enjoy the healing qualities. 

We arrived at our hotel at Pamukkale in the dark, and got up at 5:00 AM and travelled to a field for a hot air balloon ride.

 

Pre-dawn arrival near a mysterious white hill, where they prepared they positioned the basket and unrolled the balloon.

 

 

Using two fans, they began to inflate the balloon

 

 

Once the balloon was filled with enough cool air, they lit the gas burners sending hot air into the balloon. 

 

 

When the balloon was fully inflated, they began to load the passengers aboard.

 

 

The lift off prompted exciting moments for Dottie, Laura and Michael. We were required to have our masks in place, however we suddenly realized that the virus would not travel up off the Earth with us as none of our pilots had their masks on! We were safe!

 

 

 

 

 

 

He flew us over a sharp ridgeline with a trough carved out on top.

 

 

This trough used to take the hot mineral water down to the tourist hotels at the base of the cliff.

 

 

 Once over the ridge, our pilot began an ascent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Pilot is very skilled, and landed the basket directly on the trailer! 

 

Later in the day, we returned on foot to this same white ridge that we had flown over earlier. 

 

 We got to dip our feet into the pools at Hierapolis

 

 

Tourists from all parts of the world still come here!

 

 

Hierapolis Site Map with guide Tanner

 

Laura with some of the pools at Hierapolis

There are many hotels at the base of the Hot Springs at Hierapolis

Tourists at Hierapolis, with Laodicea and Colossae in the distance

 

Ten miles to the southeast, on the other side of the valley lies the city of Colossae, which sits at the base of Mount Cadmus. Snow and rain provide refreshing cold water that pours from this peak forming the Lycus River, which disappears into a ravine behind Colossae and reappears through a cave on the north side of the city, eventually flowing into the Meander River, which flows west to the coast.

Colossae City Limits

 

 

 

 

 

 

Between these two sites of Hierapolis Colossae lies the ancient city of Laodicea, recently excavated by a group of local businessmen. Laodicea was located on a hill near the confluence of the Lycus and Meander River. Because of its fertile soil and location on a principal trade route, the city became very wealthy, and the arts flourish in a city with many beautiful buildings. It was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 60 AD during the reign of the Emperor Nero, but the city refused the aid offered by the Emperor and rebuilt the city with its own resources. They were a prideful people.

 

 

 

 

 Laodicea Forum

 

 

 

 

 

 

Laodicea Amphitheatre not fully excavated.

 

 

Laodicea with Hierapolis in the distance (white hillside)

 

 

Laodicea Water Pipes - the water was lukewarm.

 

 

 

 

Laodicea Church Altar 

   

Laodicea is a wedding destination

This valley is a center of the textile industry, with cotton fields and vineyards cultivated along the rivers.

The Christian community grew in this area, with congregations in all three cities. Paul wrote a letter to the Christians in this valley where he answered many of the questions that are asked in our time and culture:

• Who is Jesus and why does He deserve our devotion?
• What does it mean to follow Jesus?
• What is the key ingredient that empowers the Christian’s life?
• How do we stay on the path of righteous living?
• How do we treat those around us?
• How does our faith affect our business?
• How does our faith affect our families?
• How can we stay hot and cold?

 

Let's read Paul's letter and hear his answers to the all important questions. We begin by zeroing in on the intended audience of this letter. 

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ  by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
To the  saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.                  Colossians 1:1-2

Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand  perfect 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 also Demas. ¹⁵ Greet the brethren 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.                                          Colossians 4:12-16

Paul tells us some incredible truths that go to the heart of our worldview, which is the fountain of all we do in this life.

We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, ⁴  since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; ⁵ because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel ⁶ which has come to you, just as  in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth; ⁷ just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, ⁸ and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit.                  Col 1:1-8

The followers of Jesus in Colossae, Hierapolis and Laodicea were known for their:

1. Faith in Christ Jesus and
2. Love which you have for all the saints
3. Hope laid up for you in heaven,
4. Constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you.

 

 

 

 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the  knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, ¹⁰ so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord,  to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; ¹¹  strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously ¹² giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.  Col 1:9-12

Paul’s Prayer for Maturity:   We have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that:

1. You may be filled with the experiential knowledge (epignōsis) of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
2. So that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord,  
3. To please Him in all respects,
4. Bearing fruit in every good work and
5. Increasing in the knowledge of God;  
6. Strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might,
7. For the attaining of all steadfastness and patience;
8. Joyously giving thanks to the Father,

Knowledge: epígnōsis; to recognize. It is more intense than gnṓsis (G1108), knowledge, because it expresses a more thorough participation in the acquiring of knowledge on the part of the learner. In the NT, it often refers to knowledge which very powerfully influences the form of religious life, a knowledge laying claim to personal involvement. Experiential, Personal, Life Changing

Power: dúnamai; To be able, have power, whether by virtue of one's own ability and resources (Rom. 15:14), through a state of mind or favorable circumstances (1 Thess. 2:6), by permission of law or custom (Acts 24:8, 11), or simply to be able, powerful. Power, especially achieving power. All the words derived from the stem dúna- have the meaning of being able, capable.

Steadfastness: hupomonḗ; to persevere, remain under. A bearing up under, patience, endurance as to things or circumstances. This is in contrast to makrothumía (G3115), long-suffering or endurance toward people. Hupomonḗ is associated with hope (1 Thess. 1:3) and refers to that quality of character which does not allow one to surrender to circumstances or succumb under trial.

Patience: makrothumía; to be long-suffering. Forbearance, long-suffering, self-restraint before proceeding to action. The quality of a person who is able to avenge himself yet refrains from doing so.

Joyously: chará; to rejoice. Joy, rejoicing, gladness.

 

Selah (A meditation moment) 

• What does it mean to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord?
• How do we please another person?  How can we please our Lord?
• What does it take to be strengthen with His Power?
• Try to repeat Paul's prayer and make it personal substituting 'you' with 'I'.

 

¹³  For He rescued us from the  domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of  His beloved Son, ¹⁴  in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.  Col 1:13-14

Who is Jesus of Nazareth? Why does he deserve our devotion?

1. He (God, Yahweh) rescued us from the  domain of darkness,
2. He transferred us to the kingdom of  His beloved Son
3. We have redemption.
4. We are forgiven of our sins.

Selah (A meditation moment) 

•  How has being rescued affected your life?
• What is the personal significance of being in His Kingdom?
• What aspect of redemption is most meaningful for you?

 

¹⁵  He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. ¹⁶ For  by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. ¹⁷ He  is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. ¹⁸ He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. ¹⁹ For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, ²⁰ and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.
²¹ And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, ²² yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach— ²³ if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a  minister.  Col 1:15-23

Jesus is:

      1. the image of the invisible God

Image: eikṓn; A representation, an image, resemblance, Eikṓn sometimes may be used as syn. with homoíōma (G3667), and both may refer to earthly copies and resemblances of the archetypal things in the heavens. However, there is a distinction in that eikṓn, image, always assumes a prototype, that which it not merely resembles but from which it is drawn. Thus, the reflection of the sun on the water is eikṓn. More importantly, the child is émpsuchos (possessed of a soul) eikṓn, image of his parents. Jesus has a prototype- the invisible God in Heaven.

 

      2. the firstborn of all creation.

Firstborn: prōtotokos ; childbirth, offspring; referring to the legal rights of the eldest child in Greco-Roman society.

“What it means here is that Christ holds the same relation to Creation as God the Father- Yahweh, and He is above all creation. It doean not mean that He is part of the Creation made by God, but that the relation of the whole creation to Him was determined by the fact that He is the cause of the creation of al things, and without Him there could be no creation. It is not said of Christ that He was ktistheis, ‘created’, from ktizo, ‘to create’, a verb used of the creation of the world used in Col 1:16. We never find this verb ktizo as referring to Jesus Christ as having been created.”  Spiro Zodhiates Key Word Study Bible note p.1579

 

     3. by Him all things were created,

both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.

Create:ktizō- to create, produce from nothing

 

4. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold

Hold: sunthrúptō; Figuratively, from the trans., meaning to join together parts into a whole, to constitute, create, bring into existence. In the NT, intrans. meaning to be constituted, created, to exist. 

Jesus is the cosmic glue that keeps planets in orbit and solar systems in place. He is magnetism and gravity personified. 

 

5. He is also head of the body, the church;

Head: kephalḗ; The head, top, that which is uppermost in relation to something.

 Jesus is our King, the one who is at the top of the universal pyramid, the first in the chain of command and the one responsible for all that we see and know.

6. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything;

Beginning: archḗs.  Archḗ denotes an act. cause, as in Col. 1:18. Christ is called "the beginning" because He is the efficient cause of the creation; "the head" because He is before all things, and all things were created by Him and for Him. 

 Firstborn: prōtotokos, birthright, pertaining to the inheritance rights of the firstborn son in Roman law

        7. For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him;

Fullness: plḗrōma; noun from plēróō (G4137), to make full, fill, fill up. Fullness.

 Jesus is the human personification of Yahweh, the one true God, maker of Heaven and Earth. He is not lacking in any Divine attribute.

8. Through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross;

Reconcile: apokatalláttō;  to reconcile, to set up a relationship of peace not existing before, in that apokatallássō is the restoration of a relationship of peace which has been disturbed.

 The relationship between mankind and God was disturbed by our ancestors Adam and Eve's choices in the Garden of Eden, when they chose not to trust God and  His goodness, and make decisions for themselves. The knowledge of good and evil contaminated the souls of these two, and changed our DNA. Now God Himself has provided the solution to the sin problem by taking on the punishment for sin on Himself, so the relationship is now reconciled. 

9. He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach— ²³ if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard.

Present: paristánō;from pará (G3844), near, and hístēmi (G2476), to place, stand; to cause to stand near or before; to stand near or before, to be present.

 Because our relationship with God has been restored because of Christ's death on the Cross and his Resurrection, which proves He is who He says He is, he now brings us before Yahweh as forgiven sons and daughters,  with all our privileges as family restored.

 Selah 

•  How does your understanding of who Jesus is affect your relationship with Him?
• Have you ever been reconciled in a broken relationship? What did it take for reconciliation?
• How do you imagine that you will be 'present' with Jesus for all eternity?

 ²⁴  Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions. ²⁵  Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, ²⁶ that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, ²⁷ to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

²⁸ We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man  complete in Christ. ²⁹ For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me. Colossians 1:24-29

 

The Mystery Revealed

When we received Jesus as our Lord, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit. Paul explained it to his friends in Ephesus in his letter:

¹³ And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. ¹⁴ The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.            Ephesians 1:13-14 NLT

The Holy Spirit was given to certain people in the Hebrew Scriptures for specific purposes, but now all followers of Jesus are filled with the Holy Spirit. It is a mystery that the Hebrew prophets often spoke about. Ezekiel saw the day when the Holy Spirit would be given:

²⁵ “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. ²⁶ And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. ²⁷ And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.               Ezekiel 36:25-27 NLT

Paul now reveals a deeper truth: It is actually Jesus Christ that is in you, speaking to you, encouraging you,  empowering you, and giving you a peace that the world does not understand. This is hard to understand, how the Holy Spirit and Jesus are interacting within us, connecting us to the consciousness of God the Father, yet it is a powerful truth for all disciples.

²⁶ that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, ²⁷ to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.      Col 1:26-27

 

Selah 

• How has "Christ in You' been manifested?
• What is your experience of having Christ in you?

 

 

 

 Because of all these things, Paul now gives his friends 10 principles for our daily walk and then Jesus gives us one more.

1) Let the Scriptures guide you.

Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so  walk in Him, ⁷ having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. ⁸  See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.  Colossians 2:6-8

Principle: God will never say anything that he has not already said in his Word- the Bible.

Our worldly culture often influences how we view God and our relationship with Him. In addition we often turn our personal experiences with God into something that is applicable to all members of the Family of God, not just us. Although God is the author of reason, sometimes He doesn't act according to our logic. Christianity is not a philosophy of living a better life, or gaining something from God through our actions. It is not a way to God. Jesus said He is The Way.

Selah

• What sources guide your daily thoughts?
• How do you tune into to what God is saying? 

 

 

The farmers who work the apple orchards around Colossae

 

2) Don’t get caught up in religion and mysticism.

Therefore no one is to  act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day— ¹⁷ things which are a mere shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ. ¹⁸ Let no one keep  defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen,  inflated without cause by his fleshly mind, ¹⁹ and not holding fast to the head, from whom the entire body, being supplied and held together by the joints and ligaments, grows with a growth which is from God.   Colossians 2:16-19   

Two inclinations in our spiritual lives are to make decisions according to our feelings, or copy what others are doing, and considering both to be essential elements of Christianity. They may be, but only if they line up with the what God has spoken through is Word. Our personal experiences and personal direction from God are only for us. When we extend what God has personally told us to do, then we can stray into mystic or religious behavior.

 

Selah

• What are your guidelines for being a Christian?
• What do you do with those random thoughts that enter your consciousness? 

 

                                                                 

3) Keep the Eternal Perspective

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ²   Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.                             Colossians 3:1-3

We are in the midst of a protracted drama that God has produced to bring mankind into His family. Never forget that this drama has a specific beginning and end, and we have been assigned or parts to play in the very brief time we are on Earth. What is ahead is enormous and eternal. 

 

Selah

• How long is your life going to be?
• What are you learning today that is going to help you tomorrow? 

 

Laodicea with Hierapolis in the distance

 

4) Allow Yourself to be transformed.

Don’t let your carnal nature take control of you soul, your personality & your lifestyle

⁵  Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to  immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. ⁶ For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, ⁷ and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them.  Col 3:5-6

When we receive Christ as our Lord and Savior, a miracle happens: we are changed in to new creations. Paul describes it this way to his friends in Corinth:

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

"New Creature" in the Greek is "Kainos Ktisis" which literally means 'a previously unseen biological creation that comes from God Himself.'

We are different after we make that declaration that Jesus is our Lord and Savior than we were before! God accepted our request to forgive our sins and has placed a particle of Himself inside our 'soul-spirit'. Now we have a direct connection between our consciousness and God's. We can hear His thoughts, and we can experience His power within us! This is something radically different than any world religion.

We are like newborn babies, who now have to learn what it is like to be a child of God. Peter refers to this process in his first letter:

Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. 1 Peter 2:2-3

The goal of the Christian life is continuing the 'born again experience' into maturity where we will become like, (are your ready?) God Himself. After all, how will be become children of God without this transformation that this life allows to take place? God will not leave us alone in this process, but offers us divine parenting as we grow. Here is how Paul describes it to his friends in Philippi:

 Other translations use the phrase 'workout your salvation' in verse 12. Its not 

So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13

Notice that Paul says to 'work out' and not 'work for' your salvation.

The Greek word for 'work out' is:

katergázomai; To work out; to bring about, accomplish, to carry out a task until it is finished. Middle voice, meaning something you do to yourself.

According to Paul, we are to give attention and make effort to bring to conclusion the work of our salvation, step by step, leaving behind our old human behavior and adopting Godly behavior as fitting for a child of God. In this process we are not left on our own, but God becomes an active participant in actually giving us the desire to make changes in our thoughts and behavior, and the power or ability to actually see change happen. This is a phenomenal divine process where we participate with God to see spiritual maturity happen. Kenneth Wurst provides an excellent word for word translation of this passage:

Wherefore, my beloved ones, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, carry to its ultimate conclusion your own salvation with fear and trembling, for God is the One who is constantly putting forth His power in you, both in the form of the constant activity of (your) being desirous of and the constant activity of (your) putting into operation His good pleasure.            Wurst Word Studies in the Greek New Testament

Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:12-13 New Living Translation

Selah

• How do you overcome habitual behavior?
• How many days does it take to develop a new habit? 

 

 

5) Treat others with respect, care, and kindness

 ⁸ But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. ⁹   Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, ¹⁰ and have put on the new self who is being  renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him— ¹¹ a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised,  barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. ¹² So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and  patience; ¹³  bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. ¹⁴ Beyond all these things put on love, which is  the perfect bond of unity.                           Colossians 3:8-14

How do we know that this transformation is taking place in our lives? We can examine our behavior toward others. Are we acting in our own interests when we relate to others, or are we doing what is best for them in the moment? The more 'others centered' we become, the more we become like our Heavenly Father. We become more Christ-like. Think for a moment: are you more Christ-like this year than you were last year? Have your attitudes changed? Has your behavior changed? If so you are on the path.

 

Selah

• Our flesh wars against this concept. How do we get past that?
• What is the most active part of your body that affects others? 

 

 

6) Cultivate your intimate relationship with Christ

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. ¹⁷  Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.     Colossians 3:15-17

 

Transformation happens as we spend time with Jesus. We do that through reading His words, and the words of his disciples, spending time talking with Him about the issues of life, being obedient to the things He is telling us to do, and being honest and expressive with Him with our feelings about Him and about ourselves. Do we have more peace in our lives this year? More thankfulness of what He is doing? Are we understanding His words in the Bible better and are they becoming more personal? Then we are on the right path.

 

Selah

• What are your elements in the cultivation of your relationship with Christ?
• How do you intake His Word? 

 

 

7) Let your familial relationships reflect God’s order and love

Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. ¹⁹  Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. ²⁰  Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. ²¹  Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.  Colossians 3:18-21   

The sages of our world tell us how to be spouses, parents and children. Look around you and decide if their counsel is working. Consider the responsibility the Bible give us in our familial relationships, and how our feelings and actions should be conformed to the other-centeredness of the Bible.

 

Selah

• What does it mean for wives to be subject to their husbands?
• How can husbands love their wives?
• When does instructing our children become exasperation?

 

                           

8) Let Christ into your workplace

Slaves (employees) , in all things obey those who are your masters (managers/bosses) on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. ²³ Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, ²⁴  knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. ²⁵ For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and  that without partiality. ¹ Masters (bosses/managers), grant to your slaves (workers) justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master (Boss) in heaven.  Colossians 3:22 - 4:1   

 

How can we incorporate Biblical principles in our workplace? By valuing the efforts of each member of the business, and giving them the respect they deserve. How do we please the Lord with our business? By providing the best product at a fair price with the best service and using our profits to benefit others in our community. This is the foundation that allowed Western Culture, which was based on a Christian worldview, to surpass all other cultures of the world in science, medicine, education, manufacturing, literature, art, government and personal freedoms. Read the American Declaration of Independence and our Constitution to see how Biblical principles were incorporated into or society. Notice the progress in the economy and arts because of a Christian worldview. 

 

Selah

• How do we introduce Biblical principles into our workplace?
• What is the effect of doing our work "as for the Lord'?
• What is just and fair to our workers?

 

                                       

9) Focus your day on prayer to God, especially toward the needs of others

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 speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; ⁴ that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.                      Colossians 4:2-4

 

 Our prayers for our brothers and sisters will often produce effects that would seem impossible and may propel us into situations where God uses us beyond our expectations. The Bible emphasizes the care that we should give to the orphans, widows, and other marginal people in our society. It also emphasized the responsibility we have to make disciples of all the people He brings across our path. How can we do that? By regularly talking and listening to Him, and being obedient to what He's saying to us.

 

Selah

• Who do you pray for on a regular basis?
• How has God answered your prayers recently?
• How do your prayers connect with God's strategy to reach mankind?

 

 

10) Remember our mission to reach those who do not know Christ.

Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders,  making the most of the opportunity. ⁶  Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.   Col 4:5-6

 

Salt in Biblical culture has a unique meaning. When God makes a 'salt' covenant with the Levites (Numbers 18) and David (2 Chronicles 13:5) the indication is that its a covenant that last forever. He tells Moses to instruct the Levites to sprinkle salt on the offerings in Leviticus 2 as a sign of the eternal relationship. Salt cannot be burned and when dissolved in water, returns to the same crystalline form when dried. Salt doesn't change.

In the Biblical mind, salt means non-negotiable relationships. It signifies loyal, faithful relationships where offenses are resolved and friendship remains. It is based on an 'others-centered' frame of mind. Notice how Jesus makes this type of relationship be the goal of all His followers.

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.
¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; ¹⁵ nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ¹⁶ Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.                                                                   Matthew 5:13-16

Light signifies our good deeds to others. This will naturally be the result of 'salty' relationships. Being "salt and light' is the natural, organic manner that disciples are made. 

 

Selah

• How does being salty with Jesus allow you to be salty to others?
• What does a salty person do when offended?
• What dims your light?
• What amplifies your light?
• How have you been 'salt & light' to others this past week? Past month?
• Are you more salty this year than last?

 

 

Paul demonstrates the importance of ten 'salty relationships' as he closes this letter to the Colossians, Laodiceans, and Hierapolans. 

 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 Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your number. They will inform you about the whole situation here.
¹⁰  Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas’s 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. ¹²  Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand  perfect 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 also Demas. ¹⁵ Greet the brethren 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 Say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”
¹⁸  I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my  imprisonment. Grace be with you.                                     Colossians 4:7-18

 

 

 

11) Let your relationships have the effect of healing and refreshment to those around you.

“To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:

The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this:
¹⁵ ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. ¹⁶ So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.

 ¹⁷ Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, ¹⁸ I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.

¹⁹ Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.

 ²⁰ Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me. ²¹ He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. ²² He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”                                                            Revelation 3:14-22

 With the geographical context in mind, the message from Jesus is clear to the Laodiceans- "Stop displaying proud attitudes to those around you and become refreshing and healing to those I bring across your path."  

Verse 16: "So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.'

spit: Greek: eméō; To spit out, vomit; meaning with contempt

It is a message for us as well. We are to lay aside our personal pride in our accomplishments, possessions and the prestige we have attained and serve those of any station in life that God brings our way, becoming the refreshing and healing agents in their life. If we do not accept this command from Jesus, He says he will vomit us out of His mouth. The Laodiceans continually had problems with the calcium content of their lukewarm water, cause many stomach issues over the generations, so they would readily understand Jesus' message.

"Vomit out?"

In 1978, our squadron, Attack Squadron 196, was in San Diego for training with the rest of our airwing onboard the USS Coral Sea. One Saturday when we were in port, a group of us jumped in a car, went to the beach, then to a Mexican restaurant where we ate tacos and drank cerveza and tequila, then went to the Jimmy Buffet concert at the San Diego State arena. After the show, we drove back to Coronado. It was midnight and the freeway was clear. I was driving in the left lane making good time. The music was playing when I heard the voice of my friend Dan mumble something that sounded like "Pull over.'  I keep driving not really sure what Dan said. A few moments later he said distinctly 'Pull over!". I replied "OK Dan." It was just a moment later that Dan said "Pull over now!". I began changing lanes, crossing slowly over the five lanes to the shoulder.

Before I could get there, I suddenly heard a gurgling sound right behind me (where Dan was sitting) followed by an guttural explosion and suddenly the car's windshield was splattered by vomit. I noticed there was a clear area directly in front of me that formed the shape of my head. At the same time, I felt warm projectiles hit my neck and the back of my ears. Immediately the cabin of the vehicle fill with a pungent odor.

It was a multi-sensual experience- visual, sound, touch and smell.

As drips vomit began falling from my head to my shoulders I said to Dan "I'm pulling over now Dan." 

We stopped and Dan got out, depositing the rest of the tacos, cerveza and tequila on the shoulder of California Route 163.

 Let us strive to always be refreshing and healing to those around us!!!

Selah

• How can we be healing and refreshing to those around us?
• Why does Jesus spit out those who are lukewarm?