The reason for thanking God the Father (2)
[Colossians 1:1-8]
Looking at Colossians 1:2, the first half of the verse indicates the recipients of the letter: "To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae." The recipients of the Colossians' letter are referred to as "the holy and faithful brothers in Christ." Here, we should briefly consider two things:
- Let's think about the term "holy ones" or "saints."
The term "saints” refers to regenerated believers, and its literal meaning in the original Greek is 'separated ones.' Biblically, "saints" denote individuals who are 'holy and set apart' by God. In other words, saints are those whom God has separated (set apart) from the world to Himself—the saints are separated to God, by God, and from the world. Alternatively, saints are individuals set apart by God for His purpose and service (KJV Bible Commentary). In the Bible, saints are described as those who truly love God (Ps. 31:23), bear witness to Jesus (Rev. 17:6), sing praises to God and give thanks to His holy name (Ps. 30:4), pray (Rev. 5:8), perform "righteous acts" (19:8), keep God's commandments and have faith in Jesus (14:12), and rejoice in glory (Ps. 149:5).
We are called to be saints and should strive to grow into mature saints. We should no longer remain as saints who live according to the flesh. Who, then, are saints living according to the flesh?
- Saints living according to the flesh are like 'infants' and easily deceived.
Look at 1 Corinthians 3:1 - "Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ." Spiritually immature saints living according to the flesh easily fall into the deceitful schemes and cunning temptations of human reasoning (Eph. 4:14). They are easily swayed by various false teachings and erroneous doctrines because they lack spiritual maturity in their faith. Their faith is fragile, making them susceptible to temptation and easily shaken. Ultimately, saints living according to the flesh, like infants, are easily deceived and fall into the world's cunning temptations, committing sins against God.
- Saints living according to the flesh 'drink milk.’
Look at 1 Corinthians 3:2 - "I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready." Spiritually newborn saints living according to the flesh must drink milk because they cannot yet handle solid food. In the Bible, 'milk' symbolizes the elementary teachings about Christ, as the writer of Hebrews refers to them as 'elementary teachings' or 'basic principles about Christ' (Heb. 6:1). Saints living according to the flesh, though familiar with the basic teachings (5:12), struggle to comprehend deeper spiritual truths (v. 11). As a result, lacking deep spiritual discernment, they may easily succumb to the temptations of Satan and the sinful world, failing to clearly discern good from evil and falling into sin against God.
- Saints living according to the flesh are those who, through jealousy and strife, disrupt the unity of the church.
Look at 1 Corinthians 3:3-4: "You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? For when one says, 'I follow Paul,' and another, 'I follow Apollos,' are you not mere human beings?" Living according to the flesh does not necessarily mean being unbelievers; it refers to those influenced by a corrupt nature. This involves following the sinful inclinations of the old self (v. 3), behaving in the manner of the unregenerate (natural man), not guided by the Spirit. In other words, saints living according to the flesh are those who, rather than being led by the Holy Spirit, continue to live according to the desires of the flesh, much like they did before believing in Jesus. Unfortunately, there are too many saints today who live so much like unbelievers, pursuing the desires of the flesh instead of being led by the Holy Spirit. They live following the habits of their old sinful nature, pursuing the things of the flesh rather than walking in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This is evident not only outside the church but also within it, where saints, living according to the flesh, create conflicts by pursuing their own desires, causing disruptions. Therefore, instead of becoming a spiritual community, the church, which is the body of Christ, is gradually becoming a community that is not much different from the world, marred by conflicts caused by those living according to the flesh. Consequently, the church is earning disrespect from people outside.
- Let's think about the term "faithful brothers."
I personally have a habit of writing articles on my personal blog or Facebook about the content of books I've read or challenges I've encountered on the internet. It is beneficial to my spiritual life. Last week, there were about three challenging articles that I would like to share with you:
- "I have simply taught, preached, and written God's Word.
Otherwise, I have done nothing. The Word did everything" (Martin Luther). Reading this, I was challenged to believe in the power of God's Word and to preach, write, and share God's Word with faith, acknowledging that the Word does everything.
- "Divorce changes relationships, situations, and locations, but it does not change the heart.
People who use divorce as a solution often repeat the same problems in other relationships. One thing that needs to change is staying unchanged" (Paul David Tripp). Reading this, I was challenged to recognize the importance of heart transformation before changing relationships, situations, or positions in the presence of God, who sees our hearts.
- "Goals of achieving greatness or becoming special should be replaced by the goals of faithfulness and contentment" (Brad Hambrick).
Reading this, I was challenged to understand that, even though our instincts may lean towards achieving greatness and becoming special, what is essential in the eyes of God is learning the keys to faithfulness and contentment. When thinking about the 'key to contentment,' Philippians 4:11-12 came to mind: "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need." Additionally, when reflecting on 'faithfulness,' I recalled 2 Timothy 2:13 in the Korean Modern Bible: "if we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself."
Looking at today's passage in Colossians 1:2, where the Apostle Paul refers to the saints in the Colossian church as "faithful brothers" in Christ, the Modern Korean Bible translates it as "brothers who believe in Christ." In other words, "faithful brothers" are those who continue to faithfully believe in Jesus Christ. More specifically, "faithful brothers" are (1) those full of faith, (2) trusting individuals, and trustworthy individuals who (3) remain loyal to Christ. "Faithful brothers" are those who, with a fullness of faith, demonstrate trustworthiness, loyalty to Christ, and unblemished honesty in following the Lord (Ps. 101:6, Modern Korean Bible). T hey are the ones who are faithful in the smallest things (Lk. 16:10), remain loyal even unto death (Rev. 2:10), and, upon standing before the Lord, receive the commendation, "Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities" (Lk. 19:17), and along with it, the crown of life from the Lord (Rev. 2:10).