Thursday September 2, 2010

Read Colossians 1:24-25

How do you deal with the difficult parts of Scripture? Let’s not pretend, there are some very difficult things to understand in the Scriptures. Verse 24 contains one of the most difficult phrases in the Bible to understand and make sense of.  Before we read on, state what you think verse 24 means when it says

... I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions...

Here are some steps to help you work out what a difficult passage might mean.

1. What does the passage not mean. There are certain limits of all Scripture interpretation. There are some things that a passage simply cannot mean. This passage cannot mean that the sufferings of Christ are deficient and need to be added to for our salvation. This is contrary to other clear Scripture and cannot be our understanding. If my understanding of a part of the Bible contradicts another part then my interpretation is wrong. It’s that plain and simple.

2. Let Scripture Interpret Scripture. As we wrestle for an understanding of a particular verse or passage, we must always seek to bring our interpretation or understanding in line with other similar passages.  Jesus told us that we must take up our cross and follow Him, if we desire to come after Him. See Luke 9:23. Taking up a cross involves suffering and self denial. Acts 14:22 tells us that we must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God. Mark 13:19-20 suggests that the time of tribulation or suffering was limited and fixed.  1 Peter 4:16-17 tell us that suffering is God’s ‘judgement’ upon the church. This judgement is designed to purify the church and to get it ready for Jesus’ arrival.

3. Carefully consider & research the specific words used in the verse in question. The Word for ‘afflictions’ in NIV is never used of Christ’s atoning sacrifice. It speaks of the struggles of life rather than the pains of death. This is a very unique word that cannot be transported to the arena of Jesus’ suffering and death. Paul is thus not talking about Jesus’ atoning sacrifice at the cross.

4. Always read carefully in context. Remember the old adage: a text without a context is a pretext to say whatever you want. Here in context Paul is rejoicing that he suffers for the church, the body of Christ. Suffering is the vehicle of growing holiness and dependence upon God throughout the Bible. His overarching desire is to present everyone perfect in Christ. Paul is rejoicing that he suffers on behalf of the church, perhaps so that he can work for its perfection and lessen the suffering for the individuals in the church.

5. Read what others have said. Always take this step last so that you personally can research and wrestle with the Scriptures.

And so, having worked through these steps we can start to explain verse 24 as follows.

Paul rejoices that he suffers on behalf of the church, stating this at least twice. Paul is a servant of Jesus, a commissioned servant of the church and desires greatly for the church to be presented as perfect to the Lord. Scripturally, this often happens through suffering. Given that there is a  set amount of suffering that the people of God must endure, Paul is rejoicing that he suffers for the church or on behalf of the church, thereby possibly lessening the suffering on others.

Prayer:-

ü Pleading prayer before the throne of God that many lost lives will come to hear and receive the truth now and especially during the Missions week.

ü Kid’s Games for Jane and all the volunteers, that Christ’s light will shine through and people will see God’s love coming through.

MEAT 4  THE MATURE

If you have come across other difficult passages of Scripture then work through steps 1-5 of those passages and seek to come to an understanding of them.

Show your work to another mature believer and get them to comment.