Introduction:

The epistle to Colosse follows the book of Ephesians in time by one year (61AD). Interestingly enough, mention of the Spirit is minimal - basically one verse. But through this one verse the whole book of Colossians flows. In other words, what Paul knows about Colosse is through revelation of the Spirit (Paul had not visited this territory). So, it is safe to say the whole book is encompassed by the Spirit. This first mention is found in the opening paragraph.

"Love in the Spirit" is a different quantity and quality than camaraderie or what passes as "fellowship." "Love in the Spirit" incorporates the traits found in Ephesians five.

Citing their love factor, Paul begins this next passage with "for this reason." Their love force was so strong that it precipitated what followed (the entire book). Their love was the "God Kind" of love (agape love - the highest form).

Gospel love is the reflection of Christ's love for us. It is the 1 Corinthians 13 kind.

Paul declared "love" was the primary factor in their spiritual walk. A community of "love."

From this point, Paul exalts the work of Christ and enters into one of the most concise teaching of Jesus' redemptive plan to be found in Scripture.

This passage contains a formula for worship services beginning with verse 16. When these elements exist as primary avenues for congregational worship, something marvelous takes place, love for one another freely reigns, the presence of the Lord manifested through the Spirit is felt. and a sovereign move of God encompasses everyone. Why then are these ingredients lacking in the modern church? Could it be this ministry to one another requires congregational participation?

What prevents the person across from you or down the aisle or at the door from hearing from God and yielding to the Spirit in ministry for one another.

I asked a congregation once to stand and begin to pray in the Spirit for the person in front of them and ascertain through tongues and the voice of the Spirit to reveal to them that persons need. (Several people walked out of the service shaking their heads and saying, "That's too much to ask.")

Perhaps, the type of ministry we discussed in the closing lines of Colossians is focused upon in Philemon. Paul is requesting the brethren meeting in a home church to receive a runaway slave into their midst and treat him as equal to them in grace and mercy. Paul sends this letter of recommendation based on Onesimus' service to him and evidence of his salvation.

He is asking them to break away from cultural rules and accept him without encumbrances, and to love him even as Paul does. Notice Paul bases his request on love (the God Kind).

Paul conjectures that the reason for his running away was to bring him to redemption through Jesus' blood even as they.

Introduction:

In keeping with our patterns of chronology, showing the sequence of the epistles, we see that Philippians (62AD) follows Colossians (61AD) and Philemon (61AD). Evidently, Paul wanted to build on the knowledge they received in the other epistles.

Unlike Colossians, Paul had visited Philippi, for it was there the jail rocked and the doors opened and the jailer and his family came to Christ. Supernatural events have a tendency to linger in one's mind.

However, there are only three occasions when a capitalized Spirit is referenced. The first occurs early in opening lines (v.19).

Paul asserts there are two avenues for his deliverance: prayer and the supply of the Spirit. How significant it is for believers to be "prayers." It is through this catalyst that the Spirit has freedom to work both in the life of the "prayers" and Paul. In-depth prayer opens the door in the "prayers" life to be led by the Spirit. Thereby, the needs of the one being prayed for can be transmitted. How wonderful it is to have this supernatural adornment. Many times, I have been amazed at the revelation attained through prayer. (An event occurs and someone comments, "That happened at the same time you were praying.")

In the second chapter once again, Paul regales the Spirit.

The Amplified Bible gives a broader meaning to this passage.

Participation in the Holy Spirit encompasses the fruit of the Spirit, the gifts of the Spirit, the guidance of the Spirit - it is in this realm in which they fellowship. The Spirit is the bonding factor between them and along with the other aspects of this verse a completeness of their cohesiveness is known. Their mutual dwelling in Christ included the other traits mentioned.

Paul says he is strengthened, consoled, encouraged and loved by them. Their response was, "That is the same way we feel about you."

Any association we have with one another involves a "fellowship of the Spirit.:" Church gatherings should be a "fellowship in the Spirit." The admonitions which follow these verses are causes that break "fellowship with the Spirit."

It is in Chapter Three we see the final passage referencing the Spirit.

The Philippian believers displayed their true circumcision of the heart, not fleshly circumcision. Dogs, evil workers and mutilators caused strife and factions and a break in the "fellowship in the Spirit." Dependance on flesh will not prevail either. Paul illustrates the point by a personal testimony. He insists that zeal, education and experience are nothing but loss compared to knowing Jesus.

Paul rendered those "bragging points" to the refuse pile. Certification often leads to the dumper. Such is a non-entity compared to the Spirit.

Summatively, Paul seeks a people, who like himself, are willing to worship on an exalted spiritual platform - in Spirit and in truth. Worship required the laying down of fleshly tasks in order to pursue holiness. Worshiping God in the Spirit is different. Fleshly worship may have the bright lights, the rapid music and the smoked mirrors, but Spirit directed worship gets its direction from a heavenly conductor. It may take the form of inspirational dancing, a word of revelation, a testimony or instant healing. Music may be sung with tongues or accompanied by shofars. Heavenly participants join earthly counter parts in praise to God when the Spirit directs. Those who worship God in the Spirit are satisfied with nothing less. Rejoicing in Christ Jesus has a different sound, a different attitude and a different transport. It enters a different terrain (a higher plane).

God inhabits the praise of His people.

Until Next Month,

Dr. Cosby R. Oliver, PhD.