Moe Bergeron

Tag: BRS Series

  • 2. Paul’s Prayer and the Supremacy of Christ

    2. Paul’s Prayer and the Supremacy of Christ

    For this reason also, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might, so that you may have full endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.
    He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
    He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities— all things were created through Him and for Him.
    He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning and firstborn from among the dead, so that in all things He may have preeminence.
    For God was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross.

    Notes

    Paul’s prayer flows from gospel hope and aims at gospel fullness. Because the Colossians had truly embraced Christ, Paul is eager that they now be filled—with the knowledge of God’s will. But this is not abstract theology or mystical speculation. It is knowledge granted in all spiritual wisdom and understanding—the kind revealed by the Spirit through union with Christ (cf. 1 Corinthians 2). This is a New Covenant dynamic: no longer external commandments written on stone but inward transformation written on the heart by the Spirit (cf. Jeremiah 31).

    The goal of this knowledge is practical holiness—to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way. This walk is marked by spiritual fruitfulness, increasing knowledge of God, endurance through trials, and joyful gratitude. These are not works of the flesh but outcomes of divine strengthening “according to His glorious might.” The Christian life is not about self-reliance but Spirit-empowered perseverance (cf. Galatians 5; Ephesians 3).

    “The Father…has qualified you.” This is pure grace. God qualifies the unworthy, not through the law but through the finished work of His Son. The Colossians now share in the inheritance of the saints in the light—language that recalls Israel’s inheritance in Canaan but now finds its greater fulfillment in the kingdom of Christ (cf. Ephesians 1; Hebrews 9). The light has come, and the inheritance is spiritual, eternal, and secure.

    This qualification came by rescue. God did not reform the dominion of darkness; He delivered us out of it and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son. This is the great New Exodus—a transition from slavery to sin into the rule of grace and glory (cf. Acts 26). In this kingdom, we are not under condemnation but enjoy redemption and the forgiveness of sins—accomplished once for all in the cross of Christ.

    Then comes Paul’s majestic hymn to the supremacy of Christ. “He is the image of the invisible God.” He does not merely reflect God; He reveals God. Jesus is what God looks like in human form (cf. Hebrews 1). He is the firstborn over all creation—not in the sense of being created, but as the preeminent heir and origin of all that exists.

    In Him, through Him, and for Him all things were created—heavenly and earthly, visible and invisible, including every power and authority. This surpasses even the grandest messianic expectations. Christ is not just Redeemer; He is Creator. Not just Savior of the Church but Sustainer of the universe. “In Him all things hold together.”

    Christ is also Head of the body, the Church—the beginning of a new humanity. His resurrection makes Him the firstborn from among the dead, inaugurating a new creation. He is not only first in time but first in rank: “that in everything He might have preeminence.”

    In Christ, the fullness of God dwells. This is the glory that once rested above the ark, filled the tabernacle, and radiated from the temple—now bodily present in Jesus (cf. John 1; Colossians 2). He is the true and final dwelling place of God. And through Him, God is reconciling all things—not just people but the entire cosmos—by making peace through the blood of His cross.

    This is the gospel: Christ the Creator, Christ the Redeemer, Christ the Reconciler. He is the fulfillment of all shadows and types: the better Adam, the greater Moses, the final High Priest, and the truer Temple. He is the Image, the Center, and the Goal of the New Covenant.

  • 1. Colossians

    1. Colossians

    The letter to the Colossians was written by the apostle Paul during his imprisonment, likely in Rome. Though he had never met the believers in Colossae personally, he wrote with deep pastoral concern, having heard of their faith through Epaphras, one of their own. This letter exalts the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ as the head of all creation and the Church. Paul counters false teaching by grounding the saints in the reality of their union with Christ, who is the fullness of God and the source of all wisdom.

    Colossians is a portrait of Jesus as the preeminent Lord—above all powers, above all rules, and fully sufficient for the believer’s salvation and sanctification. It draws believers into the mystery of Christ, hidden for ages but now revealed: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

    Greeting and Thanksgiving for the Gospel’s Fruitfulness

    Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace and peace to you from God our Father. We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints – because of the hope reserved for you in heaven.
    You have already heard about this hope in the message of truth, the gospel that has come to you. It is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world, just as it has among you since the day you heard and truly understood the grace of God in truth. You learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

    Notes
    Paul opens not simply as a friend or teacher but as an apostle—sent by the will of God. His words carry divine weight, shaped by God’s own calling and purpose. With Timothy beside him, the greeting comes as from a family of faith, to brothers and sisters equally united “in Christ.” This phrase—“in Christ”—anchors the letter. It is the central identity of every believer in the New Covenant. No longer defined by geography, ethnicity, or old religious codes, saints are now defined by their location in Him (cf. 2 Corinthians 5; Ephesians 1).

    Grace and peace are not pleasantries. They are New Covenant realities, flowing from the Father through Christ—realities that characterize the entire epistle. Grace: God’s unearned favor. Peace: the reconciliation purchased by Christ’s blood (cf. Romans 5).

    Paul’s thanksgiving flows from three abiding fruits of the New Covenant—faith, love, and hope. These are not human virtues; they are divine gifts. Their faith in Christ Jesus connects them to the saving work of the Messiah. Their love for all the saints is the evidence of the Spirit’s presence, a love that reaches across cultural and natural divisions (cf. Galatians 5). Their hope stored in heaven is not a wishful idea but a secure inheritance, already theirs in Christ (cf. 1 Peter 1).

    The gospel they received is not local or limited. It is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world. This is a New Covenant phenomenon—God’s Word going out with Spirit-empowered global reach, just as Jesus promised (cf. Matthew 24; Acts 1). What they have believed is not philosophy, law, or tradition. It is the grace of God in truth—a new administration of grace made known through Jesus Christ (cf. John 1).

    Epaphras, their teacher, is a living example of this gospel’s fruit. He is not called a priest or rabbi, but a faithful servant of Christ—a designation of New Covenant ministry. His report of their “love in the Spirit” reveals that the Spirit is the active agent of this new life, creating affection, unity, and holiness among those who belong to Christ (cf. Romans 15; Galatians 5).

    In this brief opening, the full framework of the New Covenant is visible: identity in Christ, grace flowing from God, faith responding to truth, hope laid up in heaven, love formed by the Spirit, and fruit multiplying across the earth. This is the picture of a people no longer shaped by Sinai, but by the Son.

  • 14. Closing Words of Peace, Love, Faith, and Grace

    14. Closing Words of Peace, Love, Faith, and Grace

    Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything, so that you also may know how I am and what I am doing. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that you may know our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.

    Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an incorruptible love.

    Notes

    Paul concludes with pastoral warmth and gospel clarity. Though imprisoned, he is not isolated; his care for the Ephesians is deeply personal. Tychicus, a faithful brother and fellow worker, is entrusted to deliver both the letter and encouragement. The gospel never moves by paper alone, but by people—Spirit-filled men and women who carry the message with love and loyalty
    (cf. Colossians 4:7–8; Acts 20:4).

    The benediction that follows is uniquely New Covenant. It begins not with command but with blessing: peace, love, and faith—gifts flowing from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. These are not aspirations but realities secured in Christ. Peace has been made by the blood of His cross
    (cf. Ephesians 2:14–17); love is poured into our hearts by the Spirit
    (cf. Romans 5:5); faith itself is God’s gift
    (cf. Ephesians 2:8–9).

    And finally, Paul prays for grace—not in general, but upon all who love the Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love. The word Paul uses (ἀφθαρσία) conveys imperishability—a love that cannot rot or fade. This is not natural affection; it is Spirit-born love, kept alive by the indwelling Christ
    (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:22; Galatians 2:20).

    This is how the letter ends: not with fear, but with fullness. Peace has been won. Love has been revealed. Faith has been given. Grace continues to flow. The blessings of the New Covenant do not run dry—they endure with power because they are grounded in Christ.

    In this final word, we see the whole letter summed up: a people chosen in Christ, sealed by the Spirit, walking in love, standing in battle, and blessed in Him—forever.

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  • 13. Be Strong in the Lord and Put On the Full Armor of God

    13. Be Strong in the Lord and Put On the Full Armor of God

    Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

    Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace.

    In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

    Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it boldly, as I should.

    Notes

    Paul ends this letter with a rousing call not to retreat but to stand firm. He has shown us our position in Christ—seated in the heavenlies. He has shown us our walk—worthy of our calling. And now, he prepares us to stand, fully armed, in the midst of spiritual war.

    This battle is not against flesh and blood. The New Covenant people do not fight with swords or human schemes. Our enemies are invisible and entrenched: principalities, powers, rulers of darkness. But we are not left vulnerable. God supplies armor—His own armor—to withstand and resist the devil’s strategies (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:3–5; Isaiah 59:17).

    The armor described here is not a to-do list but a portrait of life in Christ. Truth is the belt that holds everything together. Righteousness—not our own, but Christ’s—is our breastplate. The gospel of peace gives us sure footing in every storm. Faith is our shield—not a force, but trust in the faithful One. The helmet of salvation guards our minds with assurance. And the sword of the Spirit—the Word of God—is our only offensive weapon, sharp and living
    (cf. Hebrews 4:12).

    But even this armor is not enough without prayer in the Spirit. The battle is won not by noise but by persevering, Spirit-empowered prayer. Paul urges the saints to pray for one another and for him—that the gospel may be declared boldly. Even in chains, Paul sees himself as an ambassador—sent with a message, clothed in heavenly authority.

    This is New Covenant warfare: not carnal but spiritual; not chaotic but disciplined; not fearful but bold. We fight from victory, not for it, because Christ has already disarmed the rulers and authorities at the cross
    (cf. Colossians 2:15).

    To be strong in the Lord is to rest in His might, wear His armor, speak His Word, and pray in His Spirit. And having done all, to stand.

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  • 12. Slaves, Masters, and the Authority of Christ

    12. Slaves, Masters, and the Authority of Christ

    Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. And not only when their eye is on you, to win their favor, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve with goodwill, as to the Lord and not to men, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

    And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.

    Notes

    This section confronts a difficult reality in the ancient world and subverts it with the power of the gospel. Paul addresses slaves and masters not to endorse human institutions but to reveal how the Lordship of Christ reshapes every relationship. He speaks to slaves first—not as objects, but as brothers and sisters in Christ, capable of knowing and doing the will of God from the heart.

    The command to obey earthly masters “as you would obey Christ” lifts even the most menial work into sacred service. The slave is not defined by his earthly condition but by his eternal identity: a slave of Christ, serving not to gain approval but because he is already accepted. His obedience is “not with eye-service” but with Spirit-formed sincerity. Every hidden act of goodness will be rewarded by the Lord
    (cf. Colossians 3:22–24; 1 Peter 2:18–21).

    And masters are addressed just as directly. The gospel removes all illusions of superiority. “Treat your slaves in the same way”—with respect, goodwill, and the recognition that you both have a Master in heaven. The radical truth Paul proclaims is that God shows no favoritism. In Christ, slave and master stand equal at the foot of the cross.

    While Paul does not here issue a direct call to abolition, the trajectory of the gospel undermines the very foundations of slavery. The cross declares that no human has the right to dominate another. The Church would later awaken to this implication, but the seed is already here: Christ is Lord of all, and every relationship is accountable to Him.

    In the New Covenant, authority is transformed. Power is not for oppression but for service. The workplace, like the household, becomes a setting for gospel display. Whether slave or free, Christ is our Master. And the reward we seek is not earthly status but heavenly approval.

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  • 11. Christ and the Church: A Mystery Revealed in Marriage

    11. Christ and the Church: A Mystery Revealed in Marriage

    Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.”

    Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

    Notes

    This section reveals the beauty of how the gospel shapes family life under the New Covenant. Paul begins not with abstract ideas but with direct exhortation to children. Believing children are not excluded from the covenant community; they are addressed as full participants in Christ. Their obedience is not to earn approval—it is “in the Lord,” flowing from their new identity in Him. All children, regenerate or not, are to obey Christ.

    Paul cites the fifth commandment but frames it in fulfillment terms: it is the first commandment with a promise, now applied not as Sinai’s condition but as Christ’s affirmation of life-giving obedience. The promise—“that it may go well with you”—is not transactional law but relational blessing. The New Covenant transforms obedience into joy-filled fellowship
    (cf. Colossians 3:20; Deuteronomy 5:16).

    To fathers (and by implication all parents), Paul offers not mere authority but responsibility. Do not provoke your children—not by harshness, inconsistency, or shame—but nurture them with the kind of discipline that reflects the Lord’s own training of His children. The goal is not behavior control but heart formation—raising children to know, love, and follow Jesus.

    The phrase “discipline and instruction of the Lord” shows that parenting is a spiritual calling. It is not merely to pass on moral values but to raise up a new generation of Christ-followers. The word “discipline” evokes structured correction; “instruction” evokes formative counsel. But both are in the Lord, not in frustration or fear.

    The New Covenant family is a miniature church, a place where the grace of Christ rules, where obedience is born of love, and where discipline flows from gentleness and truth. This kind of home is not natural—it is supernatural, sustained by the Spirit and modeled on the gospel.

    Where the Law could only demand, the gospel supplies the power to obey and to love. In Christ, children are not just commanded—they are cherished. In Christ, parents are not just enforcers—they are shepherds.

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