1. Col.4:16

2. Remember my bonds (Col.4:18) Fulfills prophecy, Mt.10 People hate the gospel, Ac.14:22 Gospel is worth suffering for, Ph.1 Suffering for gospel is no shame, 1 Pt.4 “Remember” is call to action –  Pray for Paul, Ep.4, 6; Col.4:3  Be emboldened by his example, Ph.1  Preach gospel w/o fear, Ph.1  Suffer for gospel, Ph.1:27-30 Paul is not bitter, Ph.1

3. God chose us (Ep.1:4-5) 1/2 Apostles, Ac.1:2, 24 Israel, Ac.13:17 Saints, Ep.1:4-5  Conditional or unconditional?  If unconditional, universalism (v.10)  “In Him”–conditional or unconditional? Romans 6; Gal.3; 2 Th.2:13 (cf. 1 Th.)

4. God chose us (Ep.1:4-5) (2/2) If unconditional, there are consequences – Denies conditions of NT, Mt.7:21 Denies warnings of NT, Ro.14:14; Hb.3:12 Denies character of God, Jn.3:16 Denies partiality of God, Ac.10:34-35 Denies human responsibility, Ac.10:34-35

5. His body (church) is “the fullness of Him” Active: something that fills 1 Active: something that fills W/o body He is Self-sufficient, but not a Savior The body fills Christ, completes Him Col.1:24 Shepherd w/o sheep? Vine w/o branches?King w/o citizens? Head w/o body?

6. His body (church) is “the fullness of Him” 1 Active: something that fills Passive: something that is full 2 Passive: something that is full As God’s glory filled the Temple… The body is filled w. Christ, Col.2:10: Jn.1:16

7. “Who fills all in all” (23) He would have no defect w/o us Christ Shepherd – sheep Vine – branches King – citizens Head – body Christ Shepherd – sheep Vine – branches King – citizens Head – body Body Receives all spiritual blessings (1:3) Body Receives all spiritual blessings (1:3) fills

8. in Christ Reconciliation in Christ (2 Co.5:19) in one body Reconciliation in one body (Ep.2:16) In Christ Every spiritual blessing (1:3) In one body Baptized into, Ga.3:27 Saved added, Ac.2:47 Added to Lord, Ac.11:24

9. To Him be the glory Ep.1:6, 12, 14 Recognize His honor, splendor… Instrument: in the church Not to glorify the church : “to Him be the glory” (Ep.3:21) Not to exalt wisdom of man: “The church must change” Not to exalt wisdom of man: “The church must change”