We continue now in our series of topical studies from Paul’s Letter to the Colossians. As we explained in our last study, we studied Colossians carefully verse-by-verse, then presented our discoveries in a series of topical studies that came naturally from Paul’s Letter. Our prayer is that it will be clear and powerful and you will understand it and apply it to your life.
As with other Teaching Notes, we invite you to use this study in any way God leads.
[These notes are from a Bible study taught more than 40 years ago. The notes are in outline form.]
I. The Transfer
“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” Colossians 1:12-13
To be delivered from the “power of darkness” means that we were rescued from the authority of Satan’s kingdom. Another way of translating this would be, “God has rescued us from the domination and powerful tyranny of Satan.”
Job 1:12 – Job was a servant of the most high God and was deeply loved by the Lord. Satan told God that if he were to put forth His hand and take away what he had, that Job would curse God to His face. So, the Lord said to Satan – “Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.”
Luke 4:6 – Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness for forty days. The devil took Jesus up into a high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. He turned to Jesus and said – “All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.” Jesus did not dispute the fact that Satan had the power he claimed. Of course, it’s important to noticed that he said, “for that is delivered unto me.” Satan received the right to such power from a higher source, who was God. In the Bible we get a pretty close look at the power and dominion of Satan. In 2 Corinthians he is called the “god of this world.” In Matthew he called the “prince of devils.” In Ephesians he is called the “prince of the power of the air.” In John he is called the “prince of this world.” And in Ephesians 6 he is called the “ruler of darkness.”
Acts 26:18 – The Apostle Paul stood before King Agrippa and told him about his wonderful conversion on the road to Damascus. Paul also related the words that the Lord Jesus had spoken to him that day – “But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”
Following this rescue from the domination of Satan came a transference or removal to the kingdom of Christ Jesus. The word “transfer” speaks of a removal from one situation or place to another. We have been taken from one kingdom, that of Satan, and have been rescued and transferred to another kingdom, that of Christ. The word “kingdom” is primarily an abstract noun, denoting sovereignty, royal power, or dominion. Jesus rules in eternity as the absolute sovereign. Jesus rules in eternity as the absolute sovereign. Jesus rules in the physical universe as the royal power from whom even Satan must receive permission to exercise his power and authority. Jesus rules in the hearts and lives of His people as their Lord and King.
The words “of His beloved son” are better translated “of the Son of His love.” The Son, Jesus Christ, is the object of the Father’s love, and to who, therefore, the kingdom is given. (Hebrews 1:1-13)
II. The Redemption
We have redemption in Christ, which is further explained as the forgiveness of sins. Redemption means a releasing for a ransom, a freedom upon payment.” We have been bought up by Christ through His sacrifice on the Cross and have been released from the bondage of sin and death. We have been totally and completely forgiven of all our sins: past, present and future. In Ephesians 1:7, the Apostle Paul wrote – “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”
You and I are redeemed! Where we once were under the condemnation of God, we now have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
[Thank you for reading these teaching notes from more than 40 years ago. My prayer is they will be a blessing to you, your family and your ministry.]
