A dynamic threesome...

The three letters we read in class are certainly similar on the surface, but in order to understand the point of each of them, we've got to consider what each is saying on its own. Paul was writing to very different groups of people in each letter, and that of course affects the entire tone of his writing. For example, Paul is usually very praising of the Philippians, but makes a special point to them to avoid argument and strife among themselves, citing Christ as an example; that's really the only criticism he offers. In Ephesians, however, Paul broadly states a large list of basic dos and dont's, not really as a specific condemnation, but rather as a general statement of Christlike character. In Colossians, Paul draws up a similar list, but explicitly states that the church had previously practiced those bad things, and needed to renovate their thinking. The message of Christs' example is applicable in all three cases, evident based on its constant appearance throughout Paul's letters. It serves as a universal bridge to anyone who can endeavor to become more like Chirst, who, frankly, is everyone.

It can safely be stated that the three passages from Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians are really the same message, worded slightly differently for the purpose of reaching different audiences. The broad point over each of these passages is the call to change to be like Christ. In each, Christ's character is lined up against the sinful nature of the world's, and the benefits of life in Christ are laid out for the receiving. Paul also makes a point in each to emphasize Jesus' saving us from our sins; without that there's no point in striving to be like him. There is something deeper in each of these letters, however, that we outlined in class that most people glance over. Taking time to understand each brings out a fascinating point. Paul is not saying that we should seek to be like God - Philippians makes clear even Jesus didn't do that - we're to be like Christ . Why the distinction? Well, for one, Christ was human . A perfect human, but flesh and blood nonetheless. It's our job, therefore, not to seek out equality with God - that's impossible; God is sovereign - but to conform to Christ, who represents the blameless human life; and as Colossians puts it, who is  our life.