Since Pastor Dean has been out of the country for a few weeks, this lesson takes the time to go back and review what we had learned so far on the profound significance Paul places on forgiveness in Colossians 2:11-15.

As we are reminded of when forgiveness takes place, we also learn of the four different types or areas of forgiveness. This lesson is important for a clear understanding of forgiveness all mankind has in Jesus' work on the cross, but also in how believers are to apply forgiveness in our personal walk.

There are many erroneous ways Christians have interpreted this verse to try to understand how they can know the will of God. This has led to ideas which don’t conform to an understanding of what Colossians 3:15 really means. How can we know what God’s will is for our lives? Is the peace of God a feeling that permeates every moment we are operating inside the will of God? How does this verse relate to the harmony we can find within the body of Christ?

Like relationships within the Godhead, the divine institution of marriage is defined through roles, with equality in person and distinctness in role. Authority and submission are foundational. Without authority we are left on our own, doomed to failure in our relationship with God and every relationship that flows from that pattern. If the idea of submission makes you want to fight for control, look carefully at the submission of our Savior. Successful marriages function through roles God has prescribed. Circumstances, feelings and cultural trends don’t alter Truth. See the effective analogy of dance and marriage; success in marriage is a function of the correct application of authority and submission carried out within marriage’s unique framework of intimacy, love and respect.