Colossians 1:1-14
Notes
Transcript
I cannot begin to explain how excited I am to get started studying with you all. Over the last couple of weeks of being with you, Keshia and I have noticed that many of you have a very good understanding of God’s Word. You guys are quoting scripture; you are involved in the classes by answering questions for the teachers, and we have truly been impressed.
Honestly, I am excited and nervous because of that. I am excited, because I know that when we are doing a Bible study, there will be interaction. I am nervous, because it means I have to make sure I am on point so you guys don’t call me out on something!!!
No, truly, I am super excited to get started tonight, and can’t wait to see how God shapes and forms each and every single one of us in the months and years to come!!!
When Bro. Kenny asked me to go ahead and start Wed evening Bible studies, I began praying about where we should start, and honestly, you guys helped me to know where that should be.
If there has been one consistent thing we have gotten from you all the past couple of weeks, it is that you truly desire to glorify the name of God. When I sat and thought about that, I kept coming back to the book of Colossians.
That is where we are going to start!!!
Context
Context
If Ephesians can be labeled the epistle portraying the "Church of Christ," then Colossians must surely be the "Christ of the Church."
Ephesians focuses on the Body; Colossians focuses on the Head.
Like Ephesians, the little book of Colossians can be divided into two halves: the first portion is doctrinal, and the second is practical.
Paul's purpose is to show that Christ is preeminent - first and foremost in everything - and the Christian's life should reflect that priority.
Because believers are rooted in Him, alive in Him, hidden in Him, and complete in Him, it is utterly inconsistent for them to live life without Him.
Clothed in His love, with His peace ruling in their hearts, they are equipped to make Christ first in every area of life.
Colosse was a minor city about one hundred miles east of Ephesus. It was in the region of the seven Asian churches of Revelation 1-3.
It was located in a fertile valley and was positioned next to a mountain pass that connected Ephesus to other territories in the East. The name of the valley was the “Lycus Valley”.
In its hayday, Colosse was a very populous center of commerce and was known for its production of glossy black wool.
By the time of Paul, it had been eclipsed by its neighboring cities, Laodicea and Hierapolis, and was on the decline.
It is evident from Colossians 2:1 that Paul had never visited the church at Colosse, and that Epaphrus was the one who started the church.
On one of his missionary journeys, Paul had spent a couple of years in the Asia minor area, and it is believed that Epaphras was saved during that time, who then went back to his home-town and preached Christ to those who were there. (Colossians 4:12)
Epaphras brings word to Paul, who is in prison (Colossians 4:10), and gives him an update of how things are going, which I believe sparked this letter to be written.
Content
Content
Who is the author of Colossians?
The letter is addressed by Paul, but he makes it clear in the 2 opening verses that he is actually not the author. He makes it clear that God is the author and he is simply a vessel used by Him for the glory of His kingdom.
Why does this matter?
When a man speaks, the weight of his words are limited at best. When God speaks, the eternal universe hangs in the balance.
God’s words have power. When He speaks, mountains move, the earth quakes, demons flee, and His will is accomplished.
When reading the Word of God, we must remember that it is indeed the Word of God. Though Paul scribed the letter, God spoke it!
When we read His Word with this mindset, we believe its words on a different level. We allow it to move us, impact us, change us, convict us, and even lead us unto salvation. We learn from it; we build upon it; we lean into it. It becomes one of the most necessary components of our lives.
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
There are many things that we could say about Apostle Paul, but the word that seems to come to mind for me, is passion. Paul was a man of passion. Once God touched him, he was completely devoted to his calling. He served God with a passion. Let’s look at some of those passions, which are clearly seen in his opening greeting to the believers at Colossae.
Paul’s passion for people (1-2)
Paul loved God’s people! Look at all the books that he wrote to them and for them: 13 in total (and possible a 14th if you hold the Pauline authorship of Hebrews).
Paul’s calling was to the Gospel, and the Gospel was for the people. This was his life’s work, from the time of his conversion.
Paul’s passion for prayer (3)
Almost every letter that Paul wrote to the churches and people have mention of his prayers for them within the opening statements of his letters.
17 pray without ceasing,
987God the Holy Ghost writes our prayers, God the Son presents our prayers, and God the Father accepts our prayers. And with the whole Trinity to help us in it, what cannot prayer perform?—54.342, 343
Charles Spurgeon
The goal of prayer is the ear of God.
Charles Spurgeon
Christ prayed often and did not allow others to join when in the practice.
Paul’s passion for purpose (4-5)
Paul absolutely loved to see others living out their purpose in life.
These people had been moved by the Gospel and believed every word of it. Therefore, they had faith in Christ and loved God’s people.
This is God’s people, living out their purpose in life. Paul loved getting behind other people who shared his passion. The thing that made his passion so great, was that it was from God. When we all are unified in what God is doing, it makes it so easy to love and support one another.
Paul’s passion for progress (6)
The Gospel didn’t just come to them, it went through them. There was progress within the church because there was spiritual progress within the people.
Paul’s passion for preachers (7-8)
Paul loved his peers. Paul loved everyone who served the Lord, but he had a special place in his heart for those who had served along side him. Rightfully so. Paul had been through a lot. Those who had seen his trials and stayed in the faith were definitely true followers of Christ.
Paul’s passion for perspective (9-14)
Paul’s petition (9-11)
Paul’s praise (12-14)