Study through Colosseans

Introduction

Scholars believe the book was written as a response to the spiritual emergency that the city was under. They were tied up in what history calls the Colossian Heresy. They were in the beginning stages of gnosticism. (the belief that human beings contain a piece of God within them selves) For Gnostics, salvation could be achieved through knowledge and not through faith. Gnostic beliefs resemble dualism, which is the view that the universe is structured by two opposing forces, good and evil. The Gnostics believed that the material world was created, but they viewed the creator-divinity as imperfect. This was predicted by Paul in Acts 20:29-30

Acts 20:29–30 ESV

29 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.

The letter was to guard against this cult like religion. Paul attempts to fortify the church against false teachers who might try to impose strict rules about eating, drinking, and religious festivals. Through the book he explains that the right way of living is to ficus on heavenly rather than earthly things. Stating God’s chosen people must leave their sinful lives behind and live in a godly way, looking to Christ as the head of the church.

Pauls opening address

As Paul opens his letter of warning to this church he expresses his thankfulness of their ministry. In doing so he mentions a few things that seemed unique in this ministry.

Verse 4 - Their faith in Christ Jesus

Verse 4 - Their Love for the Saints

Verse 5 - Because of the hope laid up in heaven

Verse 6 - Bearing fruit since hearing the gospel

Verse 6 - They understood the grace of God in truth

*** Why is this important and why did Paul find it necessary to point out that they understood the grace of God. Specifically “in truth” ***

Paul’s prayer

Specifically, in verse 9, what did Paul what did Paul as the Lord for in regards to this church?

Asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

We see the purpose of the prayer in verses 10-12

To walk worthy of the Lord

Bearing fruit in every good work

Increasing in the knowledge of God

Strengthened according to his might

Endurance with patience and joy

The proper place for Christ

Colossians 1:15–20 ESV

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

The word used in verse 18 is PREEMINENT

“It means the highest place of ascendency, above all, over all, surpassing all, to the point that nothing and no one else can even come close.”

If Christ is preeminent in our lives, then we will be able to get along with others for His glory.

Warren W. Wiersbe

Christ is the image of the invisible God. Catch the uniqueness of this phrase.

What is an image?

A picture, or something that you can see. By definition something that is not invisible.

Since Eden, with rare exception, we as a race lost the ability to see God. He is to holy for us to see with our eyes.

Exodus 33:20 ESV

20 But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.”

Christ our friend, mediator, savior, and a host of other things. But may we never cease to exalt him also as God, and having the position of God.

Paul takes time here to articulate the placement of Christ in regards to the church.

He calls Christ the head of the church.

What functions does our head accomplish?

Brain, decisions, etc

We must have Christ not only at the head of our church but our every day life. He must be the focal point of every decision, action, or reaction.

Closing

Colossians 1:19–22 ESV

19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. 21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,