Colossians 1:1-12

Paul’s Apostolic Authority

Read Col 1.1-3

Colossians 1:1–3 NKJV

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

Apostolic authority is based on divine commission

2 Timothy 1:1 “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,”

Apostolic authority derives from Jesus Christ

Matthew 10:40 ““He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.”

The authority of apostles is related to their ministry role

1 Corinthians 12:28 “And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.”

Ephesians 4:11 “And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,”

The exercise of apostolic authority within the church entailed

building up the body

general oversight

appointing leaders

church discipline

Paul’s introduction sets the tone

He has the authority to address the false doctrine that has crept in

Epaphras seeks Paul for clarity

Paul’s direct involvement in the matter at Colossae displays His heart for Gods people

Colossians 1:4-8

Colossians 1:4–8 NKJV

since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth; as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.

Paul confirms that they have received the true Gospel that is centered on Christ & His finished work on the cross. 1 Corinthians 2:1–2 “And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”

Paul can see Gods word spreading in Asia Minor & bearing fruit because of His ministry at Ephesus.

Mark 4:30–32 NKJV

Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.”

Paul recognizes that Epaphras is the founder, Shepard & Laborer among the church at Colossae & the churches in the surrounding area.

Partnership in Ministry: 1 Corinthians 3:5–8 “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.”

Colossians 1:9-12

Colossians 1:9–12 NKJV

For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light.

Paul’s example of intercession for others Ephesians 1:16–17 “do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him,”

The importance of understanding Gods will for your life

Spiritual understanding (How is God leading you?)

Fruitfulness in the Kingdom comes from knowing The Lords will for our lives

We have an inheritance in heaven Ephesians 1:11 “In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,”