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III. The Purpose:

A. False Teaching

As a city, Colossae was noted for its broad acceptance of diverse beliefs and the prevalence of syncretism, making Paul’s admonishment against false teachings and harmful religious practices highly relevant.- gotquestions

Syncretism- “the reconciliation or fusion of differing systems of beliefs.”

This is a problem because any modification to biblical doctrine and principle for the sake of a “better” religion is heresy. You cannot improve upon that which is already perfect. We will talk about this much more in detail as we get into these passages but it is true that mankind (Christians are not exempt) have continued to try to add to the complete and infalliable Word of God.

Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible Background Material > Colossians, Letter to The

Many people even belonged to more than one religious sect, and it was common to select ideas and practices of several religions. Christians were not exempt from those tendencies.

The Lexham Bible Dictionary False Teaching

Paul addresses the Colossian church with particular concern for false teachers (2:8–23). Moo concludes that “the purpose of the letter … is to provide the resources Colossian Christians need to fend off … false teaching” (Moo, Colossians and Philemon, 46). These false teachers appear to have threatened the church by spreading a philosophy that:

• contradicted Paul’s teaching according to Christ (2:8);

• emphasized rituals, ascetic practices, and the worship of angels (2:16–18);

• involved regulations based on human teaching (2:20–23).

In response to this heresy, Paul reminds the Colossians that their life is identified with Christ’s death and life (3:3–4). The false teachers’ practices might have “an appearance of wisdom,” but they hold “no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh” (2:23 ESV).

Faithlife Study Bible Introduction to Colossians

The issue in the Colossian church was that some false teachers had begun emphasizing what they claimed was superior wisdom and its accompanying regulations (

B. (Combat with) The Supremacy of Christ

The Lexham Bible Dictionary The Supremacy of Christ

The letter emphasizes the sovereignty of God and has a very high Christology, demonstrated by the Christ-hymn in 1:15–20. The core of the letter is the person and work of Jesus Christ—in whom all the “fullness” (πλήρωμα, plērōma) of God “was pleased to dwell” (1:19 ESV). Moo describes Colossians as “a prime witness to the ‘christological monotheism’ that characterizes early Christianity”

Faithlife Study Bible Introduction to Colossians

The main theme of Colossians is that Christ is Lord over all, and nothing else is needed to supplement the salvation found in Him. False teachers suggested that more than Christ was needed—special knowledge and particular practices. Paul teaches against this philosophy because it promises much but ultimately does not deliver (2:20–23). In the end, only Christ delivers, and He should be the focus (3:1–4). Christians have been made alive with Christ (2:13), and their lives are already hidden with Christ in God (3:3). Nothing needs to be added to that.

C. (Motivates) The Life of the Church

The Lexham Bible Dictionary The Life of the Church

Paul wants the believers at Colossae to live in the reality of Christ’s supremacy. Christ’s work enables believers to set their minds on godly matters (3:1–2), so that they will be empowered to conquer impure, earthly behaviors (3:5–9). New life in Christ—putting “off the old self with its practices” and putting “on the new self” (3:9b–10a ESV)—brings about a new dimension of godly living (3:12–13) and stands in contrast to the surrounding world. In addition, new life in Christ overcomes human social barriers and finds its ultimate expression in love (3:11; 3:14). The “peace of Christ” (3:15) and the “word of Christ” (3:16) lead the church to unity and thankfulness.