Paul's Ministry

Colossians Background

Paul wrote Colossians while in prison

Colossians was written as a response to false teaching in the Colossian church.

Paul lays out exactly how a follower of Christ should respond to the false teaching.

Colossians 1:15–20 (CSB)

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities— all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and by him all things hold together. He is also the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile everything to himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

This is his primary argument against them.

The Responsibility Of a Christian

What are some of our responsibilities as Christians?

A Christians Job is to Go and to Show

Seek to bring joy to other believers even in our hardships

Hold strong to the faith and treasures known to us as believers Colossians 2:3

Colossians 2:3 CSB

In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Christ Vs Colossian Heresy

Paul makes his stance against the false teaching starting in verse 4

He points out not to be convinced by false teaching such as philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition

What are some false ideas the world has thrown at you?

The most dangerous thing we can do as Christians is to falsely represent christ

Paul Brings up continuing to walk with God in Colossians 2:6-7 He follows with what is involved such as (See Below Verse

Colossians 2:6–7 CSB

So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude.

Being Rooted means to be entrenched in the faith (By surrounding yourself with firm believers and staying educated in Gods word)

Built Up

Established in the Faith (Established in this context means confirmed in the faith)

Overflowing with Gratitude (Consistently Showing joy in Christ and his word)

Things to be cautious of

False prophecies tend to be attractive due to our sinful nature

Standing for God is against the tide

You are not going to always receive sunshine and rainbows (earthly)