Colossians is perhaps the moose Christ-centered book in the Bible. ln it Paul stresses the preeminence of the person of Christ and the completeness of the salvation He provides, in order to combat o growing heresy that is threatening the church at Colossae. This heresy seeks to devaluate Christ by elevating speculation, ritualism, mysticism, and asceticism. But Christ, the Lord of creation and Head of the body, is completely sufficient for every spiritual and practical need of the believer. The lost half of this epistle explores the application of these principles to doily life, because doctrinal truth (1-2) must bear fruit in practical conduct (3-4). The two major topics are: supremacy of Christ ("1-2) and submission to Christ (3-4).
Supremacy of Christ (l -2): Paul’s greeting (1: I -2) is followed by on unusually extended thanksgiving (1:3-8) and prayer (1:9-14) on behalf of the believers at Colossae. Paul expresses his concern that the Colossians come to a deeper understanding of the person and power of Christ. Even here Paul begins to develop his major theme of the preeminence of Christ, but the most potent statement of this theme is in chapter 1, verses 15-23. He is supreme both in creation (1:15-18) and in redemption (1:19-23), and this majestic passage builds o positive case for Christ as the most effective refutation of the heresy that will be exposed in chapter 2. Paul describes his own ministry of proclaiming the mystery of "Christ in you, the hope of glory" l: 27) to the Gentiles and assures his readers that although he has not personally met them, he strongly desires that they become deeply rooted in Christ alone, who is preeminent in the Church (1:24-2:3). This is especially important in view of false teachers who would defraud them through enticing rationalisms (2:4-7), vain philosophy (2: B- 10), legalistic rituals (2:11-'17), improper mysticism (2:l8-.l9), and useless asceticism (2:20-23). In each case, Paul contrasts the error with the corresponding truth about Christ.
Submission to Christ (3-4): The believer's union with Christ in His death, resurrection, and exultation is the foundation upon which his earthly life must be built (3:l -4). Because of his death with Christ, the Christian must regard himself as dead to the old sins and put them aside (3:5-1 1); because of his resurrection with Christ, the believer must regard himself as alive to Him in righteousness and put on the new qualities that ore prompted by Christian love (3: 12-17). Turning from the inward life (3: 1 - 17) to the outward life (3:18-4:6), Paul outlines the transformation that faith in Christ should make in relationships inside and outside the home. This epistle concludes with a statement concerning its bearers Tychicus and Onesimus), greetings and instructions, and o farewell note (4:7-18).
Colossians:
by Rob Morgan
Feb 20, 2013
Colossians:
Colossians is perhaps the moose Christ-centered book in the Bible. ln it Paul stresses the preeminence of the person of Christ and the completeness of the salvation He provides, in order to combat o growing heresy that is threatening the church at Colossae. This heresy seeks to devaluate Christ by elevating speculation, ritualism, mysticism, and asceticism. But Christ, the Lord of creation and Head of the body, is completely sufficient for every spiritual and practical need of the believer. The lost half of this epistle explores the application of these principles to doily life, because doctrinal truth (1-2) must bear fruit in practical conduct (3-4). The two major topics are: supremacy of Christ ("1-2) and submission to Christ (3-4).
Supremacy of Christ (l -2): Paul’s greeting (1: I -2) is followed by on unusually extended thanksgiving (1:3-8) and prayer (1:9-14) on behalf of the believers at Colossae. Paul expresses his concern that the Colossians come to a deeper understanding of the person and power of Christ. Even here Paul begins to develop his major theme of the preeminence of Christ, but the most potent statement of this theme is in chapter 1, verses 15-23. He is supreme both in creation (1:15-18) and in redemption (1:19-23), and this majestic passage builds o positive case for Christ as the most effective refutation of the heresy that will be exposed in chapter 2. Paul describes his own ministry of proclaiming the mystery of "Christ in you, the hope of glory" l: 27) to the Gentiles and assures his readers that although he has not personally met them, he strongly desires that they become deeply rooted in Christ alone, who is preeminent in the Church (1:24-2:3). This is especially important in view of false teachers who would defraud them through enticing rationalisms (2:4-7), vain philosophy (2: B- 10), legalistic rituals (2:11-'17), improper mysticism (2:l8-.l9), and useless asceticism (2:20-23). In each case, Paul contrasts the error with the corresponding truth about Christ.
Submission to Christ (3-4): The believer's union with Christ in His death, resurrection, and exultation is the foundation upon which his earthly life must be built (3:l -4). Because of his death with Christ, the Christian must regard himself as dead to the old sins and put them aside (3:5-1 1); because of his resurrection with Christ, the believer must regard himself as alive to Him in righteousness and put on the new qualities that ore prompted by Christian love (3: 12-17). Turning from the inward life (3: 1 - 17) to the outward life (3:18-4:6), Paul outlines the transformation that faith in Christ should make in relationships inside and outside the home. This epistle concludes with a statement concerning its bearers Tychicus and Onesimus), greetings and instructions, and o farewell note (4:7-18).