The Book of Colossians - Part 1

 Introduction

Church history tells us that Paul wrote this episode to the church at Colosse to address the situation in the church which had to do with the spread of a false philosophy which was later known as Gnosticism (Zondervan).

Our age is also filled with several values and philosophies which attempt to erode the uniqueness, distinctiveness, and validity of the Christian faith. We are exhorted to earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. Jude 3. The book also emphasizes the victory of the believer over evil forces. It also contains exhortation meant to establish every believer in the Christian Faith.

It presents Christ as our pursuit and warns every believer from being entangled in the yoke of the vain religion and other traditions that attempt to put men in bondage. This book can help us in our bid to have an effective walk with God in this information age that is polluted with several carnal expressions of wisdom and knowledge.

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV

CHAPTER ONE

Faith and love - 1:1-8

The book opens with a greeting. Paul is appreciative to God on behalf of the response of the saints at Colosse to the gospel. He specifically mentioned in v 4 that they had faith in Christ Jesus and love to all saints, (not some saints). True faith in Jesus Christ enables us to love all saints irrespective of their denominational affiliations. We also grow in our love in the Holy Ghost.

His prayers for them - 1:9-11

Knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding

Walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing

Being fruitful in every good work

Increasing in the knowledge of God

Strengthened with all might according to His glorious power on to all patience and long-suffering

Translated into God's kingdom of light - 1:12-14

God, through his grace has made us qualified to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. We are in the kingdom of light and we are delivered from the power and dominion of darkness. Hence, we have access to all Kingdom privileges. We are liberated from within. Our understanding is no longer darkened. We have experienced freedom through Christ's redemptive work on the cross. We now have forgiveness of sins.

Proper perception of Christ - 1:15-23

Christ is the image of the invisible God. He is also the firstborn of all creation. Christ is the word of God. He became flesh and dwelt among us. He lived here and still lives in us today. His life reveals the Father.

All things were created through the word. He was present before every other thing existed and he fills up everything to make them something according to God's will.

In Christ, all the fullness dwells. The understanding of the person of Christ and the gravity of his work for us should make us yield to the injunction to continue in the faith. We must not be moved away. We must be settled, we must stand, we must be stable, we must be strong, we must be steadfast in Him

Whom we preach... - 1:24-29

Christ is the central message. Any other emphasis poses a threat to the faith and must be resisted.

v24 - Sufferings for the sake of the gospel

v25 - Paul made a minister according to God's will for that dispensation to fulfil the word of God (the purpose of God)

v26 - Sent with a mission to unravel the mystery of the gospel

v27 - To make known the riches of glory which is Christ in you, the hope of glory

v28 - Whom we preach...Him we preach... Christ is the centre. The all in all

v29 - He works mightily in us as we strive (work). Not when we do nothing. He works when we work.