The Book of Colossians - Part 3

 

CHAPTER THREE

The third and fourth chapter of this book deals more with the kind of life that is expected of those who profess to be Christians. In chapter 3 from verses 1 to 4, we see the Bible talking about being risen with Christ, having affection on things above (where Christ is), the appearance of Christ at the rapture and our ascension with him.

That chapter also talks about Christ...

Crucified for us

Christ crucified as us - We thus judge that if one died, then all were dead. We were crucified with Christ.

The Bible says for ye are dead and your life is hidden with Christ in God

Our response to Christ's work on the Cross

Dying daily 

This means mortifying the deeds of the flesh. We are to say no to the works of the flesh. We are going to be tempted but we have to deny the flesh. We have to say no to the flesh and live for Christ.

Colossians 3:5 KJV

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

The chapter also gives some relevant instructions as to the worship of believers.

3:16-25

We are told that we should allow the word of Christ to dwell richly in all wisdom. We should keep on teaching the word of God.

We should keep admonishing one another in Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.

We are exhorted to sing with grace in our hearts and do all we do to the glory of God.

This chapter concludes by giving relevant instructions for family life.

Wives should submit themselves to their own husbands and husbands are to love their wives.

Children should obey their parents

Fathers are instructed not to provoke their children into anger

Servants are also instructed to obey their masters in sincerity and not be involved in eye service

CHAPTER FOUR

Col 4:1-6

The concluding chapter opens with an instruction to masters to be fair to their servants.

Believers are to continue in prayer and thanksgiving. They are also exhorted to pray for their leaders.

There's so much about ministry in the last chapter of this book. This tells us that our relationship with God and our relationship with our family members come first before ministry concerns.

Paul's fellow ministers

Aristarchus - faithful minister

Onesimus - a runaway slave that Paul ministered to while in prison. Philemon was his master.

Marcus v 10

Justus v 11

Epaphras - a man of prayer... always interceding for the church v 12

Luke - the beloved physician

Demas - unfortunately, he later left Paul due to his love for the world.

Archippus - Paul charged him to make sure he fulfilled his ministry

Conclusion

The book is a full course spiritual meal sent from heaven that is meant to strengthen our muscles and give us growth.

Where do you stand?

Are you rooted and built up in Christ?

Do you have a relationship with Christ or you're caught up in the traditions of men?