Colossians

Christ in everything!

What was the situation in the church Colosse like?

Colossian is perhaps the most Christ- centered book (NB.396)

“Paul uses the richest languages to try to capture the amazing qualities of our extraordinary God!” (SVBp.1530) He wanted the believer to grow in Christ.

Paul recognizes the fait in Christ, and love they had for others. 1.2,1.8. But he also addresses the influence of heresy among them.  Paul did not start this church; they were probably influenced from the work out of Ephesus area, by Paul’s disciple Epaphras 8 1.7). This church was under constant pressure from competing religious groups (SVB1530) and Paul addresses this.

It is written around 60-62(SVB 1531) from prison.

What is the main idea in is this letter?

We are reconciled and united with God through the death of Christ! 1.21-22, 3.5-11, 3.12-17.

The supremacy of Christ, Paul really describes how Jesus is supreme over all things. The believer is complete in Him. 2.9.

Speaks against false doctrine directly. 2.4-23

What does this letter show about the Character and Nature of God?

God has reserved for us in heaven .1.5

God is wonderful grace 1.6, 1.11

God can give complete knowledge of his will, spiritual wisdom and understanding, 1.9

God transferred us into the Kingdom of His dear son. 1.13

God gives peace that can rule our hearts, and he calls us to live in peace. 315

God has no favorites. 3.25

The message of Christ can fill our life with its richness. 3.16

Christ lives in you and this give assurance of sharing his glory. 1.27

I love Paul writing this coming passage – it is just filled with the supreme Christ:

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything
in the heavenly realms and on earth. 
He made the things we can see
and the things we can’t see—
such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, 
and he holds all creation together. Christ is also the head of the church, 
which is his body. 
He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. For God in all his fullness
 was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled
 everything to himself.
He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth
by means of Christ’s blood on the cross. In Him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.1.15-22.

 Sources: Source View Bible (SVB), Nelson Maps and Charts (NB), Faith in Action Study Bible (FSB), notes form Scott Contivals teaching