Introduction to Colossians

Introduction to Colossians

January 4, 2015

Pastor Miles

1. Background 

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To God's holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Father. (‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭1-2‬ NIV)

I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. (‭Colossians‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬ NIV)

You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, (‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ NIV)

Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) (‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭7-10‬ NIV)

Colossians 4

10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

17 Tell Archippus:"See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord."

18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

2. Overview 

3. Highlights 

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭13-14‬ NIV)

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ NIV)

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. (‭Colossians‬ ‭2‬:‭9-10‬ NIV)

the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord's people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭26-27‬ NIV)

He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. (‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭28‬ NIV)

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, (‭Colossians‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬ NIV)

Warnings:

These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. (‭Colossians‬ ‭2‬:‭17‬ NIV)

For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. (‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬ NIV)

Instructions:

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭15-16‬ NIV)

Conclusion:

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ NIV)