The main themes of this letter are: Christ, the head of the church The glory of the person and work of Christ Hold to true wisdom, do not be fooled by worldly or false wisdom. Christ is all that is needed. He is enough |
OUTLINE
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Chapter 1
Vs. 1-2: Salutation
Vs. 3-8: Giving thanks for Colossians believers
Vs. 9-12: Knowledge of Christ, power will bring growth
Vs. 13-14: Forgiveness in Christ
Vs. 15-18: Christ has pre-eminence
Vs. 19-23: All things reconciled through Christ alone
Vs. 24-27: The church is a mystery revealed
Vs. 28-29: Gospel proclaimed
Chapter 2
Vs. 1-3: Working that all may know Christ
Vs. 4-7: Don't fall prey to false teaching
Vs. 8-15: Christ triumphant, all comes through Him
Vs. 16-19: Hold fast to Christ, nothing less
Vs. 20-23: If died with Christ, all other matters are secondary
Chapter 3
Vs. 1-4: Keep mind on Christ
Vs. 5-11: Become dead to immorality
Vs. 12-17: Put on love, Put on Christ
Vs. 18-25: Guidelines for family living
Chapter 4
Vs. 1: Masters and slaves
Vs. 2-6: Be graceful in all dealings and actions
Vs. 7-18: Closings and greetings.
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Paul writes about theology first, then practical Christian living based on the theology.
First - an exhortation against false teachings - (1:3-2:23)
Second - exhortation to proper Christian living -  (3:1-4:17)
A list of the heresies:
- 'wisdom' (2:3, 23);
- 'ascetic practices' - severe treatment or deprivation of the body (2:23); including Jewish practices such as - 'circumcision' (2:11, 3:11)
- false teaching identified as 'philosophy' (2:8)
- 'human tradition' (2:8)
- 'Sabbath observances', food, festivals (2:16)
- 'worship of angels' and 'visions' (2:18)
- 'harsh human regulations' (2:21-23)
- Inferior view of Christ
- Philosophies not built on Christ
- Legalism
- False teachers pushing worship of angels, etc.
Author
Written by Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus), about 60 AD, about 30-35 years after Christ rose from the dead.
Background information: Colossae is in the Lycos River valley in modern day Turkey - it is a farming, agricultural town. Epaphras was saved in Ephesus. He returned to Colossae to start the church. Although Paul had never visited the church, he was pleased for the believers in the church. He was concerned the Colossians would begin to search for "something more". It is in the human DNA to "itch for something more". We just want the next thing, "Is this all there is?"
There was a group of people who followed Paul from town to town saying, "What Paul taught was well and good, but we have what will take you to the next level. Jesus is nice, but there is more, keep looking. We have the secret you need."
Paul insists church members already have everything. They need nothing more. Christ is enough.
Our pastor, Gene, preached on the introduction to Colossians. My notes from it are below because it goes to the heart of the theme of the letter.
"Jesus Saves..." On a billboard, or spray painted on cliff or bridge along the freeway - sometimes we wince when we see that. We wince because we are embarrassed. Seems kind of crude and vulgar to be placed up there with other stuff. In someway it is too personal - somebody named Jesus saved Me. It says we need to be saved. It seems offensive to say that you need saving. The message is: "You are not at peace. You won't, can't make it on your own." It seems too simple. Paul was proud, but would not be ashamed of the billboard. Paul preached a simple salvation message: Christ Crucified! Christ Resurrected!
Note: My intent was to have each verse of the chapter included usually in italics, with discussion following. Significant phrases or words are handled separately. Please forgive fractured grammar, and partial sentences. These were notes written as I thought and prayed during the study. The written truncated thought was fully developed in my mind, or so I like to believe.
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