Why Colossians was written:
The church at Colossae was under attack from false teachers who were insulting the deity of Jesus; they were teaching that He was not actually God. Paul addressed these issues head-on.
Greeting (1:1-2)
Thanksgiving and prayer (1:3-14)
Thankful for:
- Faith in Christ Jesus
- Love for all God’s people
- Hope stored up in heaven: Paul acknowledges their hope, which is focused on the heavenly realm, indicating a future-oriented and Christ-centered expectation.
These elements reflect the foundational aspects of the Colossians’ Christian life – faith in Christ, love for fellow believers, and a hopeful perspective anchored in the promise of heaven.
Prayer:
- Knowledge of God’s Will: Paul prays that they may be filled with the knowledge of God’s will. This emphasizes the importance of understanding and discerning God’s plan for our lives.
- Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding: He also prays for them to be filled with spiritual wisdom and understanding. This request goes beyond mere knowledge, emphasizing the application of that knowledge in a wise and spiritually discerning manner.
Person of Interest – (1:15-21)
1:13-14
- The Son
- God’s beloved
- Redeemer
- Forgiver of sins
1:15-20
- Image of the invisible God
- Firstborn of all creation
- Creator of all things
- Sustainer of all things
- Head of the body – the church
- The beginning and the firstborn from among the dead
- Preeminent (supreme, paramount, outstanding, dominant) in everything
- The fullness of God
In Colossians 1:13, Paul contrasts two things God has done for His people:
1. “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness”: This emphasizes the act of salvation and liberation from the power and control of darkness, signifying the believers’ rescue from sin and spiritual bondage.
2. “And transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son”: This highlights the positive action of God in bringing believers into a new realm—the kingdom of His Son. It signifies a transformation of status and allegiance, where believers now belong to and participate in the reign of Christ.
In summary, God has not only rescued believers from darkness but has also ushered them into the kingdom of His Son, marking a profound change in their spiritual standing and affiliation.
How do I apply this?
Live your life in a way that demonstrates:
- Faith in Christ Jesus
- Love for all God’s people
- Hope stored up in heaven: Your view of Jesus Christ will impact every area of your life.
Pray for each other:
- Knowledge of God’s Will: That we may know the importance of understanding and discerning God’s plan for our lives.
- Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding: To apply that knowledge in a wise and spiritually discerning way.
First thing to know:
Jesus Christ is Creator and Redeemer. It is critical the church know God in His greatness and glory, rather than in the deficient view given by false teachers or the false view perpetuated in our culture and society today.
Because He is Lord over all, we are wise to submit our lives as Christians to His will.
Are you following Jesus as you should?
