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Colossians
Overview
■ Authorship: Apostle Paul
■ Recipients: The Church in Colossae
■ Colossae:
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100 miles East of Ephesus, near Hieropolis & Laodicea]
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Church might have been founded by Epaphras (1:4-8, 2:1)
■ Date: ~ A.D. 60-61
■ Theme: Preeminence and sufficiency of Christ in all things
■ Purpose:
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To show the deity and supremacy of Christ in the face of the Colossian heresy (1:18; 2:9)
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To lead believers into spiritual maturity (1:28; 2:6-7).
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To inform them about his state of affairs and elicited their prayers on his behalf (4:2-8)
*Charts from Talk thru the Bible by Bruce Wilkinson & Kenneth Boa
Colossians 1
Don’t be a people pleaser, please God!
Which part of Colossians 1 inspires you the most?
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Worthy and God Pleasing: Paul’s prayer for the Colossians so that they might “live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way” (v.10). Four participles describe the result from such a God-pleasing life: “bearing fruit” and “growing” (v.10), “being strengthened” (v. 11), and “giving thanks” (v. 12). Reflect and evaluate what in your life are not worthy of or displeasing to the Lord.
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The Supremacy of Christ: There are seven supreme characteristics of Christ mentioned in vv. 15-20. Christ is: (1) the image of God, (2) the firstborn over creation, (3) creator of the universe, (4) head of the church, (5) firstborn from the dead, (6) the fullness of God, and (7) the reconciler of all things. Meditate over each of the above characteristics, and praise Christ for His supremacy.
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Paul Rejoiced in His Sufferings: Though Paul suffered for the gospel and was imprisoned, he rejoiced; because he was suffering for Christ and His church (v.25) so that he might present the fullness of the gospel and might present everyone perfect (mature) in Christ (v.28). When we have a clear goal and purpose of our ministry, we could serve with joy even amidst hardship. Make a list of the ministries or Christian activities in that you’re involved, write down their goals and purposes; pray for empowerment that you could find joy in what you do.
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Your own insight: (fill in yourself)
Meditation and Application:
Meditate on the above questions along with the necessary actions. Focus on the supremacy of Christ and commit to live a life that is pleasing and worthy to the Lord.