Colossians

While the apostle Paul was preaching in Ephesus, all of Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus through his leadership (Acts 19:10). Colosse was in that region, but evidently Paul himself did not start the church at Colosse (2:1). It was likely Epaphras, a fellow-laborer of Paul, who started the church (1:1-8; 4:12-13; Phile. 23). It was Epaphras who told Paul about the condition of the church which led to him writing this letter by inspiration of God while a prisoner in Rome. The church needed to be corrected because they were in danger of being spoiled and beguiled by false teaching that detracted from the supremacy and all-sufficiency of Christ as Head of the church and the blessed truth that all the members of His body are complete in Him (2:8-10). 

Just as Galatians was written to correct doctrine contrary to that which is presented in Romans, so Colossians is written to correct doctrine contrary to that which is presented in Ephesians. In Ephesians the emphasis is on the Body of Christ but in Colossians it is on the Head of that Body. The work of the Holy Spirit is mentioned throughout Ephesians (every chapter) but He is only mentioned once in Colossians (1:8). Philippians is a letter of reproof for not holding the members of the Body in the right regard but Colossians is a letter of correction for not holding the Head of the Body (2:19). 

In chapter 2 Paul warns about different kinds of false teaching: 

 Philosophy (v.8) - love of worldly wisdom 

 Legalism (vs.16-17) – trying to be made righteous by the works of the law 

 Mysticism (vs.18-19) – pursuit of higher and hidden knowledge in the spirit realm 

 Asceticism (vs.20-23) – severe self-discipline and denial of the flesh for religious purposes 

The bottom line is that all false teaching denies the deity of Christ and/or His sufficiency to make us complete. All false teaching exalts the works of the flesh over the perfect work of Christ. 

"The Epistle attacks and destroys man's way of holiness by lacerations, adoration of angels, performances of sacraments and self-willed efforts of the carnal nature to improve and sanctify “the flesh” which God has condemned to death. The Epistle points out God’s way of holiness as opposed to man’s way.” (E.W. Bullinger) 

“The Church finds her full life in her Head. When this is recognized the uselessness and mischievousness of carnal ceremonies which appeal to the natural heart, are recognized. All that is needed for a complete Christian life of worship, service and intellectual progress, is found in Christ. All riches and all perfection are found in Him for the enrichment of His members and their maintenance in the full practical enjoyment of fellowship with Him.” (G. Williams) 

I. The Preeminence of Christ (1)

II. Our Position in Christ (2)

III. Our Practical Walk in Christ (3-4) 

Highlights in Colossians 

Chapter One

• Hope (v.5, 23, 27) 

• Paul’s prayer (vs.9-20) 

• Paul’s twofold ministry:

1) To every creature with the gospel (vs.21-23)

2) To the church with the mystery (vs.24-29) 

Chapter Two

• Beware lest any man beguile, spoil, or judge you (vs.4, 8, 16, 18)

• We are complete (v.10), not by carnal ordinances and ceremonies, but by SPIRITUAL:

1) Circumcision (v.11)

2) Baptism (v.12)

Chapter Three 

• The old man vs. the new man (vs.1-17)

• The Christian home (vs.18-21)

Chapter Four 

• Prayer must be:

1) Faithful (v.2)

2) Watchful (v.2)

3) Thankful (v.2) 

4) Purposeful (vs.3-4, 12-13)