STUDY OUTLINE FOR THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS

R. D. Fowler

Theme:

The theme of this book is the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ. (see 1:18; 2:9; 3:11).

Authorship:

Pauline authorship for this epistle was commonly accepted by the early church. Pauline

authorship was never seriously questioned until the 19th century.

Date and Place of Writing:

Colossians is one of the "Prison Epistles," the others being Ephesians, Philippians, and

Philemon. This epistle was most likely written from Rome during Paul's first imprisonment

there circa. A.D. 60-61, (this is the traditional view). Caesarea and Ephesus are also

mentioned as possible sites although neither have much supporting evidence.

Reason for the writing of this Epistle:

The epistle addresses what has commonly been referred to as the "Colossian Heresy."

News of this heresy was apparently brought to Paul by Ephaphrus (1:8).

The "Colossian Heresy":

The heresy is a combination of several false teachings that had manifested themselves in

this area.

1. Jewish Legalism:

[a] circumcision 2:11; 3:11

[b] ordinances 2:14

[c] food restrictions 2:16

[d] observance of special days 2:16

2. Severe Asceticism:

[a] extreme self-denial 2:18-23

3. Angel Worship: 2:18

4. Glorification and worship of human knowledge: 2:8

It is a combination of Jewish ceremonialism, Greek philosophy, and some oriental

mysticism. Paul wrote to refute and correct these false teachings.

Colossae:

At the time of Paul, Colossae was a small city about 100 miles east of Ephesus. It was

one of three in the Lycus Valley, the others being Hierapolis, and Laodicea. The church at

Colossae, as well as those at Hierapolis and Laodicea, was most likely founded by Epaphras,

(1:7; 4:12,13) during Paul's ministry at Ephesus (Acts 19:10). It is located in the region of

Phrygia which was a part of the Roman province of Asia. Ephesus was the capital,

Colossae and Laodicea were famous for the manufacture of woolens which were dyed a

deep blue.

I. INTRODUCTION: 1:1-8

A. The Writer: v. 1

1. Paul declares that he is the writer of the epistle.

[a] the fact that Paul mentions Timothy

does not mean that he is co-author

[b] the term brother means fellow Christian

Dr. Curtis Vaughn (EBC Vol. 2, p. 179) says

that Timothy is named as an act of courtesy.

2. Paul has not seen them in person (2:1)

3. Paul affirms the authority under which he is writing this epistle.

[a] He is an apostle. Apostle means one who is sent. In our

language we might say missionary. In the early Christian

church it also was a special term for those who were called

personally by the Lord Jesus. It carried authority. Paul uses it

here because he wants his readers to know that he is

addressing their situation as one who has the authority to do

so. He is an authorized spokesman for God; one who has been

commissioned and empowered to act as His representative.

[b] As an apostle he had the authority to:

(1). Teach

(2). Deal pastorally with the churches

under his charge. (1 Tim. 2:7; 2 Cor. 13:10)

There were possibly others who were also referred to as apostles (see Rom. 16:7), but,

this is generally a weakened sense of messenger.

[c] By the will of God It did not come by man. ( see also I Cor.

1:1; II Cor. 1:1; Gal. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; II Tim. 1:1;) In I Tim. Paul

says by the "command" of God, and in Titus for the faith of

God's elect). Jesus calls him a chosen instrument in Acts

9;15.

Can you say you are what you are and where you are by the will of God?

B. The Recipients: v. 2

1. "saints" (Acts 9:13; Eph 1:1; Phil. 1:1)

[a] In Greek "hagios" meaning holy, not a super Christian but

"God's own people." People set apart for God and for his

mission and purpose. (see 1:13) The root idea is not

excellence of character, but dedication (Vaughn, EBC vol.2,

p172)

[b] We are saints only by our relationship to God through Jesus

Christ. Our sins have been forgiven (1:12-14; 2:13)

2. "Faithful Brethren"

[a] "faithful" an active trusting; the Colossians Christians exhibit

a living faith in a living God. Faithful is not jus to know, but also

to do.

[b] "brethren" (adelphois) These people are not isolated or

exclusive, they are part of a family. We are brother because

we have been spiritually begotten by the father. Despite our

differences we are bound by a common bond of love.

Can these terms be used to describe us?

C. Grace and Peace v. 2

1. This is a combination of the Greek and Hebrew form of greetings.

The Greek word is changed from "chairein" to "charis."

2. It has spiritual implication in that the order of the usage is divinely

set. There is no peace with self, with man, or with God until we

experience the grace of God through Christ.

D. The "Fatherhood" of God: vv. 2,3

1. Our Father v.2 (see also Matt. 6:1,4,18; Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:4-7;

also not same usage by Jesus in Mk. 14:36). This does not teach or

imply universalism.

2. The Father of Christ v. 3 (see Matt. 7:21; 11:27; Mk. 8:38; Lk

23:34; John 5:17; 10:15;)

E. The Ministry of Intercession: v.3,9

1. Paul's example: In other epistles Paul gave instructions for his

readers to follow the example that he set. (see I Cor. 4:16; 11:1; Phil.

3:17; 4:9)

2. This is a picture of the heart of Paul

[a] Thanksgiving: (see also Rom. 1:8,9; Phil. 1:2-4; I Thes. 1:2; II

Thes. 1:3; II Tim. 1:3; Phile. v.4)

[b] Constant prayer: always does not mean praying continually,

but consistency in prayer. It is an attitude. Whenever we pray

we pray for you.(Rom. 12:12 "devoted to prayer:)

3. Prayer is one of the keys to the power of Paul's ministry.

[a] This can be seen in the lives of other great preachers of

the past e.g. Finney, Spurgeon, Torrey, Morgan and others.

"The prayer life is also the barometer of a man's spirituality. It is quite easy

to talk about prayer. It is recognized that we ought always to pray. But, do

we pray? Do we pray even for our personal and material needs, as much,

and as heartily as we should? Do we ever pray with any fervor for spiritual

growth and God's favor upon other." (English p. 27)

F. Evidences of the Christian Faith vv.4,5

1. FAITH in Christ Jesus (see Rom. 3:28; Gal. 2:16; 3:26; Phil. 3:9)

[a] Definition:FAITH - Is ones commitment to God through

Christ so that God can do with ones life what he designs to do.

[b] Through faith we are: Justified Rom. 3:28; Attain

Righteousness Rom. 1:17; 9:30; 3:21-31; Gain understanding

Heb. 11:1

[c] It is not the amount of faith that one it is who that faith is

in.

[d] God has ordained faith as the sole condition for receiving

salvation.

[e] Faith is also a gift from God (Eph. 2:8)

[f] Faith comes by hearing (Rom

[g] Three General Concepts:

(1). Faith in God involves right beliefs about God.

(2). Faith rests on the divine testimony (Phil. 1:22-29)

(3). Faith is a gift from God (Eph. 2:8)

[h] Faith involves not only thought, but also action.

2. LOVE for one another Agape - Unselfish, selfless love

[a] It is the evidence of the Christian faith. ( I John 3:11,14;

4:7ff; John 13:35 )

[b] It is a commandment from God not an

option for the believer.( John 13:34; II John 5,6)

[c] It is love for all believers, not just those who are our friends

and acquaintances. (Rom. 12:9 says let love be without

hypocrisy)

"This word love does not denote a maudlin emotionalism or a passing sentimentality, it is an

abiding affection for every blood-bought child of God, every sinner saved by the grace of

God, every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ." (English p.21).

3. HOPE laid up in heaven (see Matt. 6:20; I Pet. 1:3)

"The hope of the believer in Christ is the blessed hope of His coming again, to receive us

unto Himself, to make us perfectly like Himself, to be with him forever more." (English, p.

22)

[a] Biblical illustrations of hope:

Anchor Heb. 6:19 - life drifts without hope

Harbor Joel 3:16 - life's refuge from the storms

Door Hosea 2:15 - like a room with no exit

Helmet I Thes. 5:8 - a protective quality

For the Christian hope is distinctively a Living hope.

"word of truth" - The Word is like a plant with its seed in itself, and like a tree which bears

fruit and continues to grow.

G. Why they show this evidence: v. 6,-8

1. By the grace of God v. 6

2. Through the preaching of the gospel v. 7

[a] They 1. Heard implies someone preached it, 2. Understood, and

3. Learned - implies an effort of the part of the believer.

You hear the words as the are preached. You gain an understanding through the Spirit

and then you learn to live by them.

4. Their love in the Spirit.

(a). This is the only ref. made by Paul in Col to the Spirit.

H. How Paul knows of them and their problem v. 8

1. Epaphras

II. THE APOSTLE'S PRAYER FOR THE CHURCH 1:9-14

Here is another example of the ministry of intercession. Paul is praying for others. It is

interesting to note that Paul is not here only praying for those who have burdens or needs,

but for the entire body. We often pray only for those who have a specified need, we need

to always lift one another up in prayer.

A. That you be filled v.9 (Eph.3:19)

1. To be filled full with no empty space

[a] This involves daily filling, not just a one time thing.

2. With the knowledge (full knowledge) of God's will

[a] The Greek word used is "epignosis,"

It means a more complete knowledge, knowledge

in the fullest sense, a deep and accurate

comprehension.

A Gnostic is one who says that it is not revelation from God, but ones own wisdom,

which defines ones way of life.

[b]this is a direct confrontation with the Gnostic view of

knowledge "nosis."

[c] In spiritual wisdom (I Cor. 1:21)

Wisdom is knowledge applied.

[d] In spiritual understanding (II Tim. 2:7)

[e] This is supernatural knowledge implanted

by the Holy Spirit.

Man was created with the capacity to know God and His will. In the fall man lost his ability

to have the knowledge of God's will, and he sought to substitute his own knowledge in its

place.

"Will" as used in this passage is God's ultimate and revealed will for every Christian believer.

Though it may include aspects on an individual plane it is the this ultimate will which is

spoken of here.

This is obedience to God's commandments in all areas of our lives, such as loving God and

neighbor, taking our witness to the world, fidelity in our relationships, etc. For the Colossian

church this was revealed in the preaching of the Gospel which they heard and from the

instructions within this epistle. For the Christian today this will and purpose is revealed in

God's revelation to us through the written Word.

The Spirit reveals this to us through Bible study, meditating on God's word, and prayer.

B. That you walk worthy of the Lord v.10

1. This is the reason for the filling. It is not just knowledge for the

sake of knowledge. It is for a purpose; to live life to the fullest and

most complete way possible, by living the way God intended for us to

live.

2. Full knowledge of God's will allows you to live this godly life.

The result of being filled is God-glorifying conduct. The more you know Him, the more you

will love Him, the more you love Him, the more you will want to obey Him in thought, word

and deed.

[a] 2:6 "As you received Christ Jesus the so walk in Him."

[b] Eph 4:1 "walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you

have been called."

3. Pleasing the Lord (I Thes 4:1)

[a] 2 Cor. 5:9 "we have as our ambition, to be pleasing to Him."

[b] Rom. 14:8 "for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die

for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the

Lord's."

3. Bearing fruit (Rom. 7:4; John 15:16)

[a] Fruit bearing is God's will. (see "fruit of the Spirit" Gal. 5:22)

4. Increasing in a knowledge of God (Eph. 4:13)

[a] not merely facts about God, but a relationship with Him.

C. Strengthened by His power v.11 (see v.24; also II Cor. 4:8; and 11:23-33 Paul's

personal experience)

1. Patience - remaining under difficulties without perishing or giving in.

(Robertson)

2. Long-suffering - long endurance that does not retaliate. (Robertson)

3. Joyfulness

D. Thanksgiving v.12-14

1. He has qualified (made us fit) us v.12

[a] to share in His inheritance

2. He has delivered (rescued) us v.13

[a] from the domain of darkness

3. He has transferred us v.13

[a] We are no longer citizens of Satan's kingdom, but out citizenship

has been transferred to God's Kingdom.

4. He has redeemed us v.14

[a] release or payment for a slave or debtor (Rom. 3:24)

[b] being justified as a gift by His grace.

5. He has forgiven us v.14

[a] a sending away (Eph. 1:7)

[b] the mode of this forgiveness is the blood of Jesus shed at

Calvary.

III. THE PREEMINENCE OF CHRIST 1:15-19

A. In Physical Creation:

1. He is the image of God v.15

[a] The express image Heb. 1:3 (see also John 12:25; 14:9;

17:5; II Cor.4:4)

[b] God is Spirit

[c] Christ reveals to us all that God is. This is more than

merely a reflection of God. John 1:18 "The only begotten has

made Him known"

[d] This is a way of equating Jesus with God.

2. He is the first-born of all creation v. 15

[a] This is a major emphasis

[b] This is priority of position (Ex. 4:22; Num. 24:7; Ps. 72:11;

89:27; Rev. 19:16)

[c] This is not a period in time.

This passage is a stumbling block for modern Jehovah's Witnesses and for Christian

Science who see this as pointing to Christ Jesus being a created being. These are merely

modern day versions of Arianism which was debated and declared heresy by the Church at

the Council of Nicea in 325 A.D..

3. He is the creator v.16 (Gen. 1:1; John 1:3; Eph. 3:9)

[a] This is the reason for His supremacy of position.

4. He is before all things v.17 (Isa. 43:11-13; John 1:1; 8:58; Rev.

22:13)

[a] This is a reference to time.

[b] This explains that He is not a created being.

5. He is the sustainer v.17

[a] A Christ centered universe. Christ is the sustaining

principle by which the universe holds together.

[b] Disclaims the gnostic concept that matter is evil and was

created by a remote aeon.

B. In Spiritual Creation:

1. He is the Head of the church v.18

[a] This is the body of all believers

[b] It is a spiritual body (Eph. 1:22,23)

[c] It is a living organism through which Christ works in the

world.

2. The Beginning

[a] He holds the same position in spiritual

creation as in physical creation (Heb. 7:3)

[b] He is the origin and life of the Church.

3. The first-born from the dead v.18

[a] The resurrection (Acts 4:2; Rom. 1:4; Rev. 1:5)

[b] The resurrection was denied by the Essene sect of

Judaism which was likely a part of the heresy.

4. All Fullness dwells in Him v.19 (Eph. 1:23)

[a] This means that He was fully and completely divine. It

again is an affirmation of His deity in the face of its denial by

the heretical teachings of the Colossians errorists.

Because of His position we must affirm His Lordship in our lives.

I. We must affirm Him as Lord of our minds.

II. We must affirm His as Lord of our ambition and our desires.

III. We must affirm Him as Lord of every area of our life.

IV. THE RECONCILIATION: 1:20-23

A. He Reconciles all things to himself through his blood. vv.20,21 (Rom.5:10)

1. This means to completely reconcile.

2. To change from enmity to unity with God.

3. The phrase "It was the Father's good pleasure" applies to both His

fullness and His reconciling work. It was God's choice that come

about in this manner.

4. "all Things" does not teach "universalism" The Scripture affirms

judgement (John 5:29) and punishment for the wicked (Matt. 25:46).

5. This is a reversal of the curse of Gen 3

B. The Physical death of a fleshly body v.22

1. This refutes the gnostic teaching that Christ did not have a human

body. (Eph. 2:11-15)

C. Your Position in Him v.22 (Eph. 5:27; Rom. 5:19; 11:16)

1. HOLY - set apart for God's purpose (Rom. 11:16)

[a] This terms suggests both consecration and dedication.

2. UNBLAMABLE - without spot; this is the term used for sacrifices

(Eph. 5:27)

[a] a term used for a sacrifice suggesting its worthiness to be

a sacrifice.

3. UNREPROVABLE - beyond reproach, unaccusable

[a] These terms are used in both a religious and legal context.

They most naturally refer to a future judgement, but also speak

of what has already been accomplished in the believer's life

through Christ.

[b] They do not refer to a person's conduct, but rather to a

persons's position in Christ.

D. The Command To Continue in the Faith v.22

1. This is not a condition it is an exhortation v. 4 (I Thes. 1:11,12;

Heb. 10:19,25; 12:1,2)

[a] In Greek this is called a condition of the first class. It

assumes the statement to be fact.

2. This is what the church was founded upon Acts 16:5)

3. This is what Paul preaches (II Cor. 1:18-25)

V. PAUL'S MINISTRY 1:24-29

A. Paul's suffering v.24 (II Cor. 11:23-28)

1. The Reality of Suffering

[a]. Paul's personal testimony (Acts 7:54-8:3; II Cor. 11:23-28)

[b]. Our own life experience

2. Paul speaks here of a particular suffering; Suffering for the cause

of Christ.

[a]. Paul refers to this as fellowship (Phil. 3:10)

[b]. He says that suffering has been granted to the believer

(Phil. 1:29)

[c]. We are delivered unto death for Christ's sake (II Cor. 4:11)

[d]. It is suffering for God's Kingdom (II Thes. 1:5)

[e]. We bear His reproach (Heb. 13:13)

3. Suffering for the cause of Christ brings Joy

[a]. It draws us closer to Christ (Phil. 3:10; John 15:18,20; II

Tim. 3:12)

[b]. It brings assurance of salvation (I Pet. 4:14)

[c]. It brings future reward (Rom. 8:17,18; II Cor. 4:17)

[d]. It results in the salvation of others (Phil. 2:17) [also the

historical testimony of James the brother of John, and James

the brother of Jesus; see Fox Book of Martyrs]

4. This does not mean that there is anything lacking or incomplete in

Christ's death.

[a]. Paul would not contradict what he has just written by the

inspiration of God, nor what he will write in chapter 2.

[b]. The literal translation is "the leftover parts." What this

means is that the world could no longer persecute Christ in

the flesh, but it was not through persecuting Him. It therefore

must persecute Him through the church.

B. Paul's Calling v.25

1. It is of God and not men (ref.1:1; Acts 26:13)

2. It is to make fully known the Word of God

C. Paul's Preaching vv.25-29

1. Proclaiming the mystery to the Gentiles v.27

[a] definitions: {mystery}

Pagan religious cults - a private secret, a ceremony or

rite which is known only to the initiated. It carried the

idea of secrecy and concealment.

New Testament - Something which has been hidden,

but is now made known by revelation from God.

[b] Uses in the New Testament

(1) The mystery of the incarnation (Col. 2:2,3,9)

(2) The mystery of iniquity (II Thes. 2:12)

(3) The mystery of the rapture (I Cor. 15:51,52)

(4) The mystery of Babylon (Rev. 17:5-7)

(5) The mystery of the church (Eph. 1:9,10; 3:3-6, 9;

6:19)

(6) The mystery of the bride (Eph. 5:23-32)

(7) The mystery of Israel's unbelief (Rom. 11:25)

[c] This mystery has been hidden in time and from men.

[d] God has willed this mystery to be known to His saints.

[e] Paul's meaning in this passage - "Christ in you the hope of

glory" The inclusion of the Gentiles as well as the Jews in the

divine purpose of salvation. (see Eph. 2:11ff)

[f] What are the riches of God's glory?

(1) Wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:2,3)

(2) Mercy and grace

(3) Peace

(4) Love

[g] Christ's indwelling:

(1) It is a divine commitment (John 14:17 The promise

of the Spirit John 14:23 The abiding presence; Rom.

8:9,10 II Cor. 6:16 The Temple of God; Gal. 2:20

crucified with Him - Christ lives in me)

(2) A divine paradox - Christ in us, and

us in Christ.

"He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me and I in him." (John 6:56

NASV)

"If you will partake in my death spiritually (byaccepting My death on the cross for you)

and believe in My atoning blood (by accepting the sacrifice for sin that I made on the

cross), then I will come and live in you." (MacArthur p. 28)

(3) It is a divine fullness (Eph. 3:19) All of God's power

and resource would be available for use in our lives.

(4) The only hope of Glory is Christ's abiding presence.

2. Proclaiming Jesus in all wisdom v.28

[a] Men are complete in Christ

3. Proclaiming the Gospel by the power of Christ v.29

4. Admonishing (II Tim 4:2)

5. Teaching - correcting that which was reproved and rebuked.

D. Paul's Conflict (Agona) 2:1

1. It is for those who have not seen him in person.

2. It is born out of Christian love

3. It is over false-teachings in the church

4. Paul is concerned that they will be led away from what they have

been taught.

[a] By philosophy

[b] By worldly wisdom

E. Paul's desire for the church 2:2-7

1. That hearts might be comforted v.2

[a] You are strengthened by keeping your minds on the things

of God. (3:1,2; Gal. 6:9; Phil. 4:8,9)

2. That they be united in love v.2 (see 1:4)

[a] How to manifest love (3:5,8,9,12-14; Eph. 4:1-3,30-32;

Phil.2:3-5; Rom. 12:9-16)

3. Complete in understanding v.2

[a] understanding they mystery 1:27

[b] completeness of the cross (2:9-13; 1:20,21)

4. Living in Christ v.6

[a] Rooted in Him (Eph. 3:17-19)

[b] Built up in Him (Eph. 5:1 - imitators)

[c] Established in faith - based not on the wisdom of man, but

the power of God (I Cor. 2:5)

5. Abounding with thanksgiving v.7

[a] A thankful heart is one that is close to God.

[b] We are to be thankful in everything (Eph. 5:20; Phil. 4:6)

VI. FREEDOM THROUGH CHRIST JESUS 2:6-23

A. Wisdom for living vv.6,7

1. Continue in Him <stand firm> v. 6 (Phil. 4:1; Gal. 5:1). You

received Christ by faith, now live your lives the same way.

2. Do not be made a captive v.8

The wording is interesting here. The word captive means to kidnap or to steal. Jesus

called men to become fishers of men, here Paul refers to the Colossians philosophers

as stealers of men.

[a] By philosophy <love of knowledge> Note the contrast

between this verse and verse 10. Here Paul's says that

through philosophy you are captive, through Christ you are

complete. Philosophy is an attempt by man to determine by

his own powers of reason and understanding the ultimate

meaning and purpose of the creation. (Ex. atheism, hedonism,

humanism)

[b] The basis of philosophy:

[1] Human tradition - It is human reason as opposed to

Divine Revelation.

[2] By worldly principles - literally ABC's the natural

order, a way of denying the supernatural. This is not a

condemnation of all philosophy, tradition, or the natural

principles of this world except where they are used as

the standard of measure instead of Christ.

B. God's fullness in Deity vv.9,10

1. All fullness of deity dwells in Christ

[a] This is the totality of God, the essence of God, just divine

attributes. The church has struggled with this issue from the

very beginning until now.

[b] The divinity of Jesus throughout the history of the church

there have been those who have accepted Jesus as the

Messiah or Christ, but can't accept the fact that he was fully

God. Some of these were born out of a sincere and devout

monotheism such as the Ebionites. However, these cults and

sects do so by denying portions of Scripture.

Another view was that of Arius of Alexandria, which see Jesus

as a created being. This view which was condemned at the

Council of Nicea in 325 AD is seen in the modern Jehovah's

Witness movement.

[c] The humanity of man (1:22; Gal 4:4) To most of us it is

much easier to recognize the divinity of Jesus rather than the

fact that he was also fully human. In fact it may be said that

apart from Adam and Eve Jesus is the only true human. Sin

has made us less than the humanity which God intended us to

be.

The view of the Docetic was to deny his humanity, but to say

that he only appeared to be human, and appeared to have a

human bodily existence.

2. His fullness makes the believer complete

[a] When we are in union with Christ our spiritual needs are

fully met. After the fall, man was less than complete. In Him

(the cross and resurrection) redemption and reconciliation and

restoration are complete.

[b] Three aspects of completeness 2:11-15

(1) Complete in salvation vv. 11,12

(2) Complete in forgiveness vv. 13,14

(3) Complete in Victory v. 15

3. He is head over all rule and authority

"He is 'the head' in the sense that He is the source of life for all that

exists and sovereign Lord over it all. Whatever powers there are in the universe, whatever

ranks and orders of authority and government, they all owe their being to Christ and are

under His Lordship." (EBC p. 199)

C. God's provision for humanity vv.11-15

1. Circumcision of the heart v.11 "Spiritual surgery" Inward reality

that was symbolized by the physical act

[a] Buried in baptism v.12

(1) dead in sin v.13

[b] Raised to new life in faith v.12

(1) Alive through forgiveness v.13

2. Abolishment of the law v.14 (Eph. 2:15,16)

3. Disarming of the powers of darkness v.15 (Eph. 6:12; Heb

2:14,15; I Pet. 3:18,19)

D. God's warning against legalism, vv. 16,17

1.Spirituality can not be judged by external observations. Someone

may observe all of these externalities and still have no relationship

with Christ.

2. External observations are important, but as with philosophy they

are not the standard used to judge.

E. God's warning against false teachers vv.18-23

1. Warning against mysticism v.18

[a] Self-abasement - false humility

[b] The worship of angels

[c] Human experience

2. Warning against asceticism v.20

[a] Sanctity of the flesh

[b] Dishonoring to God

[c] Self-made religion

(1) It has only the appearance of wisdom.

VII. VICTORY IN JESUS 3:1 - 4:6

A. The new life in Christ 3:1-4 (Eph. 2:6,7; see also Matt. 6:20)

1. Seek the things above v.1

(a) The idea of diligently searching for the things of God.

2. Set you mind on the things above v.2

(a) Almost a restatement of the what he has previously said,

but more towards practical use. Peter says in 1 Pet. 1:13

prepare your minds for action.

3. Hide you life in Christ v.3 (Rom. 6:5)

(a) We are dead to sin and alive in Christ

4. You will appear with Christ in Glory v.4 (see Rom 6)

B. How to manifest the new life 3:5 - 4:6

1. How to live in the world vv. 5-17 (Eph. 5:22,23; Gal. 5:19-21

contains a longer list)

2. How to live at home vv.18-21

[a] Family relationships

(1) Wives - submission

i. It is voluntary

ii. It grows out of a husbands unselfish love

iii. It is pleasing to the Lord

(2) Husbands - love, understanding

i. This is not a reference to affection

ii. It is unselfish devotion and caring to wife and

children

(3) Children - obedience

i. It is right

ii. It is pleasing to God

3. How to live at work 3:21-4:1

[a] How to respond to authority vv.21-25

(1) With sincerity

[b] How to exercise authority 4:1

(1) justly and (2) fairly

4. How to live prayerfully 4:2-4

"Prayer is the most important expression of the new life. As such it is the

means of obtaining for ourselves and for others the satisfaction of needs,

both physical and spiritual. It is also a divinely appointed weapon against the

sinister attack of the devil and his angels, the vehicle for confession of sin,

and the instrument whereby the grateful soul pours out its spontaneous

adoration before the throne of God on high." (Hendriksen, "Colossians," p.

179)

[a] "devote yourselves to prayer" - the word devote is built on a

root word meaning to be strong (Vaughn, p. 221). Dr. Curtis

Vaughn says, "it always connotes earnest adherence to a

person or thing. In this passage it implies persistence and

fervor." Make prayer a priority of your life.

[b] "keeping alert" Be mindful for various things (constant spiritual

awareness):

(1). The needs of yourself and your family, The needs of

your church, The needs of your country, and your world.

(2). The dangers that threaten the Christian

community.

(3). The blessing received and promised.

(4). Most importantly - the will of God.

[c] Again the apostle urges an attitude of thanksgiving. (Eph.

5:20; Phil. 4:6; I Thes. 5:18; also Col. 3:15,17)

[d] For God's will in the spread of the Gospel. (Jesus said He

came to seek and to save that which was lost, Lk. 19:10)

Paul's prayer request was not for personal safety or comfort, but an avenue for the spread

of the gospel.

5. How to respond to nonbelievers 4:4-6

[a] With wisdom v. 5a

[b] Making the most of the opportunity. The term is a market

term meaning to purchase completely

[c] The importance of speaking as a christian. This is true

whether you are speaking to a friend, a neighbor, a family

member or a stranger. (Eph. 4:29)

VIII. THE CONCLUSION 4:7-18

A. Tychicus vv,7,8

1. He will bring information about Paul

2. He will encourage them in their Christian walk.

B. Onesimus v.9

1. He will inform them (see Philemon)

[a] The testimony of a slave set free

C. Jews who are with Paul vv.10,11

1. Aristarchus <Macedonian of Thessalonica> (Acts 19:29; 20:4;

27:2;

2. Mark (Acts 12:12; 13:5,13; 15:37,39; II Tim. 4:11)

3. Justus <Jesus> v. 11 "the just" or "the righteous"

D. Epaphras vv.12,13 also 1:7

1. He is one of them

2. He may have founded the church there

3. He is a laborer for them in prayer

4. He has a deep concern for those in the churches.

E. Luke v.14

F. Demas v.14 In II Tim 4:10 we learn of Demas carnality, he forsook Paul

because of his love for the world.

G. Nymphas v.15

1. The church meets in the house of Nymphas

2. There is scholarly debate over whether the reading is his house or her

house. The Greek is not clear on this point.

H. Instructions concerning the letter v.16

1. Share this letter with Laodicea

I. Archipus v.17

1. Take heed of the ministry Philemon 2 probably the son of Philemon

and Apphia.

J. Remember Paul's imprisonment v.18

BIBLIOGRAPHY

English, Schuyler E., Studies in the Epistle to the Colossians. New York: Arno C. Gaebelein,

1944.

Guthrie, Donald, Exploring God's Word. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1984.

Hendriksen, William, "Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon." in the New Testament

Commentary, sixth printing 1987, Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1979.

Kent, Homer A. Jr., Treasures of Wisdom: Studies in Colossians & Philemon. Grand Rapids:

Baker Books, 1978.

Lenski, R. C. H., The Interpretation of St. Paul's Epistles to the Colossians, to the

Thessalonians, to Timothy, to Titus, and to Philemon. Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing

House, 1961.

MacArthur, John, Your Completeness in Christ. Chicago: Moody Press, 1985.

Robertson, A. T., Word Pictures in the New Testament. vol. IV, Nashville: Broadman Press,

1931.

Songer, Harold S., Colossians: Christ Above All. Nashville: Convention Press, 1973.

Tenney, Merrill, Gen. Ed., The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible. Grand Rapids:

Zondervan, 1975,76.

Vaughn, Curtis, "Colossians," Expositor's Bible Commentary. Frank E. Gaebelein, Gen. ed.,

Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1978.