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| COLOSSIANS ~~ CHRIST PREEMINENT *~*~*~* This Epistle derives its name from those At Colosse, to whom Paul was writing : 1:1,2 ~ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Colosse was a city of Phrygia in Asia, an unimportant place about twelve miles from Laodicea, Epaphras was the pastor. Under his ministry we learn that this insignificant city, due to faithful saints there, had made a name for itself in the faith (1: 4-7). We have Paul's own word that he had not visited or preached at Colosse (2:1 ~For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;.....). When or by whom the gospel was first preached at Colosse, and a church founded there, is not known. It is possible that Paul's stay in Ehpesus (three years) and his preaching in Phrygia inspired its founding through Epaphras (4: 12, 13). The visit and report of Epaphras of the church in Colosse to Paul was the purpose of him writing this letter. Paul's desire to write to Philemon at Colosse regarding Onesimus, persuaded him to write this Epistle and send both to their destination through Tychicus (4: 7-9). From Epaphras Paul learned of a need to combat false teahing and wrong practices concerning circumcision, mysticism, salvation through asceticism( meaning strict self discipline regarding one's beliefs), worship of angels , all of which errors had the tendency to deny The supremancy of Christ, hence this letter to those at Colosse "that in all things He (Christ might have the preeminence" (1:18). To correct and fight against this error in beliefs which resulted in heresy and denying Christ as God and Savior, Paul stressed Christ's deity .... His connection with the Father.....and His sacrificial death on the cross for sin. Only by being connected with Christ through faith can anyone have eternal life, and only through a continuing connection with Him can anyone have power for living. Christ is God incarnate and the only way to forgiveness and peace with God the Father. Paul also emphasized the believers' connections with each other as Christ' body on earth. Paul's introduction to the Colossians includes a greeting, a note of thanksgiving, and a prayer for spiritual wisdom and strength for these brothers and sisters in Christ (l:1-12. He then moves into a doctrinal discussion of the person and work of Christ (1:13-23), stating that Christ is "the visual image of the invisible God", (1:15), the Creator (1:16, "the head of the church, which is his body" (1:18), and "the first of all who will rise from the dead" (1: 18). His death on the cross makes it possible for us to stand in the presence of God (1:22). Paul then explains how the world's teachings are totally empty when compared with God's plan, and he challenges the Colossians to reject shallow answers and to live in union with Christ (1:24----2:23). Against this theological backdrop, Paul turns to practical considerations......what the divinity, death, and resurrection of Jesus should mean to all believers (3: 1----4:6). Because our eternal destiny is sure, heaven should fill our thoughts(3:1-4.. If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth, For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.)...instead of sexual impurity and other worldly lusts these things should not be named among us. Truth, love and peace should mark our life (3:9-15). Our love for Christ should also translate into love for others----friends, fellow believers, spouses, children, parents, slaves, and masters (3: 16 -- 4: 1). We should constantly communicate with God through prayer (4:2--4), and we should take every opportunity to tell others the Good News (4:5, 6). In Christ we have everything we need for salvation and for living the Christian life. Since Paul had stated that he had never visited Colosse, he concludes this letter with personal comments about their common Christian associations, providing a living lesson of the connectedness of the body of Christ. To understand the letter to the Colossians, we need to know that the church was facing pressure from a heresy that promised deeper spiritual life through secret knowledge (an early form of (Gnosticism--meaning, an occult salvation system, heterodox and syncretistic, viewing matter as evil, and variously combining ideas derived from mythology, ancient Greek phiosophy, ancient religions, and, eventually, from Christianity.) The false teachers were destroying faith in Christ by undermining Christ's humanity and divinity. Paul makes it clear in Colossians that Christ alone is the source of our spiritual life, the head of the body of believers. Christ is Lord of both the physical and spiritual worlds. The path to deeper spiritual life is not through religious duties, special knowledge, or secrets; it is only through a clear connection with the Lord Jesus Christ. We must never let anything come between us and our Savior. PUTTING CHRIST FIRST Written by Shirley Barr October 17, 2005 All Rights Reserved |
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| C - CREATING A NEW INNER AND OUTER SELF O- ONLY CHRIST IN YOUR HEART WILL HELP. L- LEARNING THE DIFFERENCE OF RIGHT AND WRONG O- ONLY ASKING FORGIVENESS WILL MAKE YOU BELONG. S- SALVATION IS SIMPLE AND IT IS FREE S- YOUR SINS CHRIST WILL CAST INTO THE SEA...... I- IF YOU NEED JESUS, NOW IT THE HOUR A- ALLOW HIM INTO YOUR HEART TO GIVE YOU POWER. N- NO FALSE TEACHINGS WILL YOU BELIEVE, S- SALVATION IS REAL, PLEASE COME AND RECEIVE! |
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