Passage: Colossians Study | Lesson 01
INTRODUCTION TO COLOSSIANSKevin Chan, Ph.D. | January 4, 2015
Key Theme: Since Christ is our Supreme and All-Sufficient Savior, Everything we need is in Him.
Key Verses: Colossians 2:9-10a, Colossians 3:11
The Purpose of the Letter (Colossians 1:1-4:18) - CHRIST IS ALL, AND IN ALL
1. How are the writer and recipient described? What is their relationship to each other?
Paul is described as an apostle of Jesus Christ by will of God and a house prisoner n Rome. The church of Colossae (the recipient) is described as saints and faithful brethren in Christ. Colossae was the smallest of 3 cities in an area of Asia minor - Laodicea and Heiraopolis.
2. What is the tone and style of the letter? How does the letter read to you?
The letter starts upbeat with thanksgivings being said. The tone is one that would come from a big brother or counselor figure. That is, it is not rebuking, but instructive and encouraging. The letter continues to read in a logical progression, issuing warnings where needed while being theological, doctrinal and direct.
3. What are the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats facing the church?
Strengths: Fruit bearing, increasing in faith, love in the Spirit, Unity, small, growing
Weaknesses: Not founded by Paul, young, not yet strongly persecuted, joyless, uncertain, confused, feeling inferior or inadequate, low confidence
Opportunities: Bearing fruit and spiritual maturity, impact on relationships and community
Threats: False teachings and philosophies, mysticism, legalism, asceticism, syncretism
4. Identify keywords, subthemes, sections and main theme. What is the letter's purpose?
in Christ (5x), in Him (7x), by Him (1x), through Him (5x), with Him (4x), Christ (25x), Jesus (6x), faithful (9x), love (5x), God (21x), wisdom, knowledge (10x)
Subthemes: What to know, How to live, Supremacy, Sufficiency, Superiority, and Centrality of Christ
Purpose: To encourage and correct Colossians on the Centrality of Christ.
The Prayer of the Letter (Colossians 1:3-14) - DO WE PRAY FOR THESE THINGS?
1. Thanksgiving, v.3-8
Why does Paul give thanks to God? What reason(s) does he give?
Because the Colossians received the gospel and showed evidence of their faith, love, fruit bearing, maturity and unity.
How should Paul's thanksgiving affect his readers and why?
His thanksgivings should encourage them. They have a good and proper foundation as they are firmly rooted and being built up. Their faith is not in error nor is it insufficient.
2. Request, v.9-14 [cf. Ephesians 1:17]
What is Paul's specific prayer request for? What does this mean? How is it attained?
That they may be filled (completely, or completely controlled) with the true knowledge of God's will (His desires, intentions, commands) in all spiritual wisdom and understanding (through God's word and the Holy Spirit).
List the outcomes of Paul's request. Are these in your life?
Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, Bearing fruit, Increasing in the knowledge of God, Strengthened with power, Attain joyous steadfastness and patience.
CHALLENGE - PRAY PAUL'S PRAYER ONCE A WEEK, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE LEADER
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