Colossians 1:1-14

Background on the Colossian Church

• To Christians in Colossae (modern day Turkey), about 100 miles east of Ephesus
• Written by Paul, with Timothy around 62 A.D. during his Roman imprisonment
• Paul has never been to Colossae, but the church got its start through Paul’s 3-year ministry in Ephesus (52-55 A.D.)

o A Colossian man named Epaphras responded to the Gospel during this time and brought the message back to Colossae, thus starting the Colossian church
o The letter is written based on reports that Paul has received from Epaphras

o The Lordship of Christ and His preeminence over all things
o Being in Christ—Walking in Him
o Redemption and Reconciliation through Christ
o Growing in maturity in Christ

o Thanksgiving for the Colossian’s faith, hope and love lived out – v. 3-8
o Wisdom and knowledge of God’s will and to be strengthened by God to live it out – v. 9-11
o Thanksgiving for God’s work of redemption and forgiveness through Jesus – v. 12-14

A Story About Letters

• Paul is writing through a scribe from prison
• Peace (shalom) in the mist of circumstance

o Paul is imprisoned in Rome Colossians 4:3, 10, 18
o Shalom – more than the absence of conflict but the presence of fullness, completeness and wholeness
o Philippians 4:7

o Thankfulness is a heart attitude
o Circumstances should not dictate our gratitude. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
o Pistis the Greek work for faith in .vs 4 related to pisteuo (to believe, trust, fully rely upon) “to lean your whole weight upon.”

o Axios – (Gk.) “to act suitable”
o The word picture would be two scales equally balanced
o To truly “live worthy” we need to have knowledge and the practice of knowledge (haggadah & halacha)
o Know His will so you will walk with Him and walk with Him so that your work will be for Him
o Be motivated to action – “fast-acting disciples”

o He delivered us
o He transferred us so we don’t wander aimlessly
o He redeemed us  ransom paid
o He forgave us  debt cancelled

Our Response to Paul’s Prayer

• Accept the work of Jesus and what He has done for you

o You are qualified, delivered, and fully redeemed
o Embracing the complete work of Christ in our lives is our first step

• Are your circumstances undesirable?

o Rejoice. Be Thankful. Hold on to your peace in the Lord—1 Thessalonians 5:16-22
o Paul was in prison—and he still used every opportunity to encourage others in the Lord. We are called to do the same

• Press in to the Lord for the knowledge of His will and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit so that we can “walk worthy” in our daily lives

o This is an active pursuit of God that requires motivation to be fast-acting disciples