Search The Scriptures -- Colossians

Study 1 – Colossians 1:1-14

1. Christ “has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.” He has redeemed us; forgiven us! This knowledge gives us: hope, joy, strength, power, and patience to endure. The Church at Colosse enjoyed these benefits and as a result bore much fruit and growth.
   
   
2. The Apostle Paul, Timothy, and Epaphras as well, were praying that the Church at Colosse would be filled with a knowledge of God’s will, spiritual wisdom and understanding. The underlying desire behind such prayer was that the Church at Colosse would continue to bear much fruit and have uninhibited growth.
   
   

Study 2 – Colossians 1:15-23

1.      This section of Colossians offers the following description of Christ.

A Descriptions of Christ:

Image of the invisible God

Firstborn of all creation

Creator of all things

Before all things

Holds together all things

Head of the Church

The Beginning

Firstborn from among the dead
All the fullness of the Godhead dwelled within Him.
Reconciler of all things

Knowledge of who Christ is should fill us with hope and a holy fear which will
lead to an unswerving desire to faithfully serve our Lord.

2.   Prior to the death of Christ we were alienated from God. We were His enemies! The
      forgiveness that is offered through His death on the cross is our only means of
      escape. All we need to do is accept that forgiveness by faith and to continue to walk
      in it.

Study 3 – Colossians 1:24-2:7

1.      Paul’s calling was to take the gospel to the gentiles. He had suffered greatly in the flesh as a result, but was willing to suffer even more. The fact that Colosse exhibited so much fruit and growth further cemented Paul’s desire to continue to suffer for the cause of Christ. Paul believed that the Word of God was to be used to both admonish and bring wisdom to the Church. Paul desired more than anything that the Church have a solid understanding of Christ and all of the hidden treasure that He brought.

2.      We must have a solid understanding of who Christ is and be sold out to His mission if we are to escape the traps of the enemy. I am particularly struck by Paul’s statement, “I delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is” 2:5. This is a radical departure from what he wrote to the church at Corinth. Paul was tremendously concerned about the church being knowledgable of God’s Word. Knowledge of God’s Word was key to a solid faith and orderly worship.