Colossians
Colossians
was taught by Dr. James Modlish
COLOSSIANS
ONE
(Lesson
Four - 4:1-23)
Intro:
Paul, like the Apostle
John, wrote to seven churches. The last church that John
writes to in Revelation three is the church at Laodicea. "Coincidentally" the last church Paul writes to is the
church at Colosse which was just eleven miles from
Laodicea.
The book was written by Paul
in 62-64 A.D. from Rome during Paul's first imprisonment.
"Colossians" literally translated means "punishments" The
major themes of the book are thanksgiving, (1:3,12; 2:7;
3:15,17; 4:2) and completeness in Christ, (1:17,18; 2:10;
3:3,4,11; 4:12).
The first chapter is noted
for its' very long sentences...(verses 3-8) are one
sentence, (9-17) -is also one sentence, (verses 21-29)
follows suit.
It is difficult to outline
this book because of the wealth of material contained in
each sentence, but if there is a primary thought found in
chapter one it is the
preeminence of Christ
(1:18)
Epaphras appears to be an
important figure in the writing of this book. He was
Paul's fellow prisoner at Rome. Apparently Paul learned
of the state of affairs at the church of Colosse from
him. There appears to be at least two general problems in
the church: First, legalism,secondly, mysticism as a
result of philosophic speculation.
Outline of
The Chapter:
I.
The Introduction (1,2)
II. The
Apostles Greeting (3-8)
III. The
Apostles Sevenfold Prayer (9-14)
IV. The
Preeminence of Jesus Christ (15-19)
[1]. The
seven superiorities of Christ (15-19)
[2]. The reconciling work of Christ
(20-23)
[3]. The mystery of the indwelling Christ
(24-29)
I. & II. Introduction
& The Apostles Greeting -
There are several
things to note in these first eight verses.
First of all Paul is an
Apostle "by the will of God" (Gal. 1:11,12)
In verse five we see "the
hope" (see vs. 23). (Compare: 1 Pet. 1:4,5; 2 Cor. 5:6-8;
1 Cor. 15:51-58; Jn. 14:2; Tit.2:13).
The Christian is designed
"to bring forth fruit". (Rom. 7:4; Gal. 5-22,23; Jn.
15:16).
Epaphras - (Col. 4:12;
Phile. 23)
III. The Apostles Sevenfold
Prayer -
[1].
"ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will. .
. " (vs. 9)
[2]. "...in all wisdom and spiritual under
standing".
[3]. "...ye might walk worthy" (vs. 10)
[4]. "...being fruitful in ever y good
work.
[5]. "...increasing in the knowledge of God. .
.
[6]. "...strengthened with all might..." (vs.
11)
[7]. "Giving thanks unto the rather (vs.
12)
IV. The Preeminence of
Christ
A. The
sevenfold superiorities of Christ (15-19)
[1].
"...image of the invisible God..
[2]. "...the first born of every
creature..."
[3]. "...by him were all things
created..."
[4]. "...by him all things consist..."
[5]. "...he is the head of the body..."
[6]. "...the first born from the dead..."
[7]. "... all fulness dwells
B. The reconciling
work of Christ (20-23)
[1].
Salvation - (Rom. 5:1; 1 Thess. 1:10) We have peace
with God through Our Lord Jesus Christ. (vs.
20,21)
[2]. Sanctification - (1 Thess. 5:23; 2 Cor.
11:1-3). The context is standing "blameless" before
the Judgment Seat of Christ. (Eph. 5:27; 3:17) (vs.
22,23)
C. The mystery of the
indwelling Christ (24-29) Eph. 3:17 "That Christ may
dwell in your hearts by faith."
The final section of this
chanter gives us a beautiful picture of the Christian
ministry.
[1]. The
source of the ministry (vs. 23)
[2]. The spirit of the ministry (vs. 24)
[3]. The suffering of the ministry (vs.
24)
[4]. The scope of the ministry (vs. 25)
[5]. The subject of the ministry (vs. 27)
[6]. The style of the ministry (vs. 28)
[7]. The sum of the ministry (vs. 28)
[8]. The strength of the ministry (vs.
29)
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