Colossians Bible Study in 2021-2022

Jesus is the supreme head of all things (2:10). As the image of the invisible God, Jesus shows the world what God is like. He also demonstrates the scope of the rule and reign of God. God is not some ill-defined deity, unseen and unknowable. In his grace, God has made himself known in the person of Christ. 

These truths lie at the heart of Paul's letter to the church at Colossae. This church, located about a hundred miles east of Ephesus, was likely evangelized during Paul's three-year stay in that region. Like many of the churches Paul established, false teachers wreaked havoc on the church after his departure. Some apparently taught that the works of the law were vital for salvation. Others seemingly promoted a form of mysticism that affirmed Jesus as a higher being but not God. 

While in prison in Rome, Paul wrote this letter to confront these two errors. This letter mirrors a similar one Paul sent to the church at Ephesus, leading many to presume that they were written around the same time. Both follow the classic outline common to many of Paul's writings. They begin with an introduction and word of encouragement, followed by a summary of the gospel and concluding with the way these truths should shape all of life. 

Colossians is unique in its emphasis on the cosmic rule of Christ. Jesus is the head of his people, the church. He leads them as a belevolent king, who rules over his beloved people with sacrificial love. But his reign does not stop with the church. He is the head over all of creation - with authority over the natural world and also over the principalities and authorities of the unseen world. He is the head of all and the one to whom all allegiance is due (2:10). 

Since Jesus is the head of all things, the church at Colossae can depend on him alone for salvation. Works of the flesh do not save - only the singular work of Christ in the flesh can save. Paul reminds the church to seek the things that are above and worship God alone because he is their life and only hope (3: 1-4). This worship should permeate every aspect of the life of the church. As Paul does elsewhere, he called the church's attention to the various implications of the gospel message. This includes that Jesus, as the head of all things, deserves all worship and praise (3:1 - 4:6). 

FOR IN HIM ALL THINGS WERE CREATED: 

THINGS IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH, VISIBLE

AND INVISIBLE, WHETHER THRONES OR POWERS

OR RULES OR AUTHORITIES; ALL THINGS HAVE BEEN 

CREATED THROUGH HIM AND FOR HIM. 

Colossians 1: 16

 

Part 31 - The End....

Part 30 - Colossians 4:3-4 Prayer, Evangelism and the Mystery of Christ continued

Part 29 - Colossians 4:2-4 Prayer, Evangelism and the Mystery of Christ

Part 28 - Colossians 3:22-4:1

Part 27 - Colossians 3: 20-21

Part 26 - Colossians 3:18-19 and Christian Vocation

Part 25 - Colossians 3:17 and Christian Vocation

Part 24 - Colossians 3:16-17

Parts 1 through 23 are available at 

https://www.youtube.com/@westakerfreelutheran/streams

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