Colossians Sharing // Chapter 1 /w introduction REV IAN’S INTRO: Colossae - leading city of Asia Minor - on the great east-west trade route from Ephesus to the Euphrates River During Paul’s three year ministry in Ephesus, Epaphras was converted and carried the Gospel to Colossae. (Colossians 1:7-8; Acts 19:10) The young church was the target for heretical attack which lead Epaphras to visit Paul in Rome and for Paul to write this letter. The letter: - highlights the supremacy of Christ (Ch 1:15-23) - outlines Paul’s ministry (Ch 1:24-2:7) - affirms our freedom from human regulations through Jesus (Ch 2:8-23) - gives rules for holy living ------------------------------------------------------------- Epaphras visited Paul in prison and told him about the young church that was at Colossae. The Christians who lived there had begun to listen to false teachers. Paul was worried that the Christians would turn away from the true gospel. Even today many false teachers do not seem to deny the gospel message. Instead, they change it. Often, they will teach added rules to the gospel. Paul wrote to the Christians at Colossae to remind them about Jesus Christ and about His true message. Paul emphasised the supremacy of Christ, that He is PREEMINENT. He is higher and above ALL things. All things were created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. His name is higher, His name is greater, than anything else. And that is why we can place all our hope in the name of Jesus Christ. He wrote more about Christ in this letter than in any of his other letters. He reminded the Christians that their old ways have become a thing of the past. Christ is their life now. He set them free from evil authorities and powers. Paul continued to teaching the Christians how to live this new life. My favourite is verse 18-20: "And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." I love where it said at the end by making “peace” through his blood, shed on the cross. Our shame, our selfishness, our unfaithfulness to God and all our sins have been washed away by the blood of Christ. We are as white as snow in His eyes – righteous, beautiful and saved by grace. He forgave us and made peace with us by paying the price through His blood. For he so loves us, he paid a price with his Son, for a people who already belonged to him. Think on that for a moment, because when I do, I can’t help but tear up and desire to live each day by his grace, for his glory, leaving the ways of this world behind. Let us remember “He is the head of the Body, the church (our church).” Not our pastors, deacons, elders, or our good friends in church. When things get shaken and bring you down, anchor your hope in Christ because He is the truth, the way, and the life. He is pre-eminent, He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Everything starts in him and finds its purpose in him. Follow Jesus, and not men. Live by the Word of God. This the the message Paul wished to convey. - Peter L
Posted on: Mon, 29 Jul 2013 12:09:15 +0000
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