Colossians
Colossians was taught by Dr. James Modlish

Chapter Four
(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 and 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; Phil.. 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 chapter 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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