Colossians Overview Colossians 1:1-2
Text: Colossians 1:1-2
Introduction: One of the questions that I often ask myself as a pastor is whether or not I am being the kind of pastor that is leading my people to be more Christlike? Am I doing this by the way I live outside of the pulpit and am I doing so by what I say from behind the pulpit. If I am not leading you to Christ, then I am leading you to the wrong place. Today we are going to begin a study that will take us face to face with Christ. We are going to study the book of Colossians. Although it is only four chapters long it is jam packed with teaching about how much this world and you and I need Christ.
I. Paul
A. His Past
Philippians 3:4-9 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
B. His Position
Colossians 2:1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;
C. His Partner
II. The People
Acts 19:10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
Acts 19:26 Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:
III. The Place - Colossae
IV. The Purpose
A. Deifies Christ
Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Colossians 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
B. Describes Christ Work
1. In Creation
Colossians 1:16-17 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
2. In Christians
Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Colossians 1:22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblamable and unreprovable in his sight:
Colossians 3:12-13 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
3. In the Church
Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
C. Defines Christ-Centered Relationships
D. Determines a Christ Filled Eternity
Colossians 1:12-13 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Conclusion: This is just an overview of some of the specific teaching we will dive into in our study of Colossians. What we will find in this book is that Christ is sufficient for
every dilemma. The theme of this book is found in v. 18… that He might have the preeminence. Is this the position He holds in you life?