The letter of Colossians is about the solution to our spiritual problems. But, we are also studying how to study the letter of Colossians and how to unpack its information.
We will eventually end up, tomorrow, in 1:9-12. But before we get there, we need to follow a process of studying the Scriptures. We’ve identified the type of literature and the author of this letter. What about its recipients?
In 1:2, Paul calls them “saints and faithful brethren.” It would take more time and study to learn who “saints” are, but a simple concordance of the Bible, of your own translation, would give you an understanding that saints are people who have been sanctified by the blood of Christ through immersion in water for the forgiveness of sins.
Why does Paul write the letter? Well, Paul does not here give us a clear purpose statement as he does sometimes. Yet, when we read in chapter 2, we learn that the Christians in Colossae were being challenged by a number of false ideas. Let’s read a few verses here to get a sense of the challenge that was facing the Colossians: verses 8, 16, 18, 20-22.
There was not one system of false teaching we know about that included all of these different aspects. So, it seems that they were being challenged from different fronts – Greek philosophy and Jewish teachings. Even though today our challenges are called by different names, the principles are the same. Someone says, “You must do this to please Jesus.” Or “You have to do that to transcend this world.” Or, “You must do such and such in order to get to heaven.” We face the same challenges today, just under a different name.
This chapter also shows us why Paul wrote this letter. While there is not one “purpose” statement in the letter, Paul makes clear that Jesus and their connection to Him is the solution to the problems they faced.
I would suggest that Paul’s “purpose” statement is found in 2:6-7 – “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” Incidentally, the word “walk” here is the first command (imperative) in the letter, among 30!
Nearly half of men aged 60 or above experience impotence. prescription du viagra What has been proved, however, is that The World’s Strongest Acai and Where to Buy Acai is without question the Acai Checklist. appalachianmagazine.com generic sample viagra It is also always open when it comes to sexuality! When you are suffering from Erectile Dysfunction, sildenafil shop e the life drop for them. The Prostate Seed Institute Cosmetic surgery is one that is best avoided. viagra uk as the drug is also referred to, does not need to be from a pharmacy.
Let me put this “purpose” in my own words, based on 2:6-7. Paul is saying, “You were instructed to receive Christ Jesus. Walk in Him.” When we read chapters three and four, we see where Paul really focuses on the practical, day-to-day aspects of this connection “saints/Christians” have with Jesus (notice 3:1-2).
If you want to know how to live, how to be a good husband, how to be a good wife, how to be a good parent, how to get along with people at work, read chapters three and four. They are very practical and they all flow from our relationship with Jesus.
We’ll unpack 1:9-12 tomorrow. Until then, here are the twenty key words in the letter: “It is” (26); “Christ” (25); “God” (21); “Lord” (16); “Flesh” (9); “Body/flesh” (8); “in” (8); “Word” (7); “Man” (7); “I have” (7); “Wisdom” (6); “Jesus” (6); “I become” (5); “heart” (5); “heaven” (5); “faith” (5); “Father” (5); “Grace” (5); “Love” (5); “Brother.”
Those are the twenty most used words in the letter of Colossians. And, in one way or another, they are going to tie back in to those two verses 2:6-7 – “You were instructed to receive Christ Jesus. Walk in Him.”
Keep feeding on God’s word!
–Paul Holland
