Conclusion And Summary Series

COLOSSIANS #5

(Much of the material comes from Barnes’ Notes, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1997 by Biblesoft.)

Conclusion

A. Commendation of Tychicus 4:7 9

COLOSSIANS 4:7 18

7 As to all my affairs, Tychicus, our beloved brother and faithful servant and fellow bond

servant in the Lord, will bring you information

8 For I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know about our

circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts;

9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of your number. They

will inform you about the whole situation here.

B. Greetings from Paul’s Friends 4:10 14

10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings, and also Barnabas’ cousin MARK (about whom you received instructions, if he comes to you, welcome him);

I I and also Jesus who is called Justus; these are the only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are from the circumcision and they have proved to be an encouragement to me.

12 Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his

greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and

fully assured in all the will of God.

13 For I testify for him that he has a deep concern for you and for those who are in Laodicea and Hierapolis;

14 Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and also Demas.

C. Introduction Regarding This Letter 4:15 18

15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea and also Nympha and the church that is in her

house.

16 When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and

you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea.

17 Say to Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it."

18 1, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my imprisonment. Grace be

with you.

Summary of the Book of COLOSSIANS

The structure of the epistle follows the familiar Pauline pattern, in which a doctrinal section (what to believe) is followed by an exhortation (how to act). In opposing false teaching, Paul emphasizes the exalted nature of the lordship of Jesus Christ and its significance for those who have been joined to Him. As lord of creation, Jesus embodies the fullness of deity; as head of the Church and reconciler of his people, he effectively mediates in his person the redemptive relation of man to God (Col 1: 15 22; 2:9). To establish the sole sufficiency of Jesus as Lord and Redeemer (in opposition to the Gnostic substitution of redeeming disciplines and an abundance, of mediating powers), Paul stresses both aspects of Christ’s character. 1: 15 2:23 is the what to believe section

1:1-2:23 What to Believe Section

Part One: The Supremacy of Christ in the Church (1: 1 2:23)

1. The Preeminence of Christ 1:15 2:3

A. Christ Is Paramount in Creation 1:15 18

COLOSSIANS 1:15 2:23

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation

16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible,

whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities all things have been created through

Him and for Him.

17 He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.

19 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the

dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.

B. Christ Is Predominant in Redemption 1 19 23

19 For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him,

20 and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood

of His cross; through Him I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.

23 if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.

C. Christ Is Predominant in the Church 1:24 2:3

28 We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.

2:2 that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself,

3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

II. The Freedom in Christ 2:4 23

A. Freedom from Enticing Words 2:4 7