Introduction to Colossians

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TITLE: INTRODUCTION TO COLOSSIANS

POINTS:

1. Paul’s Gospel-Centered Encouragement
2. Paul’s Warning to Stay Gospel-Centered

Purpose:

And Paul reveals THE PURPOSE of Colossians in 2:8: “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” (Colossians 2:8, ESV)

Theme:

And the apostle also provides THE THEME or “call to action” to every Christian in verses 6-7 of Colossians 2: THE THEME:“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.” (Colossians 2:6–7, ESV)

Quotes:

Peter T. O’Brien writes, “Even believers can lapse into legalism, thinking that it would be right to repay God, if only in a small way, for the gift of salvation he has provided in his Son. Alternatively, some may think it necessary to follow rules of a religious kind in order to grow as a Christian and to become holy. But the whole enterprise cuts at the very heart of Christ’s saving work, especially his death on the cross. The error is similar to those of the false teachers at Colossae.”

Douglas Moo — “Any teaching that questions the sufficiency of Christ—not only for “initial” salvation but also for spiritual growth and ultimate salvation from judgment—falls under the massive Christological critique of Colossians.’ 

F.F. Bruce — “The teaching of the letter to the Colossians is concerned with those aspects of the gospel which were chiefly threatened—the uniqueness of the person of Christ, in whom the plenitude of deity was embodied; the perfection of the redeeming and reconciling work which he accomplished by his death on the cross, and the spiritual liberty enjoyed by all who by faith were united to him.”