Letter to Colossae An Overview of the Book Masked men are not always good guys. “A ‘Christian’ element … was a combination of Judaism and paganism, it wore the mask of Christianity. It did not deny Christ,, but it did dethrone him. It gave Christ a place, but not the supreme place. This Christian façade made the Colossian error all the more dangerous.” (Vaughn, p.168) If as a parent I wanted to take away a toy or stuffed animal that you depended upon, I would distract and entice you with something new and different. It’s the psychology of man. If as a professor, I wanted to take you away from a previous set of beliefs, I must introduce doubts and intrigue you with other sexy information. This was the state of the church in Colossae. They had begun well, and were currently strong in their testimony, but there was a threat in their midst. An Overview of the Book

Turkey

Turkey Aegean Sea

100 mi The church was planted by Epaphras, 1:7

Pamukkale, (Hierapolis) meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish This can be seen across the narrow valley between Colossae and Hierapolis.

Meander River in Colossae Albert Barnes: In the latter part of the reign of Nero, and not long after this epistle was written, Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis, were at the same time overwhelmed by an earthquake… Colosse recovered, however, from this shock, and is mentioned by the Byzantine writers as among the most opulent cities.

Overview Who? Where? Paul with Timothy Delivered by Tychicus (4:7) From Rome in house arrest (4:3,18) Colossae near Laodicea & Hierapolis

Overview When? Same time as Ephesians & Philemon A.D. 62

Overview WHY? Maturing Walk Christ-centered Watch

Overview WHY? Maturing Walk Christ-centered Watch 2:8, 16; 4:2 1:10 prays for it 1:28-29 struggles & preaches for it 2:6 commands it 3:5-17 gives practical counsel on it 4:5 uses it as a witness to outsiders 4:12 Epaphras struggled & preached it too Christ-centered Watch 2:8, 16; 4:2

Overview WHY? Maturing Walk Christ-centered Watch 1:18 “that in everything He might be preeminent” 1:10; 2:6; 3:1-4 The focus of our walk 1:13-14; 2:13-15 The center of our salvation 1:27-2:4,The source of our life & future glory Listen to the passages emphasis on being “in Him”, “with Him,” or the emphasis on the Lord, and what is pleasing. This stresses Christ as the center and nothing should replace that. The threat was that philosophies of Gnosticism, Judaism, Asceticism, Eastern religions etc, would move Christ from His place. Toward the end of making Christ preeminent Paul & Epaphras labored and struggled.

Christ is [the…] Son of God (1:13) Redeemer (1:14) Image of God (1:15) Firstborn (Lord) of creation (1:15) Creator (1:16) Eternal (1:17) Sustainer of all (1:17) Head of the Church (1:18; 2:10) Firstborn from the dead (1:18) Godhead’s dwelling (1:19; 2:9) Universal Reconciler (1:20) Mystery of God (2:2-3) Source of all wisdom & knowledge (2:3) Standard of all religious teaching (2:8) Sovereign & all-powerful (2:10) Triumphant conqueror over cosmic rulers (2:15) Reality of the OT fore-shadows (2:17) Enthroned at God’s right hand (3:1) Christian’s hiding place (3:3) Glorious & the source of our future glory (3:4)

In Light of WHO Christ is… Mature in Him (1) Walk in Him (2) Think on Him (3) Finish for Him (4)

Overview Why? Syncretism: Religion of Christianity Simplicity: Relation to Christ David Pawson, Unleashing the Bible Series

Overview Syncretism: Religion of Christianity Reduced Belief Immanence of God (too high) Pre-eminence of Christ (too low) Regulated Behaviors Observances of calendar Abstinence of body Regulated Behaviors: Abstinence of the Body: Asceticism: Punish the body or ignore the body David Pawson, Unleashing the Bible Series

Overview Simplicity: Relation to Christ All divine fullness in the eternal Christ CREATOR of the universe CONQUEROR of the powers CONTROLLER of the church All human focus on the exalted Christ PURITY in the passions CHARITY in the church HARMONY in the home Wives/Husbands Children/Parents Slaves/Masters David Pawson, Unleashing the Bible Series

Shadrach Meshach Lockridge March 7, 1913 – April 4, 2000 My King Shadrach Meshach Lockridge March 7, 1913 – April 4, 2000