1. The Prison Epistles A Study of the Letters Paul Wrote While Imprisoned in Rome Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, & Philemon

2. Outline of Colossians I.Christ is the Head of all Things in Creation and Redemption. Col. 1:1-29. II.Don’t be Led Away from Christ. Col. 2:1-23. III.Live as those Chosen by God. Col. 3:1-4:6. IV.Concluding Remarks Col. 4:7-18. Christ, rather than human rituals and philosophies, is all that you need.

3. Colossians 1:21-23 Don’t forget that you once alienated from God. Compare to Eph. 2:11-12. –Hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds. Compare to Rom. 1:18-32. But Christ reconciled us by giving his body as a sacrifice. –When we accept God’s terms, he presents us holy, blameless, and beyond reproach. Remaining holy, blameless….is conditional! –IF you continue in the faith firmly established. –Col. 2:7; I Cor. 15:58; Eph. 3:16-19.

4. Colossians 1:24-29 Paul rejoice in his sufferings for the Gentiles. –His work had primarily been with Gentiles. –He taught circumcision wasn’t necessary. –This caused him to be persecuted by the Jews. Paul was glad to do this to his part in suffering for the body, or church. God had given Paul a stewardship, or commission, to preach to the Gentiles. Eph. 3:1-2; Acts 9:15-16.

5. Colossians 1:24-29 Paul preaching revealed the mystery that had been hidden. –God’s decision to save all men, regardless of whether they are Jew or Gentile. –The Gentiles could experience the riches of His Glory. Eph. 1:18. –Daniel 2. God revealed His plan to set up an eternal kingdom in the latter days, during a fourth world kingdom. Christ in you, the Hope of Glory. –When Christ lives in us in faith, we take on His attributes. –It is only through Christ that we have this hope.

6. Colossians 1:24-29 Paul proclaimed Christ, admonished and taught every man. –Note the repetition of “every man”. Emphasizes that the gospel is for everyone. –To present every man perfect or complete in Christ. Compare to Phil. 3:7-15. Also seems to be building the case to show the Colossians that Christ provides all that we need. –Paul labored to proclaim Christ.

7. Colossians 2:1-5 Paul had struggled greatly for the Colossians and Laodiceans and others he had not seen. –Encouraged in heart. –Knit together (united) in love. –So that they would have full riches of complete understanding. –In order to know the mystery of God, Christ. In Christ is hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Rom. 11:33. Paul was concerned that someone might deceive them with persuasive arguments. But though Paul wasn’t with them, he rejoiced about their discipline and faith. Eph. 4:14.

8. Colossians 2:6-7 They had received Christ and were told to “walk in Him”. –Live your life accordingly. Put on His attributes. –Firmly rooted. Eph. 3:17. –Being built up. –Established in your faith (as instructed). –Overflowing with gratitude.