Part IB - Colossians 1:3-14

Introduction
The times were serious, the church in Colossae was under attack, externally by
Nero and internally by a group called the Gnostics. The Gnostic Gospel preached a
New, but Old way to salvation; a salvation NOT through Faith in Christ, but a
salvation obtained through special knowledge, the practice of superstitious rituals,
astrology and angelic beings (Aeons); this salvation was a mystical and magical
experience to become a “Gnostic” or a “Knowing One” gaining power, position,
GREATNESS because of what they knew & your mystical experience. The material
world, including the flesh was evil, and therefore, attacked Christ’s Incarnation and
his Deity, Christ could not be both God and Man, because the two could never coexist.
Paul counters, Gnostic teachings/philosophies here in Colossians.
Bible
Reading: Colossians 1:3-14
Paul is Grateful to God for the Colossians and the Good Report (Col. 1:3-8)
(vv.4, 5) - Faith (GK-Pistos) = Loyally Commitment to, Trust, Under Fire, “In
Christ” (GK-En) = “Christ is sphere where Faith operates,” H.C.G. Moule said about
the Colossians that, “their Faith was anchored in, resting in Christ! Love (GK-Agape)
= A Caring for, counts no sacrifice too great. Triad - Faith, Love and Hope (Used by
Paul 4 X’s, 1Cor.13); Hope (GK-Elips) = Future Heavenly Blessings obtained,
secured in Christ.
(vv.6) - Producing Fruit (Pres., Act., Indicative. Verb) = Internal Change (Col. 3:12);
Growing = External Expansion; Constant and Continues work.
• Illustration (Tree vs. Corn): The Christ’s Gospel has the inherent power like a
reproducing organism, “a plant whose seed is in itself,” “Not like corn, planted,
fruits and dies to the root; but like a tree, planted, sprouts, bears fruit and expands
producing fruit season after season.
Christ’s Gospel - “In all its truth” = Knowledge of God vs. Gnostic Gospel (Not
Grace, Not Truth, Not Fruit Bearing, Not Growing, but a system of legal bondage/
rules/rituals and pagan tradition that cannot save anyone.
(vv.7, 8) - Epaphras = Epaphraditus brought Christ’s Gospel to Colossae; Fellow
Servant = Bond Servant like Paul; a Faithful Minister (GK-Pistos/Deacon) =
Committed/Trusted, One who Servers, NEB - “A Trusted Worker;” from Colossae;
Reported of Colossians Love (GK-Agape) = Care for others “In The Spirit” stirred by
God at Work In Their Lives!
Paul’s Prayer for Colossians (Col. 1:9-14)
(vv.9) - Filled = Pervades/Consumes Ones Entire Being; “The Knowledge of His
Will,” Knowledge (GK-Epignosko) = A knowledge that grasps & penetrates its
object (i.e. God’s Will), used of Christ and of God, a deep, accurate comprehension,
and continues. Wisdom (GK-Sophiai) = Knowledge of Principles; Understanding
(GK-Sunesai) = Intellectual Grasping and the act of Deciding.
(vv.10) - “Live a life Worthy,” Live = To Walk, outward expression of inward change.
Point: The Aim = Right Knowledge and The End/Result = Right Action according to
God’s design, Will and Work in you; Pleasing = Way of Life becomes more and
more to do God’s will God’s way. Bearing Fruit and Good Works are evidence of
“Growing in the Knowledge of God.
• Illustration: Rain & Sunshine grow plants, so “Knowledge of God” grows and
matures us and the external changes are evidence of internal changes.
(vv.11) - Strengthened (GK-Dunamoumenoi) = To Empower with All Power. God’s
might does this work: Might (GK-Kratos) - Perfect Strength, Used Only of God NT;
accompanied Glory (GK-Shekinah) = God’s Power and Presence. Endurance (GKHupomeno)
= Remaining in Difficulties without Succumbing; Patience (GKMakrothumia)
= Long Suffering without Retaliation.
(vv.12, 13, 14) - “Who Qualified You” = Who made us fit or adequate for; Rescued
(GK-Erusato) = Delivered, God’s redemptive work through Christ who Is Greater than
the Gnostic Gospel’s salvation based on special knowledge for the elite, obtained
through meaningless special practices and rituals. Love (GK-Agapes) = Beloved of
the Father (Matt. 3:17), the Son is the object of the Father’s love. “In Whom
(Christ)” = By Faith Followers have Redemption (GK-Apolutrosin) = Release on
payment of a slave or we no longer owe debt; Forgiveness/Sin (GK-Aphesin/
Hamartion) = Buying Back Our Sin, Christ bought us from sin and paid our debt/
took our punishment at the Cross (Material World).
Challenge
Question: Do you find yourself trying to become one of the cultural elite? Or trying
to fit in too what our world defines as a “Good Person?”
• Illustration: Thanksgiving many come out to serve, but forget to during the rest
of the year.
Question: Do you find yourself redefining “God’s Truth” to make yourself
acceptable in our world? Creating a New Gospel of your own making that somehow
satisfies your souls thirst for the super-natural.
Challenge Point: STAND on God’s Truth, DO God’s Will His Way, by His
Grace…
Closing Reading: Colossians 1:13-14