Because of the rising tide of human philosophies confronting us today, no New Testament book speaks with more relevancy than does the epistle to the Colossians. Not only do we live in an atomic and space age, but in the most technologically advanced age of all time. As in the past, this is a day where, duped by the age-old lie of Satan, man still continues to believe in himself and his ability to solve his problems apart from God as He is revealed in Scripture. Christ is seen as only one of many religious leaders or influences that man may turn to because there are other ways that are equally valid. Paul makes it clear that Jesus Christ is supreme.

1 – The city of Colossae

It was a city of great prestige and wealth. There was diverse religions and culture. There were Greeks, Romans and Jews living together in the city. In AD 61 the city was devastated by an earthquake and never recovered. There was a small church in Colossae when Paul wrote his letter. It seems that the church was started by Epaphras.

2 – False teaching

There were a number of false teachings that are enemies of the Church.

• Astrology (Zodiac/gods above) – There was the study and worship of astrology. They believed our lives were determined by the stars. Today, astrology is still popular. People are looking for an exciting future. Paul was not so tolerant. He could not water-down the truth.
• Gnosticism (Knowledge/learning) – It was a complex system. This false system leads to people believing that the body is evil and the spirit is good. It was the intellect that was required to know god. This lead to some living a life of asceticism and others living and doing as they pleased.
• Mystery religions – It was mostly carried on in secrecy with rituals of initiation and the revelation of secret spiritual truths. It was about what you experienced or felt. This has become the religion of many today.

3 – Purpose of the book

There are two purposes of this book.

• Paul and the deceivers – It is to warn the readers of the heresies and the message of the gospel. Christ has defeated the evil powers of this world at the cross. There is only ONE way of salvation. Jesus was intolerant when it came to the gospel. Jesus is the ONLY way. This goes against the grain of today. We are too tolerant when the gospel is being threatened. We cannot compromise. We are to be stewards of the truth. We cannot allow error. We have to stand for the truth of the gospel. We cannot water it down.
• Paul and the believers – We are to proclaim Christ. We are not proclaiming a denomination. Paul wants the believers to be encouraged in heart, united in love and understand Christ. These are goals that are measurable and achievable. There is no other saviour than Jesus Christ.

Categories: Colossians