Colossians

Themes and Insights from Colossians

Theme 1: Christians are to bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit and become more like Christ. Paul stated that he was pleased to hear that the Colossian Christians were full of love in the Holy Sprit. ( 1:8). He told them that his desire for them was that they would lead lives pleasing to the Lord , bearing fruit from their good works and growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. ( 1:10). Paul noted that his 2 goals as an Apostle were to proclaim the gospel and to teach believers in all wisdom so that they could present themselves to the Lord as mature believers. (1:25-28).

Theme 2: Human rituals and philosophy are worthless and only the gospel of Jesus Christ matters. Paul told the Colossian believers not to be deceived or taken captive by human philosophy for it was through Jesus Christ they had been saved and redeemed from the penalty of sin. Christ through his death and resurrection had disarmed all human authority making an example of it when he triumphed over it. (2:8-15). All of our former ways of worship and rituals were no longer of value. Paul stated that in Christ they had died to the things of the world. (2:20). He also said that although these rituals appeared to have value they were worthless. (2:22-23). He told them that their focus was to be on heavenly and not earthly things. ( 3:1-5). As part of our new focus on Christ we get rid of all the human wickedness in us and put away all of our former evil ways , as we cloth ourselves in the knowledge and way of Christ. ( 3:5-10). We live a new lifestyle in which we are filled with compassion, kindness, humility , meekness and patience and we are able to forgive and love each other. We have the peace of Christ and through his peace we are united as one body. ( 3:12-15). As followers of Christ , we have his word dwelling in us and we are able to encourage each other with God’s word and to worship him together with Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. All that we say and do is for the glory of God. (3:16-17).

Theme 3: Through submitting to those in authority and making the best use of our time , we can work for the spread of the gospel. Paul noted how obedience to husbands, parents and masters ( bosses) , was essential as in doing so we were being obedient to Christ. ( 3:18-25). Paul concluded his letter to the Colossians by telling them to make the most of their time and to have their speech seasoned with salt , so that their words would attract others and thus allow them to be effective witnesses for Christ. (4: 5-6).