1. MESSAGE OF COLOSSIANS THE GLORY OF CHRIST
Cards 56-60
MESSAGE OF COLOSSIANS
THE GLORY OF CHRIST
As Paul does so often, he begins his letter with a strong doctrinal statement and concludes it by drawing out the behavioral implications of the doctrine. The Epistle to the Colossians begins, like most of Paul’s letters, with a lengthy introduction. In the first major division on doctrine, Paul establishes the preeminence of Christ. He follows this with an exhortation to the Colossians to live in union with Christ.

2. CHRIST IN COLOSSIANS CHRIST-HEAD OF ALL THINGS
CHRIST-AND FALSE TEACHINGS
CHRIST-AND DAILY LIVING
CHRIST - Head of all Things
Because Jesus bridged the chasm between God and us, we don’t have to approach God indirectly, through a ladder of angels or other gods. We have no need to prove our worth through superior behavior. We can come to God directly and boldly because of Christ.
- CHRIST – And False Teaching
The church at Colossae, grew up in an atmosphere that blended a variety of religious traditions that may have been sources of heresy within the church. In Paul’s eyes, it is a deadly danger to the young appearing church.
- CHRIST – And Daily Living
In his letter, Paul portrays the Christian life very optimistically. The Christians in Colossae were searching for “fullness” in the same way modern people work to become “holistic” or “self-actualized”. After first affirming that Jesus contains all the fullness of God, Paul asserts that true fullness can be found only in Christ.

3. “…BE NOT MOVED AWAY FROM…
THE HOPE OF THE GOSPEL
They had heard the gospel, hence there was no excuse for their being moved away from the hope it presented. The expression points to a possible danger threatening them, thus preparing for the warning to follow.

4. FALSE TEACHING IN COLOSSIANS
PHILOSOPY (TEACHING OF MEN)
Philosophy literally means the love of wisdom and man cannot know God by worldly wisdom.
Any philosophy of man exists without authority of Christ and must be rejected for we are to do all things in His name.
Paul warned the Christians about these false teachers who were attempting to make spoil of them.
Enticing words used by false teachers can beguile the listener and cause him to lose his reward. (Colossians 2:4,18
OBSERVING RELISIOUS DAYS
The observing of religious days, including the Sabbath, was taken out of the way and nailed to the Cross.

5. EIGHT ATTITUDES NEEDED IN DAILY LIVING
The Christians at Colossae, Gentiles who had believed and been baptized into Christ, are called God’s elect. And as his elect or chosen people Paul beseeches them to clothe themselves with the qualities that become the children of God:
MRERCY
KINDNESS
HUMILITY
MEEKNESS
LONGSUFFERING
FORBEARING
FORGIVING
LOVE