The Life & Teaching of Paul

The Life We Have & The Life We Want (Colossians part 2)

Colossians 1:24-2:23

Christopher W. Martin © 2020

Background 

Context

The City & Church of Colossae

Religious & Philosophical ideas

The Theme & Message of Colossians 

Authentic Christianity

Evidence of Authentic Christianity (1:3-8)

Sharing ourselves & Sharing our faith 

Goals of Authentic Christianity (1:9-14)

Spiritual Wisdom

Bearing Fruit

Increasing in the knowledge of God

Strengthened for Endurance

Living as a Child of the King

The Person and Work of Christ (1:15-23)

Jesus Christ in Relation to God (v.15)

Jesus Christ in Relation to Creation (v. 16-17)

Jesus Christ in Relation to the Church (v.18)

Jesus Christ in Relation to Us – Reconciliation (v.19-23)

A Proper Perspective on Life’s Problems (1:24-2:7)

Recognizing Problems for What they Are (1:24)

Understanding Why (1:25-27)

Walking through Dark Days (v1:28-29)

Seeing with Christ’s Eyes (2:1-7)

Dealing with Thought Dangers (2:8-23)

Beware of Empty Philosophies & Intellectual Fantasies (v.8-10)

The Elementary Reality of Human Thought

The Divine Superiority of Christ 

Beware of Religious Constructs (v,11-17)

Complete Salvation 

Complete Forgiveness 

Complete Victory 

Complete Freedom 

Beware of Mysticism (v,18-19)

Beware of Asceticism (v.20-23)

 Application