God's Eternal Plan for the Nations

Jim Leffel

God's plan for the nations is salvation. Salvation is the ultimate story line of the Bible. Working through creation and other motifs, the Bible displays salvation's path of redemption, regeneration, and God's reign.This results in a new people of God.

Basic Principles of This World

Conrad Hilario

John 4:21-24

Paul explains to the Colossian church that they do not have to perform rituals, ?the basic principles of this world,? in order to be made right with God. This construct was promoted by false teachers who tried to tarnish the gospel with ideologies such as Greek dualism, aestheticism and legalism. These false teachers urged the Colossians to incorporate Old Testament dietary laws, holy days, and other rituals. Paul stresses the importance and sufficiency of Christ's death on the cross; therefore, these rituals are of no spiritual value.

Experiencing All The Fullness

Dennis McCallum

Colossians 2:2-13

It is dangerous when believers venture outside of Christ's revelation in order to discover truth. The basis for change is to understand the new identity that Christians receive and to allow this truth to lead them into a new life.

How Does Lasting Change Happen?

Jim Leffel

Colossians 3:1-11

Being "in Christ" means that we have received a new identity where we are victorious, totally acceptable to God, and have the hope of heaven. We need to set our mind on these things as we resist the old self and act as the people that God has made us to be. The song "Ain't No Grave" by Claude Ely was performed to illustrate victory over death.

The Supremacy of Christ

Scott Risley

Colossians 1:13-20

The apostle Paul begins his exposition on Christ's position over all. Paul establishes the different roles played by Christ as fully God and fully human. Christ operates as head over His creation as well as His church. Paul argues against the Colossian false teachers in defense of Christ's supremacy.

Who is Jesus?

Dennis McCallum

Colossians 1:13-23

Many people, both Christians and non-Christians alike, are not sure who Jesus really is. According to the Bible, he is God incarnate who created the universe and serves as its sovereign king. Jesus is also the sacrifice for our sins and the bringer of freedom and peace. He is the means through which we can have a restored relationship with God.

Who is Jesus and What Did He Do?

Conrad Hilario

1 Corinthians 15:19-20

Around 60 A.D., Paul and Timothy wrote to the church in Colossae to clarify who Christ was. The first chapter of Colossians expounds on the incarnation of Christ, meaning that Jesus was both fully man and fully God. In order for humanity be fully redeemed, Jesus had to be both. How we view Christ's nature is critical to our salvation and the gospel message.

Walk!

Jim Leffel

Colossians 2:6-15

According to the Bible, the way forward in the Christian life is just the same as it begins. We are to be rooted in our new future, new relationship with God, new life, and our justification. We are to be built up through learning and believing the truth from God. And finally, these things are to overflow into a heart of gratitude.

Key Ingredients of Spiritual Maturity

Gary DeLashmutt

Colossians 2:4-7

Paul instructs the Colossians on four key ingredients to spiritual maturity: 1) receiving Christ; 2) ongoing instruction about Christ; 3) resistance to spiritual deception; and 4) being ?in formation? with other Christians. All of us tend to specialize in one or two of these areas, but no amount of proficiency in any one area can make up for a deficiency in the others. All are needed if we want to mature spiritually.