Colossians 3v1-11:

By Graeme Tearle


As Christians our lives have entered into a new sphere and are governed by a new set of motivations.

In ch.2v10, Paul has stated: “you have come to fulness of life in Him”; and ch.2v12 he reinforces this by adding: “you were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.” He adds further emphasis again in ch.2v13: “God made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses.”

In this passage Paul moves from the teaching aspects of his letter to the practical aspects of being led by this new set of motivations.


1.    New Mindset, v1,2.

The integral aspect of being raised with Christ focuses on the area of our minds and motivations.

Our minds are to be so in tune with heavenly things, and the blessings of knowing that Christ is at the right hand of God.

What does this mean?
Meditations, thoughts, attitudes to the world around us, the people around us, are to be governed and flavoured by spiritual principles, and not common worldly desires.


2.    New Sphere of Life, v3,4.

The reason for the focus of the mind on heavenly things, is that we have a new sphere of life.

‘Life in verse 4 is ‘zoe,’ which in particular refers to our essential life, vitality, “the living quality of nature shared alike by humans, animals, plants, also eternal life as given us by God” – New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology. As opposed to the simple biological functions of life.

We have died to this former life, see Galatians ch.2v20.
Our new life is now hid with Christ in God.

What does this mean?
While it is still a fact that we live, eat, sleep, work, and transact business in the physical community around us, God sees us as “in Christ,” and therefore not subject to the condemnation and attitudes of the world around us.

This new life has a new community: “fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,” Ephesians ch.2v19.


3.    Death to the Old, v5-8.

In this section Paul lists a number of sins which must be eliminated in our lives, because of our new life in Christ.

There are three actions which happen in Christ, about these earthly inclinations:
a.    Put them to death, - v5
b.    Put them away, - v8.
c.    Put them off, -v9.

Central to this section is v7:  
a.    We ‘lived’ in them; again he uses the word ‘zoe,’ indicating that the essential human vitality was occupied by these sins, and –
b.    We once ‘walked’ in them. Paul employs the word ‘peripateo,’ as in ch.2v6.  This means literally to walk.
But it has a far more significant applied meaning, ’choices of lifestyle, and actions taken; as governed by attitudes, the will, and personal desires’, suggesting our behaviour and life are led by the inner motivations.
c.    So not only was our original human condition giving inclination to these sins, so also was our daily behaviour in practicing them.


4.    Put on the New, v9-11.

Our new life in Christ enables us to behave in the new manner, and they are put away,; the language is that of changing garments.
The new person is renewed in the knowledge of the image of our Creator, as explained by Paul in ch.1v15.
Plus as being “members of the household of God,” there are no boundaries of race, religion, social and financial circumstances.

Colossians: Points to Ponder.

Consider the importance of having our minds attuned to our heavenly life in Christ.

By Graeme Tearle.


   Colossians 2v16-23

Rules and Regulations!

Do’s and Don’t’s!

Must and Must Not!

How many things do we have to keep up with in order to keep in touch with God?



In the early church at Colossae and elsewhere, a group of people, known as the ‘gnostics’, were teaching things contrary to the deity of Jesus Christ and the freedom of salvation which comes through faith in Him.

In these verses, following on from the previous section, Paul emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith in Him, and not being in bondage to the old rules and regulations.

1.    Rules and Regulations.

The gnostics insisted that Jewish laws were still intrinsically valid for a relationship to God.
-    Food and drink, v16, 21,
-    Rituals and festivals, v16,
-    These things perish and are valueless, v22; as taught by Jesus in Mark 7v14-23.



2.    Visions and Perceptions.

The gnostics, as the meaning of this word implies ‘knowledge’, made claims about special visions, contact with angels, and the supposedly superior position this placed them in.
They insisted that Christians should endorse and follow these practices, which only leads to self absorption and self degradation, v18.



3.    Christ the Fulfilment of God’s Plan.

So threaded through all these false assertions, Paul reminds and encourages the Christians how Jesus has fulfilled the need for these old and false teachings:

a.    We have died to the elemental spirits of the universe, v20. While they had a previous purpose, they do not act as enabling complete freedom from the flesh, v23. Therefore we do not live according to the previous slavery.
b.    The law pointed forward to Christ, and was only a shadow of His life; v17 points out that Christ is the substance of the law.  The word Paul uses is ‘soma’, literally meaning ‘body’.  He is emphasizing the point he made in v9; “For in Him the whole fulness of deity dwells bodily.”
c.    For true Christian living and full connection to the life of God, we are to hold fast to Christ as the Head; so the body grows and is nourished form Him, v19.



Colossians : Points to Ponder.

Hold fast to the new life which is in Christ, ignore any suggestions of rule keeping and seeking ‘special contact’ with God. In Christ we have everything!

By Graeme Tearle

Colossians 2v8-15:       


Sometimes we face the accusation that our salvation is inadequate, and we need to do more to be properly saved.


In this passage, and the following, Paul embarks on a strong rebuttal of the false teaching which was bombarding the churches at Colossae and Laodicea at the time.

1.    The Outside World.

The gnostics seemed to have a hidden agenda which would seek to bring Christians, who are freed from the penalty of sin, back into bondage and guilt.

In this passage, and in the following verses of chapter two, Paul lays out some of their specific attempts in advancing their so-called ‘advanced knowledge.’

Astrology was a common belief system in these times, and many people, including governors and emperors, would consult the stars for advice and their future.

In this passage, and in the remaining verses of chapter two, Paul gives warning about these people:

a.    They were ‘preying’ on them, v8. Paul uses the word ‘sulagogeo’, which means literally to lead astray, and take captive as spoils of the heretics.
b.    They used two tactics:
-    Philosophy – the gnostics claimed special abilities, knowledge, and inner information about the way to God.
-    Empty deceit  - this is “deception or enticement, creating a pleasant illusion” – TDNT, a false sense of security in this new knowledge.
c.    Their approach was based on the “elemental spirits of the universe” – this phrase relates to the common basic knowledge and principles of the world, as extracted through astrology, and imparted, theoretically, in simple forms, as in the ‘ABC’ of any given issue.
d.    And this was continued in teaching about ascetism, as Paul enlarges on in v16.


2.    Christ.

The answer to false teachings about the way back to God, Paul expounds on the truth as in Jesus Christ.

a.    Contrary to their teaching that the way to God was through a diluted being, part man and part God, in Jesus dwells the fulness of God in human form, v9.
b.    God raised Jesus from the dead, v12, 13, proving that He was God’s Son, and fully divine.
c.    And He is the Head of all rule and authority, v10.
d.    Christ has taken the charge sheet of our sins, nailed it to the cross, and overcame man’s enemies through the resurrection, v14,15.


3.    Believers.

Through our belief in Christ, we share in His victory:
a.    We have His fulness of life, v10.
b.    Circumcision is spiritual, not a physical act but casting off the whole fleshly body, and demonstrating this in baptism, by putting to death the fleshly desires, v11,12.
c.    We are raised with Him, and forgiven our trespasses as He has cancelled the charges and the penalties, v12-14.



Colossians : Points to Ponder.

Believe in the adequacy of Christ’s sacrifice, and there is no need to consult other ways for coming to God.

By Graeme Tearle

Colossians 2;1-7. 

A Mystery.

We are not expected, nor capable, of knowing everything possible about God and His ways. But He has revealed to us the truth about Christ, and Paul was helping the Colossians to enter into that truth.

 Paul had not met the Colossian church.

And yet he goes to great lengths in his ministry to ensure that they are built up, strengthened, and walking in the Christian life in a wholesome and healthy manner.
1.    Knowledge of Christ.
The early heretics themselves, known as ‘gnostics,’ were so called because they were claiming to have special ‘advanced’ knowledge about God and His dealings with mankind.  ‘Gnostics’ is the English word which derives from the Greek work ‘gnosis.’
Paul talks about riches and treasures, v2,3. These are only to be found in Christ, because it is only in Him that the mystery of God has been revealed, ch.1v26.
His desire is that they enter into the full assurance and knowledge of this mystery, and not be deceived because of the so-called ‘special knowledge’ of the gnostics.
2.    Faith in Christ.
He encourages them that their faith is firm, v5.  This has the implication of being on a firm foundation.
And he warns them not to be deceived by ‘beguiling speech’ – implying teaching that was contrary to the truth of Christ, and attempting to lead in another path, amiss, v4.
3.    Receiving Christ.
In v6 Paul reminds them that they have received Christ.
The word Paul uses here, ‘paralambano,’ has the emphasis of personal invitation in having Christ within and alongside us.
A similar concept is mentioned by Paul in ch.4v17; Archippus had ‘received’ from the Lord a particular ministry, and he was exhorted to fulfill that which he had received.
4.    Living in Christ.
Following on from faith in Christ and receiving Him, we must live the life He has ordained.
a.    Live.
The word Paul uses in verse 6 for ‘live’ is ‘peripateo’.  This means literally to walk.
But it has a far more significant applied meaning, ’choices of lifestyle, and actions taken; as governed by attitudes, the will, and personal desires’, suggesting our behaviour and life are led by the inner motivations.
The area and focus of this work is ‘in Christ’ – following His example and His will.
b.    Established, rooted. The sustenance of our life, and the basis or foundation on which we rest, again, is our faith in Christ.
c.     Abounding in thanksgiving
d.    Knit together in love – this life in Christ flows into our relationships and sacrifices for our fellow believers.

Colossians : Points to Ponder.
Live in the knowledge you have attained in Christ, being led by His principles and Lordship.

by Graeme Tearle

Colossians 1v21-29:  Ministering to Christ.
 
 
How do we serve Christ?
 
Is it the things we do?
Or is it the attitudes we have?
 
 
Ministering to Christ.
 
Paul has some specific things to say about how he serves Christ in these verses.
 
He uses the Greek word ‘diakonos’ twice, in v.23 and v25.This word has the area of meaning ‘to serve with the focus on getting the job done, the functions and outcomes of what that job entails.’

1. He is a minister of the gospel, v23, which through faith generates hope, and has brought reconciliation to God for us from our estrangement.
2. He is a minister according to the ‘divine office’ – that special area of responsibility and focus given to him from God.
3. Paul “completes what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions,” v24 – this does not imply any inadequacy in Christ’s sacrifice, but that as His servants, we have the role of continuing service for His body, whatever suffering and cost that may entail.
4. Paul’s ministry was “to make the word of God fully known” v25 – God’s plan had been hidden, but now made manifest, meaning that it is apparent and can be understood by mankind.
5. Paul “toils and strives energetically,” v29 – this expression indicates exhaustion, agony, but only with the strength which God inspires within him.

 
We observe here a glimpse into the heart and soul of Paul, rejoicing at suffering, and working long and hard to proclaim the truth about Christ.
 
 
Maturity in Christ.
 
Paul’s goal is to present every person “mature in Christ” – v28.
 
There are some aspects to this which he emphasizes in these verses:

1. Warning, v28, - part of the message of the true gospel is that there are false teachings about the way of salvation, as there was at the time of his writing this letter.
2. Revelation, v27, - God has made known:
3. The riches of the glory of the mystery of Christ in us, v27.
4. Teaching, v28, - to lead to the true wisdom from God.
5. Full reconciliation, v21-23: the outcome of a stable steadfast commitment to God, and continuing in our faith, is that we will be presented before God blameless and irreproachable.

 
Maturity is more than just age, knowledge, and capability.
It is commitment, endurance, and close following to Christ.
 
 
Colossians : Points to Ponder.
 
Commit yourself to seek full maturity in Christ, so as to serve and minister with enthusiasm and energy.

 By Graeme Tearle

 As Christians, we have a new perspective on who we follow, who we adore, and who ‘influences’ our manner of life and decisions.
 
At the time of writing, the church was experiencing false teachers who were reducing the deity of Jesus as the Christ and the Son of God.
 
God has revealed two great principles of His work in the universe:

• His Creation – that which He made for His own pleasure.
• His Re-creation, (salvation) – that which He has done for bringing that fallen creation back to Himself.

           Christ is Supreme over Creation, Colossians 1v15-17.
 
These verses are integral to the role Jesus had in the forming of the universe:

1. Image – God’s personal revelation of Himself to the creation.
2. First-born, this does not mean the first created, but the first in position over all creation.
3. All things created:
   • The physical universe – visible and invisible
   • The ruling universe – Christ is supreme over all authorities. False heresies had teachings about various beings and hierarchies bringing order and sustenance to the physical world, but Christ is over all.
   • The on-going universe – He is before, meaning Head of creation, and He is sustainer, meaning He holds it all together.

             Christ is Supreme over Redemption, v18-20.
 
These verses are integral to the role Jesus has in the forming of the reconciliation of creation back to God.
 
Reconciliation is that process which brings the creation back into it’s correct relationship with God.
 
For humans the medium is forgiveness through the blood of Christ on the Cross.
 
As the Head, He has supreme control:

• The church is His body, and He is the beginning in having formed it through His sacrifice and resurrection.
• Therefore He is the Head.
• The fullness of God dwells in Him for His pleasure, and the fullness of God flows through Him for reconciliation of creation, and peace through His blood.

 
Colossians : Points to Ponder.
Worship God and Christ the Lord for His almighty power in creation and love in salvation.

By Graeme Tearle
 
 
Concerning faith in Christ, we have many aspects of God’s blessings to be thankful for.
 
     Your New Faith in Christ, Col.1v3-8.
 
Paul didn’t start the church at Colossae, it appears to have been through the work of Epaphras, v7,8.
 
So Paul is writing this letter to further instruct the believers in Colossae in their faith, and to correct some false teachings which had arisen about the Lord Jesus.
 
In this opening passage, he focuses on aspects of their faith:

1. Faith is in Christ, v4; He is the sole basis of what we hold to;
2. Paul and others have heard about their faith, v1.
3. Faith has come through the gospel, v5; which has borne fruit amongst them and the rest of te world, v6.
4. Their faith , v3, has given them hope, v3.  Hope is “laid up in heaven” -meaning that it is stored away for us; we have this hope now for the treasure of the coming day of going to heaven.
5. Their faith has given them understanding of God’s truth and grace, v6.
6. Their faith has given them love, v4, extending out into the lives of fellow believers all around.

 
   Your New Kingdom in Christ, Col.1v9-14.
 
As a result of our faith, Christ has transferred us from one place to another.

1. Rescued, v13. The word Paul uses here means to rescue from a bad place so as to preserve, and keep safe.
2. Transferred, v13. This word means to place in a new location, and change. We are now in the kingdom of God’s Son, Jesus, which is spiritual.
3. This kingdom has a new inheritance; all of the eternal blessings and life he has in store for us, and we are ‘qualified’, v12; having all His sufficiency to be there.
4. Paul’s prayer, v9-11, is that we will have:

• Knowledge
• Wisdom
• Understanding
• Strength and power.

 
Colossians : Points to Ponder.
 
Give thanks to God for those who have led us into faith and understanding of God’s ways and His will, and seek to live worthily for Him.

 BY GRAEME TEARLE
 
The Epistle to the Colossians stands alone as a unique document in the New Testament collection.
 
Colossae was one of a group of three cities located in ancient Asia Minor, which is south-west Turkey today. The other two cities were Laodicea and Hieropolis.
They were clustered together in a circle of about 30 kilometres, and were approximately 160 kilometres east of Ephesus.
 
No mention is made of the specific founding of the churches at these places, but in Acts 19v10, when Paul was in Ephesus for two years, the gospel spread throughout Asia. Paul himself did not establish these churches, as seen in Col.2v1, but it is understood from Col.1v7,8 that Epaphras did. From Col.4v12,13 we learn that Epaphras was with Paul at the time of writing; and he also refers to the churches in these three cities.
Paul probably wrote this letter from prison in Rome about AD62.
 
We can deduct from the following verses that these churches were predominantly Gentile:

• Ch.1v21: they were estranged and hostile
• Ch.1v27: the riches of the glory of Christ are made great among the Gentiles
• Ch.3v5-7: the catalogue of sins mentioned here are characteristically Gentile and not Jewish.

 
The prime message of Colossians is summed up in Paul’s theme in writing, summarized in chapter 2v1,2:
He wanted them to know about his agonizing for their spiritual maturity and encouragement.
 
The two prime reasons for writing appears to be the following:

• He wanted to encourage them for their progress in the Lord, as in ch.1v3-6, 2v5.
• He wanted to warn them about heresies and errors which were developing amongst the churches at the time.
  • People were opposing the truth about the deity of Christ
  • People were claiming ‘special knowledge’ which was contrary to the gospel – these were the ‘gnostics.’
  • People were claiming the need to continue following laws of food, drink, rituals, worship of astrological elements; this led to polarity between ascetism and immoral living.

 
His teaching on doctrinal and ethical matters can be summed up in his statement in ch.3v3:
“For you have died, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”
 
These studies will seek to explore what this message will have for us today as Christians, as we look afresh at the supremacy of Christ and the implications on our mind and our behaviour.