A Study of Colossians 1:15-20 considers Jesus as the divine creator, head of the church, and source of reconciliation and peace.
Paul addresses a false teaching that adds extra teachings and religious practices to the gospel message. In effect, it lowered the importance of Christ and Paul refutes it by emphasizing the supremacy of Christ.
A Study of Colossians 1:15-20. Jesus is the divine creator
V.15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
Who is Jesus Christ? The answer is vigorously debated today, but Paul provides a clear and confident answer.
The Greek word for “image” is ĕikōn, which means likeness and representation. And it’s used in two ways. The first is likeness as in a mirror reflection and the second is manifestation to mean God is perfectly revealed in Jesus. In Philippians 2:6, Paul says Jesus was “in the form of God.” And Greek word for “form” is morphe, which indicates God’s essence.
In short, Paul says Jesus Christ was fully God and man.
The Greek word for “firstborn” is prōtŏtŏkŏs and can mean first in time or supremacy in rank. In Jewish tradition, the firstborn son was both a position of honor and extra responsibility. And since Jesus was supreme in his divinity, first in time and supremacy in rank both apply to him.
V.16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible…
As one of the Trinity, Jesus created both the physical and spiritual worlds. Why does this matter? Because part of the Colossian heresy included errant teaching concerning the angelic world. So Paul makes it clear Jesus is not equal to the angelic world but God who reigns over it.
V.17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Jesus is both supreme and sovereign, The words “hold together” are from the Greek word synístēmi which means putting together or composed of. In other words, God didn’t create the universe then sit back to relax as a spectator. He actively holds the universe together and works to accomplish his divine purpose.
A Study of Colossians 1:15-20. Jesus is the head of the church
V.18 And he is the head of the body, the church.
The church is not simply a building or an organization. It is a body of believers united by the spirit of Christ. The Greek word for “church” is ĕkklēsia, and means a calling out. It communicates a sense of unified purpose and mission. The church is not a holy huddle or religious social group, but works to accomplish God’s purpose. As the head, Jesus spiritually leads it to carry out that mission.
He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent
At the resurrection, Jesus defeated the power of sin. Those who compose the church follow by confessing and repenting of sin and are reborn through him. The Greek word for “preeminent” is prōtĕuō, which means first in rank or influence. It further reinforces the supremacy of Christ.
A study of Colossians 1:15-20. Jesus is the source of reconciliation and peace
V.19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell…
The Greek word for “fullness” is plērōma, and means completeness. It confirms that God’s full divine being is completely present in Jesus. And the Greek word for “dwell” is katŏikĕō, which means permanent residence. Jesus was fully God all the time and not just on weekends.
V. 20 And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Why do we need reconciliation? Because sin separates us from God. As Paul writes in Romans 3:23: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
The Greek word for “reconcile” is apokatallássō and presents the idea of changing from enmity to friendship. What we as sinners can’t change, God does through Jesus Christ.
The Greek word for “peace” is eirēnopoiéō and is the counterpart to shālôm. the Hebrew word for “peace.” Shālôm goes beyond the idea of peace as a lack of conflict and presents the idea of a right relationship with God. In other words, Jesus’ blood sacrifice on the cross puts us in a right relationship with God and makes us his friends.
A Study of Colossians 1:10-14. This study addresses the results of a Godly lifestyle, how you’re strengthened and qualified by God, and you’re delivered, redeemed, and forgiven.
A Study of Colossians 1:10-14. The results of a Godly lifestyle
Christ-followers are not perfect because we still sin. And yet, the life of a Christ-follower should be distinctly separate from the culture. Paul prayed in V.9 for the Colossian church to know God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And he explains why in V.10.
V.10 So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord…
The Greek word for “walk” is pĕripatĕō and literally means to walk around. But it’s used figuratively here to mean personal conduct. In other words, living a Godly lifestyle. And it starts by seeking to know and understand God’s will.
Paul lists three results of knowing and understanding God’s will.
Fully pleasing to him
Bearing fruit in every good work
Increasing in the knowledge of God
The desire to please God is our motive for Godly living. And bearing fruit in good works is not to earn God’s favor, but express our devotion to him. Also, notice that Paul talks about knowing God’s will in V.9 and increasing in the knowledge of God in V.10. The Greek word for “increasing” is auxanō, and is also translated “growing.” It’s used in present tense which suggests a continual growth process.
REFLECT & RECORD:
How well are you pleasing God? Write down both your successes and failures.
Has your knowledge of God increased? If so, describe how. If not, how might knowing God better impact your life?
How does pleasing God, bearing fruit, and increased knowledge of God work together to foster spiritual growth?
A Study of Colossians 1:10-14 Strengthened and qualified by God
V.11 Strengthened with all power according to his glorious might…
The Greek word for “strengthened” is dunamŏō, and is the same word Paul uses in Philippians 4:13.
I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
We can’t live a Godly lifestyle in our own strength, but must lean on God’s strength. Studying God’s word, prayer, and accountability with other believers play an important role in this. And God doesn’t dispense strength in small doses to cover each need, but gives generously from his great supply. Jesus calls us to an abundant life (John 10:10) and God provides abundant resources.
For all endurance and patience with joy…
The Christian life doesn’t exclude suffering, but it’s something we endure with joy. This is described in James 1:2-3.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
Of course, James does not say to welcome or celebrate suffering. But that joy sustains us because of our confident hope in a future where all suffering ends. And that hope helps us endure it, not deliver us from it.
Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
The Greek word for “qualified” is hikanŏo and means to enable as in to make competent or sufficient. The word tense suggests it’s an immediate event. So when a person commits their life to Jesus, they immediately become a saint and qualified to share in an eternal inheritance.
A Study of Colossians 1:10-14 Delivered, redeemed and forgiven
V.12 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son…
Israel’s deliverance from Egyptian bondage is a major theme in the Old Testament. And darkness and light a common theme in the New Testament. In other words, there is both physical and spiritual bondage.
Jesus claimed to be the light in John 8:12 and called people to follow him.
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Paul assures the Colossian church that since they’re following Jesus, they’re no longer in the domain of darkness but the kingdom of light.
In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
The same is true for us. Through the power of Jesus Christ we are delivered from spiritual bondage, redeemed, and forgiven. No extra teaching improves this Gospel message. And no other qualifications or conditions are required.
REFLECT & RECORD
Describe how God strengthened you in a particular situation. Where else do you need his strength today?
Even believers can suffer physical or spiritual bondage. Is there an area where you’re currently struggling? Pray to Jesus for guidance on where to find deliverance.
If you’ve given your life to Christ then you’re redeemed and forgiven. Take a moment to thank and praise him.
A study of Colossians 1:1-5a. Paul’s letter to the Colossian church is a prison epistle most likely written from Rome. Today’s study includes Paul’s reason for writing to the Colossian church, his authority to speak for God, and the role of faith, love, and hope.
A Study of Colossians 1:1-5a: Paul’s reason for writing to the Colossian church
Epaphras founded the Colossian church. Paul describes him in chapter four as a servant of Christ in the church who struggled in prayer and worked hard for them. He visited Paul in prison to express his concern about a strange and harmful teaching that had infiltrated the Colossian church.
We’re not sure what it was. On one hand, it emphasized Jewish rituals like circumcision, following dietary laws, and observing holy days. But it also included a philosophy that acknowledged extra spiritual powers and mysteries beyond the gospel of Jesus Christ. In short, it questioned the sufficiency of Jesus Christ alone.
There were many false teachers and worldly philosophies then like there are today. Because since his first deception of Adam and Eve, Satan has used lies to lead us away from God. As he continues today. That’s why it is important for us to carefully study and understand God’s word. So we recognize what’s false by knowing God’s truth. Even then, Satan is quick with an excuse to rationalize our disobedience.
A Study of Colossians 1:1-5a: Paul establishes his authority to speak for God.
V.1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God…
Paul identifies himself as an apostle by God’s will. The Greek word apostolos means to be sent. And it was Jesus who established it. He commissioned his twelve disciples as apostles and sent them out to preach, teach, and minister. It’s recorded in Matthew 10:1-4, Mark 3:13-19, and Luke 6:12-16 and included the authority to cast out demons and heal diseases.
Although Paul was not one of the twelve disciples, he was commissioned as an apostle when Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus. He immediately converted from church persecutor to missionary for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The apostles played a significant and authoritative role in proclaiming the gospel, starting churches, speaking with governing authority into church life and writing books of the New Testament under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
REFLECT & RECORD:
Describe the sources of authority in your life.
How were they established and maintained?
How have they changed over the years? What are your sources of authority today and why?
A Study of Colossians 1:1-5a: The role of faith, love, and hope
V.2 To the saints and faithful brothers…
Paul doesn’t address two different groups. But uses two descriptive words for the same group of people. The Greek word for saints is hagios which means holy and sanctify. It means a life that is set apart.
The Greek word for faithful is pisto, which means true and sure. And it refers to a commitment level. In other words, Paul describes the Colossian church as people fully committed to imitating Christ. And living in a manner that pleases God and is distinct from the culture.
V.4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus…
Christianity does not avoid faith, but embraces it. And encourages followers of Jesus to exercise and grow in it. In fact, God requires it in order to please him.
The love that you have for all the saints…
Love is an exercise of faith and radical teaching that differentiates Christianity from all other world religions and philosophies. It should especially be evident among Christ-followers and Paul confirms its presence in the Colossian church.
V.5 Because of the hope laid up for you in heaven.
Hope empowers Christ-followers against overwhelming odds. And it’s based on the knowledge that everything on this earth is temporary. God promises eternal life for those who persevere in the faith.
REFLECT & RECORD
Do you consider yourself a saint? Why or why not?
Describe your commitment to a Christ likeness and life set apart from the culture.
Describe how faith, love, and hope work together in your life as a Christ-follower.
A Study of Philippians 4:14-23 reveals the importance of relationship in ministry, investing in eternal rewards, and assurance that God meets your needs.
A Study of Philippians 4:14-23 reveals the importance of relationship in ministry
V.14 To share my troubles…
V.15 no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving…,
The first thing this passage reveals is the importance of relationships in ministry. Paul uses two similar words to communicate this. The Greek word for “share” in V. 14 is synkoinōnēsantes, which means to share in company with, to co-participate in. And the Greek word for “partnership” in V.15 is kŏinōnĕō, which means to share with others. To communicate, distribute, and be a partaker.
Both words express a similar idea to the Greek word kŏinōnia, which means partnership, participation, or social interaction. And describes the unique sense of community when Christ-followers engage socially.
In other words, the Philippian church is not simply giving to a good cause. Or contributing to an online fund raising account. They’re investing in the ministry of someone they know and have a relationship with. Not just because they care about Paul’s ministry. But because they care about Paul and his welfare.
It underscores an important principle. The church should be relationship driven. Church programs are good. Worship and proclaiming God’s word a must. But ministry without relationships lacks spiritual power and Kingdom impact.
A study of Philippians 4:14-23 encourages investing in eternal rewards
V.17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit
The Greek word for “fruit” is karpós, and in secular Greek refers to “product” or “gain”. It’s financial language that describes earning interest in an account. Jesus also uses karpós in Matthew 7:17 when he says, “a healthy tree bears good fruit.” And he is clearly speaking in a spiritual context.
It appears Paul is doing the same thing. In other words, he’s saying their financial investment into his ministry is a spiritual deposit that earns dividends in the Kingdom of God. Jesus supports this idea further in Matthew 6:19-21 when he talks about storing treasure.
A Study of Philippians 4:14-23 provides assurance that God will meet your needs
A sacrifice pleasing to God…
The Philippian church gave sacrificially. Even perhaps, to putting themselves at financial risk. Paul points this out in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 where he speaks of their poverty, and yet, the sacrificial generosity of the Philippian church in providing for his ministry.
And it’s not the gift itself, that pleases God. But the sacrificial attitudes and serving hearts of those giving.
Of course, church generosity begins with individual generosity. As 2 Corinthians 9:7 reminds us, “God loves a cheerful giver.” Not because God needs our money, but because generosity fights against our natural tendency of selfishness and greed.
V.19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Paul assures them in V.17 that he is now well supplied. And in a like manner, God will supply their needs. He didn’t ask them to give with such sacrifice. Nor would I suggest that sacrificial giving to the point of risking the welfare of your family is something God wants. However, the point is that God controls all the world’s richest and will supply the needs of His people who seek to honor and serve Him.
REFLECT AND RECORD
When you consider your own level of generosity, what drives it? Is gratitude, your trust in God, or your need for security?
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A study of Philippians 4:10-13 reveals that contentment is learned, involves a learning process of experiencing a little and a lot, and that God strengthens you for all things.
A study of Philippians 4:10-13 reveals that contentment is learned
V.11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
The drive to accumulate things can consume us. Fueled by the desire for pleasure, ease, and comfort. It quickly becomes greed with an insatiable appetite. And it begs the question: how much is enough? When will I find contentment?
And Paul’s answer might surprise you. Because you don’t find contentment. You learn it.
Of course, the Bible doesn’t condemn hard work or the accumulation of wealth. In fact, wealth in scripture is often associated with God’s blessing. So where does contentment fit in?
The Greek word for “content” is autarkēs and means both content and sufficient.
In Greek stoic philosophy, contentment was considered something you passively accepted. Since your circumstances are part of God’s will, you might as well accept them in resignation. But Paul takes another approach.
A study of Philippians 4:10-13 reveals that the learning process involves experiencing a little and a lot
v.12 I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
Paul experienced times when he had very little and times when he had a lot. And it was an extreme, education curriculum. Because he was beaten, whipped, thrown in prison, and shipwrecked to name a few difficult experiences. And right now you’re probably saying if that’s what it takes to learn contentment, I’d rather remain ignorant.
However, maybe your learning process can avoid those extremes. And involve self-discipline instead. One simple decision my wife and I made early in our marriage was to pay off our credit card bills each month and not build consumer debt. This made us control our spending and say no to some purchases. And we learned to either wait until we had the money or live without some things.
We also learned to express an attitude of gratitude. And regularly thank God for His provision. The more you do, the more it takes root in your heart.
REFLECT AND RECORD
What are some lessons you’ve learned about contentment? Describe the circumstances. Where do you still struggle and explain why? What disciplines should you consider or adjustments should you make?
A study of Philippians 4:10-13 reveals that God strengthens you for all things
V.13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
The Greek word for strengthen is ĕndunamŏō, and means to empower, enable, increase in strength, and make strong
A unique feature of the Christian faith is that it admits human weakness. No one has it all together. Or is completely self-reliant. And to pretend you are is either an attempt to fool others or fool yourself.
Even the great men of faith admitted their inadequacies. David cries out for help and identifies where it comes from in Psalms 121. Solomon talks about the importance of supportive friends. And Paul explains how God’s power is demonstrated through his weakness.
There are times we all need the support of others. And it’s okay to ask for it.
Where do you need God’s strength right now? James 4:2 reminds you it’s important to ask. So take a moment and ask God to provide the strength for what you’re encountering.
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