A couple of weeks ago, I attended the ReGen Convention. The book that we explored was the book of Colossians. Colossians may seem like a small letter, consisting of 4 chapters, but each chapter has a meaning and purpose. Today, we’ll have an overview of the Book of Colossians and each of its 4 chapters.
There are 4 chapters, which can be split up into different topics.
Chapter 1: Paul starts with thanksgiving and focuses on Christ’s supremacy
Chapter 2: Paul warns believers of false philosophies and worldly teaching
Chapter 3: Paul wants believers to focus on heavenly things instead of earthly desires. He also provides instructions on how to live a holy life in their households.
Chapter 4: Final instructions and greetings.
Chapter 1
In the first chapter of Colossians, Paul expressed gratitude and focused on Christ’s preeminence and sufficiency in all things. He describes Christ clearly and beautifully in Colossians 1:15-20.
To put it shortly, Paul describes Christ as.
- The image of the invisible God
- Firstborn over all creation
- The one through whom all things were created
- The head of the Church
Paul proclaimed the preeminence of Jesus Christ in creation, which refers to His total control over everything. Paul wanted to highlight that Jesus was not just some teacher or prophet, but that Jesus was God himself, the Creator and Sustainer of all things.
At the end of the chapter, Paul reminds the Colossians of their own story of repentance, (Colossians 1:21-23) 21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation[g] under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. Here, Paul encourages them to continue in their faith, not to be moved by false teachings. Paul also speaks about his struggles and mission work. He works without end; not in his own strength, but through the power of Christ that is working within him.
Chapter 2
Chapter 2 warns believers about false teachings and philosophies, as shown in Colossians 2:7-8. Paul wants us to stay rooted in Christ, established in faith, so that we may not be misled. But what does it mean to be rooted in Christ? Just as tree roots provide stability and nourishment, being rooted in Christ offers for spiritual sustenance and a foundation that even the strongest winds, or in this case, false teachings, can’t knock over.
Paul also states that through Christ, we are spiritually circumcised—we cut off our old sinful nature. He uses baptism as an illustration of this transformation. In the sacrament of baptism, a person is immersed in water or has water poured over them, symbolising being buried with Christ. As they rise from the water, it represents being raised to new life through faith, because Jesus was raised from the dead for our sakes.
Paul also warns them about the people who will try to judge them based on what they eat, drink, or their religious festivals.
Chapter 3
In chapter 3, Paul talks about how we should live our lives to reflect the new identity we have in Christ. Colossians 3:1-4 says,
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your[a] life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
First, Paul wanted believers to understand that because we have been raised with Christ, we ought to have a heavenly mindset.
Next, we should “put to death” our sins and old ways of living. Paul reminds us that we have to get rid of our old selves and put on the new self, which is being renewed to be more like Christ. There is no barrier for this new life; Christ is all, and in all.
Lastly, Paul finishes the chapter with practical advice for Christian households, so we can have mutual respect and a holy life.
What does this mean for us in our day-to-day lives? Colossians 3:18-22 describes how we can live as Christians in our everyday relationships, as follows:
Wives: Submit to your husbands (as fitting in the Lord)
Husbands: Love your wives and don’t be harsh
Children: Obey your parents, for it pleases God
Fathers: Do not discourage your children
Bondservants: Obey your earthly masters sincerely, as if serving Christ
Paul then continues in Colossians 3:23, Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.
We are reminded that whatever we do, from completing your homework to winning a swimming race, we should do it with an attitude of wholeheartedness, and that we should do it for God.
This chapter is calling us to live our faith daily, not just believe in him, but to become more like him in every part of our lives.
Chapter 4
Paul concludes his letter by urging believers to stay faithful in prayer, reminding them that prayer should be consistent and that they should be watchful in it with thanksgiving. Paul also humbly asks the Colossians that they pray for him while he is still in prison. This shows that everyone – even apostles like Paul – needs prayer and that prayer is a crucial part of our spiritual lives.
Colossians 4:5-6 talks about how believers should act around non-believers. Be wise in how you live, making the most of every opportunity. Your speech should be full of grace, seasoned with truthful, thoughtful, and respectful words. In this manner, we help draw people to God, not pushing them further away from Him.
Paul closes this chapter and letter with his final greetings,
Colossians 4:18
I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
The message of Colossians
Across all four chapters, Colossians calls Christians to:
- Focus on Christ, who is supreme over everything
- Reject false teachings, be rooted in Christ
- Live transformed lives, get rid of the old, and put on the new identity
- Pray, love, and serve others faithfully
The letter of Colossians is a short but powerful and meaningful letter that still applies to us today. We must be rooted in Christ and live a holy life that pleases God; we must continually pray, love, and serve others. This is God’s message to you.
