Let’s reflect on some highlights of the Book of Colossians. I will begin in verses 13 and 14 of chapter 1 “For He (God the Father) rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” In Ephesians, Paul proclaims: “We were once darkness, but now we are light” In 2 Corinthians, Paul communicates: “The old has gone, and the new is come.” As a believer in Jesus Christ, you are no longer who you use to be. Your sins are completely forgiven. You, as the popular song proclaims, have been redeemed!! You are a new person in Christ Jesus. Wow! How does Paul respond to this amazing truth? He breaks out into praise to Jesus (we should too) beginning in verse 15:
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together…For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven. (Colossians 1:15-20)
After praising Jesus for who He is – God, Paul speaks of a mystery that is no longer hidden: “Christ in you the hope of glory.” As 2 Corinthians proclaims, “God has put his Spirit into our hearts as a deposit”. All Jesus’ power, all Jesus’ knowledge, all Jesus’ wisdom, and all Jesus’ “whatever you need” is at your disposal because you have the Spirit of Christ inside of you (if you are a believer). Think about what you are going through right now, do you need His wisdom? Do you need His knowledge? Do you need His strength? So, how do we access Him? Paul, in chapter 2, tells us what will not work! Paul tells us human philosophy or empty deception does not work. Following earthly religious tradition will also not work. Fake self-humility does not work. Paul says none of that will work! So, how do we allow Him to work in us and through us?
In chapter 3, Paul tells us what we are supposed to do in verses 1 and 2: “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” We must seek the things of Christ and not the things of the earth. Sounds so simple, yet so challenging at times. How are you doing this week? Are you seeking Christ or the things of the world? But Paul knows the internal struggle we have. So, he reminds us to take off the “old clothes” of anger, malice, slander, etc., and put on the “new clothes” of love, peace, humility, gentleness, etc. that the Spirit of Christ has freely given us. Paul says in Ephesians, “Consider yourselves to dead to sin (old clothes).” Sometimes when I am being tempted by a sin, I will actually say “I am dead to that, and I am a new person in Christ Jesus.” The Spirit reminds me of the new person I am in Christ! Paul also commands us to “let the Word of Christ richly dwell in us, to teach and admonish each other in psalms and spiritual songs, and to be thankful” (see Colossians 3:16)! As the author of Hebrews puts it, “The Word of God is living and active and sharper than a double edged sword” (See Hebrews 4:12). We must marinate in His word!
At the end of chapter 3, Paul tells us what living a Christ-like life looks like on a daily basis. He commands: Husbands – love your wives unconditionally, Wives – submit to your husband unconditionally, Children – obey your parents, Slaves (workers) – work hard for your masters (boss), and Masters (bosses) – treat your slaves (workers) correctly. No matter what you are doing Paul communicates: “Do it as unto the Lord!” (See Colossians 3:23)
And then Paul wraps up the book with 2 commands: 1) Be devoted to prayer and 2) Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward unbelievers as you season your conversations with them with grace. Those are the highlights of the Book of Colossians. No matter what you are facing, if you are believer in Jesus Christ, you are not alone. May we continue to live a moment by moment relationship with Jesus – because as Colossians teaches us, He is supreme and He is in us!