Colossal Task
Colossians 1:1-18
Introduction: New Series. Week 1.
Context: Sometime during Paul’s imprisonment, Epaphras solicited Paul’s help with false teaching that threatened the church at Colosse (2:8-9)
The problem was the same problem we have today really…syncretism!
Syncretism is the amalgamation or attempted amalgamation of different religions, cultures, or schools of thought.
In that day…Greek philosophy, Jewish Legalism, and mysticism.
Philosophy, religious duty and self-delusion/dreamy confusion of thought.
Application: This is exactly what we find with many ‘Christians’ today.
- Mix and match
- What is convenient
- What is popular
- What is acceptable
Application: It is important to be reminded that the Gospel is not a mixture/conglomeration of elements.
Ephesians 4:5-6, ‘one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you1 all.’ (NKJ)
Transition: So, let’s start our march through some of Colossian’s themes with that…The Supremacy of Christ.
- Visible image of the invisible God. – v. 15-18
Jesus said, in John 14:9, ‘If you’ve seen me, you’ve seen the father.”
The Father and the Son are of same nature (John 10:28-39; John 14:8-11). This reveals that John 14:8-11 recalls John 10:28-38 and even John 5:17-19.
The writer of Hebrews perfectly sums up the message of John 14:9: The Son is “the very image of the Father’s substance” (Hebrews 1:3 ASV).
- Existed before anything (anyone) was created and supreme.
- He is the ‘firstborn’ and over all of creation.
- By Him and for Him were all things created (both in heaven and one earth).
- Visible and invisible
- Over thrones, dominions, principalities, or powers.
- In Him everything consists.
- He is the head of the Body (the Church)
- Firstborn from the dead.
So that in all things he has the pre-eminence/supremacy/(first place)!
Application: Let me put it in my words, ‘Don’t be confused, don’t try to replace or put anything or anyone above Christ, for it is He and He alone that stands alone!’
Transition: Because of this fact Paul begins by saying,
- Thankful – 1:3-8
- Prayerful – 1:9-14
- Filled with the knowledge of His will
- In all wisdom and spiritual understanding.
- In all wisdom and spiritual understanding.
- (So that) one might walk worthy of the Lord
- Filled with the knowledge of His will
- Pleasing Him
- Being fruitful
- Increasing in knowledge of God
- Strengthened will all might
- For (all) patience and longsuffering with joy
Transition: It is the Apostle Paul that concludes that understanding who Christ is (His supremacy) that will allow for the above mentioned prayers to be possible.
Conclusion: So, who is Christ? What does that mean to us? Why is that so critical?
Every wagon of our faith has to hitch it’s wagons to the understanding of who Jesus really and fully is….supreme!

Oil on Aaron’s Beard
Psalm 133:1-2; Lev. 8:10-12 Introduction: Some of you may have heard or studied this image in scripture of oil soaking Aaron’s beard and dripping down all the way to his toes. This comes from Psalm 133:1-2 & Leviticus 8:10-12. I sensed the Lord was putting this in my heart and mind and what the significance…

Nothing Formed
Isaiah 54:1-17 Introduction: The last verse of Isaiah chapter 54 is one of the verses we lean on frequently. NLT – Isaiah 54:17 ‘But in that coming day no weapon (turned, formed, forged) against you will (succeed, prosper)’. ‘You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants…

Harvest Seed
2 Corinthians 9 Introduction: Last weekend I spoke to you about Sabbath rest and how (Labor Day) was one of those days as a day of extra ‘rest’. Labor Day is also known as the last (unofficial) weekend of the summer. That’s the natural time (God’s time) we are moving into. The first official day…

Why Rest
Labor Day today is a welcomed day not only because it recognizes workers/labors, but because it gives us an extra day of ‘rest’. Judaism[edit] Main article: Shabbat See also: Hebrew calendar Jewish Shabbat (Shabbath, Shabbes, Shobos, etc.) is a weekly day of rest, observed from sundown on Friday until the appearance of three stars in…

The Big Stick
Exodus 15:22-16:27 Introduction: Trustin God during Bitter Times ‘The people complained and turned against Moses.’Meaning: 1) to lodge, stop over, pass the night, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lodge, pass the night 1a2) to abide, remain (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to rest or lodge 1c) (Hithpalpel) to dwell, abide 2) to grumble, complain, murmur…

The Big Wave
Exodus 14:15-31 Question: The ‘Big Wave’! God told them to tell Pharoah,‘to hold a feast’ better interpreted ‘make a pilgrimage, keep a pilgrim feast’ Exodus 5:1, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel says: Let my people go so they may hold a festival in my honor in the wilderness.’ Exodus 6:6-7 Ancient…

The Big Sun
Introduction: New series, ‘Understanding the Impossible’. Joshua 10:12-14 parts taken from https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/joshua-10/ Context: There are two things contextually to bring to your attention. From this point on, there would be two kingdoms of Hebrews: in the north – Israel, and in the south – Judah. The Israelites formed their capital in Samaria, and the Judaeans…

The Big Fish
Introduction: New series, ‘Understanding the Impossible. Book of Jonah The book of Jonah recounts the story of a disobedient prophet who, upon being swallowed by a whale (or a “great fish”) and vomited upon the shore, reluctantly led the reprobate city of Nineveh to repentance. The Bible’s plain teaching is that, yes, Jonah was truly…

Colossal Truth Finale
Introduction: Final Installment of Colossal Truth(s). By way of Review: It is combative in tone and abrupt in style. False teachers have undercut the major doctrines of Christianity: the deity of Christ, lordship, and sufficiency of Christ. Colossians is about setting up the Supremacy of Christ. Supremacy hinges upon Jesus’ uniqueness as God’s eternal, beloved…