Colossians by Conrad Hilario (2014)

Around 60 A.D., Paul and Timothy wrote to the church in Colossae to clarify who Christ was. The first chapter of Colossians expounds on the incarnation of Christ, meaning that Jesus was both fully man and fully God. In order for humanity be fully redeemed, Jesus had to be both. How we view Christ's nature is critical to our salvation and the gospel message.

Paul explains to the Colossians the costliness of their reconciliation: Christ's death on the cross. He expresses how salvation has impacted his life purpose such as being able to understand suffering, having a passion to share the gospel, and a deep commitment to instructing others. Paul's life showcases an example of a sanctified life that Christians today should aspire to.

Paul writes to combat and dismantle the false Gnostic teachings that were circulating within the Colossian church. Paul warns them to not be taken captive by the false ideologies. From the early church until now, Christianity's central truths have been attacked and infiltrated by various philosophies. This is why we need to be grounded in the Word and know our new identity in Christ.

Paul explains to the Colossian church that they do not have to perform rituals, ?the basic principles of this world,? in order to be made right with God. This construct was promoted by false teachers who tried to tarnish the gospel with ideologies such as Greek dualism, aestheticism and legalism. These false teachers urged the Colossians to incorporate Old Testament dietary laws, holy days, and other rituals. Paul stresses the importance and sufficiency of Christ's death on the cross; therefore, these rituals are of no spiritual value.

Now that Paul has finished arguing against false teachers, he now instructs how the Colossians can grow spiritually in Christ. Paul urges them to remember their new identity in Christ and to put off their old self that includes sexual immorality, greed, and anger. He reminds the believers that their old way of living is done away with because of the cross. Being ?in Christ? enables them to live and experience their new identity.

Now that Paul has established theological truths for the Colossians, he goes into detail about how these truths can be applied to life. Paul describes characteristics of a Christian who is believing and acting on his new identity in Christ. A sanctified believer embodies qualities such as: compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, patient and forgiving.

Paul explains how we can please and serve the Lord in all that we do, including our relationships within the family unit. God has established roles within marriage, and Paul addresses husbands and wives of their roles and how to submit to one another in love. Children also have a unique role in how they can honor God by obeying their parents.

Paul ends his letter to the Colossians and focuses on the role of prayer in evangelism. God uses prayer powerfully to provide opportunities to share the gospel as well as to combat His adversary who does not want others to know Christ. Quotes from Ole Hallesby's book on prayer further these points. Evangelism is not only impacted by prayer but also our speech and actions towards others.