A Panoramic Review of Colossians 1:1-3:17
Gordon E. Johnson
In fourteen devotionals begun in April 2005, I have sought to magnify the preeminence of Christ in life and service as Paul expounded it to the Gentile church in Colosse. Paul in prison in Rome enriched forever the church with Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon.
The depth of his teaching is more than we can grasp at once, hence a brief review to catch the atmosphere in which he will apply these crucial practical truths: to wives (4:18), to husbands (19), to children (20), to fathers (21) and to the public market (22-25). Too often these practical injunctions are laid on us, and we strive to obey them without the understanding that these vital truths are based upon the Indwelling Christ. See Ephesians 5: 21-6: 9 for their fullest treatment.
As is Paul's custom, he begins each letter with a fervent prayer, unless a crisis demands his immediate attention (Galatians). How significant it is that prayer launches Paul's gratitude and teaching! We can do no better than pray through such inspired prayers. The thrust is a deeper personal knowledge of preeminent Christ who fills our lives (Col. 1:1-12). Then Paul moves seamlessly from prayer into the contemplation of the Incomparable Christ. Paul gives us this premier presentation of Christ as God's Son, Creator, Redeemer and Head of the Church (1:13-23). Such a glorious message brought suffering to Paul, its exponent, but he revels in that suffering "for the sake of his body" (24) and his ministry in their behalf (1: 24-29).
Paul is a true leader and senses the Colossian's dangers (2:1-7). He enjoins them to Walk but Beware of false teaching and philosophies. In their simplicity of receiving Christ, they are to walk in him (2: 8-10). Paul stresses a New Point of Departure, a circumcision, a cutting off of the old to be joined to a risen Christ. This new reality is the dynamic of a new life (2:11-15). There is the risen life of Christ in them by faith. What results is a Freedom in Union with Christ from the old nature and the reality of a real, valid victory over sin and Satan (2:16-23).
Paul cuts to the heart of the Christian walk: his death, our death; his resurrection, our resurrection with a new mind set, "hid with Christ in God" (3:1-4). Then in the midst of the alienation of a lost world, the believer "puts to death" the old, accomplished once and for all by Christ for us on the cross and rises to walk in newness of life (3:5-11). There is victory over the sins of the tongue and temper; here is the risen life at the cross. Upon this foundation the believer puts on "tender mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness longsuffering" (12). He forgives, he is grateful, God's peace governs life, and the Word of Christ dwells richly in him/her. This is not theory but practice by faith (3:12-17).
All of these truths are centered in the work of Christ at the Cross: Christ for us in forgiveness and justification and now our identification in his death to sin and our participation in his risen life. It was his doing and now is our present believing. The believer is now prepared for the practical injunctions of marriage, home and relationships. None of these demands can we ever handle ourselves. Apart from his indwelling, we can do nothing. The cross transforms every area of life. Now we are prepared for the challenges of living a victorious life where it is most needed: in our home and before our children and fellow believers.
Gordon E. Johnson
Rio Grande Bible Institute
September 3, 2006
