The Balance Between Liberality and Legalism Introduction to the Book of Colossians
Colossians 1:1 – 2
Fast Facts
Author: Paul
Date: 60 – 62 A.D.
Place of Writing: Roman prison
Theme of the Book: To show the supremacy of Christ in light of human philosophies.
Key Verses: Colossians 3:11; 1:27
Colossians 3:11 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
Colossians 1:27 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
City of Colosse ·
- Triad of cities in the Lychus Valley – Hierapolis and Laodicea ·
- One hundred miles east of Ephesus ·
- Majority Gentile population with a significant Jewish community within the city ·
- Known for producing wool products
Today’s Message from Colossians 1:1 -2
- Author
- Authority
- Associate
- Ardent
Application: ·
- Christ identified with us by becoming the second Adam – Romans 5:12 – 14 ·
- Christ followers must identify with Christ by His death at the cross and His resurrection – Romans 6:1-8 ·
- Christ followers live the crucified life and find victory daily at the cross – Galatians 2:20; Romans 12:1
Key Thought: We are to understand who Christ is, who we are in Him and from that position, live out our lives for Christ’s glory
Questions to Ponder this Week
1. Do you understand the authority that has been given to you because of who you are in Christ?
2. What does ‘living out’ the crucified life look like for you?
3. Are you passionately set apart to be a faithful servant this week for God in whatever situation God places you?
Colossians 3:3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.