Colossians: A Letter for Oaktree
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We begin a new series from Paul's Letter to the Colossians. This is a magnificent revelation of God, that perhaps more than any other book of Scripture exalts the supremacy of Christ.
Colossae was located in the Roman province of Asia, (western side of modern day Turkey) built on the southern bank of the Lycus River, which is a tributary of the Maeander River. The Greek historian Herodotus called it a “great city” in the fifth century, and Xenophon called it a “populous city, wealthy and large” a century later. By Paul’s time, however, it had been surpassed by neighbouring Laodicea (16 km west and Hierapolis (20 km northwest); still it had a thriving wool industry, and a color of wool named after it.
At this point the Lycus Valley is 16 km by 3 km, “walled in by great precipices. It is a strategic location on the important highway from Ephesus to the Euphrates Valley." For this reason, it would host travellers going back and forth from the distant spots of Rome and the Euphrates Valley. Lots of people from different places bringing different teachings.
Colossae would have had plenty of native Phrygians and Greek settlers and Jews who had been taken there from Babylonia and Mesopotamia. It was a spiritual melting pot and false teaching was impacting the church.
Paul had not personally visited the church (likely planted by Epaphras) but he knew much about them. As we read the Letter there are hints of the 'Colossian heresy' but not much detail. That is actually helpful for us because the enemy is always attempting to bring false teaching into the Church. The precise details might vary from one place to another. But the solution is always the same - exalt Christ who is supreme and sufficient.
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Questions
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1. Who were your favourite TV or comic book heroes as a child?
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2. In verse 2, Paul describes the Colossian Christians in three ways. What is the significance of each description? Is that the way we see our fellow believers in church?
3. Paul hasn't met these believers (2:1), yet he is attracted to them. Why? What types of people are you attracted to when you enter a new church group?
4. Paul often focuses on the triad of faith, love and hope (see 1 Cor 13:13; Gal 5:5f; 1 Thess 1:3; 5:8; Rom 5:1-5. Why are faith and hope the products of hope (v5)?
5. Read verse 6. The gospel was producing an increasing fruit of Christian life and testimony at Colossae. What does Paul mean by "fruit" and how is that linked to revival over vast areas?
6. What does it mean to tell the whole truth about God's grace (v6)?
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7. Why is thankfulness to the Father so critical in a believer's life? (contra. Rom 1:21). Read the following selection of verses and reflect on how dominant thanksgiving must be for every Christian: Rom 1:8; 6:17; 1 Cor 1:4; 15:57; 2 Cor 2:14; 4:15; 9:12; Eph 1:16; 5:4, 20; Phil 1:3; Col 1:3, 12; 2:7; 3:15, 17; 4:2; 1 Thess 1:2; 2:13; 3:9; 5:18; 2 Thess 1:3; 2:13; 1 Tim 1:12; 2:1; 2 Tim 1:3; Phlm 4. Note Paul's instruction regarding prayer in Phil 4:6.
8. When did you first come to know the hope offered through Christ in the Gospel?
10. How does your prayer for others compare with Paul's: (a) in intensity? (b) in thankfulness? (c) in clarity? (d) in faithfulness?
11. How is the fruit of hope, faith and love growing in your life: Developing well? Suffering from drought? Destroyed by the last storm? Budding? How will you help this 'crop' develop?
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12. In our last Study on the gift of prophecy, question 12 began with: "We are called to take the Gospel of the Kingdom into the world." In living out this commission, what have you learnt from these opening verses in Col 1 to encourage you and empower you?
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