As we complete our study of this wonderful letter we should perhaps begin by re-emphasising the fact that the overall theme is the believer’ completeness in Christ. Because the Lord Jesus Christ is supreme over all (1:15-20) He is Sufficient to save all—completely (see Hebrews 7:25). This claim was being challenged by some spurious teachers in the Lycus Valley, and so Paul … [Read more...]
Honourably Mentioned II (Colossians 4:12-15)
The closing words of the majority of Paul’s epistles are very instructive, for they show us even further the personal side to this great apostle. As Paul concludes his letter to the Colossian church he sends greetings to the church from several individuals as well as sending greetings to some individuals in Colossae. I want to point out several things about these … [Read more...]
Honourably Mentioned (Colossians 4:7-15)
In his devotional commentary on Colossians, pastor and author Sam Storms writes, There’s a sickness in our society that has infiltrated and infected the church. I have in mind our modern obsession with superstars. Whether they be Hollywood actors, Wall Street moguls, or overpaid, egotistical athletes, they seem to fill our newspapers and dominate our headlines and have become, … [Read more...]
Everyone Evangelising Everyone Everywhere (Colossians 4:5-6)
Reflect for a moment on the following anecdote, which will serve to illustrate an important lesson regarding evangelism. A traveller came upon three men working in a large open quarry—nothing but boulders, rocks and pebbles. The traveller observed these men breathing hard, wet with sweat as they swung their sledge hammers again and again in order to slowly pulverize the … [Read more...]
Walking and Talking (Colossians 4:5-6)
In Colossians 4—the closing chapter of this epistle—the apostle Paul winds down his letter to the Colossian believers. He has declared the doctrine of the preeminence and supremacy of the Lord Jesus Christ and has called for a corresponding duty in relation to this doctrine in the mind (3:1-10), the church (3:11-17) and the home (3:18-4:1). In vv. 2-6 he calls for an … [Read more...]