Col. 1:20-23 Paul describes God’s plan to bring mankind back to himself. “And through Christ, God has brought all things back to himself again – things on earth and things in heaven. God made peace through the blood of Christ’s death on the cross” (Colossians 1:20).
Col. 1:24-29 Paul says he is happy to be suffering in order to proclaim God’s message that Christ lives in all believers.
Col. 2:1-5 Paul reminds the believers in Colossae how hard he has worked for them – and for the believers in Laodicea – even though he does not know them personally.
This Roman aqueduct brought hot water from springs at Hierapolis to Laodicea
Saved by Christ’s death, not the Jewish law
Col. 2:6-15 He begs them not to be deceived “with false and empty teaching that is only human, which comes from the ruling spirits of this world, and not from Christ” (Colossians 2:8). He tells them they have been saved not by circumcision “done by hands”, but “through Christ’s circumcision, that is, his death” (Colossians 2:11).
Col. 2:16-19 Paul strongly opposes those who say that Gentile believers must follow the Jewish law. “So do not let anyone make rules for you about eating and drinking or about a religious feast, a New Moon Festival, or a Sabbath day. These things were like a shadow of what was to come. But what is true and real has come and is found in Christ” (Colossians 2:16-17).
Jewish festivals were based on the lunar calendar (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Col. 2:20-23 He rebukes the false teachings of those who worship angels and those who advocate asceticism by depriving the body of all physical pleasure.
Col. 3:1-4 Paul looks forward to the return of Jesus Christ. “Christ is our life, and when he comes again, you will share in his glory” (Colossians 3:4).
Col. 3:5-17 Paul contrasts the ways of the ‘old’ life with the ‘new’ life of a believer in Christ. Indecency and greed are replaced by compassion and humility.
Compassion Ministry carry out humanitarian projects and charitable work in Russia (TEN)
New Life in Christ
In his Letter to the Colossians, Paul contrasts the ‘old’ life of a non-believer and the ‘new’ life of a Spirit-filled believer who is walking with Christ.
Paul tells his readers they must get rid of any ‘earthly’ desires such as sexual immorality, indecency, lust, evil passions and greed. Instead, as people of God, Christians should be filled with compassion and kindness. They should be recognised for their humility and gentleness and should be full of patience.
In this way, others will recognise Christ working in their lives, and will want to share in their newly found way of life.