Colossians 1

---

AUDIO

LISTEN

---

TRANSCRIPT

Today we begin the book of Colossians. It is a letter written by the apostle Paul to the church at Colossae.

Paul was imprisoned in Rome, Italy. You can see here on the map where Rome is located. The church at Colossae

Was way over in Asia Minor (or what we now know as Turkey.)

The neat thing about this is that Paul had never been to the church at Colossae. While he had ministered to the

Church in Ephesus (the Ephesians), a man named Epaphras ad been saved in Ephesus and he had taken the gospel

To Colossae and others had been saved and a church had been established.

This young church was known for its love for each other and for others. They had become a target of outside forces that

Threatened the church. Since the church was young and wanted guidance, Epaphras traveled all the way to Rome to

Talk to Paul about this and ask for his help. As a result we have the letter that Paul wrote to counsel, and encourage the

Colossian church and address the cultural pressures that were threatening the young church.

In Chapter 1 of Colossians we see 4 major sections.

They are the greeting-Thanksgiving and Prayer-Pre-eminence of Christ and-Paul’s ministry to the church.

After Paul greets the church, he tells them of his prayers for them and how he is hearing about their faith in Jesus

And their love for others. As you read verses 3-14 you understand and hear the encouragement and love and wisdom that

Paul extends to this young church.

This is an awesome prayer that Paul prays over these people. What a great example of encouraging prayer for us to pray

For one another. I would encourage you to take time to pray this over your family, your life group, your pastors, and your fellow

Jesus followers.

Then in verses 15-20, Paul writes a type of poem to remind them of the pre-eminence of God. Pre-eminence-That Jesus is God-that he is

Above all others-he is first in everything. In the first stanza he reminds them that Jesus is the true image of God and shares

In the identity of the one true God.

In the 2nd stanza, Paul tells them that in Jesus we are a new creation and through his death and resurrection we are reconciled to God.

That God dwells in Jesus and jesus Spirit dwells in us and we can stand holy and blameless before God. How awesome that is!

Paul reminds them of this wonderful truth and to stand firmly in it and not move away from the truth. Don’t be persuaded about anything

Different.

Don’t forget this mystery

Or secret that God has shown you through Jesus Christ. You have access to God-Yourself_through Jesus -whether you are a Jew or a Gentile.

Everyone has access to God because of Jesus sacrifice.

The secret is out!!

Christ lives in you!

This is the hope of glory!