Colossians - Intro

Colossians – Remember who’s in charge

Colossians – an Introductory Lesson

Context:

            Consider the recently released “The 50 most influential Christians in America” as voted on by the readers of The Church Report magazine (see http://www.thechurchreport.com/content/view/823/32/).

What are your thoughts on this list?  What about #1, Bishop T.D. Jakes?  He doesn’t believe in the Trinity.  Does that matter to you?  What about Joyce Meyer?  What about Benny Hinn?  What about Dr. Phil?

How is Christianity viewed today?  Have you heard of the “Prosperity Gospel” (preached by Copeland, Meyer, Dollar, and others)?  Are there those that try to create new concepts in Christianity?  How do you feel about that?  How do you react?  What should our attitude be?

This past week, Meadowlark Lemon was featured in an article (http://www.bpsports.net/bpcolumn.asp?ID=497) commenting on Mr. Lemon’s announcement that he was a preacher that is quoted to have said:  “My message is about spreading the good news. I don’t have anything bad to say. Everything I talk about is positive. That’s the way I want them to see me. It’s the way I want to see the church. A lot of people don’t come to church because they think someone is going to be looking at them or judging them.”  How well does this fall in line with what you understand of the Gospel?

Compare how we live today as Christians with how you see the church at Colosse?

(The point: Christ is our head.  He is the standard and the goal.  Men may say many things, but we need to stay focused on Him and His Word!  The Colossians had to deal with a very similar world.)

Introduction:

1. What Book of the Bible did you read this week?
1. Colossians
2. A.K.A. 1 of 4 “prison epistles”, along with Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon.
3. A.K.A. The “head” of the “anatomy of the church” or “anatomy of Christianity” books.
2. When was this Book written?
1. 62 A.D.
3. Who wrote the Book that we’re going to be studying?
1. Paul
4. Where was the author when this book was written?
1. Rome
2. In prison
5. When does this fit into the Bible
1. Sequentially, right after Philippians.
2. Chronologically, same time as Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon.
3. In context with Paul’s travels: When he’s in prison in Rome.
6. What is the “format” of this Book?  Sermon? Poetry? Law?
1. Letter
7. Who is it written to? Who does it sound like he’s talking to?
1. A/The church in Colosse
2. Christians in Colosse
8. How is this book laid out?
1. The traditional approach:

                                                               i.      chapters 1-2: doctrinal

                                                             ii.      chapters 3-4: practical

2. Also, “the anatomy of the church” or “anatomy of Christianity”
8. What do we know about the city of Colosse?
1. A key trade city (therefore…)
2. A multi-cultural city (therefore…)
3. Many different people/religions/influences.
9. What do we know about the church in Colosse?
1. Led by Epaphras
2. Likely never visited by Paul
3. Both Jew and Gentile congregation.
10. What was the environment like at this time?
1. Spiritually?

                                                               i.      Christians under attack.

                                                             ii.      Many pagan influences. 

2. Culturally?

                                                               i.      Multi-cultural city

3. Socially?

                                                               i.      Many recently freed Jews

4. Politically?

                                                               i.      Christians (ie, Paul) persecuted for their faith.

12. What is the purpose of the book?

We’ll determine that when we get done, but here are some suggestions…

1. Encourage Christians in a new church, under constant attack.
2. To instruct, remind, and admonish the people of God of what they know, and to stick to it.
3. To challenge

Print | posted on Sunday, January 22, 2006 1:34 PM |