The letter to the Colossians contains one of the most exalted descriptions of Christ in Scripture. Paul wrote to combat false teaching that was threatening to diminish Christ's supremacy in the believers' thinking.
The Problem at Colossae
The Colossian church faced a dangerous mixture of Jewish legalism, Greek philosophy, and mystical practices. This "Colossian heresy" added requirements to simple faith in Christ and diminished His sufficiency.
Paul's response? An overwhelming demonstration of Christ's supremacy.
The Preeminence of Christ (1:15-20)
This passage is often called the "Christ Hymn" and is among the most profound Christological statements in Scripture:
"Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature." — Colossians 1:15
Christ's Relationship to God
- He is "the image of the invisible God"—the exact representation of the Father
- He makes the invisible God visible
Christ's Relationship to Creation
"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible... all things were created by him, and for him." — Colossians 1:16
Christ is the Creator, Sustainer, and Goal of all creation.
Christ's Relationship to the Church
"And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead." — Colossians 1:18
He is supreme over the new creation just as He is over the old.
The Fullness Dwells in Him
"For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell." — Colossians 1:19
All divine fullness resides in Christ. We need nothing beyond Him.
Complete in Christ (Chapter 2)
Paul draws out the implications:
"For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him." — Colossians 2:9-10
We Need No Additions
If we are complete in Christ, we need not add:
- Philosophical speculation (v. 8)
- Religious rituals (v. 16-17)
- Mystical experiences (v. 18)
- Ascetic practices (v. 20-23)
The Cross Is Sufficient
"Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us... nailing it to his cross." — Colossians 2:14
Christ's work on the cross fully addressed our sin.
Seeking Things Above (Chapter 3)
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God." — Colossians 3:1
Put Off / Put On
Like Ephesians, Colossians calls us to remove old sinful patterns and clothe ourselves with Christian virtues:
Put Off:
- Fornication, uncleanness, evil desire
- Anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy
- Lying
Put On:
- Mercies, kindness, humbleness
- Meekness, longsuffering
- Forgiveness
- Love, which is "the bond of perfectness"
The Peace of Christ
"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body." — Colossians 3:15
The Word of Christ
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom." — Colossians 3:16
Whatever You Do
"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus." — Colossians 3:17
Every aspect of life should be lived under Christ's lordship.
Practical Instructions (Chapters 3-4)
Paul gives specific guidance for:
- Wives and husbands (3:18-19)
- Children and parents (3:20-21)
- Servants and masters (3:22-4:1)
- Prayer and witness (4:2-6)
Key Themes
Christ Is Supreme
Over creation, over the church, over philosophy, over religion, over everything.
We Are Complete in Him
Nothing needs to be added to Christ for salvation or spiritual growth.
Life Flows from Union with Christ
Because we are risen with Him, we live differently.
All of Life Is Worship
Whatever we do, we do for Him and in His name.
Applying Colossians
- Is Christ truly supreme in your thinking and living?
- Are you trying to add anything to Christ for acceptance with God?
- Are you actively putting off sin and putting on righteousness?
- Does Christ's lordship extend to every area of your life?
May the supremacy of Christ be the foundation and focus of all we are and do!