LifeWay Explore the Bible Series for May 1: Expressing the truth

The present passage provides an example of the point that doctrinal statements have personal implications for the believer. Doctrinal statements are not given merely for knowing. In this passage, revealed truth helps one to understand God’s work in one’s life. Furthermore, Paul’s understanding of this truth guided him in his ministry among the Colossians.

Verses 14 and 20 give Paul’s powerful declarations in Colossians 1:15-20 concerning the superiority of Christ Jesus a redemptive context. Verse 14 refers to redemption and verse 20 speaks of “peace through his blood,” describing redemption. Verses 14 and 20 therefore are “brackets” or “book ends” describing the focus of Christ’s supremacy.

The material for this lesson describes the successful redemptive work of the Supreme Redeeming Creator in the lives of Paul’s readers. Evidence of God’s redeeming work abounded in their lives. Paul ministered tirelessly for the Colossians, laboring to present them as mature works of Christ’s redemption.

Unending trust in him (Colossians 1:21-23)

Verses 21-23 summarize the spiritual biography of Paul’s readers. Verse 21 provides a “before” picture of their lives: they were alienated from God, enemies of God, and were filled with evil behavior.

Many see the human tendency to err as a matter that is wrongfully handled by religion because of its view of a judgmental God. The truth, however, is that evil operates within humanity. Evil is opposition to God and his purposes. It is deeply rooted into the human heart (Jeremiah 17:9). Evil’s presence in human hearts alienates people from God and transforms them into enemies of God.

Human sin is not merely a mistake, but an expression of opposition to God. This understanding is lost on those alienated from God, but those who have been transformed by God’s redemption can see how they once opposed God.

Verse 22 provides an “after” picture: Paul’s readers were reconciled through Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross. Sacrificial language describes the transformation in their lives. Christ’s atoning work makes believers holy in God’s sight. They become blemish free, no longer bearing the guilt of sin. Christ’s sacrifice presents believer’s blameless before God. Furthermore, in Christ, believers are free from accusation.

The three-fold declaration—holy, without blemish, free from accusation—strongly asserts the complete success of Christ’s atoning work. Thus believers in Christ receive a confident standing before God.

Verse 23 conveys Pauls’ concern that his readers continue pursuing their faith. Their “saved” status before God was purchased by Christ, not themselves, but the reality of this status must be seen in their lives. If they have truly been transformed, they will continue in their faith.

The word “if” does not cast doubt upon Christ’s work nor its application by God to the readers’ lives, but indicates one’s reconciled status before God must be seen in one’s life. Paul brings forward the word “hope” to explain his meaning. Continuing in faith means not moving from hope in the gospel. If one has trusted in God, hope should bloom and continuing in faith should characterize one’s life.

Serving through his power (Colossians 1:24-29)

Verse 23 describes Paul as a servant of the gospel. Verse 24 states he suffered for his readers. The specific nature of his suffering goes unstated. Paul was consistently hounded by legalistic detractors who succeeded in causing Paul’s imprisonment. From prison, Paul wrote to the Colossians.

His opponents vocalized two main accusations: he was not a real apostle and taught an incomplete gospel. Paul saw his imprisonment as contending for his apostleship and his gospel. He gladly suffered for his readers who were being transformed by the gospel he preached.

The word “mystery” appears three times in the present passage. A “mystery” is a wondrous work by God that was once not understood but now has been revealed. The mystery here is God’s saving work among the Gentiles.

Formerly the prophets (see Isaiah 60:3) prophesied the nations would come to the Lord. How God would accomplish this was a mystery. Now the mystery has been resolved through the gospel of Jesus. Paul described this mystery as “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (v. 27).

Verses 28-29 state that Paul’s energetically proclaimed the gospel, admonishing and teaching everyone so he could present them fully mature in Christ. Thus Paul worked alongside his Redeemer, serving the work of the gospel in the lives of the Colossians.

Having confidence about him (Colossians 2:1-3)

Verse 1 describes Paul’s service as “contending” for his readers. One should note the several strong words Paul used from 1:24 through 2:1 to describe his service.

Verse 2 states Paul’s four-fold goal for the Colossians: to be encouraged, united in love, have complete understanding, and know God’s mystery. Christ himself is God’s mystery revealed, in that he became flesh and taught people personally about God. In Christ are found wisdom and knowledge (v. 3) to keep the readers from deceptive arguments of those who oppose the gospel. Verse 5 expresses Paul’s delight at the Colossians’ spiritual discipline and strength of faith. Thus Paul contended for those who exhibited continued confidence (i.e., faith) in Christ.

Growing commitment to him (Colossians 2:4-7)

Having commended his readers regarding their steadfast faith, Paul exhorted them to continue in their faith. A six-fold picture of a true believer’s life is outlined in verses 6-7: one receives Christ, continues to live in him, is rooted in him, is built in him, is strengthened and then overflows with thankfulness. Believers can use this six-fold picture to examine their lives. For those truly committed to the Lord, the truth of their commitment will be lived out in their lives.