Colossians Review

 Colossians was written by Paul as a letter of encouragement and instruction to the Christians at Colosse while he was imprisoned in Rome.  He did not write to complain about his situation, but out of concern for them.  Evan if we are in a bad situation ourselves as followers of Christ, we should be concerned about others and point them to Christ and obedience to Him instead of concentrating on our own situation.  Paul then gives a summary of Christian doctrine concerning the Holy Spirit, the person of the Redeemer, Jesus Christ, the work of redemption and the preaching of the gospel.  Once we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord, we have everlasting salvation provided for us by His death, burial and resurrection, and we are immediately indwelled by the Holy Spirit.  This should lead us feel compelled to share the gospel, the Good News, with others and to have compassion for our fellow Christians, even when we ourselves may be suffering.  Paul shared what he had heard about the faith of the Christians at Colosse, and we should encourage other Christians when we hear about good things that they are doing for Christ.  Paul was not jealous, but he was uplifted for their faith.  We never need to be jealous of the good things that other Christians do for Christ, but need to be an encouragement to them instead.  Reaching the lost is not a competition, but a joint effort for us as followers of Christ.  Paul then shares some concerns that he has for the church at Colosse, warning them against false teachings.  Though he had heard good things about them, he had also heard some things that concerned him.  Even if churches are doing good works for Christ today, there is always a danger that they can allow false teachings to enter into their beliefs if they are not careful.  This is why we must study and teach the Bible and lift one another up in prayer.  Paul exhorted them to set their heart on Christ, and so must we.  He did not call on them to set their heart on Paul himself, but on Christ.  We cannot set our heart on a particular preacher today, but must set our heart on Christ alone.  Paul warned them against sexual sins, and so must we warn the world today, no matter what the world may say about it.  Paul then shared how families should work under the leadership of the Holy Spirit.  This still has not changed.  Paul closed by sharing about the work of some other Christians there.  We need to realize that we are not alone in working for Christ, if we are, and be willing to give praise to the work other Christians are doing to spread the gospel and teach God's word.  Next, we will look at the book of Judges.