Colossians 1-4

Colosse was a small town about 100 miles east of Ephesus where a lot of paganism was upheld. This letter was written at the time of Paul's imprisonment in Rome.

Paul begins by writing that Timothy and himself are praying for the Colossians because they have heard very good things. They prayed for faith and love, spiritual wisdom and understanding, strength, great endurance, patience, and joyfulness. He explains that Jesus is the only reason why we have redemption for the things we have done that are against God's will. Jesus is the head of the church, the "first born", who reconciled us from being alienated from God to be without a "blemish and free from accusation -- if you continue your faith, established and firm."

The letter continues with Paul saying that he is a servant for the church and how Christ works through him:

"28We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with wisdom, so that we my present everyone perfect in Christ. 29To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me."

In Chapter 2, heeds a warning (1 of 2) to the Colossians:

"8See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ."

This warning is very appropriate for the present-day for many reasons:

• People have a hard time with faith and believing in something that is metaphysical.
• If people find the benefits of believing in a higher power (or believing in something greater than themselves), it can be anything: money, sex, video games, food, power, popularity, fame, ect.
• When people find that people are persecuted for being a Christian, they tend to stay away from it so their lives will be easier.

Paul has a man named Epaphras in the church in Colosse, that sends letters to Paul regarding the Christian/Non-Christian happenings. He has told Paul the dangers that lie in Colosse that include Jews and Paganism merging. He also says that we were "dead in sin", but we were "made alive in Christ". In this statement, Paul is leading to another warning (2 of 2):

"20Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belong to it, do submit to its rules: '21Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!' 22These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings."
"16Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath Day. 17These are shadows of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ."

He is teaching us to not give anyone reason to judge you. Paul wants us to take care of our bodies as God commanded and to be "above reproach". If we are claiming to be Christians, but live by "false humility", then we are sinning against God. We should be constantly straining to be more like Christ, as a servant. That servitude is meant for God, for others, and for our bodies (which belongs to God).

When Paul is talking about "religious festivals", he is referring to Colosse and it's Judiastic Ceremonialism (i.e. honoring Jesus' death by becoming "drunk, which leads to debauchery" -- Ephesians 5:18.) I don't know about you, but I have no idea what debauchery means. So, I looked it up...Debauchery: excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures OR seduction from duty, allegiance, or virtue. This is very interesting when investigating the hot topic of drinking.

In my honest opinion, drinking is a luxury. When someone consumes alcohol there is only one question that should be on their mind: Can I spiritually be pure when I drink? There are a lot of people who will fight for this luxury (sometimes using scripture to back them up), when they know that it affects their spirituality. I call this a luxury because luxuries can become addictions. In their initial form, they are: fun, relaxing, exciting, interesting, conversation-starters, ect. But when abused (usually to help them deal with a imbalance in their mental health) it can be used as a replacement for God. That addiction is the same thing as idolatry. Colossians 3:5...

"5Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry."

I drink. If I were ever abusing it, I would ask, anyone who cares for me, to help me to stop until I was spiritually mature enough to have that luxury again. That is why, we are to follow the Bible when it teaches us that we need a Christ-filled fellowship in order to live as Christ. Romans 14:21...

"21It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.

Is drinking bad? No, Jesus did pour wine at dinner! Is too much drinking bad? Yes. When do I know when I drank too much? Everyone has different tolerances and views of drinking, but, universally, if you are making decisions that affect your judgement and hurt your spiritual and physical relationships...you drank way too much. Anything, anything is bad in excess.

Paul continues in Chapter 3 saying there are rules for "holy living". There is no person that is different in Christ. We all bring something to the table to better the Kingdom, but when it comes to the riches we inherit from Jesus, we all have an equal shot. Paul tells to be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle and patient. To forgive each other just as the Lord forgave us. To do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.

In Chapter 4, it says to devote ourselves to prayer and to be wise when talking to people who are not Christians, to make the most out of every opportunity.

"6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

This is an important verse that is linked to a lot of ideas. It promotes an constant readiness to speak to others, who are new or have misconceptions of Christianity. It tells us that we are always underneath a watchful eye, either from God or God and non-Christians. Lastly, it tells us that we should be studying scripture, disciplining ourselves, bettering one another, striving to be more like Christ; so that others may receive the same gift we were given. The gift that has always been there for them.

This letter is full of so much information that I could hardly write it all. There is even more that I did not touch on, but these are the notes that I found most important. Please comment if you have more that you think I should share!

Theme: Focus on Christ to stray from heresy and paganism.