For People on the Grow

In Paul’s letter to the Colossian church, he’s writing to a young group of believers. They were devoted to growing in Christ, but were surrounded by people who were trying to steer them onto side streets and put roadblocks in their way to keep them from moving forward in their relationship with Christ. In this short letter, packed full of practical wisdom for our own faith journey, Paul speaks specifically to the obstacles that can hinder our growth and directs us to stay focused on Jesus, who empowers us so we can grow to be more like Him.

Keep Looking Up

Paul introduced the practical section of the letter by encouraging the Colossians to “set (their) minds and hearts above.” Now he concludes it with a similar instruction by reminding them of the necessity of prayer.

In the Marketplace

Christians are required to live on earth before they get to heaven, which means that Christianity has to be related to culture. Slavery was an integral part of 1st century Graeco-Roman culture...

Family Living

Paul continues his practical instructions by turning to the home life of the believer. He presents brief commands that he amplified in the Ephesian epistle, which was written around about the same time.

The View from the Pew

Having reminded the Colossians about the things they believe, Paul now turns his attention to how they should behave. Christians recognize that because belief and behavior are inextricably bound up in each other...

On Wings Like Eagles

Having reminded the Colossians about the things they believe, Paul now turns his attention to how they should behave. Christians recognize that because belief and behavior are inextricably bound up in each other...

Free to Be What?

The Colossian Christians were being troubled by people who were confusing them and hindering their spiritual progress. Paul spoke forcibly to the issue and in so doing he reminds us that we should be on our guard...

Staying on Course

Having begun their spiritual journey, the Colossians needed encouragement to continue as they had started because factors entered their lives that would take them off course.

An Ounce of Encouragement

Paul’s explicitly stated purpose in his ministry to the Christians in the Lycus Valley was that “they may be encouraged in heart.” An ounce of encouragement, like a spoonful of sugar, goes a long way.

Getting There from Here

John Bunyan’s famous allegory, “Pilgrim’s Progress,” described the journey of the believer from the “slough of despond” to “the celestial city.” In less picturesque terms, Paul did the same for the Colossians.

King Jesus

Mention of the “Kingdom of the Son” launched Paul into a magnificent description of Jesus the King. Life in the Kingdom is related to appreciation of the King.

The Search for Fulfillment

It is ironic that a “growing vanguard of society perceives that Christianity calls the ‘good life’ to be a threat to self-fulfillment” (Carl F.H. Henry) because God made people to be fulfilled, and only He can make it happen.

How to Get Started

Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae was written in the customary style of his day, but it contains truth of lasting importance for people in diverse cultures in all ages.