Study:  The Colossians Epistle

Text For Next Sunday Morning (June 26th): Colossians 2:4-7 (as always, subject to change)
Text For This Sunday Morning (June 19th): Colossians 2:1-3

Introduction

Last week, we concluded chapter one by studying six characteristics of a faithful servant/minister of Jesus Christ. This week, we start chapter two by studying the supreme (or overarching) characteristic of such a servant which overlays the previous six. What is this supreme characteristic?

An all-consuming love, care and concern for the Church of Jesus Christ fueled by a love for Jesus Christ Himself (i.e., a true shepherd's heart). We see it in 2 Corinthians 11:22-29 (especially verses 28-29).

It is manifested by self-sacrifice, not self-preservation. Self-affliction, not self-fulfillment. Death to self, not self-promotion. Putting Christ's Church before self, not self before Christ's Church. A pastoral/shepherd's heart of love, not just a mere mind full of doctrine, theology and knowledge.

In summary, it is an unconditional, undying, willingness to personally suffer, at any cost, to serve, promote, protect and comfort the Bride, the Elect, the Church of Jesus Christ. That is what we see here with Paul here in Colossians 2.

1. Paul's Agony in Ministry (v. 1)

In Colossians chapter one, Paul primarily opposed the Colossian Heresy in a "positive" manner (i.e., teaching absolute divine truth with indirectly opposed the heresy). In Colossians chapter two, Paul will employ a somewhat more "negative" approach (i.e., directly and specifically opposing the heresy itself).

So, towards the end of chapter one and the beginning of chapter two, Paul making a subtle transition in his subject matter and his tone. In doing so, he focuses on himself as a faithful minister of Jesus Christ. How? By the six characteristics last week and the supreme characteristic this week. In short, Paul is further establishing his authority, his love for his brethren, which together serve to further establish his credibility in opposing the Colossian Heresy.

A. The Intensity of Paul's Concern
Conflict/Struggle- The Greek is "agon." We get our word "agony" from it. Paul greatly agonized for, and on behalf of, his Colossian brethren. It was an extensive, intense, painful, weary and life-draining agony. No doubt internal, but also external/physical.

Who was Paul's model for such agony on behalf of others? No doubt about it, Jesus Christ. What enabled, fueled and sustained Paul's love/care/concern for Christ's Church as Paul's love for Jesus Christ Himself. We see this love in Philippians 1:21. What stoked this love for Christ? Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 1:15. Namely, being saved by Christ despite his wretched, putrid, filthy sinfulness.

Put differently, if one can grasp 1 Timothy 1:15, one can grasp Philippians 1:21. And if one can grasp Philippians 1:21, one can grasp Colossians 2:1 (i.e., have a love/care/concern for those loved by Christ Himself). It all starts with a recognition of one's "spiritual bankruptcy" and the cross of Jesus Christ. We see it best in 1 John 3:16.

B. The Recipients of Paul's Concern
Paul's love for the Bride of Christ was so deep, he even agonized for those he had never met. Why? Because they too were fellow sinners saved (purchased) by Christ with His very own blood (i.e., His life and death). This should be our pattern both within our church walls, and outside our church walls.

2. Paul's Goals in Ministry (v. 2)

A. Encouraged Hearts
Paul desired to encourage, strengthen and establish the "mindsets" (not mere feelings in the heart) of his dear brethren. Why? So that they would not be besieged by the false teachers.

B. Loving and Unified Hearts
Paul desired that his dear brethren would have strong minds knit/united/joined/welded together in love. To be a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, one must possess much more than mere intellectual head-knowledge (i.e., doctrine, theology, etc.) Instead, one must also possess self-sacrificing love.

MacArthur- Christianity is not mindless enthusiasm, but neither is it lifeless intellectual orthodoxy.
- 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
- Philippians 2:1-2

How do we achieve peace? By unity. How do we achieve unity? By love. How do we achieve love? By humility. How do we achieve humility? By a steadfast and continual focus on the cross of Jesus Christ. Once again, it all goes back to the cross!
- Philippians 2:3-8

Love- It is knowing, and meeting, the needs of others, in their best interest, from the perspective of God.

MacArthur- Loving someone is not defined by having warm feelings toward them, but only by meeting their needs. The last time you made a sacrifice for someone was the last time you loved him or her. Love is first action, then the emotions follow.

C. Assured Hearts
Hendriksen- Truth that finds solid footing in a strong heart, and works itself out in love of fellow believers, results in deep conviction which is the basis for assurance.

D. Knowledgeable Hearts
Because of the looming threat and danger of the Colossian Heresy, Paul emphasizes the need for an unshakeable, unwavering, unconditional and authentic knowledge about God's mystery, Jesus Christ (viz., the deity and sufficiency of Christ).

3. Paul's Sufficiency in Ministry (v. 3)

What is the basis for our assurance? The source of sufficiency in our ministry? The all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ. Our assurance and sufficiency in ministry is only as sufficient as Christ is sufficient.

All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge necessary for salvation and sanctification are hidden in Jesus Christ. Christ alone is sufficient. Faithful servants look only unto Christ and His Word as contained in Scripture.

Hidden- We get our word "apocrypha" from it. The false teachers used this word to refer to writings containing their secret knowledge. But Paul says all necessary wisdom and knowledge is "hidden" only in Christ. In what fashion does Paul use this word "hidden?"

Wuest- They (i.e., these treasures) do not lie on the surface, but must be sought for earnestly, as men seek for hidden treasure.

Hendriksen- In Christ all these treasures are stored away. Hence, come and discover them and enrich yourselves by means of them.

Teacher: Darin Lawson