Page 89 - Advanced New Testament Survey Student Textbook

What parts of your life do you need to “let the word of Christ dwell in … richly” (Col 3:16)? How can you
incorporate Scripture into your thoughts, actions, and relationships?

Colossians 4:1-6 – In this last chapter, Paul gives lots of instructions. However, our interest will take us to
verse 6 where he urges a believer to grow in graceful speech and also to be wise enough to know how to
respond to each one accordingly. Often times we find ourselves in a dilemma of not being people
pleasers yet be sweeter in our speech. This should be our prayer, that the Lord may grant us the wisdom
to balance the two.

Atmosphere
Colossi had many worldly philosophers and their philosophies that demeaned Jesus’ identity. Paul in his
letter to this Church warns them to be aware of those false teachers by providing the correct identity of
Jesus Christ. Here is what Paul had to say, “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and
empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not
according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily and you have been filled in him,
who is the head of all rule and authority” (Col 2:8-10 ESV).

Highlights: key passages

• Belief in Jesus results in faith, hope, and love (1:1-1:12)
• Christ’s preeminence (1:13-23)
• Our Freedom in Christ (2:4-23)
• Our life in Christ (3:1-17)
• Conclusion (4:7-18)

Practical Application: 128
Although Paul addresses many areas, the basic application for us today is the total and complete
sufficiency of Christ in our lives, both for our salvation and our sanctification. We must know and
understand the gospel so as not to be led astray by subtle forms of legalism and heresy. We must be on
guard for any deviation that would diminish the centrality of Christ as Lord and Savior. Any “religion”
that tries to equate itself with the truth using books that claim the same authority as the Bible, or which
combines human effort with divine accomplishment in salvation must be avoided. Other religions
cannot be combined with or added to Christianity. Christ gives us absolute standards of moral conduct.
Christianity is a family, a way of life, and a relationship—not a religion. Good deeds, astrology, occultism
and horoscopes do not show us God’s ways. Only Christ does. His will is revealed in His word, His love
letter to us; we must get to know it!

128 https://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Colossians.html (used with permission)

88