Page 80 - New Testament Survey Student Textbook

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)

Overview of Colossians

8.4 Let’s Practice…

1. who was with Paul when writing Ephesians?

2. Where was Paul when He wrote Philippians?

3. What was happening to the church in Colossae at the time of the writing of Colossians?

4-6. State the three purposes of the writing of the book of Philippians?

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