DAY 21: A CASE FOR THE BOOK OF COLOSSIANS

What kind of Bible reading plan are you doing this year?

Are you doing an entire Bible plan?

A character study plan?

A book plan?

Regardless of what plan you're doing, I came here with a mission to sell one book of the Bible to you.

Imagine you're at an auction, you're the prize and the buyers are the various books of the Bible. In this case, I am the bidder for the book of Colossians, this is my little speech to work you into giving this book a chance. One of the best things I've done so far is studying the book of Colossians , it has impacted my life in no small way

Don't get me wrong, every book of the divinely inspired Word is a blessing. I'm here today representing team Colossians, I might be here tomorrow from the camp of Genesis, you never know.

1. The deity of Christ is emphasized.

Arguably, Colossians 1:15-20 (vs 21-23 included) is the most beautiful portion of scripture. Personally, at this point in my life, no group of verses tops this. I get literal goosebumps anytime I read it.

Christ is properly placed on the pedestal He belongs to.

And believers are taught to recognize their redemption and deliverance through His power. It is a good book for anyone who is confused about who Christ is and  his/her position is in Christ.

Colossians 1:15-20 NIV

[15] The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. [16] For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. [17] He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. [19] For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, [20] and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

1. The arrangement of Colossians is beautiful 

Apostle Paul starts with salutations and prayers to the church in Colossae (he has never met them before).

Talks about Christ, His power and the power at work in those who believe.

He goes on to talk about his ministry and corrects some mistakes in the church. Then it gets more "practical".

Paul starts by helping us to recognize who have become and how we are supposed to be on the inside. From the inside, there is an overflow to our relationships and work ethics.

Emphasis is placed on our new life in relation to family, employers, fellow believers and others.

It is a systematic dissection starting from the inner man to the outer man then our relationship with others. Paul's organization of this book is excellent.

2. Very practical tips

The book of Colossians is even more relevant in our day and age. The Colossians heresy tackled in chp. 2:4-23 suggested that believers subject themselves to practices like worship of angels, strict rules about food and drink and new festivals. The message was that Christ’s death wasn't enough and they had to do extra to supplement it. 

Isn't that what we see being touted in our religious spaces nowadays, so many beliefs that have no biblical backing are boldly practiced among Christians. 

Paul encourages the people to believe in Christ only and consider themselves dead to the elements of the world.

The christian is advised on his character, his speech and his conduct. He is taught how to build a family, how to treat his wife and children. The christian boss is mandated to treat his workers fairly, the employee is commanded to “work as unto the Lord” not for eye service. Values of kindness and wisdom in relation to outsiders are enshrined.

Colossians 3:1-3 NIV

[1] Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. [3] For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 

3. Appreciating people

This is one that rings throughout almost the epistles. The Apostle Paul once again does a beautiful job of appreciating the background people. This was a church he had not met physically, he was quick to commend the work of Epaphras who had been a discipler to the church at Colossae. Paul did not consider himself any less of an apostle if he shared the spotlight with him. The fact is the spotlight belongs to Christ and Christ alone. We are all servants.

Tychicus Aristarchus, Nympha and other coworkers of the kingdom were also mentioned. 

4. It is comparatively short.

If you're worrying about length and not being able to finish it, then Colossians is for you. It's 4 chapters long, easy to finish in one sitting. It's a good start to building a healthy Bible study habit.

I hope I have been able to convince you to check out Colossions if you haven't started a Bible plan yet. Even if you have, you can check it out sometime. And like Paul always ends his letters,

Grace be with you!