Through The Bible - English - 56 (Colossians) by Zac Poonen
Summary
The central theme of Colossians is that Christ dwells in us, manifesting divine life through our human bodies. Paul addresses false teachings that promote extremes regarding the body—either through asceticism or through unrestrained indulgence—both of which ultimately despise the body. The message emphasizes that sin is not inherent in the body, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ, who had a sinless human body, and that believers must choose daily to let God's life manifest through it.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The background of the letter to the ColossiansPaul wrote to the Colossian church established by his coworker Epaphras, with a theme that parallels Ephesians: while Ephesians focuses on our position in Christ, Colossians focuses on Christ in us.
The fullness of God in bodily formThe main emphasis of Colossians is that the fullness of God dwelt in Christ bodily, and now Christ dwells in our human bodies to manifest divine life.Colossians 2:9
Two extreme views on the human bodyThe Colossians were affected by false teachings on two extremes: asceticism which views the body as evil and to be suppressed, and license which indulges every bodily lust.
Sin is not essentially found in the bodySin is not inherent to having a human body; Jesus had a human body just like ours yet was completely free of sin, proving sin is a matter of personal choice.
Paul's prayer for spiritual wisdom and understandingPaul continually prayed that believers would be filled with the knowledge of God's will and learn to look at every circumstance from God's viewpoint.
Filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictionsPaul rejoiced in his sufferings, explaining that just as Jesus suffered in His physical body, believers must fill up the remaining afflictions of Christ in the body of Christ, which is the church.
Paul's ultimate goal to present every person perfect in ChristPaul's ultimate ministerial goal was to admonish and teach every person so he could present them mature and complete in Christ.
The two great mysteries in ScriptureScripture highlights two great mysteries: that God was manifest in human flesh, and that Christ and the church become one flesh.
Circumcision made without hands and baptismBelievers are spiritually circumcised through the removal of the flesh by Christ's death and are publicly joined to Him through water baptism.
What Jesus accomplished on the crossOn the cross, Jesus cancelled the debt of our sin and disarmed the demonic principalities and powers, giving believers victory in His name.
Avoiding shadows, false humility, and bodily disciplinePaul warns against letting others judge believers regarding dietary laws, Sabbath days, false humility, angel worship, or severe bodily asceticism, because these are merely shadows while Christ is the reality.
Setting your mind on things aboveTrue holiness comes from recognizing our death and resurrection with Christ and setting our minds on heavenly things rather than earthly rules.
Let the peace of Christ be the referee in your heartBelievers should allow the peace of Christ to act as an internal referee, immediately correcting course and seeking reconciliation whenever peace is lost.
Instructions for family life and speechPaul outlines righteous behavior for wives, husbands, children, fathers, and masters, emphasizing that husbands must not be bitter against their wives and that speech should always be seasoned with grace.
Taking heed to fulfill your specific ministryPaul concludes by urging Archippus and every believer to take heed to the specific ministry they have received from the Lord and fulfill it without getting sidetracked.
