Sermon or Lesson:  Colossians 1:1-2 (NIV based)
[Lesson Questions included]

TITLE:  Authoritative Teaching For All Believers
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[Lesson Question:  For those of you who have a study Bible, summarize what it says about the background for the writing of this Book of Colossians.  From a consensus or compilation of those summaries within your group, what might be a good theme (phrase) for the Book of Colossians?
- - Two excellent theme choices: 'The Supremacy of Christ', or 'The Pre-eminence of Christ' ('pre-eminence' - (AHD) "Superior to or notable above all others; outstanding; A state or position of outstanding power or importance; distinction"; prominent standing)]
 
READ:  Colossians 1:1-2

v.1

[Lesson Question:  In verse 1, what is Paul stating, and what is he implying in this reference to his ministry functioning?]

SECTION POINT:  From the authority directly given to him by God, Paul is writing authoritatively to the believers in Colosse, as well as to all believers today.

- - Paul is stating here that he holds the designation of "apostle", being an ambassador officially sent by Christ Jesus and devoted to proclaiming Him, particularly among the Gentiles, such as those in Colosse.  (Strong's #0652; Romans 1:1,5-6)
- - This designation of "apostle" is "by the will of God", being determined, ordained, authorized, and instituted by God - specifically, directly, and individually pertaining to Paul.  (Colossians 1:1; Strong's #2307)
- - This authorization directly from God came by means of a direct audible conversation that Paul had with the risen Christ Jesus.  (Acts 26:16; 9:1-8)
- - This designation of "apostle" is the title of a ministry functioning within God's Kingdom in regard to the church.  (1 Corinthians 12:28)
- - Within the various designations of ministry functioning in the church, this designation of "apostle" comes with a rank, being the highest rank among men in the leadership of the church.  (1 Corinthians 12:28)
- - From this highest rank and direct God-given authority, Paul is writing to the believers at Colosse.  (Colossians 1:2)
- - By implication, the contents of this writing in the Book of Colossians are thereby authoritative upon those believers in Colosse.
- - Additionally, by implication, due to this direct God-given authorization, the contents of this writing are likewise authoritative upon all believers at that time and subsequent to that time.
- - If Paul is fulfilling the will of God in this ministry functioning of writing this letter to the believers at Colosse, then it is the will of God that the believers at that time and subsequent to that time are to hear, study, learn, and implement the contents and teachings in this Book of Colossians, which therefore includes you and I right now, today.
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v.2

[Lesson Question:  What is being stated, and what is being implied in regard to the spiritual state and status of the "brothers in Christ at Colosse" in relation to God and His actions?]

SECTION POINT:  To those persons who are holy and faithful believers in Christ, God the Father extends to you His grace and peace.

- - The basic content of verses 1-2 is that it is the opening address of this letter - from Paul, with Timothy, to the believers at Colosse.
- - In addition to the descriptive words regarding Paul and the believers at Colosse, a greeting "from God our Father" is included.
- - Essentially, this greeting states that God extends to and places upon believers in Christ His favor.
- - Being "brothers" in Christ places us believers in God's favor, extending upon us a regard of "holiness, sacredness, and consecration" from God the Father.  (Strong's #0040)
- - By inference, through faith in God the Son, "Christ Jesus" (v.1), we believing humans are placed into a relationship of "peace" with God the Father - no longer under the curse of eternal condemnation from God, and no longer regarded as His enemies.  (Romans 8:1-2)
- - Like the intentional action by God of appointing Paul as "an apostle of Christ Jesus", this action by God to place believers into a relationship of "peace" with Him is also in accordance to His "will, choice, determination, deliberate decision, and purpose", even though none of us humans deserve, nor can earn, nor can acquire this on our own.  (Colossians 1:1, Strong's #2307; Ephesians 2:8-9)
- - Without God making a deliberate decision and taking deliberate action to extend His "grace" (or undeserved favor) upon specific humans whom He selects, no one would escape eternal condemnation, due to our natural un-holiness (or spiritual corruption) that results from the sins we commit.  (Romans 9:18; 8:28-30)
- - So, instead of living hopelessly as 'enemies of God' under the curse of eternal condemnation, those of us humans who become "brothers in Christ" through "faith" in Christ now and hereafter 'enjoy' a 'reconciled' relationship with God, which comes with additional blessings and benefits as a result of His extending His "gracious love" upon us.  (Romans 5:9-11; Ephesians 1:18; Strong's #5485)
- - In consideration of and in response to being the undeserving recipients of such priceless favor from God, now we "brothers in Christ" are to live in a manner like the "holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse", which strives to be consistently and exceedingly and comprehensively "pure and blameless and consecrated" and "holy and faithful" to all that God wants us to be.  (Strong's #0040; #4103)
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BIG IDEA:  It is the will of God that you and I are to read, study, learn, and fully implement in our lives the teachings in the Book of Colossians.

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APPLICATIONS:

- - Do you regard the contents in the New Testament of the Bible to be authoritative over you?  If not, why not?
- - Do you accept that it is "the will of God" that in this session and subsequent sessions you hear and study the contents of the Book of Colossians?  If not, why not?
- - Are you teachable, and willing to accept, adopt, and fully implement whatever the Word of God teaches in the Book of Colossians?  If not, why not?
- - Are you willing to commit yourself to attending (all of) these next sessions that pertain to the study of the Book of Colossians?  If not, why not?

- - Does "peace" with God and favor from God rest upon you?
- - - - Or, does God still regard you as His enemy, as a consequence of you not having placed your faith in Christ Jesus as the One who paid the punishment for your sins through His torture and death on the cross, followed by His resurrection from the dead on the third day?

- - For those of us who are genuine believers in Christ Jesus, are you "joyfully" thankful that God has taken distinct actions to reconcile you to Himself?  (vv.11b-12 in Colossians 1:9-14)
- - Do you appreciate God's gracious love for and upon you?
- - Do you take serious the peace that you have with God?  Or, by your actions and/or your attitude that are sinful, do you in effect disrespect and disparage the priceless peace with God and favor from Him that He has graciously extended to you?
- - Are you living in a manner like the "holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse", being consistently and exceedingly and comprehensively "pure and blameless and consecrated" and "holy and faithful" to all that God wants you to be?  Or, do you merely pretend to exhibit those qualities and virtues only when you are in church or at church events?

- - Corporately speaking, if Paul was to write a letter to this church today, could he correctly use this same description, "the holy and faithful brothers in Christ", in referring to us at this church?  Why or why not?
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Works Cited:
The American Heritage Dictionary (AHD). 3rd ed., ver. 3.6a (CD-ROM). Cambridge, MA: SoftKey International Inc., 1994.

Bible. “The Holy Bible: New International Version.” The Bible Library CD-ROM. Oklahoma City, OK: Ellis Enterprises, 1988.

“Strong's Greek Dictionary.” The Bible Library CD-ROM. Oklahoma City, OK: Ellis Enterprises, 1988.
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