Paul’s commendations of his fellow-preachers and helpers in Rome show the standard for all believers, especially ministers. Here are the terms he uses, with their full meaning and challenges. Plus a glimpse of Archippus and his possible ‘hindrance’, with its common equivalents today. Colossae was an ancient city in Phrygia (part of modern Turkey). It … Continued

A call to the two continuous commitments of the Christian life – first to persistent prayer (the impediments, the helps, and the branches of prayer); secondly to pray specifically for preachers. Colossae was an ancient city in Phrygia (part of modern Turkey). It was pagan, and it was proud. But it was also a city … Continued

The perfect text for the new year, providing its own natural headings, challenging believers to live every moment of life under the direction of Christ, to do all for His glory and for Him, and to be thankful for everything day by day. Colossae was an ancient city in Phrygia (part of modern Turkey). It … Continued

Paul presents four tremendous graces given to believers to exercise and keep in view constantly, lifelong – the doctrine of salvation, the gift of wisdom (here explained), the practice of melody in the heart through psalms and hymns, and a strong awareness of representing Christ. Colossae was an ancient city in Phrygia (part of modern … Continued

Once saved, the Christian has the infallible help of the Spirit to lay aside the impulses of the old nature, including covetousness, the five distinct forms of anger, and lying.  Progressive renewal also brings rich shafts of knowledge which provide the believer’s blessed assurance. Colossae was an ancient city in Phrygia (part of modern Turkey). … Continued

Explaining how believers are dead, yet commanded to put to death sin. Here is the offensiveness of impurity, the apostle showing how it invades the mind (uncleanness), the heart (inordinate affection or passion) and the will (evil concupiscence or evil longing). Remedies for mortification. Colossae was an ancient city in Phrygia (part of modern Turkey). … Continued

After dismissing the fleshly rites that heretics had begun to introduce to the church, Paul points to the ‘heavenly life’ and growing the graces that will be perfected in glory – deep feeling, kindness, lowliness, a servant spirit, generous love and grateful contentment. Colossae was an ancient city in Phrygia (part of modern Turkey). It … Continued

The Judaisers have tried to persuade Colossians to adopt Jewish ordinances. Paul shows they have a vastly superior circumcision of heart. The old nature is dethroned and a new installed. But old sins may re-emerge without these named precautions. Here is Paul’s imagery of conquest. Colossae was an ancient city in Phrygia (part of modern … Continued

Beginning with the ferocity of the forces of error surrounding believers (here are examples) Paul identifies first the need for deep appreciation of the doctrine of Christ, secondly church order and firmness, thirdly a sense of amazement at Calvary, as our key defences. Colossae was an ancient city in Phrygia (part of modern Turkey). It … Continued

Following aspects of the atonement, Paul turns to the magnificence of Christ, 1) His significance as image of the Father, 2). as forerunner and Creator of all, 3) as sovereign Head of the Church, and 4) as ‘all fulness’ – in which we may participate. Colossae was an ancient city in Phrygia (part of modern … Continued

Three verses that present four distinctive aspects of the eternal accomplishments of Christ on Calvary, 1) our personal crucifixion with Him, 2) our deliverance from Satan’s power, 3) our redemption and transfer into the kingdom, and 4) our purifying.  So great was the price paid! Colossae was an ancient city in Phrygia (part of modern … Continued

Full chapter _____________ Colossians 4 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of … Continued

The rule of doing all in the name of Christ appears in the context of worship and is a warrant for distinctively Christian hymns, but it goes beyond, embracing all our thoughts, words and deeds. Here is how His name influences every aspect of life.

Full chapter _____________ Colossians 3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who … Continued

Full chapter _____________ Colossians 2 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance … Continued

Full chapter _____________ Colossians 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God and the Father … Continued

  Full chapter _____________ Colossians 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God and the … Continued

  Full chapter _____________ Colossians 1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God and the … Continued