colossians_lesson06

Lesson 6: Reconciled People — Mature Disciples

Lesson 6: Reconciled People — Mature Disciples

Colossians 1:21-29 — study notes

Scripture: Colossians 1:21-29 (NASB)

21 And although you were previously alienated and hostile in attitude, engaged in evil deeds,

22 yet He has now reconciled you in His body of flesh through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach—

23 if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.

24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am supplementing what is lacking in Christ's afflictions in behalf of His body, which is the church.

25 I was made a minister of this church according to the commission from God granted to me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God,

26 that is, the mystery which had been hidden from the past ages and generations, but now has been revealed to His saints,

27 to whom God willed to make known what the wealth of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles is, the mystery that is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

28 We proclaim Him, admonishing every person and teaching every person with all wisdom, so that we may present every person complete in Christ.

29 For this purpose I also labor, striving according to His power which works mightily within me.

1) Colossians 1:21-22

Paul talks about our previous life (sin) and our new life (salvation).

  1. People before Christ were hostile, shown by evil works — lost without hope.
  2. The central purpose of Christ is peacemaking, seen in those who heard the message and receive it.
  3. Christ did a cosmic reconciliation, but it also has to be a personal reconciliation. Christ has reconciled us to God by the Blood of Christ.
  4. Read Romans 5:1 and 5:8-11, which tells us that we are justified by faith in Jesus.

Romans 5:1, 8-11 (NASB)

1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him.

10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.

11 And not only this, but we also celebrate in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

2) Colossians 1:23

Here is the prospect for the Colossian Christians and for us as well.

  1. These promises and this reconciliation can be achieved only if they (and we) remain firmly on the foundation of faith.
  2. Those that persevere until the end.

3) Colossians 1:24

This section begins what is called Paul's ministry calling.

  1. Paul's sufferings are endured for their sake.
  2. Paul was able to sympathize with fellow Christians in their suffering.
  3. Suffering for Christ is the highest form of service and brings glory to God.

4) Colossians 1:25-26

Paul was called to be a servant for a unique stewardship for which he was called.

  1. To make the word fully known.
  2. To bring to the Gentiles the good news of the gospel.
  3. The "mystery" was hidden (concealed) — now revealed.

5) Colossians 1:27

  1. This is a pattern of mystery ➜ interpretation.
  2. God made known His purpose to the prophets of old, but withheld the "time" when it would be fulfilled.
  3. Christ is the one who fulfilled and revealed the mystery.
  4. God revealed the mystery by Christ to His saints.

6) Colossians 1:28-29

  1. Christ is the sum and substance of their message. Preach the gospel and then instruct everyone and teach everyone in all wisdom.
  2. To present everyone perfect in Christ.
  3. His work did not end with the conversion of people. The end would not be reached until the day of Christ (second coming).
  4. Paul says that his end or goal is to preach the gospel and make disciples.
  5. This can only happen by God's power.

Action Plan for This Week

Three practical steps to apply the truth of this passage:

  1. Write a brief testimony focusing on reconciliation. Reflect on what changed in your life because of the cross.
  2. Remind yourself daily. My goal is maturity in Christ, by Christ's power.
  3. Encourage one believer. Share a specific truth from this passage with a fellow Christian this week.