Session 11 – Colossians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon

Colossians

Colossae was a city in the Lycus Valley, an inland part of Asia Minor.

Evangelised by Epaphras (see Acts 19).

The Colossian Heresy (Heresy = false teaching, unorthodox belief)

Where did it come from?

 Judaism?

16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to
a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. (Col 2:16)

 Non-Jewish?

8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy,
which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than
on Christ (Col 2:8)
Session 11 – Colossians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon

More important question is what the teaching was emphasising, rather than its source

What were the Colossians getting into that was leading them astray?

1. The Deeper Christian Life - fine sounding arguments; spiritual

secrets, mystical experiences; the idea of advanced Christianity.

2. Harsh Rules - having to do with eating food and the enjoyment of

creation.

The continuing problem of this kind of thinking in the church.

 The Deeper life so often becomes the legalistic life.

The real problem with the Colossians – the demotion of Jesus to a bit-part player.

How this works out (some specific examples):

Paul’s response – The supremacy and sufficiency of Christ

Colossians 1:16

16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and
invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created
by 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.
Session 11 – Colossians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon

It is always all about Jesus.

Colossians 1:19-20

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.

Colossians 1:22

22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present
you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation--

Colossians 1:26

26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now
disclosed to the saints.
27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of
this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

God has fully disclosed all the secrets we need to know in Christ.

Colossians 2:9-10

9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form,
10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and
authority.

Growing Big by Holding on to the Foundation

Colossians 1:22-23

22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present
you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation--
23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held
out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to
every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Session 11 – Colossians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon

Colossians 2:6-7

6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him,
7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and
overflowing with thankfulness.

We never “get beyond the gospel”.

When you stay firmly grounded in Christ, you no longer become about living by
meaningless rules, but you embrace the task of imitating him.

The importance of community in the Christian life:

“I’ve been a pastor most of my life, for some 45 years. I love doing this. But to tell
you the truth, the people who give me the most distress are those who come asking,
“Pastor, how can I be spiritual?” Forget about being spiritual. How about loving
your husband? Now that’s a good place to start. But that’s not what they are
interested in”

Eugene Peterson
Session 11 – Colossians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon

1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus…

Commonly regarded as the “Pastoral Epistles” (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus).

The value of these letters as a source for leadership teaching (in particular 1 Timothy
3-6; 2 Timothy 2; 2 Timothy 4; Titus 1-2).

Controversies over the Pastoral Epistles.

Leadership is empowered by grace, but has qualifications (1 Tim 3:1-13)

Character first, then skills.

The teaching about riches and material support:

If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family,
he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1 Tim 5:8)

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the
world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will
be content with that. 9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and
into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10
For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money,
have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Tim 6:6-
10)
Session 11 – Colossians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon

Philemon

Here is a book that’s easy to read, and easy to miss.

It is a personal letter.

Who are the characters?

Onesimus.

Philemon.

Paul

The critical verse is verse 16, that Onesimus returns….

no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me
but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.

Treating Onesimus the way he doesn’t deserve.

Why is the book of Philemon in the Bible?

 How do you know someone has met a gracious, forgiving God?