Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul around 62 A.D., most likely from a Roman prison where Timothy was accompanying him. Paul writes about the superiority of Christ who is Lord over all creation and Lord over the church. He is superior to all else because He is the source of all things, the sustainer of all things and the Savior of all who trust in Him. Paul also writes about the sufficiency of Christ. He is fully God in human flesh and He fills all those who He is saving. He is all that we need for life with God and for godly living.
Therefore, Paul writes in Colossians 2:6-7 that they should “walk in Christ” as they received Him as Lord. He is concerned that they not be moved away from complete trust in Christ. He gives them this wonderful truth about Christ’s superiority and sufficiency so that they will not be deceived by plausible arguments that propose that we need something besides Christ. He wants them to continue in the faith of the gospel of Christ until the end (Colossians 1:23). The false teaching that Paul was combating may have been a mixture of local Jewish and pagan folk belief. Here is an excerpt from the ESV Study Bible notes (page 2290):
“What likely happened at Colossae is that a shaman-like figure within the church had attracted a following and was presenting himself as something of a Christian spiritual guide (cf. “his sensuous mind,” 2:18). This person probably claimed to have superior insight into the spiritual realm and was advising Colossian Christians to practice certain rites, taboos, and rituals as a means of protection from evil spirits and for deliverance from afflictions. When Paul hears of the spreading influence of this new teaching that devalues Christ and fails to appreciate the new identity of believers “in Christ,” he writes the letter of warning and encouragement.”
As we study Colossians together we will be diving deep into the beautiful realities of who Christ is as our Lord and Savior and all the wonderful truths about what He has done to save those who put their faith in Him. Christ is superior and He is sufficient! Let us live by faith in Him alone!
Nathan Thiry is the Growth Groups & Outreach Pastor at Faith Bible Church. He enjoys biking and outdoor activities, and has a passion to see the gospel spread throughout our community and the whole world!
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