Col. 2:1-5, Colossians Bible Study (8)

14.    From Col. 1:28-29 and 2:1-3, what was the goal of Paul’s ministry?  What did he long to see in the lives of those he ministered to?

o   He wanted the Colossian believers to be “perfect” (1:28).  This is not talking about sinless perfection.  The word “telos” means to come to one’s appointed end.  What is the end that God has in mind for believers?  It is that they come to maturity, that infants in Christ will grow to adulthood. 

§  Jesus lived a sinless life.  Yet He learned obedience by the things He suffered and was thus “perfected” so He could be the author of our salvation (Heb. 5:8-9).

§  In 1 John 2:12-14 what three types of Christians was John addressing?  (Children, Young Men, Fathers)

§  In 1 Peter 2:2, what kind of diet do “new born” Christians need?  (The milk of the word.)  In Heb. 5:12-14 what diet should older Christians enjoy?  (Solid food.)  In the same Hebrews passage, how does the Spirit describe a “mature” or “adult” believer?  (Skilled in the word of righteousness and able to discern good and evil.)

§  Back in Col. 2:2-3, how does Paul describe a “perfect” or “mature” believer?  (Attained to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.)  Since all the treasures are in Christ, a Christian matures by growing in his relationship with Christ.  This is what Paul desired in those to whom he ministered. 

o   We should note that this “maturing” process happens as, through the Word of God, our hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love.  Paul had never been to Colossae or to Laodicea; yet he was able to have a ministry in their lives through his letters as well as through those who served the churches such as Epaphras (Col. 1:7).  The word of God given through Paul can also help us to grow in our relationship with Christ so that we are no longer infants in Christ but have come to the full assurance of our riches in Christ.

o   Now one more question from Col. 2:1-5: how could Paul see that the Colossians had put their faith in Christ?  He had been told of their orderliness and steadfast faith in Christ.

Here is a diagram that might help see the flow of Col. 1:24-2:5.

The one who has put his faith in Christ is missing nothing.  He has a complete Savior. Paul already spoke of the “steadfastness” of their faith, but continues to encourage them in Col. 2:6-7: As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.  This is amazing advice.  We received Christ by faith, by trusting in the One who died for us and was raised from the dead.  Having become a Christian, we live our lives each day by the same faith in same Christ.  As Rom. 5:10 says: For if when 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.