Immovable
What’s a little change here and there? What can it hurt? Two questions that have haunted the Christian Church since its beginning. Man’s wisdom attempted to add to what God says.
The church at Colossae was no different than any church yesterday or today. One could assume that during Epaphras’ visit with Paul in Rome; he outlined some of the problems that were facing the church at Colossae. One such was the supremacy of Christ. Historians tell us that the Gnostics began in the middle of the first century attempting to add to the Gospel. One such claim was that the “true” God would not enter into the world for any reason. In fact, some claim that John was clear to state that our Lord was the incarnate Son of God to refute this idea of the Gnostics.
Read Colossians 1:15-23
- This section is full of Christ’s characteristics and functions; it may be difficult to separate them all out. But let’s try.
- He (Christ) is the _______________________of the invisible God
- Christ is the _______________________over all creation
- By Him (Christ) all things were __________________
- Things in ______________
- Things on ______________
- Things ________________ and ________________
- He is _________________all things and in Him; and in Him _________________
- He is the __________________of the body (the church)
- He is the __________________from among the dead
- The list is very important in Paul’s defense of the Christ. Verse 18b states the reasoning. What is it?
- Why is it so important that Christ be supreme over all things?
- 2 Corinthians 4:4 may tell us the source of the problem in Colossae.
- The god of this _________________has _______________us
- Verse 19-20 reminds us that God was pleased for what reason?
- To have all His ________________dwell in Him
- Through Him to _________________all things
- The Greek word for fullness is pleroma. It literally means: “what is put in to fill up.” How does this support the idea of Christ’s supremacy over all things?
- Christ’s act of redemption or reconciliation was done on Calvary’s cross. The blood sacrifice was done once for all time. Not ever to be repeated like the priests of old had to do time and time again. If the Gnostics were correct that the true God would not enter into this world for any reason, what does that say about salvation?
- Rereading verses 21-23, what alienates us from God according to verse twenty-one?
- As believers, can we be alienated from God? If so, how?
- What does St. Paul tell us that all Christians must do?
- _________________
- _________________
Words like continue, established, firm, and immovable all hold encouragement for us as sojourners.
When you see a company that is proud that it was “established” years ago, how does that make you feel about the company? From the beginning verses in this lesson, when was God’s Gospel established?
- How can Christian congregations assist its members in “continuing in the faith?”
- _______________________
- _______________________
- _______________________
- The word immovable or not moved is perhaps the key word in this whole section. Why?
- The prophet Zechariah prophesied about the Christ and how He would be pierced; and that He would cleanse people from their sins. Zechariah 12:3 says, “. . .I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock.” This Rock will sustain any enemy advances. Who is this immovable rock?
Read Colossians 2:1-5
- In what way was Paul “struggling” for the church at Colossae?
- Paul’s explanation of the supremacy of Christ is key to a congregation’s existence. In chapter two, Paul mentions two things that are key to understanding the mystery of God, namely Christ. What are they?
- _______________________
- _______________________
- What do you think Paul means by being “encouraged in heart?” And who provides that encouragement?
Lord God, heavenly Father the keys to the Kingdom are found in none other than your Son, Jesus the Christ. He was from the beginning the only begotten Son whose purpose was salvation. That perfect blood sacrifice made on Calvary’s cross was sufficient to justify us before You. Help us to be encouraged in heart and united in love and keep us firm in our faith. In your precious name, Amen.