Fear No Fear

(All scripture from Lexham English Bible, Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software)

“Therefore, if you have been raised together with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory” (Colossians 3:1-4)

Colossians was written by Paul in Rome around 62 AD. It was part of the bundle of letters delivered by Tychicus (along with Ephesians and Philemon). The letter is all about what life in Jesus really is all about. The conduct of resting in Jesus and what it means for our lives day to day. It is not an attack on Judaism, but on a reliance on the Law instead of on Jesus. It is being in Jesus that assures our future resurrection. In Jesus, we ALREADY have all the enlightenment we are EVER going to have – even as we won’t walk in the fullness of it before our resurrection. Jesus is the visible image of the invisible Father. It is through Jesus that everything was created and it is Jesus who upholds everything together. Paul is showing us that by finding out Jesus’ mind on something and aligning with it, we are entering into the restoration that He provides. That is now we walk as new creations: connected to Jesus and aligned to His moral character.

Chapter one starts off with Paul giving thanks for the trust in Jesus that the Colossians had. He goes on to highlight what Jesus has done for us. He took us from darkness and placed us squarely in the light. He holds everything together. He IS the light. We should thank Him and praise Him for it. We should seek to live in our reward – abundant life – instead of falling backwards. We should seek to embody what Jesus embodies, taking a-hold of the righteousness enabled in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). It is in Him that the glorious riches of the gospel are made open to us.

Chapter two is a call to stand strong in Jesus. To walk in Him and according to what He has made available to us. To avoid legalism as a path to salvation OR as a way to rest in Jesus. Legalism promotes reliance on ourselves and our works. We get our true freedom by living in, for, and through Jesus. He is the authority and power over darkness. In His death, we died. We shouldn’t try and live like we did before. Instead, we should live like He does since it is Jesus in whom we live.

Chapter three is the explanation of what living in Jesus really looks like. The things that we choose to avoid. The things that do NOT line up with Jesus’ moral character. Paul encourages them to support fellow believers. He touches on our social duties as an extension of our trust in Jesus. How we should act in all things as if we are doing it for Jesus Himself.

Chapter four closes the letter with Paul’s personal messages of greeting, thanks, and encouragement. He exhorts the believers to keep up in prayer, giving thanksgiving to God and listening to Holy Spirit. To walk in wisdom in all things, especially toward those outside the church so that they could be a witness of God’s great grace.

Summary

Key Players: God, Jesus, Paul

Key Verse(s): Colossians 1:9-20; 2:20-23; 3:12-17; 4:2-6