Book Summary – Colossians (NIV)
Book Summary – Colossians (NIV)
As with all books of the Bible, the more I read and spend time in Colossians, the more I love it. So powerful. So rich in wording and thoughts. It’s encouraging and convicting. I always want to try to sum up parts or reword to help clarify something to myself. I find myself rather wanting to just copy the verses because I certainly couldn’t say it any better.
Below I tried to mention each chapter’s thoughts in a paragraph. It helps me get my head around it a bit…
Paul starts Colossians, as other books, sharing his affection and prayer for the readers. He then describes their change in state from condemned in darkness to sharing in the inheritance of the kingdom of light. That previously we were enemies but now we are reconciled free of blemish and accusation. Paul rejoices in his suffering as a servant of God to share the gospel.
In chapter 2 he shares how he is working for others to know Christ. Then, as they received Him, to grow in Him. In Him we were circumcised, buried with Him in baptism and raised alive and forgiven. We are no longer to follow the ways of the world in the appearance of wisdom or religion which are a shadow of things to come.
We have been raised with Christ and should set our minds on the things above and rid ourselves of the ways of our earthly nature. But put on the new self which is being renewed in the knowledge in the image of its Creator. Bear with each other and forgive one another as the Lord forgave you. Above all put on love which binds it all together in unity. In peace be thankful and admonish one another all in the name of Jesus giving thanks. Do this in respect to all relationships.
Devote yourself to prayer, being watchful and thankful, being wise in relationships with others. Make the most of every opportunity full of grace and seasoned with salt in your speech. Paul then reports on others in relation to the church and his letter.
* Paul’s Prayer
* Kingdom of His Son
* Reconciled
* Solid, Not Deceived
* Alive with Christ
* Human Commands
* Minds on Things Above
* Forgive as Christ
* All in His Name
Colossians 4
* Prayerful, Watchful, Thankful
* Gracious, Seasoned with Salt
* Closing with Archipuss