The Book of ColossiansRiverWay

Class

WEEK #2

Instructor: Ernie Zarra

“If you don’t have a teacherYou can’t have a disciple.”

Dallas Wil lard

COLOSSIANS 1:1-8

Introductory Questions How did the Apostle Paul actually know the

people at Colossae were believers? What role did Epaphras have as “go-

between” with the imprisoned Apostle Paul and the Colossian believers?

What did Paul learn about the Colossians that caused him to be secure in their salvation?

Epaphras

WHO WAS EPAPHRAS?

One of Paul’s friends and co-workers; Respected as a leader in the church in Asia Minor

Founded the church at Colossae, his home town and at his house

Came to visit Paul in prison, at Rome He was later seized by the Romans and also

imprisoned Paul refers to Epaphras as “fellow prisoner” and

“faithful minister” (Colossians 1:7; 4;12; Philemon 23)William Barker Everyone In the Bible, p. 98

What is the

Christian Faith?

THE CHRISTIAN FAITH IS NOT . . .

State of Discontent or a “Woe is me,” religion

THE CHRISTIAN FAITH IS NOT . . .

Ethereal and Mindless

THE CHRISTIAN FAITH IS NOT . . .

Faith in Self

THE CHRISTIAN FAITH IS NOT . . .

Political Convictions; or Issues-Oriented

THE CHRISTIAN FAITH IS NOT . . .

An Alternative Way to God

THE CHRISTIAN FAITH IS . . .

About Jesus Christ . . . Part of Many in Christ Granted By God the Father Graced by the Holy Spirit Gifted and Empowered by the Holy Spirit Characterized by Love

(Matthew 22:37-40)

LOVE . . .

Dallas Willard (2009), in his book, Knowing Christ Today, writes: “You can't succeed in being ethical in act or character unless you have abandoned having your way, fulfilling your own desires, as the rule of your life (italics his).  That is the ethical meaning of love in real life as taught and practiced by Jesus.” (p. 92)

PAUL’S CREDENTIALS

Acts 22 Colossian 1:1-4

Love used in this passage is “Agape.” “Saints” refers to Christians

LET’S TALK LOVE

There is no neutral ground for the believer to pick and choose, when it comes to Christians. 1 John 3:16 1 John 3:23-24

LOVE IS THE FOUNDATION FOR BEARING FRUIT

John 13:34 – “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”

John 13:35 – “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.“

John 15:12 -  "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”

Romans 12:10 – “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”

Refer to notesFor additional verses

TRAITS OF TRUE BELIEVERS

Colossians 1:1-14 Love in the Spirit (The kind of love that only God

can give) Persistence to know God’s will for our own lives Demonstration of spiritual wisdom and

understanding Walk in a manner worthy of the name we bear;

Live as if we respect God as a Person Bear fruit in every good work Increase in knowledge of God; Get to know Who

He is, and not just seek knowledge “about” Him.

CONCLUSION

What distinguished Colossian Christians from everyone else during this time period?

How about right here at RiverLakes Community Church?