Colossians 3 - Introduction

I. OUTLINE OF CHAPTER Colossians 3:1-7:

I. Moral Ramifications Of Dying With Christ: Colossians 3:1-7

A.. New Master: Colossians 3:1

B.. New Focus: Colossians 3:2

C.. New Purpose In Life: Colossians 3:3

D. No Room Left For The Old Life: Colossians 3:5-7

II. INTRODUCTORY COMMENTS:

'The Colossians are reminded that they not only died with Christ; they were raised from the dead with him too--as indeed they have already been told (Colossians 2:12)....Since his people share his risen life, their interests are now centered in him; his interests, in fact, have become theirs. They must therefore pursue those things which belong to the heavenly realm where he reigns; their mind, their attitude, their ambition, their whole outlook must be characterized by their living bond with the ascended Christ...Their life is bound up with his.' (Bruce p. 131)

Many would say that this chapter begins the practical aspects of the Colossian letter. But in Chapter. we have already been given many practical doctrinal ramifications of the new life (Colossians 2:16-23). In the third chapter, we find: (a) Moral ramifications of the New life (Colossians 3:5-7). (b) Relational ramifications (Colossians 3:9; 18-Colossians 4:1). (c) And what one might call more personal ramifications (Colossians 3:14-17).

I like what Barclay said about Paul and the same would apply to God's wisdom, since God is the real author of this letter: 'Here this letter makes the change that Paul's letters always make; after theology comes ethical demand...always at the end of his letters he turns to the practical consequences of it all. He always ends with an uncompromising and crystal clear statement of the ethical demands of Christianity..' (pp. 149-150)

I. OUTLINE OF CHAPTER Colossians 3:8-16:

I. Seeking Things Above Means:

A. Removing Specific Sinful Actions/Attitudes: Colossians 3:8-9

B. Putting On The New Self: Colossians 3:10-16

1.. Description Of The New Self: Colossians 3:10-11

2. Specific Moral Qualities Of The New Self: Colossians 3:12-13

3. How The New Self Acts In the Body of Christ: Colossians 3:14-16

II. INTRODUCTORY COMMENTS:

Let us be impressed that "Setting your mind on the things above", isn't having your head in the clouds. It isn't spending your time in. daydream. Rather,. changed mind is to result in. changed life.

Also remember that God is demanding that people who were addicted to such things (Colossians 3:7), to cease their practice, to remove them completely. God doesn't buy any argument which rests upon the assumption that too much time spent in sin results automatically in. hopeless case.

I. OUTLINE OF CHAPTER 1 Thessalonians 3:16-25:

I. Ramifications of Putting On the New Man: Colossians 3:18-25

A. Worshipping God In Song of Solomon: Colossians 3:16

B. All Is Done To the Glory of God: Colossians 3:17

C. New Motives In Marriage/Home: Colossians 3:18-21

D. New Motives For Servants: Colossians 3:22-25

II. INTRODUCTORY COMMENTS:

We should carefully note that Christianity didn't obliterate earthly relationships. Men are still men, women are still women, minors are still minors and slaves are still enslaved. But consider the new motives that the Christian is now to have in all of these relationships.

III. COMMENTARY ON CHAPTER 1 Thessalonians 3:1-7: