The churches of Christ in The churches of Christ in the New Testament 3 of 17the New Testament 3 of 17

“the church in Colosse”“the church in Colosse”Colossians 1:3-8Colossians 1:3-8

Don R. Taaffe,Don R. Taaffe,Gospel preacher,Gospel preacher,Dunedin, FloridaDunedin, FloridaOctober 25, 2009October 25, 2009

We give thanks to the God and Father of our We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as truth of the gospel, which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth; as you also learned from Epaphras, our truth; as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, who also declared to of Christ on your behalf, who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.us your love in the Spirit. (NKJV) (NKJV) Colossians Colossians 1:3-81:3-8

The theme for the epistle of The theme for the epistle of ColossiansColossians

And He is the head of the And He is the head of the body, the church, who is body, the church, who is the beginning, the the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may that in all things He may have the preeminence. have the preeminence. (NKJV)(NKJV)Colossians 1:18Colossians 1:18

churches of Christ in the churches of Christ in the New Testament – 17 LessonsNew Testament – 17 Lessons

Origin of Lord’s churchOrigin of Lord’s church The church in AntiochThe church in Antioch The church in ColosseThe church in Colosse The church in CorinthThe church in Corinth The church in CreteThe church in Crete The church in EphesusThe church in Ephesus The church in GalatiaThe church in Galatia The church in The church in

JerusalemJerusalem The church in LaodiceaThe church in Laodicea

The church in PergamumThe church in Pergamum The church in PhiladelphiaThe church in Philadelphia The church in PhilippiThe church in Philippi The church in RomeThe church in Rome The church in SardisThe church in Sardis The church in SmyrnaThe church in Smyrna The church in The church in

ThessalonicaThessalonica The church in ThyatiraThe church in Thyatira The church in Dunedin?The church in Dunedin?

History of the church and cityHistory of the church and cityWe are not sure when the church began, We are not sure when the church began,

for the Scriptures, does not said.for the Scriptures, does not said. It was not started however, by Paul – It was not started however, by Paul –

Colossians 2:1Colossians 2:1 It could have been started by Epaphras – It could have been started by Epaphras –

Colossians 4:12Colossians 4:12 ( (1:4-81:4-8))Colosse was a small city located Colosse was a small city located

approximately 100 miles east of Ephesusapproximately 100 miles east of EphesusVery close to Hierapolis and Laodicea – Very close to Hierapolis and Laodicea –

Colossians 4:13, 16Colossians 4:13, 16

Colossians 2:11 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have many as have not seen my face in the flesh,not seen my face in the flesh, (NKJV)

Colossians 4:1212 Epaphras,Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. (NKJV)

Colossians 4:13, 16Colossians 4:13, 1613 For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for 13 For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis. Hierapolis. 16 Now when this epistle is read among you, see that 16 Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans,church of the Laodiceans, and that and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. (NKJV)(NKJV)

Map Of ColosseMap Of Colosse

Map Antioch and ColosseMap Antioch and Colosse

The Colossians world-renowned The Colossians world-renowned “ “FaithFaith””

Colosse was known for their faith in Christ Colosse was known for their faith in Christ Jesus – Jesus – Colossians 1:4, Colossians 1:4, ((1:1-71:1-7))

What a wonderful reputation. Could this be What a wonderful reputation. Could this be said of Dunedin? said of Dunedin?

Some churches today are called: “dead Some churches today are called: “dead on the vine” or “lukewarm”(on the vine” or “lukewarm”(Rev. 3:15Rev. 3:15))

The key element here is “trust” in Jesus. – The key element here is “trust” in Jesus. – Colossians 2:5 Colossians 2:5 (They were not faithful (They were not faithful one day, then unfaithful the next day. )one day, then unfaithful the next day. )

Colossians 1:44 since we heard of we heard of your faithyour faith in Christ Jesus in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; (NKJV)

Colossians 2:55 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. (NKJV)

The Colossians world-renowned The Colossians world-renowned “ “FaithFaith””

The Saints at Colosse gave Jesus The Saints at Colosse gave Jesus Christ Christ the preeminencethe preeminence – ( – (1:9-181:9-18)) Colossians 1:18Colossians 1:18

They were They were reconciled reconciled in Jesus Christ in Jesus Christ – (– (1:19-231:19-23) ) Colossians 1:21,22Colossians 1:21,22

Paul spoke about his Paul spoke about his sacrificialsacrificial Service for Christ on their behalf – Service for Christ on their behalf – ((1:24-291:24-29) ) Colossians 1:24Colossians 1:24

Colossians 1:18 (about Christ = “He”)18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. He may have the preeminence. (NKJV)

ossians 1:21-2321 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled reconciled 22 in the body 22 in the body of His flesh through death,to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight — (NKJV)

Colossians 1:2424 I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, (NKJV)

The Colossians world-renowned The Colossians world-renowned “ “FaithFaith””

The Saints at Colosse and the Laodicean The Saints at Colosse and the Laodicean warned warned NOTNOT to be deceived to be deceived by by PhilosophyPhilosophy but according to Jesus Christ – (but according to Jesus Christ – (2:1-102:1-10)) Colossians 2:8Colossians 2:8

Or Or NOTNOT by by legalismlegalism but according to but according to Jesus Christ – (Jesus Christ – (2:11-232:11-23) ) Colossians 2:20Colossians 2:20

NOT by NOT by cardinalitycardinality to follow Jesus Christ – to follow Jesus Christ – ((3:1-113:1-11) ) Colossians 3:2Colossians 3:2

church problemschurch problems Epaphras reported to Paul, there were problems Epaphras reported to Paul, there were problems

starting in Colosse– Gnosticism had been taught.starting in Colosse– Gnosticism had been taught. Two main causes:Two main causes:

FirstFirst - The danger of their relapsing into - The danger of their relapsing into paganism with its immorality – paganism with its immorality – Colossians 3:5 –Colossians 3:5 –1111

Second Second - The danger of accepting what some - The danger of accepting what some call the “Colossian heresy”, and effort too unite call the “Colossian heresy”, and effort too unite all religions. Mixing Judaism with paganism all religions. Mixing Judaism with paganism observing Old Testament practices and worship observing Old Testament practices and worship of angels. - of angels. -

The GNOSTICSThe GNOSTICS??

They claimed to be the elite, the wise, the They claimed to be the elite, the wise, the philosophers, to whom was revealed a philosophers, to whom was revealed a secret knowledge which the overwhelming secret knowledge which the overwhelming mass of mankind could never know. mass of mankind could never know.

Gnosticism led to two extreme, opposite Gnosticism led to two extreme, opposite moral views: moral views: Asceticism* (Asceticism* (Col. 2:20-23; 1 Timothy 4:1-5Col. 2:20-23; 1 Timothy 4:1-5)) Licentiousness (immorality) (Licentiousness (immorality) (Romans 6:1-7; Romans 6:1-7;

1 John 3:4-101 John 3:4-10).).12

Bible Authority: Bible Authority: Acts 15cActs 15c

Direct statement - Direct statement - Acts15:13-19Acts15:13-19Approved example - Approved example - Acts15:6-11Acts15:6-11

Necessary inference - Necessary inference - Acts15:12Acts15:12 ((Acts 14:3Acts 14:3))

At this time Colosse and Christians At this time Colosse and Christians today in our age generally agreed with today in our age generally agreed with this theology.this theology.

church or individuals?church or individuals? Individuals are physical - Individuals are physical - Galatians 6:13Galatians 6:13

((John 6:63; Matthew 26:41; John 3:6John 6:63; Matthew 26:41; John 3:6))I do many things in the flesh, that the I do many things in the flesh, that the

spirit cannot do – take medicine, eat spirit cannot do – take medicine, eat steak, live in a house, spend my money, steak, live in a house, spend my money, help the needy non-Christians, etc.help the needy non-Christians, etc.

The church is spiritual, just as God is a The church is spiritual, just as God is a spirit (spirit (John 4:24John 4:24) – ) – Galatians 5:16-17Galatians 5:16-17All of the work of the church is spiritual – All of the work of the church is spiritual –

Ephesians 4:11-12Ephesians 4:11-12

NT Pattern: Work of the NT Pattern: Work of the Local Spiritual Church in Local Spiritual Church in

ColosseColossePreach the gospel -Preach the gospel - 1 Thessalonians 1 Thessalonians

1:8; 1:8; ((Acts 11:22; Phil. 1:5-7Acts 11:22; Phil. 1:5-7))

Edify the saints -Edify the saints - 1 Corinthian 14:26;1 Corinthian 14:26; ((Eph. 4:11-12; Acts 11:22f; 13:1-2Eph. 4:11-12; Acts 11:22f; 13:1-2))

Relieve needy saints –Relieve needy saints – Acts 6:1-6;Acts 6:1-6; ((1 Cor. 16:1; 2 Cor. 8-9; 1 Tim. 5:161 Cor. 16:1; 2 Cor. 8-9; 1 Tim. 5:16))

Benevolence: Saints Benevolence: Saints ONLYONLY

SINGINGSINGINGEph. 5:19Eph. 5:19Col. 3:16Col. 3:161 Cor. 14:151 Cor. 14:15Matt. 26:30Matt. 26:30Jas. 5:13Jas. 5:13Acts 16:25Acts 16:25Heb. 2:12Heb. 2:12

SAINTSSAINTSActs 2:44-45Acts 2:44-45Acts 6:1-6Acts 6:1-6Acts 11:29-30Acts 11:29-30Rom. 15:26-27Rom. 15:26-271 Cor. 16:11 Cor. 16:12 Cor. 8-92 Cor. 8-9

Relapsing Into Immorality Relapsing Into Immorality Colossians 3:5-11Colossians 3:5-11

Fornication – Fornication – Romans 1: 2Romans 1: 2Uncleanness - Uncleanness - Romans 1:24Romans 1:24

Vile affections – Vile affections – Romans 1:26Romans 1:26Evil desires – Evil desires – Romans 1:24Romans 1:24

Covetousness – Covetousness – Hebrews 13:5Hebrews 13:5Anger, wrath, malice, Anger, wrath, malice,

blasphemy, filthy languageblasphemy, filthy language

First problem:

Relapsing Into Immorality Relapsing Into Immorality Paul warned the Colossians to set their Paul warned the Colossians to set their

mind on things above. – mind on things above. – Colossians 3:1-4Colossians 3:1-4When one does this we will realize, that When one does this we will realize, that

God is in control of our lives. – God is in control of our lives. – 2 Timothy 2 Timothy 3:16-173:16-17 ( (1 Cor. 2:10-131 Cor. 2:10-13))

““do not forsake the assemblingdo not forsake the assembling” – would ” – would anyone dare to argue with God if he said anyone dare to argue with God if he said this out loud and clear? – this out loud and clear? – Hebrews 10:25Hebrews 10:25

The rule of thumb is; most will not listen The rule of thumb is; most will not listen anyway – anyway – Luke 16:31 Luke 16:31

First problem:

Relapsing Into Immorality Relapsing Into Immorality Paul reminded them, Paul reminded them,

remember you are a new remember you are a new creature in Christ Jesus - creature in Christ Jesus - (( 3:12-17 3:12-17) ) Colossians 3:15Colossians 3:15

As to morality, Paul reminded As to morality, Paul reminded the of Colossians that they the of Colossians that they now have Christian families –now have Christian families – ((3:18-263:18-26)) Colossians 3: 18-21Colossians 3: 18-21

First problem:

““Colossians heresy”Colossians heresy”This heresy, denied the all sufficiency of This heresy, denied the all sufficiency of

Christ – Christ – Colossians 2:8Colossians 2:8For salvation – For salvation – Colossians 2:12Colossians 2:12For overcoming the indulgence of the fleshFor overcoming the indulgence of the flesh

——Colossians 2:11Colossians 2:11Judaistic Ceremonialism, which attached Judaistic Ceremonialism, which attached

special significance to the rite of special significance to the rite of circumcision, food regulations, and circumcision, food regulations, and observance of special days - observance of special days - Colossians Colossians 2:16-172:16-17

Second problem:

““Colossians heresy”Colossians heresy”Angel worshiping,Angel worshiping, which detracted from which detracted from

the uniqueness of Christ – the uniqueness of Christ – Colossians Colossians 2:182:18

Asceticism, Asceticism, which called for harsh which called for harsh treatment of the body controlled it lusts – treatment of the body controlled it lusts – Colossians 2:20-23Colossians 2:20-23

The “Colossians Heresy”, then, was a The “Colossians Heresy”, then, was a syncretism, that is a mixture of Jewish and syncretism, that is a mixture of Jewish and pagan elements.pagan elements.

Second problem:

Angel WorshipingAngel Worshiping

““Angel not to be worshiped”Angel not to be worshiped” – The 10 – The 10thth Commandment excludes Worship to Commandment excludes Worship to anyone other than God – anyone other than God – Exodus 20:1-6Exodus 20:1-6

Rome sinned by worshipping the “created” Rome sinned by worshipping the “created” as compared to the “creator” – as compared to the “creator” – Romans Romans 1:251:25

Christians do not pray Christians do not pray TOTO nor nor THROUGHTHROUGH nor nor BYBY angels – angels – Colossians 2:18;Colossians 2:18;

Second problem:

Conclusion:Conclusion:The value of this church is increases our The value of this church is increases our

understanding and appreciation of Jesus understanding and appreciation of Jesus Christ.Christ.

This great church teaches us that Christ is: This great church teaches us that Christ is: “the “the WAY,WAY, the the TRUTH,TRUTH, and the and the LIFE”LIFE” – – John 14:6.John 14:6.

Once we understand that Christ is indeed Once we understand that Christ is indeed “preeminent” and “all sufficient.” Savior, “preeminent” and “all sufficient.” Savior, we can live our life accordingly…….we can live our life accordingly…….

And Jesus came and spoke to And Jesus came and spoke to them saying, “All authority has them saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen – of the age.” Amen – Matthew Matthew 28:18-2028:18-20