Colossians study section

Colossians themes

Colossians develops Christ’s supremacy, His fullness, reconciliation, and the new life in Him.

1. The Supremacy of Christ

Christ is supreme over all (the eternal image of God, the Creator and sustainer of the universe, and the head of the church) “that in everything he might be preeminent.” No power, angel, or authority rivals Him.

2. The Fullness and Sufficiency of Christ

“In him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him.” Because Christ is full and complete, believers who have Him need nothing added; He is enough for salvation, wisdom, and life.

3. Reconciliation Through the Cross

Through Christ’s blood on the cross, God reconciles all things to Himself and reconciles alienated sinners, cancelling the record of debt against them and presenting them holy and blameless before Him.

4. Christ in You, the Hope of Glory

The mystery now revealed is “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” The risen Christ dwells in His people, who are hidden with Him in God and will appear with Him in glory when He appears.

5. Freedom from Empty Religion

Against legalism, asceticism, and the worship of angels, Paul warns believers not to be taken captive by “philosophy and empty deceit” or subjected to man-made rules, which have no power to restrain the flesh.

6. The New Life in Christ

Having died and been raised with Christ, believers are to seek the things above, put off the old self and put on the new, let Christ’s word and peace rule, and live out their faith in every relationship and task.