Philippians 4; Colossians 1-2

Philippians 4

Paul tells believers to stand firm in the Lord

• Euodia and Syntyche (two women) are encouraged to reconcile differences
• A mention of a true companion and of a Clement 

Rejoice and Trust God

• Rejoice in the Lord always (and again I say rejoice! Clap clap) 
• Let our gentleness be shown to all
• Do not be anxious
• Bring everything to God through prayer
• God’s peace guards hearts and minds

Think on Godly Things

• Focus on what is :
  • True
  • Honorable
  • Just
  • Pure
  • Lovely
  • Commendable
  • Excellent
  • Worthy of Praise
• Practice what Paul has taught

God’s Provision

• Paul thanks them for their support
• He has learned to be content in all situations
• He can endure abundance or need
  • I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

Paul thanks Philippians and gives final greetings. He reminds them that God will supply their needs. 

Colossians 1

Author: Paul with help from Timothy

To: The church in Colossae. Colossae was:

• Located in modern-day Turkey
• Near Laodicea and Hierapolis

Date:Likely AD 60-62 probably during his imprisonment

Paul and Timothy greet the church

• He thanks God for their faith and love
• The gospel is bearing fruit throughout the world and in them
• The faithful minister Epaphras taught them

Prayer for Colossae 

• Paul prays they would
  • know God’s will
    • Knowledge, wisdom, understanding
  • Walk worthy of the Lord
  • Bear spiritual fruit
  • Grow in knowledge
  • Be strengthened with God’s power
  • Give thanks to God
• God has transferred believers from darkness to His Kingdom

The Preeminence of Christ

• Christ is:
  •  image of the invisible God
  • Firstborn over all creation
  • All things were created by Him
  • All things were created for Him
  • Before all things
  •  holds all things together
  •  head of the church
  • The beginning 
  • Preeminent 
• All the fullness of God dwells in Him
• Christ reconciles all things through blood on the cross

Preeminent means: someone that surpasses anyone else in rank or importance

Believers were once alienated from God, doing evil things

• Christ reconciled them through His death
• Believers are presented now as holy and blameless
• Continue steadfast in the faith

Paul’s Ministry

• Paul suffers for the church and rejoices in it
• He proclaims Christ
• The mystery is now revealed:
  • Christ in you
  • The hope of glory

Paul’s goal is to present everyone mature in Christ

Colossians 2

Paul desires believers to be encouraged

• He wants them united in love
• He reminds them true wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ
• Do not be deceived by persuasive arguments- stand firm in truth! 

Alive in Christ

• Walk in Christ as you received Him
• Be rooted and built up in Him
• Beware of empty philosophy
  • According to elemental spirits of this world that are not Christ
• The fullness of God dwells in Christ
  • Believers are filled in Him
  • Circumcised in Christ
• Christ forgave our sins
• Christ canceled the record of debt
• Christ defeated rulers and authorities

Do not let others judge you regarding:

• Food laws
• Festivals
• New moons
• Sabbaths
• These pointed forward to Christ, who has now come
• Do not be deceived by asceticism (self-denial in a false humility way) or angel worship
• Do not be ‘made alive’ by the world

Do not fall into legalism

Application

We are told to stand firm in God. We should bring everything to Him in prayer and be anxious for nothing. How wonderful to have a God that cares for us, that we can bring all things to Him through prayer! We need to continue to grow in our faith, bear fruit, and gain wisdom to help proclaim the gospel.