Colossians 1:1 "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, ..."

Commissioned by Him (Acts 9:3-6 ). There is no higher calling or office, because it is by appointment and anointing. Man can recognise but cannot make. "By the will of God." Not man-given authority but God-given. (Galatians 1:1 ).

Mention of Timothy (Colossians 1:1 ), indicates Paul's ministry always involved others. Paul was no loner - he led a team of called, gifted workers. There would be those at Colosse who knew Timothy, and to them he was "our brother." To Paul, Timothy was a fellow-worker (Romans 16:21 ). A son in the faith (1 Timothy 1:1 ). He had been with Paul during the long ministry at Ephesus (Acts 19:22 ). There would be those at Colosse who would have come to know him at that time. The Colossians would be reminded that one from a city reasonably near their own was a close companion of the apostle - a beautiful touch in human relations.

He emphasises the deity and the lordship, and the equality of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Godhead.

Colossians 1:3 "... God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, ..."

Notice how emphatically he confronts those who falsely degrade the Person of Christ. The full title is used "Lord." Absolute eternal Lord, Jesus, Saviour, incarnate, perfect Son of man, to redeem us. Christ, the King whose kingdom will know no limits. To be Christ centred is to give to our Lord Jesus Christ His full glory and honour.

Colossians 1:2 "To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ ..."

Those in Christ are saints, meaning set apart ones - holy ones. The term is frequently used with the simple meaning of "believers." (1 Corinthians 16:1; Philippians 4:21 ). "Faithful" - there were those at Colosse who were steadfast and loyal to Christ the Head of the Church. Paul's word in 1 Corinthians 15:58 was applicable to them. "Brethren" implies faithfulness to one another, as those in Christ and belonging to the household of God, desirous of doing good to each other. (Galatians 6:10; 1 John 3:7-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 ). So Paul addresses Christ centred ones - for their instruction, and encouragement so as to strengthen them to stand against false teaching.

Colossians 1:2 "... Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. "

These words "grace and peace" were used regularly in secular letters to greet someone. They became a greeting of substance when the true source of the grace and peace is Father God who, in His lovingkindness generously bestows and causes that which is expressed to become their actual experience, because of being in Christ - then a commonly expressed desire becomes an extraordinary reality.

To have the unlimited riches of the Father's loving favour and peace, guarantees the triumphant outcome, no matter what the need. Such a sincere, expressed desire to the throne of grace for others will be just as effective as our coming there for ourselves (Hebrews 4:16 ).

2. A FERVENT CHRIST CENTRED THANKSGIVING (COLOSSIANS 1:3-8)

Colossians 1:3 "We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, ..."

Not only their initial faith in Christ Jesus for salvation, but their continued trust and reliance on Christ, and their daily confidence in Christ in every matter.

Romans 1:17 "... The just shall live by faith."

Colossians 1:4 "... and of your love for all the saints;"

A family love going out to all God's children, no matter what their nationality or social standing. "In Christ Jesus" they become the loved. (Galatians 3:28 ).

A living hope that comes through the resurrection of Jesus. We have the certain promise of a grand inheritance in heaven (1 Peter 1:3-5 ). The treasure of heaven's blessing now and the treasure of heaven that is to come. The truth of the good news in Jesus fills with hope that banishes doubt and fear.

Receiving the gospel not only germinates life in us, it is living seed that sown by us, brings forth fruit. (John 15:4-5,8 ). We can give thanks that God's will for each of us is being fulfilled in our fruitfulness.

Notice Epaphras (Colossians 1:7-8 ) was Christ's servant, serving them, united with Paul and all other servants serving with Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:3-8; 1 Corinthians 4:2 ). Epaphras spoke well of their love in the Spirit (Colossians 1:8 ). The subject of his sharing revealed his own love in the Spirit for them. It is thought that Epaphras was the minister of Christ used to start and establish the church at Colosse, as Paul speaks of hearing of their faith (Colossians 1:4,9 and 2:1 ) would appear to confirm that. That all the saints at Colosse were precious to Epaphras, and that he was protective of them is beyond doubt.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What kind of recognition does a gifted, anointed messenger need?
2. Do you expect team ministry to be more prevalent today? (Colossians 1:2 ).
3. What is the best way to confront false views of the Person of Christ? (Colossians 1:3 ).
4. What would you claim that the word "brethren" implies? (Colossians 1:2 ).
5. What does it mean to you to be a recipient of the Father's grace and peace? (Colossians 1:2 ).
6. Why are you specially thankful to be in God's family? (Colossians 1:4 ).
7. What hope has become yours through the word of truth? (Colossians 1:5 ).
8. Why is the fruitfulness of another a cause for thanksgiving? (Colossians 1:6 )
9. In what way does the servant ministry of Epaphras challenge you? (Colossians 1:7-8 ).