Colossians 1:1-2
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.”
Introduction
Welcome to our study of the New Testament book of Colossians. Colossians is actually a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church in the city of Colosse. The city was located in Asia Minor, in what is now the nation of Turkey.
Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned for his faith in Christ. He addressed the issues that caused division in the church at Colosse and that would lead to the
demise of the church if he did not respond with Truth. When you read this letter, you will discover two important teachings that will impact your life. The first teaching is that Paul strategically directs the focus of the conversation toward Jesus Christ. “It’s All About Christ!” is a powerful truth of life. The second teaching is that, while this is a letter of antiquity, the eternal message of Jesus Christ is relevant specifically to you. If you follow Jesus Christ wholeheartedly and allow Him to influence all the areas of your life, then you will find true meaning, fulfillment, and joy.
Colossians 1:1
Paul the apostle is introduced in Colossians 1:1. He was arguably the most qualified man in the New Testament to proclaim the message, “It’s All About Christ.” He wrote not only as an apostle but also as one whose life was changed dramatically by Jesus. He was a Jewish Pharisee who rose to a high and influential position in prominent religious circles. However, his focus was on religion rather than on a relationship with Almighty God. He tried to gain favor with God through his acts of righteousness and adherence to religious traditions. While he considered himself a leader in the religious world, he did not know God personally. It was in his zeal to defend his religious traditions that he felt justified in pursuing, persecuting, and killing followers of Jesus Christ. He was self-focused and attempted to gain favor with God through his acts of self-righteousness.
But God had a plan for His church and for Paul. It was on a journey to the city of Damascus that Jesus knocked Paul down, literally, and revealed His will for Paul’s life. Paul was miraculously saved in what we call a “Damascus Road Experience,” and it changed his life forever. His life was changed because he realized the emptiness of his self-righteousness. His personal encounter with Jesus Christ changed his focus from himself to Jesus. Paul then dedicated the rest of his life to following Christ, teaching others to follow Jesus, and defending the Truth of Jesus Christ. A key verse that provides insight into Paul’s focus is Galatians 2:20, which states, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” I believe that Paul’s life was a living example of the truth expressed in the statement, “It’s All About Christ!”
Timothy was already a disciple when Paul met him, and Paul subsequently mentored him as a trusted ministry coworker and church leader. Timothy is mentioned only once in Colossians, as Paul’s “brother” and associate. Two New Testament letters written by Paul to Timothy bear Timothy’s name.
Colossians 1:2
In the book of Colossians, Paul teaches about the supremacy of Christ, how Christ impacts our lives, and how we should then live daily with Jesus as our focal point. 
But he starts by complimenting his readers on their walk with the Lord when he writes, “To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ in Colosse” in Colossians 1:2.
The believers at Colosse were “holy,” which means that they were separated from the world and dedicated to the Lord. They were “faithful,” which means that they had forsaken the ways of the old nature and were consistently living for the Lord each day. He calls them “brothers in Christ,” which binds Paul to them because they were members of the family of God. It has been said that “blood is thicker than water,” which means that the bonds of family are stronger and run deeper than the bonds of friendship. Paul reminds the readers that they are one in the Lord because of what Christ did for them individually and collectively.
As the man of God, the one who will bring the Word of the Lord to them, Paul then pronounces a blessing upon his readers. “Grace and peace to you from God our Father” reveals that Paul wants God’s best for the Colossians in all areas of their lives.
The theme “It’s All About Christ!” is strong even in Paul’s introduction. They owe their lives to the Lord and are brought together as members of God’s family because of Jesus Christ.
Application
As we study the book of Colossians together, we will be challenged to assess whether or not we can boldly proclaim, “It’s All About Christ!” Paul will lead us to consider our view of Christ, our goals and dreams, our philosophy of life, and how our theology impacts our daily lives.
Is the focal point of your life Jesus Christ? If not, then who is? If not, then why not? I’ll be open with you. If you are not centering your heart’s affection and your mind’s attention on Jesus Christ, then the foundation of who you are is built on sinking sand. I encourage you to focus on Jesus and make your life all about Christ. When you do, the foundation of who you are and who you hope to be will be built on the Solid Rock. May the Lord bless us as we study and apply His Word. Let’s pray.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, I give my heart and life to you. Please forgive me for my sins and be the Lord of my life. I want you to be the center of my heart and mind. Thank you for being my friend. I give you control of my life and ask you to take me where you want me to be in you. Amen.
For You to Consider
- Please recount, either mentally or on paper, your testimony of how you encountered Jesus Christ as your Savior and how He changed your life.
- Please list four personal examples that show others that your life is centered on Jesus Christ.
- How will living the theme “It’s All About Christ!” impact your relationships with your husband or wife, your children, or your co-workers?
- What are the areas in your life that you need to give to Jesus and allow Him to be your focal point?
- What is the Lord saying to you right now about how to make “It’s All About Christ!” a vibrant reality in your life?