How can we help?
Colossians: The pre-eminence of Christ
Salutation, 1:1-2
A. The Praise of God’s Glorious Grace, 1:3-8
- For their testimony, vv. 3-5a
- For the gospel, vv. 5b-6a
- For Epaphras, vv. 6b-8 (cp. 4:12-13)
B. The Prayer of the Apostle, 1:9-14
- The constancy of his prayer
- The content of his prayer
C. The Pre-eminence of Christ, 1:15-18
- Over creation, vv. 15-17
- Over the Church, v. 18
D. The Purposes of God, 1:19-29
- That all the Fullness should dwell in Christ
- That Christ should be the agent of reconciliation
- That Christ will use His servants to accomplish His purposes
E. The Passion of the Apostle, 2:1-7
- His conflict, v.1
- His desire, vv. 2-3
- His concern, vv. 4-5
- His exhortation, vv. 6-7
F. The Perils Facing the Colossians, 2:8-23
- The problem of human philosophy, vv. 8-10
- Solution: Our union with Christ
- The problem of legalism, vv. 11-17
- Solution: The cross of Christ
- The problem of mysticism, vv. 18-19
- Solution: The headship of Christ
- The problem of asceticism, vv. 20-23
- Solution: Our death with Christ
G. The Practical Outworking of New Life, 3:1-4:6
- Know your position, 3:1-4
- Put to death your earthly members, 3:5-7
- Put off the old man, 3:8-11
- Put on the new man, 3:12-13
- Put on love, 3:14
- Let the peace of God rule, 3:15
- Let the word of Christ dwell, 3:16
- Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, 3:17
- Application to relationships, 3:18-4:1
- Final exhortations, 4:2-6
H. Passing on Greetings, 4:7-15
Conclusion, 4:16-18