Lessons

Colossians Study – Part 3. The lesson on October 28, 2007 is the third lesson on the book of Colossians. We have learned that Epaphras was a strong minister unto the church at Colossae which Paul testified in Col. 4:12 who communicated to Paul his concerns about the doctrine being taught in Colossae. The letter itself was brought to the Colossians by Tychius, who was another faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord as is stated in Col. 4:7. Epaphras is with Paul in Rome and some say that Colossians is a sister letter to the book of Ephesians. He stated the great conflict he had for them in Colossae and also for the Laodiceans (Col 2:1). Paul even mentions of a letter that should be read to the Laodiceans in Col. 4:16 which is probably the book of Ephesians. When you compare the message of Ephesians and Colossians, you find that they are sister letters in that the messages in both books are similar and complimentary therefore it behooves us to read both books together. This is an important book because it is one of seven epistles written by Paul to the Gentiles and it is where we find our doctrine which should establish our Christian walk. Paul even talks about this in verse 10…”That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;” This walk is part of what Paul is praying about, as we see in verse 9…”For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;” What was it that sparked this prayer? This is not the first time he mentions prayer because you see him mention prayer in Col. 1:3 saying “We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you”. Paul is demonstrating that prayer should be an important part of your Christian walk in that all people should be prayed for. Even our Lord said this in Luke 18:1 “…that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” which Paul is following as a faithful steward. He even asks specifically for prayer in Col. 4:3 “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ…”