Paul wrote Colossians for the following reasons:
·
First, to
instruct and warn them of the danger imposed by the false teachers. “Paul believed strongly that
prevention is better than cure,” observes
Barclay.[1] Moo
comments that Paul’s purpose is “to provide the resources that the Colossian
Christians need to fend off some kind of false teaching to which they are
exposed.”[2] They are
not to be taken captive by their philosophy (2:8). It was an alluring seduction
(2:4).
·
Second, He
is concerned for their spiritual development.
He wants to express his personal interest in the believers (1:3, 4;
2:3).
·
Third, it
centered upon legalistic rules and regulations being mere shadows (2:16,
20-21). We are to leave elementary principles. Substance is found in Christ.
·
Fourth, He
wanted to warn them against vices of the flesh (3:5ff). He emphasizes that it is through Christ alone
we have victory over these vices (2:11-13; 3:1-4:6).
·
Fifth, He
wants to counteract the deceit and arrogance than threaten the person and work
of Jesus Christ. Therefore, Paul emphasizes the centrality of Jesus Christ: His
deity, supremacy and sufficiency (chapters. 1-2). He stresses his aim in Col.
1:28: “…we proclaim Him, admonishing
every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, that we may present every man
complete in Christ.” From there he goes on to accentuate the practice of
the Christian life in light of the centrality of Christ (chapters 3-4). Wrong
doctrine leads to wrong living and correct doctrine to correct living.
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