Christ is All
—Paul’s letter to the Colossians
This series of lessons approaches Paul’s letter to the Colossians from the principle of fullness or “allness”. Paul applies this principle to most of his statements about Jesus Christ. Paul is trying to rescue from the false teachers this great principle: “Christ is all and in all” (Colossians 3:11). This principle is sometimes called the all-sufficiency of Christ. Tap any title next to an arrow in the list below.
➤ Outline and Overview of Colossians —An outline and overview of Colossians from the standpoint of the fulness of Christ. This outline chart also serves as an index to the series.
➤ Christ, Judge of All Conduct —Our first lesson in Colossians and the “Christ is All” series begins with the full pleasure of God. As Christians, we are expected to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to fully please him" (Colossians 1:10). What's the secret of success in doing this? Includes “Rules for the Born Again.”
➤ Christ, Reconciler of All Enemies —(Colossians). We see that to fully please God, we must include ourselves in the reconciliation which only Christ could achieve. We look at the fullness of God’s welcome, of Christ’s sacrifice, and of God’s impartiality. In part 2 we ask who decides whether we are reconciled? Includes “Wrath or Reconciliation —who Decides?”
➤ Christ, Creator of All Things —(Colossians). Paul makes three related statements about Christ and the universe (Colossians 1:16-17). First, All things were created by him. Second, he is before all things. Third, In him all things hold together. They are the points of our lesson. Includes “Who's in Charge of the World?”
➤ Christ, Master of All Rulers —(Colossians).“In Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9). As we think about the fullness of Christ’s divinity, we must infer his absolute sovereignty. Thus Paul, in the next sentence, says that Christ “is the head of all principality and power.” (Colossians 2:10). All rulers of all three realms are subject to Christ. Includes “A Master in Heaven.”
➤ Christ, Head of His Church —(Colossians) Popular eschatology —teaching about the second coming of Christ— makes a distinction between Christ’s church and Christ’s kingdom. The kingdom, they say, is a future kingdom on earth which will last for 1000 years. Not so. Includes “The Church and God’s Will.”
➤ Christ, King Now Reigning —(Colossians) We look at the evidence in Paul’s letter to the Colossians that the kingdom of God now exists and there will not be a future kingdom on earth for 1000 years. Includes “Substance or Shadows?”
➤ Christ, Opponent of All False Religion —(Colossians). By claiming to be the repository of all wisdom and knowledge, Jesus Christ opposes himself to all other religions. Jesus instructs his followers neither to persecute other religions, nor to embracethem. Includes “The Three Unthinkables.”
➤ Christ, Source of All Spiritual Wisdom —(Colossians). “In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). By that wisdom his church is united, perfected, and protected. (Study in Colossians). Includes “Mind and Flesh.”
➤ Christ, Perfect Example of All Suffering —(Colossians). In the death of Jesus on the cross, his flesh and blood became a sacrifice for our sins. What is more, no other sacrifice could redeem and reconcile humankind, nor was any more sacrifice than this called for. (Study in Colossians). Includes “Our Journey With Christ.”
➤ Christ, Forgiver of All Trespasses —(Colossians) Final lesson in the “Christ is All” series. Two verses form the basis for this study: “In God’s beloved Son we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:14), “He made you alive together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses” (Colossians 2:13).