Series Details
You won’t find a better snapshot of the Christian faith than the punchy little letter from the apostle Paul, which we call Colossians.
Packed with profound truths about Jesus, urgent warnings against false teaching, and insightful guidance about living out our Christian identity—Colossians proves just as relevant and significant today as it was when Paul first penned it nearly 2,000 years ago.
You won’t find a better snapshot of the Christian faith than the punchy, hard-hitting letter from the apostle Paul known as Colossians. Written to a church facing the pressure of false philosophies and legalism, this letter reverberates today with the same force and illumination it had 2,000 years ago. In this 10-part series, Chuck Swindoll guides us through Paul’s concise arguments for the absolute supremacy of Christ. Whether you are navigating modern “isms” or simply seeking a deeper walk with the Lord, this study reminds us that Jesus isn’t just a part of life—He is our all in all.
Message 1: A Letter for Then and Now
Sermon Summary Every book of the Bible has a specific context, but its truth is timeless. Paul’s letter to the Colossians was written to combat a “heresy” that threatened to minimize Christ. In this opening message, we explore the background of Colossae and why Paul’s focus on the “Christ-life” is just as urgent for us today as we face a culture that seeks to add to or take away from the Gospel.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Sufficiency of Christ: Introducing the core theme that Jesus plus nothing equals everything.
- Timeless Relevance: Why an ancient letter speaks directly to 21st-century spiritual confusion.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Colossians 1:1–8: Paul’s greeting and his celebration of the Colossians’ faith, love, and hope.
Message 2: A Prayer Worth Remembering and Modeling
Sermon Summary What do you pray for those you love? Paul’s prayer for the Colossian believers provides a magnificent template for our own intercession. It isn’t a prayer for health or wealth, but for spiritual wisdom, a walk worthy of the Lord, and the strength to endure with joy.
Key Facts & Themes
- Spiritual Discernment: The importance of being filled with the knowledge of God’s will.
- Fruitfulness: What it means to bear fruit in every good work.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Colossians 1:9–12: A powerful prayer for spiritual growth and endurance.
Message 3: Crowning Christ as Lord of All
Sermon Summary This message tackles one of the most significant Christological passages in the entire Bible. Paul presents Jesus as the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, and the head of the church. We explore what it means for Christ to have “preeminence” in all things.
Key Facts & Themes
- Christ in Creation: His role as the Designer and Sustainer of the universe.
- Christ in Redemption: How His blood on the cross made peace between God and man.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Colossians 1:13–20: A soaring declaration of the supremacy of Christ.
Message 4: A Precise Explanation of Ministry
Sermon Summary What is the ultimate goal of Christian ministry? Paul describes his own labor as a “striving” to present everyone mature in Christ. This message defines the “mystery” that was hidden for ages but is now revealed: Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Mystery Revealed: Understanding the profound reality of Christ’s indwelling presence.
- A Call to Maturity: The shift from religious activity to spiritual growth.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Colossians 1:21–29: Paul’s description of his calling and the message he preached.
Message 5: Counsel from a Concerned Apostle
Sermon Summary Paul warns the church against being “taken captive” by empty philosophies and human traditions. This message provides a safeguard for our faith, encouraging us to stay rooted and built up in Christ just as we first received Him.
Key Facts & Themes
- Walking in Him: The discipline of consistent Christian living.
- Avoiding Deception: How to spot “fine-sounding arguments” that lead away from the truth.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Colossians 2:1–7: Paul’s heart for the believers and his plea for them to remain steadfast.
Message 6: Living Forgiven . . . Living Free
Sermon Summary Legalism is a subtle trap that tells us we must follow rules to be right with God. Paul shatters this mindset by reminding us that our “record of debt” was nailed to the cross. We explore the freedom of knowing that Christ has already triumphed over every spiritual authority.
Key Facts & Themes
- The End of Legalism: Why shadows and rituals cannot compare to the Substance (Christ).
- Victory over Darkness: The public triumph of the Cross over spiritual enemies.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Colossians 2:8–23: A warning against legalism, mysticism, and asceticism.
Message 7: Spot-On Advice from a Seasoned Coach
Sermon Summary If we have been raised with Christ, our focus must shift. Paul uses the analogy of “taking off” old clothes and “putting on” new ones. This message provides practical advice for putting to death our old nature and dressing ourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, and love.
Key Facts & Themes
- Heavenly Perspective: Seeking the things that are above.
- The New Wardrobe: The character qualities that should define every believer.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Colossians 3:1–14: The transition from the old life to the new life in Christ.
Message 8: Wherever, Whatever, Whenever, However . . . Christ!
Sermon Summary The “Christ-life” isn’t just for Sunday mornings; it transforms our most basic relationships. Paul addresses how our faith should change our marriages, our parenting, and our work-life. In everything we do, we are to do it heartily, as for the Lord.
Key Facts & Themes
- Christ in the Home: Biblical roles for husbands, wives, and children.
- Christ in the Workplace: How a servant’s heart transforms our daily labor.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Colossians 3:15–4:1: Practical instructions for Christian households and masters.
Message 9: A Brief Checklist for Believers
Sermon Summary As he nears the end of his letter, Paul gives a rapid-fire list of essential spiritual disciplines: persistent prayer, watchful gratitude, and wise conduct toward outsiders. This message serves as a “checklist” for maintaining a vibrant and effective witness.
Key Facts & Themes
- Devotion to Prayer: The necessity of staying alert in our communication with God.
- Seasoned Speech: How to talk to non-believers with grace and wisdom.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Colossians 4:2–6: Instructions on prayer and witnessing.
Message 10: A Fond and Friend-Filled Farewell
Sermon Summary The final section of Colossians is often skipped, but it contains a beautiful picture of the “body of Christ.” By looking at the diverse group of people Paul mentions, we see that ministry is a team effort. This farewell reminds us that every person has a vital role to play in God’s kingdom.
Key Facts & Themes
- The Importance of Fellowship: Recognizing the “unsung heroes” of the early church.
- Faithfulness to the End: Encouragement to fulfill the ministry we have received.
Primary Scripture Reference
- Colossians 4:7–18: Paul’s personal greetings and final instructions.
