Athey Creek | Audio Podcast

As Paul begins to wrap up his letter to the Colossian church, we see him address the topics of husbands and wives, children and parents, and employers and employees. As we study Colossians 3:18-4:18, we examine how the world seeks to corrupt these relationships, learn about God’s design for them, and finish with Paul’s final thoughts and encouragements.

Paul reminds the believers in Colossae in Colossians 4:6 that their words can greatly influence unbelievers and that their speech should reflect God's grace. As we apply Paul's instruction to our own lives, we see the importance of sharing the gospel in truth and love, guarding against words that wound, and reflecting Jesus in all we say.

Paul directly addresses believers in Colossians 3:1-17, challenging them to put to death sinful behaviors and live differently. As Paul lays the framework by comparing our spiritual transformation to death and resurrection, we learn what it means to be united with Christ, identify some of the sins we must put to death, and see the Christlike characteristics we should put on instead.

Echoing a similar truth he shared with the Corinthians, Paul uses the phrase “whatever you do” to introduce some key principles in Colossians 3:17 and 23 that call us to live every part of our lives for the Lord. As we look at the practical applications Paul gives, we see how putting his words into practice can shape everything we do as we seek to glorify God.

In Colossians 2, Paul takes a deep look at the heresies creeping into the church at Colossae, identifying the false teachings they were beginning to accept and explaining why they were dangerous. As we study, we see how those same teachings remain prevalent in Christianity today, how we can respond when challenged about why we reject them, and why Jesus Christ alone must remain our foundation of truth.