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OUTLINE OF COLOSSIANS

Col 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Col 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Col 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Col 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Part One: The Supremacy of Christ in the Church (1:1-2:23)

I. Introduction............................. 1:1-14

A.  Paul's Greeting to the Colossians     1:1- 2

Col 1:2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

B.  Paul's Thanksgiving for the Colossians    1:3-8

Col 1:3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

C.  Paul's Prayer for the Colossians     1:9-14

Col 1:9 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;

II. The Preeminence of Christ............................... 1:15-2:3

A.   Christ Is Preeminent in Creation .... 1:15-18

Col 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

B.   Christ Is Preeminent in Redemption.................... 1:19-23

Col 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

C. Christ Is Preeminent in the Church................... 1:24-2:3

Col 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

Col 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

III. The Freedom in Christ............................... 2:4-23

A.  Freedom from Enticing Words     2:4-7

Col 2:4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

B.  Freedom from Vain Philosophy     2:8-10

Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

C.  Freedom from the Judgment of Men................... 2:11-17

Col 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

D.  Freedom from Improper Worship . . . 2:18-19

Col 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

E.  Freedom from the Doctrine of Men ..                    .. 2:20-23

Col 2:20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,

Part Two: The Submission to Christ in the Church (3:1-4:18)

I. The Position of the Believer............................. 3:1-4

Col 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

II. The Practice of the Believer............................... 3:5-4:6

A.   Put Off the Old Man     3:5-11

Col 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

B.   Put On the New Man     3:12-17

Col 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Col 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

C.  Personal Commands for Holiness. . . 3:18-4:6

1. Holiness in Family Life.................... 3:18-21

Col 3:18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

Col 3:19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

Col 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

Col 3:21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

2.   Holiness in Work Life    3:22-4:1

Col 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

3.   Holiness in Public Life    4:2-6

Col 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

Col 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

III. Conclusion............................... 4:7-18

A.  Commendation of Tychicus     4:7-9

Col 4:7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

B.  Greetings from Paul's Friends     4:10-14

Col 4:10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

Col 4:14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

C.  Introductions Regarding This Letter..                    ..4:15-18

Col 4:16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.