Summary – The letter to Colossae was written in response to the heresies that were brought to Paul’s attention. The major errors that had crept into the church were:

• the exaltation of angels or other "elemental spirits",
• the belief that self–denial and religious rituals produce spirituality, and
• the claiming of a special knowledge beyond that found in the Gospel of Christ.

Paul states that these are ideas based on human tradition and are therefore worthless. He teaches love, humility, submission to authority, and finally prayer to establish a believer in the wisdom of God.

Christ : The fullness of God to us

Key Verses – "Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in him, who is the head of all principality and power. In him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead" Colossians 2 v 8 – 12

Introduction – Chapter 1 v 1 to 15

Doctrinal – "That you may be filled" – Chapter 1 v 16 to 2 v 23

Practical – "Seek those things which are above" – Chapter 3 v 1 to 4 v 6

Personal – "That he may know your circumstances" – Chapter 4 v 7 to 18