This week we will begin our Colossians series by studying the first eight verses of the book. These verses contain Paul’s opening greetings, which includes his declaration of authorship, official address, and thanksgiving. Too often opening greetings are skimmed over, but there’s plenty here to learn about the nature of the gospel, the role of faith, and the responsibility of those who are ministers of the gospel.

1. Reason for Thanksgiving (1:3-5)

After his customary extension of grace and peace to his brothers and sisters in Christ at Colossae, Paul tells them that he always gives thanksto Godfor them. “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you” (Col 1:3). Then he tells them why he gives thanks for them, “since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven” (Col 1:4-5).

Why is Paul thankful for the Colossians? First, because he has heard of their faith in Christ Jesus (v. 4). Second, because their faith in Christ has produced the natural fruit of loving each other (v. 4). And third, because their faith is not in vain, but is rooted in a sure hope that is laid up for them in heaven (v. 5).

When we look at our own lives or the lives of believers around us, these same things should encourage us and lead us to thanksgiving. We should be thankful for genuine faith in Christ. Thankful for the Spirit bringing real fruit from our faith in our lives. Thankful that our faith will result in a future inheritance in heaven.

Simply put, Paul is thankful that real Christianity has taken root at Colossae. People have trusted Christ, are loving one another, and are living with their gaze fixed on heaven. If we, our church, or our families are doing the same, let us thank God; it all comes from Him!

2. The Power of the Gospel (1:5-6)

Paul transitions from his thanksgiving to a short explanation of the power of the gospel. He reminds the Colossians that the true gospel is the one that Epaphras brought to them. “Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing- as it does among you, since the day you heart it and understood the grace of God in truth, just as you learned it from Epaphras” (Col 1:5-7).

The Colossians were in danger of misunderstanding the gospel due to a syncretistic heresy that was sprouting up within the church. There were gentiles introducing aspects of pagan religion and there were Jews pressuring the church to adopt certain laws and regulations. These groups were also undermining the person and nature of Christ, a point that Paul will address shortly.

But in 1:1-8, Paul reminds the Colossians that it is only the truegospel that has real power. The true gospel came to the Colossians in power, enlightening their hearts, leading them to faith in Christ, and producing fruit in their lives. The true gospel is the gospel bears fruit and increases “throughout the whole world” (v. 6).

This is a reminder to us of why we must safeguard the essential truths of the gospel: the depravity of man and his need for a messiah, the deity/humanity of Christ, His sinless life, substitutionary atonement, the resurrection of Christ, salvation by grace through faith alone, etc. This is the gospel that is the “power unto salvation” for all who believe (Rom 1:16). False gospels, Jesus-plus-something-else gospels have no power. They do not save, nor do they bear the fruit of God. But the true gospel turns the world upside down!

3. The Faithful Minister of the Gospel (1:7-8)

Paul reminds the Colossians that Epaphrus is the one who brought the true gospel to them. “Just as you learned it from Epaphrus,” (1:7). In mentioning Epaphrus, Paul contrasts him with the false teachers confusing the church. Epaphrus is a “faithful minister” of the gospel, Paul’s “fellow servant” who faithfully proclaimed the gospel and then looked for genuine fruit of the Holy Spirit (Col 1:6-8).

This is what all faithful ministers of the gospel do. They labor to present the true gospel in all of its wonder and beauty. Their goal is to help people learn and “understand the grace of God in truth” (v. 7) And they don’t just preach for conversions, they look for genuine spiritual fruit, “he has made known to us your love in the Spirit” (v. 7). It is likely Epaphrus who brought the report of the erroneous teachings to Paul. Thank God he did, or else we may not have this letter! Thank God for all faithful ministers of the gospel, who labor to teach the gospel clearly and promote theological and doctrinal fidelity!

Application

1. Thank God that the word of truth- the gospel, was brought to you! Thank the person who shared it with you, the Epaphrus who brough you the gospel!
2. Labor to be a faithful minister of the gospel yourself, to understand the truth of itand be ready to share it. Take doctrine and theology seriously. Truth edifies, error destroys.
3. Don’t be a doomsday Christian. Expect the gospel to bear fruit and increase in your life, in the life of your church, and throughout the world!