Colossians … An Introduction

Written By Betty Predmore

COLOSSIANS 1:1-17

(October 4)

Today we begin a new letter from Paul. He is writing this letter to the new converts in the city of Colosse. Paul had not personally met them, as Epaphras and Timothy had been the one to evangelize there.

Colosse was about 100 miles east of Ephesus on the Lycus River. It was not as influential of a city as Laodicea, which was nearby. It was a trading center, which made it a crossroads for ideas and religions. This city had a large Jewish population. Many Jews had fled there when they were forced out of Jerusalem.

The church in Colosse had been founded by Epaphras, a convert of Paul's. Paul's purpose in writing to the Colossians was to refute heretical teachings about Christ that had been causing them some confusion. Mysterious Greek religions were distorting their faith. They were also being threatened by some of the Jewish laws and customs. Epaphras had gotten word to Paul about this, and Paul was responding through this letter.

Paul assures them that the Good News they have heard is being heard all over the world. It is changing the lives of others just as it has changed their lives. He lets them know that they are being prayed for ... for wisdom, knowledge of God's will, strength, endurance, patience, and joy.

Then he makes a strong statement about the divine nature of Christ:

"Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see - such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together." (Verses 15-16)

What does this mean? Jesus is not only equal to God, he IS God. As the image of the invisible God, he is the exact representation of God. He not only reflects God but reveals God to us. He is the firstborn over all creation and has all the priority and authority of the firstborn prince in a king's household. He came from heaven, not from the dust of the earth. He is Lord of all and completely holy. He has authority to judge the world. Christ is supreme over all creation, including the spirit world. And like the Colossian believers, we must believe in his deity or out faith is hollow, misdirected, and without meaning. Basically, Paul was giving them the central truth about being a Christian.

Do we believe this? Or are we, much like the Colossians, letting other ideas and customs penetrate our minds and pull us off track? Just as Paul was cautioning the Colossians in this letter, we should also be cautioned to be on guard for the enemy, who will use any way possible to pull us away from this idea of who Christ is.

We need to stand firm in our faith, unwavering in our belief in Christ, and solid against anything that tries to penetrate that belief.

Paul has a lot more to say to the Colossians, so stay tuned ...

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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