Sunday School in 7Minutes “Freedom from the World” Colossians 2:6–23 ISSL: NOV 19,2023

International Sunday School Lesson - Sunday School in 7minutes

The Letter to the Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome, around AD 60-62. Epaphras (Epp Ha Fras) on a visit had informed Paul about the state of the Colossian church. This letter was written to the Christian community in the city of Colossae, located in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey).
Colossae was part of a region characterized by a rich tapestry of religious and philosophical influences,
• Judaism,
• Greek philosophy,
• and local mysticism.
practices that had crept into the community. The Colossian church was facing the challenge of syncretism, (SYNC Cra TISM) where elements of various belief religious systems were being combined with their Christian faith.
On influence, Judaizing, advocated strict adherence to Jewish laws and customs, other influences were
Asceticism
( as-cet-i-cism) and mystical practices that promoted visions and angelic worship. These influences threatened to undermine the central message of the Gospel.
In Our lesson, Paul addresses the issue of false teachings and emphasizes the believers' freedom in Christ:
Paul reminds believers that they have received Christ as their Lord and Savior. Hw, our Christian faith is not a one-time decision but an ongoing journey. Paul encourages the Colossian Christians to continue in their faith as they had received Christ, rooted and built up in Jesus, as the foundation.
Paul emphasizes, then and now, that receiving Christ is just the beginning. Believers are to continue living their lives in Christ. This means that Christ should be the center and foundation of our existence, influencing every aspect of our lives.
Paul warns believers not to be led astray by deceptive human philosophies and traditions that are not centered on Christ. Many worldly ideas may divert one from the truth of the Gospel.
Paul focuses on the supremacy of Christ, who embodies the fullness of God. Christ is the ultimate authority over all powers and authorities, both earthly and spiritual.
Knowing the philosophy of the Judaizers, Paul metaphorically describes a spiritual circumcision performed by Christ, which he associated with baptism, symbolizing believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection and that we are a new person.
Paul notes that God, through Christ, has made believers alive even when they were spiritually dead in their sins. Using the imagery of a legal debt. He explains that Christ's sacrifice on the cross has canceled the charges against us.
Christ’s triumph on the cross and His role in setting believers free from the bondage of sin and religious legalism means Jesus is Lord of all.
Pushing back on advocates of Jewish legalism, Paul addresses specific practices like dietary restrictions, festivals, and asceticism. He emphasizes that these are shadows of things to come but the substance is found in Christ. Paul warns against those who promote false humility, angelic worship, and visions. Such teachings lead believers away from their connection with Christ, these philosophies, all advocate that our actions bring a salvation rather than the unmerited grace of God through his son.
Recognize Paul is pushing back on religious practices that had governed Jewish life for over 1000 years. Paul acknowledges that these rules may seem wise but they ultimately fail to truly restrain or transform the heart. It is a faith-filled heart guided by the holy spirit that provides us the freedom to walk in a world filled with familiar traditions and comfortable temptations.
In a world filled with denominations differing primarily based on rituals OR polity. Modern Christians can find solace in the knowledge that their relationship with God is not defined by rituals, dietary or church structure.
In a world filled with diverse philosophies that advocates
• selfishness and satisfaction of our wants first
• Focus on materialism and getting more.
• Preacher peddling a gospel guaranteeing that faith, and a donation can bring health, wealth, and happiness .
• Hearts filled with apathetic disregard for others and judgmentally justified neglect.
Christians should be cautious about embracing popular ideas and societal traditions that do not align with Christ's teachings.
Paul’s call to be rooted and built up in Christ encourages MC to deepen their relationship with Him through prayer, study of God's Word, and Christian fellowship.