Paul prays for the Colossians

Paul has never been to Colossae, but he has heard about them from his friend, Epaphras. Paul begins his letter with a thankful prayer about how God has worked in the past to save them and is continuing to work through the gospel to grow his people so that they can bear the fruit of the gospel.

Who Jesus really is

After praying for the Colossians, Paul continues to tell the Colossians who Jesus really is. The ancient world was filled with many gods to worship, but Paul raises Jesus above all these gods. Jesus is equal to God, the Great King himself, and is above every created being.

How we keep going

Paul’s prayer for the Colossian church leads into a majestic description of Jesus, the Son of God. Because Jesus is who he is, Paul tells the Colossian Christians that nothing changes as they continue in their faith. Jesus must remain the King. Nothing else is needed.

A whole new wardrobe

Now that they are faithful followers of Jesus, the way the Colossians live will look totally different to their old way of life. It’s like they are wearing a whole new wardrobe of clothes. They need to get rid of the things they used to do—the things that came from their sin and brokenness—and start doing the things that come from Jesus. This is how the Colossians show they are faithful followers of King Jesus.

Reconciliation: Onesimus + Philemon

Living a new life under King Jesus looks very different to how the Colossians lived before they were faithful followers. Even relationships that are damaged by sin are different for faithful followers of Jesus. King Jesus invites his people to reconcile with their brothers and sisters in Christ, as they live as his body, the church.

Jesus, like you've never seen him before

Living a new life under King Jesus looks very different to how the Colossians lived before they were faithful followers. Even relationships that are damaged by sin are different for faithful followers of Jesus. King Jesus invites his people to reconcile with their brothers and sisters in Christ, as they live as his body, the church.

What’s wrong with the church?

John writes Jesus’ messages for the seven churches he was writing to. In these messages, we can see that the churches are facing pressure from inside and outside the church. Even with these pressures, Jesus encourages his people to keep on being faithful right to the end.

The Great King in control

After recording Jesus’ messages for the seven churches, John is invited into the heavenly throne room of God, the Great and Mighty King. This provides a different view for the suffering of the churches, where everything seems out of their control. In heaven, we see how things really are: God, the Great and Mighty King rules and is in complete control.

The serpent is crushed

John writes his letter to seven churches who are suffering because of the sin and brokenness in our world. John sees that all people will face God’s judgement at the end and there are consequences for rebellion and for faithfulness. But Jesus has already conquered the great enemies of humanity: sin, death and Satan, the Prince of Darkness. All that remains is to continue faithfully following Jesus.

The bride, the city and the garden

The grand finale is here! John sees a picture of God’s great plan for his people after the time of judgement is complete. God, the Great and Mighty King, renews the heavens and the earth. And God’s people get to live with the Great King himself and with Jesus, the Lamb. And it’s better than we can even imagine.