After opening his letter to the Christians at Colosse with a defense against heretical teachings, Paul gives instructions to local churches
This includes you who were once far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now he has reconciled you to himself through the death of Christ in his physical body. As a result, he has brought you into his own presence, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault. (Colossians 1:21-22)
And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:6-7)
Also read Useless Rules and Regulations, or…
Paul encourages believers to live Godly lives…
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. (Colossians 3:1-4)
Therefore, do not do these things: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, greediness, anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, dirty language, and lying. (Colossians 3:5-11)
Instead, do these things: clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, tolerance, forgiveness, and above all, clothe yourselves with love. (Colossians 3:12-17)
And, Paul gave specific instruction about the operation of the church, he gave specific instruction about offices and positions in the church, he gave specific instruction about church hierarchy, and he gave specific instruction about clergy versus laity…
- Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives.
- Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives.
- Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.
- And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus,
- giving thanks through him to God the Father. (Colossians 3:16-17)
If this doesn’t sound like any church group you’ve ever experienced, please read:
- What is the One True Church?
- When You Meet Together
- Whoever Wants to be Great Among You
- Who is a deacon?
- The fear of religion is a dangerous trap
And, Paul gave specific instructions to: wives, husbands, children, slaves, and masters. (Colossians 3:18-4:1)
Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. (Colossians 4:5-6)