Embracing New Life Rooted in Christ the Supreme

 

Introduction

Paul’s Letter to the Colossians addresses a young Christian community in Colossae, a city where diverse philosophical and religious ideas could have influenced their faith. Paul’s letter is a reminder of Christ’s supremacy and an exhortation to live a life that reflects His teachings. He provides guidance on how to resist false teachings and embrace a renewed way of living rooted in Christ.

Themes in Colossians (C.H.R.I.S.T.)

C – Christ's Supremacy

Paul’s letter begins with a majestic description of Christ’s role in creation and His divine nature. Colossians 1:15-20 emphasize that:

• Christ is the image of the invisible God: He reveals God’s nature to humanity.
• All things were created through and for Him: Everything in heaven and earth owes its existence to Christ.
• Christ is the head of the Church: He governs the Church, empowering and uniting believers.
• Christ reconciles all things: Through His death and resurrection, Christ has brought peace and restored the relationship between humanity and God.

This central theme establishes that Christ is supreme and sufficient, guiding believers to rely on Him alone rather than seeking truth elsewhere.

H – Holiness in Living

Paul calls the Colossians to live a holy life, shedding their past sinful behaviors and embracing a new life in Christ. In Colossians 3:5-10, he encourages them to:

• Put to death their earthly nature: Avoiding immorality, greed, anger, and malice.
• Clothe themselves in virtues: Such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
• Forgive as Christ forgave: Recognizing the importance of forgiveness in building unity within the community.

Holiness in living means aligning one’s character with Christ’s, reflecting His love and purity in everyday actions and attitudes.

R – Rejecting False Teachings

One of Paul’s key messages in this letter is a warning against deceptive philosophies and rituals that could mislead the Colossians (Colossians 2:8-23). He advises them to:

• Beware of human philosophies: Some teachings may sound wise but are rooted in human tradition rather than Christ.
• Avoid unnecessary rituals: Paul emphasizes that Christ has fulfilled the Old Testament laws, making additional rites and ascetic practices unnecessary.
• Reject the worship of angels or other beings: Christ is the only mediator between God and humanity.

By remaining rooted in Christ and His teachings, the Colossians can avoid distractions and live in the fullness of their faith.

I – Interpersonal Conduct

Paul instructs the Colossians on how they should behave in their relationships, emphasizing love and respect. In Colossians 3:12-17 and 3:18-25, he provides guidance on:

• Loving one another: Putting on love as a “bond of perfection” that unites believers.
• Respecting family roles: Paul speaks to husbands, wives, children, and servants, encouraging mutual respect and submission out of reverence for God.
• Building peace and forgiveness: Allowing Christ’s peace to rule in their hearts and bearing with each other’s faults.

These guidelines for interpersonal conduct help create a harmonious community that mirrors God’s love.

S – Spiritual Growth

Paul emphasizes the importance of spiritual maturity and growth in the knowledge of God. In Colossians 2:6-7, he encourages believers to:

• Be rooted and built up in Christ: Grounding their lives firmly in faith.
• Grow in knowledge and understanding: Developing wisdom to discern God’s will.
• Live with confidence in the faith: Letting their faith shape every aspect of their lives.

Paul’s vision for the Colossians is a faith that matures over time, leading them to reflect Christ more deeply.

T – Thanksgiving and Prayer

Paul calls the Colossians to a life filled with gratitude and prayer. In Colossians 4:2-4, he emphasizes:

• Devotion to prayer: Staying watchful and prayerful in their daily lives.
• A spirit of thankfulness: Recognizing and thanking God for His grace and blessings.
• Praying for others: Paul specifically asks the Colossians to pray for him and for the spread of the gospel.

Prayer and thanksgiving are essential for maintaining a close relationship with God and for staying spiritually vigilant.

 

Conclusion Paul’s Letter to the Colossians serves as a reminder that Christ is central to every aspect of a believer’s life. By focusing on CHRIST—His supremacy, the call to holiness, rejecting false teachings, respectful interpersonal conduct, spiritual growth, and a life of prayer and gratitude—Paul provides a roadmap for living a life that reflects the gospel. Through Christ, believers find purpose, transformation, and unity as they live out their faith in every dimension of life. This CHRIST acronym captures Paul’s guidance for the Colossians, emphasizing a faith that is deeply rooted in Christ and manifests through love, wisdom, and commitment to God’s truth.

Edited by  Fr. Joel Pullolil CMI