King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Monday, December 15, 2025
Chapters: Books Of Colossians & Philemon
Message: Colossians/Philemon: Created By And For God
Hello My Friend,
Today we are reading the Books of Colossians and Philemon, both of them were written when Paul was a prisoner in Rome. What we learn from the books is that everything is created by God and for Him, [Colossians 1:15-19 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;]
In other words, everything and everyone in this world has a purpose, but we are nothing without Christ. Should we choose Christ, God, wants first place over everything that we do. We also learn that once we get saved, we are not defined by our past, rather what we did for Christ after we are saved, [Philemon 1:5-7 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; 6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.]
The Book of Colossians was written by Paul in approximately 64 AD. The epistle (letter) was written to the church of Colosse, who were instructed to share it with other churches. The purpose of the letter was to address doctrinal issues within the church. What we are to learn is that we are complete in Christ, who is the Head of the Church, God in the flesh, created all things, and all things are created for Him, [Colossians 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:]
We know that Paul spent the last two years of his life as a prisoner in Rome, when he wrote this letter, he did so with the anticipation that he would get out of there and visit with these towns that had learned of their faith in Christ. When Paul got word of the Colossians and their faith in Christ he was ecstatic.
[Colossians 1:1-5 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, 5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;]
God’s will is truly an incredible thing to be in, and we do not have to be perfect to be in the will of God, we just have to be willing, and faithful, and then let Him direct us. Sometimes it is hard to know if we are in the will of God because that includes affliction and chastening, but we can call those growing pains.
[Colossians 1:9-14 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; 12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:]
I do not know about you, but I do not always find joy in the afflictions that I am facing, especially if they start to linger, but am reminded of all the things God has gotten me through. Nevertheless, there is some comfort in knowing that even if you are not in the will of God that Jesus still redeemed you, forgiven your sins, and delivered from the power of darkness. I never thought to pray for someone to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will and think it is something I need to be praying for everyone. We should all desire to be in the will of God because it really is better to suffer in the will of God than suffer for something we should not be doing, [1 Peter 3:17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.]
You see, those whom have been redeemed by the blood of Christ are God’s children, He is our Father and treats us like any decent earthly parent would, with love, nurturing, instruction, and discipline. We need to be attached to Christ in order to be one of His children, otherwise, we have no communication with God whatever, and are alienated from Him. Paul, goes on to remind us of how we have peace with God.
[Colossians 1:20-23,27 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:]
Not everyone has that unmovable faith in Christ that we all have. Some only have it for a season, some may have never had it at all, but are like the Judas Iscariot’s of the world and just hung around for a time to see what they can get. Those whom have sincerely accepted Christ as their Saviour cannot be moved from their faith because He promises that no one can pluck them from His hand, [John 10:27-28 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.]
You see, those whom have unmovable faith are one with Christ, but that does not mean that they cannot get caught up in sin. When we do receive Christ as our Saviour and begin to live by His example, the Holy Spirit guides us away from people, places, and things that would compromise their faith. Paul, cautions on the importance of being steadfast in Christ.
[Colossians 2:1-5 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; 2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; 3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. 5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the Spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ:]
[Steadfast: Firm, unwavering, and loyal in purpose, belief, or commitment.] Much of the doctrine addressed to the Colossians was influenced by the people of Laodicea, who had already been cautioned about false teachers spreading a distorted gospel. For this reason, Paul’s letter was intended for them as well. Those who hold steadfast faith in Christ cannot be shaken from the truth, yet they may still become entangled with those who follow deception. Paul therefore warns both them, and us, of the vital importance of guarding our faith and keeping distance from those who embrace and promote false doctrine.
[Colossians 2:6-10 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:]
Even those who are mature in their faith and well-grounded in Scripture can find themselves drawn into the realm of philosophy when attempting to explain the origins of God. The belief that our world and all of existence is only about six thousand years old seems unbelievable to the world, and even to many who profess Christ. Yet this is a truth that can only be grasped by faith. It is not to deny God’s infinite nature or the possibility of other lifetimes He may have created before us, but rather to affirm that human knowledge alone cannot contain Him. Indeed, too much reliance on knowledge without faith can do more harm than good, for it is faith that anchors us in the truth of His Word. Paul, goes on to remind us why we compete in Christ through our faith alone.
[Colossians 2:12-16 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:]
Wow! This is throwing off all sorts of bells and whistles as there are so many “Christians” spouting off lies that Christmas is a pagan holiday and why we are not to celebrate it, most of off because Jesus was not born on December 25. Those who walk with Jesus eventually come to understand that His physical birth did not occur on December 25. This date is often questioned by those who seek to discredit Him. Still, the exact timing is not what truly matters. What is important is the assurance that He lives, and that everything was fulfilled exactly as it was written. The absence of specific dates is not due to ignorance, but rather of faith, [John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.]
There were some people vainly worshiping angels, believing themselves to be unworthy to speak directly to God so they needed the angels to speak on their behalf. This was definitely a false teaching as angels are God’s messengers and protectors, not intercessors. The worst thing was that they we not humble at all, it was only for show. Well, Paul addresses this
[Colossians 2:18-23 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. 20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, 21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not; 22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.]
Paul, was not telling them that it was okay to worship angels, we ought to respect angels as they do walk among us, but we are not to worship them. He was trying to show them that Jesus is to be worshiped above the angels, of which the Jews held to such high respect. While we are definitely not under the Law anymore, but we ought to be living our lives in a way that does reflects Jesus. Why? We were dead in our sins, and now alive in Him.
[Colossians 3:1-7 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.]
[Mortify; To subdue; to abase; to humble; to reduce; to restrain;] Since we are saved by grace, we ought to do whatever we can to remove sin from our lives once that we learn we are sinning. Before I dedicated my life to Christ and started reading the Scriptures, I thought that as long as I did not cheat, steal, or harm anyone that I was doing okay, but I was ignorantly living in sin. We do not change overnight, it takes a lifetime to remove all sin, and even then, it is not long enough. Nevertheless, the purpose of our learning of, applying, and teaching the truth in the Scriptures is that we become more like Christ. Paul, reminds us that since we are of Christ we ought to be walking like Him and that is how we mortify our flesh.
[Colossians 3:12-14 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.]
Since we are the body of Christ, and He is the Head of us, what better form of gratitude can we give then to live our lives in the newness that He made us. By the way, man means mankind, so God is talking about men, women, and children that belong to Him, [Colossians 3:15-17 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.]
Because we are saved by grace, we are called to remove sin from our lives as the Lord reveals it to us. Before I surrendered my life to Christ and began reading the Scriptures, I believed that living honorably was enough. Yet I was ignorantly living in sin. Transformation does not happen overnight; it is a lifelong journey of sanctification, and even a lifetime is not enough to fully rid ourselves of sin. Still, the purpose of learning, applying, and teaching the truth of Scripture is that we might be conformed to the image of Christ. As Paul reminds us, since we belong to Him, we must walk as He walked, and in doing so we mortify the desires of the flesh.
[Colossians 3:18-25 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. 21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. 22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.]
My husband reminds me just about every day that the wife is to submit to her husband and I tell him that while I agree, that does not mean that I am a dog. Christian wives are to acknowledge that their husbands are the head of the household in all matters that do not oppose the Word of God. That does not mean that their husbands are to be abusive and treat them like slaves, they are their help meet, which is why Paul also said that husbands ought not be bitter toward their wives. In any Christian home, an ideal marriage can and should be one that is centered around Christ because we only have one Master and He is in heaven, [Matthew 23:9-10 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.]
With that said, each of us has someone to whom we must submit, whether it be an employer, governing authority, or the leader of our nation. Yet this submission is always within the bounds of God’s Word. Regardless of who we are subject to, we are called to show respect, just as they are also called to respect us. In this way, we honor Christ by living peaceably and faithfully under the order He has established. Paul, goes on to explain.
[Colossians 4:1-6 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. 2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; 3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.]
When asked why Christ lives in us, the most sufficient answer is our own testimony. A changed life speaks louder than any argument. As Paul, ends his letter to the Colossians, he makes mention of several people who were helping him, including a man named, Onesimus. He was a slave of Philemon’s who had robbed him and fled to Rome where he met Paul and became a convert.
[Colossians 4:7-9,14-17 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: 8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; 9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. 14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. 15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. 16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.]
Paul’s final words remind us that the Christian life is never lived in isolation, showing that the work of the Gospel is carried forward by many hands, each with unique gifts. The Book of Philemon was written to a convert named Philemon around 64 AD, who lived in Colosse and it was written to seek help for a runaway slave named Onesimus. What we are to learn from it is that Christian principles must be applied to social relationships as well as personal, [Philemon 1:6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.]
Life is so precious, so fast, and so hard sometimes, but did it ever occur to those who are so judgmental of those who have fallen from grace that that is their judgment? Some will learn, and repent of their sin and go on to be great testimonies, such as Onesimus did. Paul, wrote this short personal letter to a convert named Philemon, who lived in Colosse.
[Philemon 1:1-6 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer, 2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: 3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, 5 Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; 6 That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.]
Notice that Paul mentions several of the people that he also spoke of in his letter to the Colossians. Faith in Christ and love for Him should bind believers together more deeply than any outward tie can unite the world. Paul, in his private prayers, was intentional in remembering his friends before the Lord. In the same way, we must often lift up our Christian brothers and sisters, carrying their needs in our thoughts and upon our hearts before God. Differences in opinion or practice on matters that are not essential to salvation must never divide our affection, for true unity is found in Christ alone. Philemon, was actually sent to find Onesimus.
[Philemon 1:8-11,13,15 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, 9 Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. 10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: 11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: 13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: 15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;]
We are called to uplift one another in the gifts and strengths God has given us, not to criticize or judge each other for past failures. The truth is, every one of us has a past we would rather keep hidden. Yet in Christ, our past is redeemed, and our identity is made new. Paul, appeals not with authority but “for love’s sake”, urging Philemon to receive Onesimus not merely as a servant but as a brother in Christ.
[Philemon 1:16-22 Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord? 17 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. 18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account; 19 I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides. 20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord. 21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. 22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.]
This is the essence of Christian fellowship: we are no longer defined by our mistakes, but by the grace of God that makes us family in Christ. Paul even offers to take upon himself any debt Onesimus owed, reflecting the way Christ Himself bore our debt on the cross. Paul’s confidence in Philemon’s obedience shows the expectation that love will move believers to go beyond what is asked, to forgive, to restore, and to embrace one another as Christ has embraced us, [Ephesians 4:29-32 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.]
Today’s Prayer: God, In the midst of all my struggles and failures, I remain confident that You will complete the work You began in me. You accepted me as I was, and since then You lovingly began reshaping my life into an image of Your Son. Not only are You continuing the good work You began, but You are perfecting those things that weaken my faith. I thank You that You will fulfill Your purpose in me, for Your grace that abounds so much. I thank You for using me to serve You, and I thank You for keeping me faithful. Lord, lead me and guide me, let me not get caught up in ordinances to please man, rather live to please You, and fill me with Your wisdom so that I can be ready to answer those who are trying to discourage me. I ask these things in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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