Outline of Colossians

Colossians

I have learned greatly from the ministry of Dr. Bill Cook, my former pastor and Bible school New Testament professor. I have studied and preached from Colossians many times, a task made much easier because of the following outline by Dr. Cook.

Pastor’s Study

April 17, 2009

…holding forth the word of life (Philippians 2:16a)

Introduction (1.-14)

Salutation (1.1,2)
A Prayer of Thanksgiving (1.3-14)
Paul’s thanksgiving is directed to God (1.3)
The basis of the thanksgiving (1.4-8)
a. The spiritual condition of the Colossians (1.4-5a)
b. The progress of the Gospel (1.5b-6)
c. The ministry of Epaphras (1.7-8)
A prayer for the Colossians (1.9-14)
a. The request of the prayer (1.9)
b. The purpose of the prayer (1.10-14)

The Supremacy of Christ (1.15-23)
A. The scope of His supremacy (1.15-18)
1. He is Lord over creation (1.15-17)
2. He is Lord over the Church (1.18)
B. The basis of His supremacy (1.19-23)
1. The fullness of God dwells in Christ (1.19)
2. The reconciling work of Christ (1.20-23)

II. The Ministry of Paul (1.24-2.7)
A. A ministry of suffering (1.24)
B. A ministry of preaching (1.25-29)
C. A ministry of intercession (2.1-5)
D. A ministry of exhortation (2.6-7)

III. The Danger of Heresy (2.8-23)
A. A warning against false philosophy (2.8-15)
1. The warning stated (2.8)
2. The basis of the warning (2.9-15)
B. A warning against legalism (2.16-17)
C. A warning against the worship of angels (2.18-19)
D. A warning against asceticism (2.20-23)

IV. The Christian Life (3.1-4.6)
A. The root principle of Christian living [union with Christ] (3.1-4)
B. The principle applied (3.5-17)
C. Relationships that honor God (3.18-4.1)
D. Spiritual disciplines (4.2-6)
1. Prayer (4.2-4)
2. Witnessing (4.5-6)

Conclusion


No other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 3:11).