Topical Bible: Faith: Colossians

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In the Epistle to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul addresses the concept of faith as a central theme, emphasizing its foundational role in the life of believers. The letter, written to the church in Colossae, underscores the importance of faith in Christ Jesus and its implications for Christian living and doctrine.

Faith in Christ Jesus

Paul begins his letter by commending the Colossian believers for their faith in Christ Jesus. In Colossians 1:3-4, he writes, "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all the saints." Here, faith is presented as a defining characteristic of the Colossian church, linked closely with love for fellow believers. This faith is not merely intellectual assent but a living trust in Jesus Christ, which manifests in love and good works.

The Object of Faith

The object of the Colossians' faith is explicitly Christ Jesus, who is portrayed as preeminent in all things. In Colossians 1:15-20, Paul provides a profound Christological hymn, affirming the supremacy of Christ: "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him." This passage highlights that faith in Christ is faith in the One who is both Creator and Redeemer, the One who reconciles all things to Himself through His blood shed on the cross.

Faith and Spiritual Growth

Paul emphasizes that faith is not static but dynamic, leading to spiritual growth and maturity. In Colossians 2:6-7, he exhorts the believers, "Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Here, faith is likened to a journey, where believers are to be rooted and built up in Christ, indicating a deepening relationship and understanding of Him.

Faith and False Teachings

The letter also warns against false teachings that threaten the purity of the Colossians' faith. In Colossians 2:8, Paul cautions, "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ." Faith in Christ must be guarded against deceptive philosophies that detract from the truth of the Gospel. Paul urges the Colossians to hold fast to the faith they have received, which is centered on Christ and His sufficiency.

Faith and the New Life in Christ

Faith in Christ results in a transformed life, as Paul outlines in Colossians 3. Believers are called to "set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God" (Colossians 3:1). This heavenly focus is a direct result of faith, leading to a new way of living characterized by virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:12). Faith in Christ empowers believers to put to death earthly desires and to live in accordance with their new identity in Him.

Faith and Prayer

Finally, faith is intricately connected to prayer in the life of the believer. Paul encourages the Colossians to "devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful" (Colossians 4:2). This devotion to prayer is an expression of faith, demonstrating reliance on God and gratitude for His work in their lives.

In summary, the Epistle to the Colossians presents faith as a vital and active trust in Christ Jesus, the preeminent Lord and Savior. It is a faith that leads to spiritual growth, guards against false teachings, transforms lives, and is expressed through prayer and thanksgiving.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Colossians 1:4
Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which you have to all the saints,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Faith
... He is a pillar in the temple of God, Rooted and built up in him; and established
in the faith.' Colossians 2:7. Unbelievers are sceptics in religion; they are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 1 faith.htm

Colossians i. 9, 10
... Colossians i. 9, 10. Colossians i.9, 10 ... Because we heard of your faith and love,
because we have good hopes, we are hopeful to ask for future blessings also. ...
/.../homily ii colossians i 9.htm

Colossians i. 26-28
... Colossians i.26-28 ... on a sudden, to have brought men more senseless than stones to
the dignity of Angels, simply through bare words, and faith alone, without ...
/.../homily v colossians i 26-28.htm

Colossians ii. 6, 7
... Colossians ii.6, 7 "As therefore ye received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,
rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in your faith, even as ye were ...
/.../homily vi colossians ii 6.htm

These Doctrines of Our Faith Witnessed to and Confirmed by ...
... in accordance with our Saviour's command to contemplate Him by faith in the ... speculate
whether Gregory was aware that the Epistle to the Colossians (quoted below ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 23 these doctrines of.htm

Statement of Faith.
... Statement of Faith. ... the Son; but He Himself is not a creature, as Paul says of the
Lord: In Him were all things created, and He is before all' (Colossians 1:16 ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/statement of faith.htm

On the Comparison of the Law and the Gospel
... (Galatians 2:15, 16.) The use of the law was also serviceable to the Gospel which
was to be received by faith. (Colossians 2:14, 17.) While the promise was in ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 13 on the comparison.htm

Colossians i. 21, 22
... Colossians i. 21, 22. Colossians i.21, 22 ... "If so be that ye continue in the faith
grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the Gospel.". ...
/.../homily iv colossians i 21.htm

Heralds of the Gospel
... King of kings, and Lord of lords" (1 Timothy 6:15), and exhorted the believers to
be "rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith." Colossians 2:7. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 17 heralds of the.htm

The Opinion of the Apostles on Veiling the Mysteries of the Faith.
... For there is an instruction of the perfect, of which, writing to the Colossians,
he says ... of the glory of the mystery in the Gentiles," which is faith and hope ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter x the opinion of the.htm