Message of Colossians and Philemon: Fullness And Freedom

Paul's letter to the Christians at Colossae emphasizes that fullness and freedom are aspects of Christian life that can only be found in Christ alone. It applies these themes to the complex situation of Onesimus and Philemon, teaching us about the relationship of the gospel to social concerns. Dick Lucas highlights these objective truths, enabling us to see the riches that are ours in Christ and the irrelevance of all would-be improvements on what God has done.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 201 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2020
Publisher: Inter-Varsity Press

Fullness and freedom are two essential aspects of Christian life that we all seek to experience. In his letter to the Christians in Colossae, Paul delved deeply into these concepts, addressing the false teachings of certain new teachers who claimed that mere Christianity was insufficient. They suggested that there was a greater experience and liberation available, something that Paul firmly disagreed with. He emphasized that God's fullness is found solely in Christ and that it is only through his complete work that we can be set free.

Paul's letter to Philemon is particularly interesting as it is both a personal letter to a friend and a message intended for the church in Philemon's house. This letter applies the themes of fullness and freedom found in the gospel to the complex situation of Onesimus, a former slave who had turned to Christianity and returned to his master, Philemon. The letter offers valuable insights into the relationship between the gospel of Christ and social concerns, themes that are still relevant today.

In his exposition of the letter, Dick Lucas highlights the great objective truths of the faith, enabling us to see both the riches that are ours in Christ and the irrelevance of all would-be improvements on what God has done. He emphasizes that we should not seek to add to or modify the gospel but rather embrace it as it is, recognizing its power to transform lives and bring hope to the world.

Through this letter, we learn that fullness and freedom are not merely abstract concepts but are found in the person of Jesus Christ. We are called to live in the fullness of God's grace and to walk in freedom from sin and oppression. We are also reminded that the gospel has the power to bring healing and reconciliation to broken relationships, such as the one between Onesimus and Philemon.

In conclusion, Paul's letter to Philemon is a powerful testament to the fullness and freedom found in the gospel. It reminds us that we should seek to live in accordance with the teachings of Christ and to embrace the fullness of God's grace. By doing so, we can experience the greatest freedom and fulfillment in our lives.

Weight: 282g
Dimension: 139 x 216 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789742138