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 Colossians Study - Part 1.This is a new series that covers the book of
Colossians. This is an important book because it is a prison epistle that is written to us. All scripture is for our learning but all scripture is not written to you.
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Colossians Study
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Date/Teacher
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Audio Format Available
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October 14, 2007
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Derek McCammon - Colossians Study - Part 1
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Lesson Handout
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October 21, 2007
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Derek McCammon - Colossians Study - Part 2
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Lesson Handout
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October 28, 2007
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Derek McCammon - Colossians Study - Part 3
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Lesson Handout
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November 4, 2007
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Derek McCammon - Colossians Study - Part 4
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Lesson Handout
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November 18, 2007
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Derek McCammon - Colossians Study - Part 5
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Lesson Handout
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November 25, 2007
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Derek McCammon - Colossians Study - Part 6
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Lesson Handout
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December 2, 2007
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Derek McCammon - Colossians Study - Part 7
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December 30, 2007
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Derek McCammon - Colossians Study - Part 8
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January 06, 2008
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Derek McCammon - Colossians Study - Part 9
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January 13, 2008
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Derek McCammon - Colossians Study - Part 10
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January 20, 2008
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Derek McCammon - Colossians Study - Part 11
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January 27, 2008
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Derek McCammon - Colossians Study - Part 12
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February 3, 2008
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Derek McCammon - Colossians Study - Part 13
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February 17, 2008
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Derek McCammon - Colossians Study - Part 14
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February 24, 2008
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Derek McCammon - Colossians Study - Part 15
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March 9, 2008
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Derek McCammon - Colossians Study - Part 16 (final)
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We don’t obey the scribes and Pharisees that sit in Moses’ seat… these instructions were to Jesus’ disciples at that time in scripture. Paul is
an apostle to the Gentiles. He didn’t start out this way… when he was called on the road to Damascus; the first place
he went to go and tell of Christ was in the Synagogue to the Jews. Paul changed during the Acts period from going to the Synagogue
and the Jews to going to the Gentiles. We see in Galatians that Paul’s ministry becomes one that was unto the uncircumcision. Galatians 2:7 (KJV) says “But contrariwise, when they saw that the
gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;” Paul’s journey to Galatians was
during the Acts period and is an example of the seven books Paul wrote during this time (those books being Galatians, 1 & 2
Corinthians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Romans, and Hebrews). The subject matter of the Acts period is the same in the books that Paul
wrote during that time… We see that in the book of Acts, from Acts 1 through Acts 28… Israel is the primary focus. Acts 1:6 (KJV)
“When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel
?” Acts 28:20 (KJV) “For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of
Israel I am bound with this chain.” Then when the Jewish elders could not come to agreement with what Paul was saying… they
departed… and that is when the salvation was sent (authorized apart from Abraham) to the Gentiles as it says so in Acts 28:28. Up
until this point, salvation was in the hands of Israel (remember it was said that salvation was out of the Jews) as it said in John 4:21-22.
After Acts 28:28, the Gentiles have been the depository of the salvation message for over 2000 years. At the close of Acts, Paul
sets aside his ministry to the Jews (circumcision) and completely dedicates himself to the ministry of the Gentles (uncircumcision).
The first book he wrote after Acts was Ephesians, where he declares this special ministry to the Gentiles. The seven books Paul
wrote after Acts 28 are the ones written specifically to us, and contain our appropriate doctrine which is what we should follow
today (these seven books are Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Titus, Philemon, 1 & 2 Timothy). The lesson on October 14, 2007 begins a new audio series on Colossians.   Click here to listen now. You may also  download a handout to review while you listen to the lesson.
 Colossians Study - Part 2. This is the
second lesson in the series on Colossians that was given on October 21, 2007. We see that Epaphras was a minister unto Colossae and we see in
chapter 1 that he has come back to Paul in Rome, who is in prison, and has expressed some concern about the doctrine that is being taught back in
Colossae. There was a Gnostic teaching at that time that Jesus was a continuation of a long string of angels
that came down from God. Epaphras wanted help in refuting this in Colossae and we see Paul’s comment about Christ in Colossians 1:15 (KJV) “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of
every creature:” Paul also warned those in Colossae that this belief would spoil them as to the reward they were to receive (look at
Colossians 2:8-10; and 2:18). And then Paul starts talking in chapter 3 & 4 of Colossians about the practical leaning of a believer, which
included the walk that should accompany the belief of the believer. The walk that is necessary to acknowledge the unique calling that
they had. Epaphras had probably heard Paul’s message to the Ephesians and he wanted more information on this special
ministry that Paul had received and was now revealing in detail to the Christian following he was responsible for in
Colossae. We know it was unique because of what was said in Colossians 1:9-10, and 1:25-26. There is a distinct
difference between the Acts period and the Ephesians period and our walk should be in relation to the doctrine of the Ephesians message which is when The Mystery was revealed. Click here to listen now for the second lesson in this series. You should also download the handout to review while you are listening.
 Colossians Study - Part 3. The lesson on October 28, 2007 is the third lesson on the
book of Colossians. We have learned that Epaphras was a strong minister unto the church at Colossae which Paul testified in Col. 4:12 who communicated to Paul his
concerns about the doctrine being taught in Colossae. The letter itself was brought to the Colossians by Tychius, who was another faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord
as is stated in Col. 4:7. Epaphras is with Paul in Rome and some say that Colossians is a sister letter to the book of Ephesians. He stated the great conflict he had for them in
Colossae and also for the Laodiceans (Col 2:1). Paul even mentions of a letter that should
be read to the Laodiceans in Col. 4:16 which is probably the book of Ephesians. When you compare the message of Ephesians and Colossians, you find that they are sister
letters in that the messages in both books are similar and complimentary therefore it behooves us to read both books
together. This is an important book because it is one of seven epistles written by Paul to the Gentiles and it is where we
find our doctrine which should establish our Christian walk. Paul even talks about this in verse 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;” This walk
is part of what Paul is praying about, as we see in verse 9…”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;” What was it that sparked this prayer? This is not the first time he mentions prayer because you see him
mention prayer in Col. 1:3 saying “We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you”.
Paul is demonstrating that prayer should be an important part of your Christian walk in that all people should be prayed for. Even our Lord said this in Luke 18:1 “…that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” which Paul is following as a faithful
steward. He even asks specifically for prayer in Col. 4:3 “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door
of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ…” Click here to listen now. You may also want to download the handout to review while you listen.
 Colossians Study - Part 4
. The lesson on November 4, 2007 continues with the fourth lesson in Colossians. In chapter 1 we have been looking at the prayer that Paul was saying to the
church at Colossae, and it has three import parts. Part one is the statement in verse 9 when he
is praying that you would have a “full knowledge” (in the Greek it’s “epignosis” (ep-ig'-no-sis);
which means recognition, i.e. (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement) of the Lord’s
will. Part two of this prayer is regarding our walk. He says in verse 10 & 11 that he wants us
to “walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing
in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all
patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.” Paul talked about the power of God in Ephesians 6:10-11…” Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on
the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Don’t
think that you can do it on your own. We get the power of God from the scriptures and that is
the armor that guards us from the wiles of the devil. Part three of this prayer is stated in verse 12, where we are to be
thankful unto the Father. Thankfulness is such an important aspect of our Christian walk. Paul wrote about this in Philippians 4:6… ”Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests
be made known unto God.” Thanksgiving is such an important part of our prayer life… as it says in Col. 1:12…“Give
thanks unto the Father, who has made us fit, who has made us acceptable, to be partakers of the inheritance of the holiest of all in light.” The actual translation of this verse says “saints”… but we emphasize here with this translation that
we are members of the body of Christ, who have been raised and seated with Christ in the heavenlies far above. We are
not looking for a kingdom here on this earth. We are not looking for heavenly Jerusalem to come down on this earth
because we have been placed in the same place as His dear Son. Click here to listen now. You
may also want to download the handout for review while you listen.
 Colossians Study - Part 5. The audio lesson for November 18, 2007 is Part 5 in this
Colossians study. The lesson discusses why Paul is praying for them in Colossae for we see
they are having problems and we see Paul’s prayer in verse 9. Colossians 1:9 (KJV) “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;”
Usually you don’t pray for a cause unless there is a complication that comes along with that
cause. When we have a cause there is a reason, and the reason explains the problem that underlies that cause. From
Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1:9-12 we see him identifying that they be filled with knowledge, that they walk worthy, and be
strengthened with all might. The hardest thing for Christians to realize is that you must be strengthened from the Lord and
not rely on your own strength. We must understand, believe, and acknowledge what Christ has given us and be
strengthened from God. God’s might was demonstrated in His resurrection of Christ when He raised Him from the dead.
This is the same power that He wrought in Christ as was told in Ephesians 1:19-20 “And what is the exceeding greatness
of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he
raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,” You have been forgiven of your sins!
God’s has forgiven you! Christ died for you and took away your sins and sits with God as the mediator between God and
yourself as stated in 1 Timothy 2:5. God is satisfied with the blood offering of Christ for us to be reconciled to God as it is said in Colossians 1:21-25. Click here to listen now. You may also want to download the handout for review while you listen.
 Colossians Study - Part 6. Colossians 1:24-29 puts before us one of the most important aspects
of our calling today and it is impossible for us to recognize this calling apart from the teaching of Paul.
Starting with verse 24, Paul is explaining the suffering he personally endured that was told to him by
God when he was converted on the road to Damascus. God said to Paul that he would suffer some
things for my sake which he is now referring to in verse 24. From the time Paul was converted in
Acts 9 through Acts 28, he had suffered many things for the hope of Israel… but that suffering
changed at the close of Acts because Paul was given a special ministry that was hidden in God,
before the foundation of the world. In Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Titus, Philemon, 1 & 2
Timothy, Paul was acting only for the body of Christ to propagate the Mystery as is referenced in
Colossians 1:25. Much of this message from Paul is overlooked by Christianity and much of this is
ignored by lumping it in with what has been promised to Israel. The fact that Christians overlook this calling is a sad thing
because God has given to us, as the body of Christ, a unique calling and unforeseen ministry in the world. Let’s take a
look at what this ministry is in Colossians 1:24-25 (KJV) “24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that
which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:25 Whereof I am made a
minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;” There are four
points to call out from verse 25: 1. Paul’s ministry as a minister. 2. A dispensation of God was given specifically to Paul. 3.
This Dispensation was given to Paul for you, and 4. This message completed the Word of God. So what is this
dispensation that Paul was given to preach to the Gentiles? Paul calls it “The Mystery”. Colossians 1:26 (KJV) says “Even
the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:” Click here to listen to the audio lesson for November 25, 2007. You may also want to learn more about The Mystery, which is your calling today. This lesson is part 6 of the study in Colossians. Be sure to download the
handout for review while you listen.
Colossians Study - Part 7. The audio lesson on December 2, 2007 is now available. Click here
to listen now. This is part 7 of a study in Colossians.
Colossians Study - Part 8. The audio lesson for December 30, 2007 is now available. Click
here to listen now. The lesson is part 8 of a study in Colossians.
Colossians Study - Part 9. The audio lesson for January 06, 2008 is now available. Click here
to listen now. The lesson is part 9 of a study in Colossians.
Colossians Study - Part 10. The audio lesson for January 13, 2008 is now available. Click here
to listen now. The lesson is part 10 of a study in Colossians.
Colossians Study - Part 11. The audio lesson for January 20, 2008 is now available. Click here
to listen now. The lesson is part 11 of a study in Colossians.
Colossians Study - Part 12. The audio lesson for January 27, 2008 is now available. Click here
to listen now. The lesson is part 12 of a study in Colossians.
Colossians Study - Part 13. The audio lesson for February 3, 2008 is now available. Click here
to listen now. The lesson is part 13 of a study in Colossians.
Colossians Study - Part 14. The audio lesson for February 17, 2008 is now available. Click
here to listen now. The lesson is part 14 of a study in Colossians.
Colossians Study - Part 15. The audio lesson for February 24, 2008 is now available. Click
here to listen now. The lesson is part 15 of a study in Colossians.
Colossians Study - Part 16 (final). The audio lesson for March 9, 2008 is now available. Click
here to listen now. The lesson is part 16 of a study in Colossians and finishes the audio series.
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Audio Lessons on “A Study in Colossians”
