Bible Study

Despite the depth of revelations, educational qualifications and encounters with Christ, which Paul had, he still said, “That I may know Him…” (Phil. 3:10). His topmost desire was to know Christ the more. He would give everything to know Christ more excellently (Phil.3:8).This shows that in-depth knowledge of Christ is not gotten from acquisition of theological degrees or historical research: Knowing Christ deeply is revelatory (Jn. 3:27).

Colosse was a city at Phrygia in the western part of Asia Minor (i.e. present day Turkey). It was located on the Lycus River and was about 100 miles east of the city of Ephesus. It was close to the cities of Hierapolis and Laodicea (Col. 4:13; 4:16). It is believed that during the time Paul ministered in Asia, at Ephesus for two years, Epaphras was converted and took the gospel to Colosse, where he established the Church (Act. 19:10; Col. 1:7-8). It seems also that Epaphras was the one who established the Church at Laodicea and Hierapolis (Col. 4:12-13).

Fear is one of the most potent weapons often used by the devil and his cohorts. Terrorists use it to weaken their targets' confidence and create cracks in their walls of defence. In war situations, enemies use it to intimidate and weaken their opponents. Those who succumb to fear become easy targets and eventual victims.

Many believers’ today are not growing or bringing forth fruits that show the knowledge and fullness of the life of Christ in them. As a result, they are easily tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine and deceived by any false prophet or teachers (Eph. 4:11-14).