While most of the epistle is spent dealing with matters of hope and glory, Paul does take occasion in this epistle to deal with error of which he has been made aware. Likely a great majority of the brethren in Colossae were faithful to the cause, but evil was beginning to sneak in and Paul, in being made aware of it, wanted to expose it before it captured too many souls. It is inferred from Colossians 2:16-23 that there were false teachers who were trying to persuade some of the Christians to worship angels, abstain from meats, observe Jewish rites, and put their bodies through the endurance of long fasts. These errors limited the sufficiency of Christ and His will, and thus Paul wrote to correct these matters. He spent a very limited amount of time blatantly exposing this error, but the rest of the book is spent refuting it by revealing the marvelous truth that Christ and Christ alone is the hope of glory (Colossians 1:21-29). Thus in each and every chapter does Paul address the great need man has for Christ and how that need can be satisfied.
First, in Colossians 1, Paul tells the Colossians to walk worthy of the Lord. “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; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God…” (Colossians 1:9-10). It is an honor beyond measure to be able to be called a child of God and servant of Christ, one of which we are not worthy, but should make everyday a continued attempt to be worthy of it by faithfully submitting to His will. We need Christ, thus we should walk in Christ.
Second, in Colossians 2, Paul tells the Colossians to be rooted in the Lord. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:6-7). Often are the words sung: “We have an anchor that keeps the soul, steadfast and sure while the billows role. Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.” That is a blessing only enjoyed by anchoring ourselves, or rooting ourselves in Christ; literally digging in our heels and steadfastly standing. We need Christ, thus we should be rooted in Christ.
Third, in Colossians 3, Paul tells the Colossians to seek the things of the Lord. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:1-2). Christ was not concerned with things carnal, neither caters to those who are concerned with things carnal. What He does offer, though, are blessings eternal and if we will make those things eternal the object of our affections then we will be seeking the things of the Lord. We need Christ, thus we should seek what He has to offer.
Then, fourth, in Colossians 4, Paul tells the Colossians to enjoy the fellowship in the Lord. In Colossians 4:7-15, Paul makes reference to a number of God’s faithful servants with whom the Colossians were familiar and says to salute them (literally greet, embrace, or enfold them). Christian fellowship is one of the great blessings found in Christ, one that can be enjoyed both now and eternally and should be taken advantage of at every available opportunity. We need Christ, thus we should enjoy the fellowship found in Him.
In this great book Paul set out to prove and did prove that Christ alone is supremely glorious. The mechanics of man pertaining to the soul will fail, but Christ forevermore shall stand victorious. Put your trust in Him and enjoy the eternal glory He offers.