Oak Hollow church of Christ

Collection

Colossians

Steve & Garrett Bookout

9 Sermons

About

The Book of Colossians is a profound epistle written by the Apostle Paul around AD 60-62 while he was imprisoned in Rome. Addressed to the church in Colossae—a small city in Asia Minor—it was prompted by reports of false teachings threatening the young congregation. These heresies blended Jewish legalism, pagan philosophy, and early forms of Gnosticism, downplaying Christ's deity and promoting ascetic practices or reliance on human wisdom for spiritual growth. Paul's primary goal was to affirm the absolute supremacy and all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ as the head of the church and the creator of all things, reminding believers that in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

In its four chapters, Colossians richly unfolds Christ's preeminence over creation, reconciliation through His blood on the cross, and the believer's new identity in Him, free from ritualistic rules or mystical experiences. Paul urges the Colossians to live out this truth practically—putting off the old self, embracing virtues like compassion and forgiveness, and ordering relationships in the household under Christ's lordship. The letter closes with personal greetings and instructions, highlighting the communal nature of faith.

Today, Colossians continues to challenge Christians to center their lives fully on Christ, guarding against any teaching or philosophy that diminishes His unique role as Savior and Lord.
  • JAN 18, 2026
    Colossians 4:2-6
    Steve Bookout
    The lesson on Colossians 4:2-6 emphasizes that Christians are called to devote themselves steadfastly to prayer, being watchful and thankful in all circumstances, as prayer was a central focus of the early church. Paul urges believers to pray for open doors to share the gospel clearly, even while imprisoned, and to walk wisely toward outsiders by making the best use of time and speaking graciously. Steve Bookout illustrates these principles with personal experiences and stresses the need for humble, clear, and respectful communication of the gospel.
  • JAN 11, 2026
    Colossians 3:18-4:1
    Garrett Bookout
    The Bible class on Colossians 3:18-4:1 explores the "household codes" addressing relationships in the home—wives submitting to husbands as an act of self-lowering, husbands loving and elevating their wives without harshness, children obeying parents, fathers avoiding provocation to prevent discouragement, bondservants obeying earthly masters with sincerity as unto the Lord, and masters treating servants justly knowing they too have a heavenly Master. The instructor emphasizes mutual respect, love, and justice over power imbalances, drawing parallels to modern applications like workplaces while noting the cultural context of slavery and how Christian principles of fairness ultimately erode such systems. Discussion highlights commonalities like authority structures, emotional control, and reverence for God in all interactions, underscoring that healthy relationships thrive on elevation of others rather than self-insistence.
  • JAN 04, 2026
    Colossians 3:12-17
    Garrett Bookout
    In Colossians 3:12-17, Paul urges believers, as God's chosen and dearly loved people, to clothe themselves with virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love, which binds everything together in unity. He encourages letting the peace of Christ rule in their hearts, being thankful, and allowing the message of Christ to dwell richly among them through teaching, admonishing, and grateful singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Ultimately, whatever they do in word or deed should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
  • DEC 28, 2025
    Colossians 3:5-11
    Garrett Bookout
    Colossians 3:5-11 is part of Paul's practical exhortation to the Colossian believers on living out their new identity in Christ. Building on the truth that they have been raised with Christ (from earlier verses), Paul urges them to "put to death" sinful behaviors rooted in their old earthly nature. He lists specific vices—primarily sexual sins, greed, and interpersonal evils like anger and lying—and warns that such actions invite God's wrath. Believers are reminded that they once lived this way but have now "put off" the old self and "put on" the new self, which is being renewed in God's image. This renewal transcends ethnic, cultural, and social divisions, making Christ the unifying center of the new community.
  • DEC 21, 2025
    Colossians 2:16-3:4
    Steve Bookout
    This passage from the Apostle Paul's letter to the Colossians emphasizes Christian freedom from legalistic rules and false teachings, while urging believers to focus on their new life in Christ. Here's a concise breakdown: Colossians 2:16-23: Freedom from Judgment and Human Rules • Verses 16-17: Paul advises believers not to let anyone judge them based on dietary restrictions, religious festivals, New Moon celebrations, or Sabbath observance. These practices are mere "shadows" pointing to the true reality found in Christ. • Verses 18-19: He warns against those who promote false humility, angel worship, or mystical visions, which lead to pride and disconnection from Christ, the "Head" of the body (the church). True growth comes from holding to Christ. • Verses 20-23: Since believers have "died" with Christ to the basic principles of the world, they shouldn't submit to human-made rules like "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!" These appear wise but lack real power to curb sinful indulgence and are destined to perish. Colossians 3:1-4: Set Your Mind on Things Above • Verses 1-4: Believers are encouraged to seek things above, where Christ is seated at God's right hand, rather than earthly matters. Their old life has died, and their new life is now "hidden with Christ in God." When Christ (who is their life) appears, they will also appear with Him in glory. Overall, the passage contrasts empty religious legalism and deceptive philosophies with the fullness and supremacy of Christ, calling for a heavenly perspective that transforms daily living. This fits into the broader theme of Colossians, which combats false teachings by affirming Christ's sufficiency.
  • DEC 14, 2025
    Colossians 2:8-15
    Steve Bookout
    Paul warns against deceptive human philosophies and powerfully affirms the complete sufficiency of Christ. Through verse-by-verse exploration, group discussion, and real-life application, we'll uncover how believers are made fully alive in Him, forgiven, and victorious over spiritual powers. This session is ideal for those wanting to guard their faith against false teachings and embrace the freedom found only in Jesus.
  • DEC 07, 2025
    Colossians 2:1-7
    Steve Bookout
    Paul expresses his deep concern and great struggle for the believers in Colossae and nearby Laodicea, desiring that they be encouraged, knit together in love, and grounded in a full assurance of understanding and knowledge of Christ. He emphasizes that all true wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ alone, not in persuasive human arguments. Because the Colossians have received Jesus as Lord, they are to continue living in Him—rooted, built up, and established in the faith they were taught—overflowing with thanksgiving.
  • NOV 09, 2025
    Colossians 1:9-14
    Garrett Bookout
    Paul shares his heartfelt prayer for the believers to grow in wisdom, spiritual understanding, and a life pleasing to God. Through interactive study and discussion, we'll discover the profound truths of our inheritance in Christ—rescue from darkness, redemption, and forgiveness of sins. This session will encourage you to live with strength, patience, and joyful thanksgiving in your daily walk with the Lord.
  • NOV 02, 2025
    Colossians 1:1-8
    Garrett Bookout
    Paul greets the Colossian believers with thanksgiving. He praises God for their faith in Christ Jesus and their love for all the saints, which flow from the hope laid up for them in heaven. He emphasizes that this hope came through the true gospel they heard and believed.