Exposition

 I. INTRODUCTION 1:1-8

 II. EXPLANATION OF THE PERSON AND WORK OF CHRIST 1:15-29

Paul next proceeded to reiterate the "full knowledge"about Jesus Christ, which the false teachers in Colosse were attacking. He did so to give his readers fuller knowledge of God's will so they would reject the false teaching of those who were demeaning Christ.

"The doctrine of Christ was the principal truth threatened by the false teaching at Colossae, and this is the doctrine Paul presents to his readers before dealing specifically with the false teaching."³⁸

 III. WARNINGS AGAINST THE PHILOSOPHIES OF MEN ch. 2

"The believer who masters this chapter is not likely to be led astray by some alluring and enticing new-and-improved brand of Christianity.'"⁹⁵

 IV. EXHORTATIONS TO PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN LIVING 3:1--4:6

 V. CONCLUSION 4:7-18

Paul concluded this epistle with personal information and instructions. He did this to bond his readers more tightly to the body of Christ from which they were in danger of separating due to the influence of the false teachers.