GERALD PETERMAN
OUTLINE
Introduction
I. Introduction (1:1-14)
A. Greeting (1:1-2)
B. Thanksgiving (1:3-8)
C. Prayer and Digression (1:9-14)
II. Doctrinal: The Supremacy of Christ Declared (1:15–2:3)
A. Christ’s Supremacy over the Creation (1:15-17)
B. Christ’s Supremacy over the Church (1:18–2:3)
1. Christ as Head of the Church (1:18-20)
2. Christ as Reconciler of the Church (1:21-23)
3. Christ as the Source of Paul’s Ministry (1:24–2:3)
III. Polemical: The Supremacy of Christ Defended (2:4-23)
A. Christ’s Supremacy over Persuasive Argument (2:4-7)
B. Christ’s Supremacy over Vain Philosophy (2:8-15)
C. Christ’s Supremacy over Legalistic Religion (2:16-23)
IV. Practical: The Supremacy of Christ Applied (3:1–4:6)
A. Christ’s Supremacy Should Transform Authentic Followers of Christ (3:1-17)
1. Seeking Things Above (3:1-4)
2. Turning from Past Sins (3:5-11)
3. Putting on Christ-Like Virtue (3:12-17)
B. Christ’s Supremacy Should Guide Household Relations (3:18–4:1)
C. Christ’s Supremacy Should Motivate Prayer (4:2-4)
D. Christ’s Supremacy Should Affect Conduct before Outsiders (4:5-6)
V. Conclusion (4:7-18)
A. Tychicus Is Commended (4:7-9)
B. Paul’s Associates Send Greetings (4:10-14)
C. Paul Gives Last Directions (4:15-17)
D. Paul Says Farewell (4:18)