Part 1 of Growing to Maturity in Christ: The Message of Colossians – This can be a very dangerous world, and from the earliest age par­ents seek to protect their children and to help them grow in maturity and judgment so that they can protect themselves. In this letter to the Christians of Colossae, the Apostle Paul plays the role of the loving parent, encouraging these believers to grow to maturity in Christ.  He begins the letter with a burst of thanksgiving for the work of God that is already evidenced in their lives.