HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT A study in Colossians

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3 INTRODUCTION Welcome to our Spiritual Growth Campaign called Hidden In Plain Sight. Over these next several weeks, the people of CBC will be traveling together through the book of Colossians. We are praying that you will bear fruit, grow in knowledge and become stronger in your faith as a result of our study (see Colossians 1:9-12). We all want the best life possible, not just for ourselves, but for our families, too. We look for this best life in a wide variety of places: family, jobs, hobbies, social media, school, entertainment and the list could go on. While these are all good things, we do not find the best life in them. It feels like the best life God s best for your life is hidden. We look and look but never find it. But it is not hidden. It is actually in plain sight, and we want you to find it! This is why we have developed this Spiritual Growth Campaign and more specifically, the devotional that you hold in your hand. The best life God s best for your life comes through knowing Jesus intimately. This may strike you as odd, but it is true. A deep relationship with Jesus will impact every area of your life, and will give you peace, change your perspectives and fulfill your desires in better ways than you could ever imagine. Colossians 2:3 says through a close relationship with Jesus comes all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. The devotional segment of the Spiritual Growth Campaign is a little different than previous years. This year we have 3 options for you to choose from: the Reading Plan, the Devotional Plan, and the Bible Study Plan. The Reading and Devotional Plans are contained in this booklet. You can pick which plan will work for you.

4 INTRODUCTION The Reading Plan: We have designed a plan for you to read through the book of Colossians several times in the next six weeks. This plan will take you roughly 10 minutes a day 5 times a week. Each day you will be challenged to read a section of the book with a daily question in mind. On Friday or Saturday you have the option to read the entire book in one sitting to allow God to change your heart. The Devotional Plan: This plan is geared to those who want to go through the book of Colossians verse-by-verse and dive in a little deeper for about 20 minutes a day. In this plan you will be looking at a few verses more carefully and applying to your life. The Bible Study Plan: This is a more in-depth option for Bible study. This will require you to purchase a study guide called Life Change series by Navigators which we will make available. This will take approximately minutes a day. We are excited for our church s journey through Colossians, to build some good spiritual growth habits, to explore the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus, and to find God s best for our lives. Blessings, Darril & Bob

5 READING PLAN Week 1 Monday: Start by reading Colossians Chapter 1 only. How would you describe Paul s tone and emotions as he writes this letter? Tuesday: Read Colossians Chapter 2. Which verses stand out to you in chapter 2? Wednesday: As you read Colossians Chapter 3, notice what the Bible says has happened to you since you placed your trust in Christ. Thursday: Read Colossians Chapter 4. This is the sixth time the letter to the Colossians has mentioned giving thanks or being thankful. Why is an attitude of thankfulness so important for you? Friday/Saturday: (optional) Read the entire book of Colossians at one sitting. Which verses make an impact on you?

6 READING PLAN Week 2 Monday: Read Colossians 1:3-12. As you read, notice the content of Paul s prayer. What is he praying for? Tuesday: Read Colossians Chapter 2. What are some of the traps that Paul is trying to warn people against? Why? Wednesday: Read Colossians Chapter 3. Based on your relationship with Christ, notice how you are to act. Thursday: As you read Colossians Chapter 4, notice what Paul prays for. Friday or Saturday (optional): Read all 4 chapters of Colossians at one sitting. What seems to be Paul s main reason(s) for writing this letter? How can his letter help you today?

7 READING PLAN Week 3 Monday: Read Colossians 1: How does Paul describe Jesus in these passages? What one verse can you take with you today? Tuesday: Read Colossians Chapter 2. Record a truth or a passage that you want to apply in your life. Wednesday: As you read Colossians Chapter 3 today, notice what you are to avoid. Thursday: As you read Colossians Chapter 4, notice verse 5. What does the book of Colossians say about your conduct? Friday or Saturday (optional): Read the entire book of Colossians at one sitting. As you read it for the third time through, prayerfully engage with God by asking Him to show you truths about Jesus that you didn t previously see in this book.

8 READING PLAN Week 4: Monday: Read Colossians 1: Notice what Jesus has done for you. Take a moment to thank God. Tuesday: Read Colossians Chapter 2. Use today s reading to determine what it means to be rooted and built up in Him. Wednesday: Read Colossians Chapter 3. How would you summarize the content of this chapter? Thursday: Read Colossians Chapter 4. What do you notice about Paul s friendships? Friday or Saturday (optional): Start the weekend on a good note by reading the entire book of Colossians again. Read it today as a worshipper of God! Which verses help you to worship the Lord?

9 READING PLAN Week 5: Monday: Read Colossians Chapter 1. How might you, as a reader of this letter, be encouraged to stand strong? Tuesday: Read Colossians Chapter 2. According to 2:7, why should you be overflowing with gratitude? How can you build gratitude into your thoughts today? Wednesday: Read Colossians Chapter 3 again. What verse will you use to pray for your life today? Thursday: Read Colossians Chapter 4, focusing on verses 2-6. What does this say about how to approach nonbelievers around you? Friday or Saturday (optional): Read the entire book of Colossians at one sitting. For this reading, you may want to read Colossians in a different version of the Bible. As you read, think about which verses point to the way you act towards others.

10 READING PLAN Week 6: Monday: Read Colossians Chapter 1, focusing on verses How does Paul describe his mission? Tuesday: Read Colossians Chapter 2. What deceptive thoughts or philosophies trip you up? What does the Bible say you should do? Wednesday: Read Colossians Chapter 3: Which part of this reflects your actions and attitudes? Pray that these would be increasing in your life today. Thursday: Read Colossians Chapter 4. What passage stands out to you as you read it today? Use that passage to pray. Friday or Saturday (optional): Read the entire book of Colossians at one sitting. If you have placed your trust in Jesus, what things are true of you based upon today s reading? Congratulations! You have read through the book of Colossians 12 times.

11 The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His Presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself in the core and center of their hearts. A. W. Tozer

12 DEVOTIONAL PLAN

13 Some people like to read so many [Bible] chapters every day. I would not dissuade them from the practice, but I would rather lay my soul asoak in half a dozen verses all day than rinse my hand in several chapters. Oh, to be bathed in a text of Scripture, and to let it be sucked up in your very soul, till it saturates your heart! Charles H. Spurgeon

14 DEVOTIONAL PLAN Week 1 Overview and Thanks (Colossians 1:1-14) Monday: 1. As you begin to study the letter to the Colossians, it makes sense to examine some of the central themes so that you can understand why it was written. The central theme of this letter is summed up in the following verses: a) Chapter 1: 16, 18, 20; b) Chapter 2:9, 13-14; c) Chapter 3:11. What do these verses say about Jesus? 2. The author, Paul, didn t hesitate to repeat this theme throughout this letter. What word and ideas are repeated in the following verses? 1:15-18, 3:10 1:18-19, 2:9-10; 3:11 1:9-10, 26-28; 2:2-3; 3:10, 16; 4:3 3. Think about the various areas of your life such as relationships, entertainment, finances, job, school, or leisure time. Colossians 1:18 says that Jesus is to be first place in everything. Think about each area of your life one by one. Is Jesus first in each of these areas of your life?

15 DEVOTIONAL PLAN Week 1 Overview and Thanks (Colossians 1:1-14) Monday (continued): 4. Take a moment to be quiet before the Lord, and ask Him to gently reveal areas over the next several weeks where He may not be first in your life. Or, if you realize some areas now, ask Him to help you move Him into first place in those areas.

16 DEVOTIONAL PLAN Week 1 Overview and Thanks (Colossians 1:1-14) Tuesday: 1. The Colossian church was in jeopardy from various philosophies and religious teaching of the day. What does Colossians 2:1-9 tell you about the teachings that were present in that culture? 2. What does Colossians 2:16-19 tell you about false teaching that had infiltrated the church? 3. Read Colossians 2:20-23, and you will see that Jewish legalism had also worked its way into the church. If Christianity is reduced to a list of rules, how could that lead a church astray? 4. Read Colossians 2:6-7. How does a proper understanding of Jesus and the good news of the Gospel help you to live in freedom?

17 DEVOTIONAL PLAN Week 1 Overview and Thanks (Colossians 1:1-14) Wednesday: 1. Take a few moments to read Colossians 1:1-8. Take note of the audience to whom this is written. 2. Paul calls them faithful brothers. What are some of the characteristics of faithfulness that he notes in this section? 3. According to verse 5, hope seems to form the foundation for love and faith. What is hope, and why must it come first before love and faith? 4. What worldly struggles do you face? How do the gospel and the truths about Jesus provide you with hope to face worldly struggles? 5. How has the gospel been bearing fruit and growing in you since you first heard and understood it? 6. Specifically, how are hope, faith, and love growing in your life?

18 DEVOTIONAL PLAN Week 1 Overview and Thanks (Colossians 1:1-14) Thursday: 1. Read Paul s prayer for the Colossians in verses 1:9-12. What is Paul praying for in these verses? 2. What specific steps have you taken to grow in knowledge, spiritual wisdom and understanding? 3. Why is growing in knowledge so important for you in your battle against doubt and trials? 4. How does Paul say the Colossians will know they are pleasing to God (1:10-12)? 5. According to these verses, how can you know when you are pleasing God and being fruitful? 6. Is there someone (or yourself) for whom you would like to pray this same prayer right now?

19 DEVOTIONAL PLAN Week 1 Overview and Thanks (Colossians 1:1-14) Friday: 1. Read Colossians 1:13-14 prayerfully. 2. To understand the domain of darkness read Ephesians 2:1-3 and Romans 6: The word domain means authority, jurisdiction, or power. What are some of the things you notice are true of this domain the domain that you were in before Christ? 3. Paul uses the word rescued to describe what Jesus did for you. From what were you rescued? 4. Why do many people enjoy the domain of darkness, and why don t they want to be rescued? 5. Read Ephesians 2:4-10 and Colossians 1:14. How is your new life different from your old life? 6. Go back and read Colossians 1:12. Take a moment and thank God that He has qualified, rescued, and transferred you, and that you can enjoy redemption and forgiveness in your new kingdom.

20 DEVOTIONAL PLAN Week 2: Hymn to Christ (Colossians 1:15-23) Monday: 1. The letter to Colossians was read out loud to the church at one gathering. Find a quiet place, pour a cup of coffee, and take some time to read the entire letter to the Colossians at one sitting. Imagine yourself listening to it for the first time. As you read, notice how Paul describes Jesus.

21 Week 2: Hymn to Christ (Colossians 1:15-23) Tuesday: 1. Read Colossians 1: List the different titles and descriptions of Jesus. What do these titles and names tell you? 2. Paul most likely wrote this letter when he was under house arrest. How would his understanding of Jesus help him (and you) to face various trials? 3. How does the world around you view Jesus? What things or people can seem to be more powerful than Jesus? What does verse 16 have to say about these false ideas? 4. Each statement about Jesus in this section refutes the teaching of the day. How would this knowledge of Christ help to refute beliefs your friends and neighbors might have about Jesus?

22 Week 2: Hymn to Christ (Colossians 1:15-23) Wednesday: 1. Today, take a moment and prayerfully read Colossians 1: Notice how many times all or all things is mentioned. What is Jesus relationship to all things? Why is this emphasized? 2. Think about a difficult situation that you are facing. How can you experience a greater sense of peace knowing that Jesus controls everything? 3. The Bible says you were created by Jesus and for Him (v. 16). What does this say about how you use your resources, time, talent, and energy? What does this say about how you use your mind? What does this say about how you care for your body and use your strength? 4. What can you do today to live for Him?

23 Week 2: Hymn to Christ (Colossians 1:15-23) Thursday: 1. Take a moment today to read Colossians 1: What is it that pleases God or makes Him smile? 2. Why do all things need to be reconciled to God (Romans 5:6-11)? 3. What does Colossians 1:19-20 say about God s purposes? 4. God s desire is to restore wholeness and order in a broken world. How did Jesus help bring wholeness to your relationships, emotions, purposes, or thinking? 5. What part do you play in helping others experience restoration and wholeness? Is there something you can do today to help bring about God s purpose of reconciliation or restoration?

24 Week 2: Hymn to Christ (Colossians 1:15-23) Friday: 1. Read Colossians 1: According to verse 21, how did God see you before you were brought back into a relationship with Him? Why were you said to be alienated and an enemy of God s? 2. What are the similarities between Colossians 1:21-23 and Ephesians 2:1-3? 3. If you have placed your trust in Christ, what changes have occurred in your relationship with God? How does God see you now? 4. Meditate on the reality that if you placed your trust in Christ, God sees you as 100% holy, without a blemish, and free from any accusation. What is your reaction to this truth?

25 Week 3: Living for Christ (Colossians 1:24-2:23) Monday: 1. Read the entire letter to the Colossians. According to this letter, what are some of the elements that make up a godly life?

26 Week 3: Living for Christ (Colossians 1:24-2:23) Tuesday: 1. Read Colossians 1:24-29 and notice how much Paul communicates his concern and care for the Colossians. How does he describe his mission and calling? 2. Read 2 Corinthians 11:23-33 and Colossians 1:24. Paul suffers for the sake of the people in the church. What is it that motivates him to live sacrificially? 3. Look up 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 and Colossians 1:24. Why do you think Paul rejoiced in suffering and serving the church? 4. According to Colossians 1:28-29, how does Paul help people become perfect or mature? 5. Even if you are not in a formal teaching or leadership position, what can you do to help Christians around you (in your family, work, or church) become more mature in Christ?

27 Week 3: Living for Christ (Colossians 1:24-2:23) Wednesday: 1. Read Colossians 2:1-5. In your own words, what does Paul want for the church in Colossae? If you were to rewrite this section, how would you rewrite his desire for them? 2. As Paul writes that he is struggling and straining for the churches, he is sitting in prison. In what ways do you think he is straining for them? 3. What does Paul want to accomplish through his struggles for them? 4. Based on Paul s example, how can you struggle with God s energy for your fellow Christians and your church to achieve what Paul describes in 2:2-3?

28 Week 3: Living for Christ (Colossians 1:24-2:23) Thursday: 1. Read Colossians 2:6-15 today. Notice what your responsibilities entail. 2. What do you think Paul meant when he told the Colossians that they were to be rooted and built up in Him? 3. The Colossians dealt with different philosophies, traditions and worldly principles than you do. What are some of the worldly thoughts of today that entangle Christians? 4. What part of Colossians 2:3, 6-15 could help you to overcome these entanglements? 5. What helps you to sink your roots and build the foundation of your faith deeper?

29 Week 3: Living for Christ (Colossians 1:24-2:23) Friday: 1. Read Colossians 2: Notice what the false teachers were trying to do. What were the religious people trying to use to demonstrate how good they are? Why? 2. What are some rules and regulations religious groups place on people today that are not central to the Gospel (2:18-19)? 3. What are the results of trying to base your relationship with God on rules and regulations? 4. Paul is telling the Colossians that following religious rules and regulations doesn t change someone s heart. If these don t, then what does (Galatians 5:16-17; Ephesians 5:17-18; Colossians 3:15-16)? 5. How do the following verses (1:21-22; 2:13-14) help to refute these false doctrines?

30 Week 4: Dressed in Holy Clothes (3:1-3:17) Monday: 1. The letter has taken a turn from doctrinal issues in Chapters 1-2 to practical living in Chapters 3-4. Paul writes since or therefore to summarize the first two chapters. What is Paul summarizing in Chapters 1 and 2? 2. How does your understanding of Jesus shape your life today? 3. What are the similarities among Colossians 3:1, Romans 6:3-4, 11-14, and Galatians 2:20? 4. How can knowing that you are united with Christ shape your day? 5. How does it help you to set your heart and mind on things above?

31 Week 4: Dressed in Holy Clothes (3:1-3:17) Tuesday: 1. Read Colossians 3:1-4. What are some of the ways Paul suggests for you to grow in your faith? 2. How do these contrast to what is listed in Colossians 2:16-23? 3. How do you think setting your heart and mind on things above would help you to be more like Jesus? 4. What are the characteristics of a person who sets his or her heart and mind on things above? 5. What is an example of setting your heart and mind on things above? What would this look like for you in a normal day?

32 Week 4: Dressed in Holy Clothes (3:1-3:17) Wednesday: 1. Take a moment to read Colossians 3:5-11. How are the vices listed in verse 5 related to one another? 2. Are there similarities between the other vices listed in 3:8-9? 3. Does Paul think sexual immorality is worse than anger or lying? Why or why not? 4. Paul uses strong language ( put to death in 3:5), to say that every believer must make a conscious decision to eliminate everything that is contrary to godliness. Why don t most people react to sin in this way? 5. Are putting off and putting on a one-time decision or an ongoing process? 6. What attitudes, habits, or tendencies do you need to put to death today? What part of the new self do you want to put on today?

33 Week 4: Dressed in Holy Clothes (3:1-3:17) Thursday: 1. According to Colossians 3:12-14, what type of attitude does God expect from a Christ follower? 2. Would those closest to you say that these attitudes characterize you? Why or why not? 3. Just like changing clothes every day, you need to clothe yourselves with these attitudes daily. What can you do to remember to put on these attitudes every day? 4. Which aspect of Christ s character do you need to clothe yourself with in relation to your spouse, your kids, workmates, or friends inside or outside of church?

34 Week 4: Dressed in Holy Clothes (3:1-3:17) Friday: 1. Read Colossians 3:15-17; Romans 5:1 and Philippians 4:7. How can the peace (that is, the rest or security) that Christ gives rule in your heart? 2. Read John 14:27. What is it that tends to trouble you, steal your peace, or cause you to worry? What do you think is the difference between the peace that Jesus leaves with you and the peace the world offers? Pray for His peace. 3. Notice in Colossians 3:15 that this peace is not only supposed to govern your heart but also to spill over into the lives of others in the church. Why is this so important? 4. Read Colossians 3:12-13, Peace, thankfulness, unity, love, forgiveness, compassion, humility, gentleness all flow from a heart controlled by God s Word.

35 Week 4: Dressed in Holy Clothes (3:1-3:17) Friday (continued): 5. The word dwell means to live in or be at home. What can you do to allow God s word to richly dwell in you? 6. Would you say that Christ s peace rules in your heart or that His Word richly dwells in you today? Why or why not? Are there specific changes that you need to make? What action steps will you take to make this happen?

36 Week 5: How to live at home (3:18-4:1) Monday: 1. Read Colossians 3: Paul creates a framework for Christian relationships. What are the three relationships he focuses on in this section? 2. Submission means to yield one s own rights. How does Philippians 2:3-8 exemplify submission? 3. Read Ephesians 5:21-6:4 and Colossians 3: How do you think this requirement sets the pattern for the relationship between a husband and a wife? 4. Why is it fitting in the Lord to submit to one s husband? What are some examples of acts that would not be fitting in the Lord? 5. If you are married, what ways can you be more loving or respectful to your spouse? 6. Are there other ways you can be more loving and respectful to your spouse?

37 Week 5: How to live at home (3:18-4:1) Tuesday: 1. Read Colossians 3:19. What specific responsibilities of a husband toward a wife do you find here? 2. How is Christ a perfect example of how each partner should respond to one another (3:18-19)? 3. The word harsh or embittered in 3:19 means the husband is to stop being bitter. How does this relate to Colossians 3:8, 12-14? 4. Read Ephesians 5: What are some other responsibilities the husband must own? 5. What happens in a marriage when either spouse does not follow the commands of Colossians 3:18-19? 6. The word for love in Colossians 3:19 implies a continuous selfless love and not a passionate or convenient love. How does this type of love reflect the love that Jesus showed in Philippians 3:3-8? 7. How can you model this selfless love to someone around you?

38 Week 5: How to live at home (3:18-4:1) Wednesday: 1. Read Colossians 3: How is this similar to Ephesians 6:1-2? What are the similarities between honor and obedience? 2. The word for obedience in Colossians 3:20 signifies an ongoing obedience that is never to stop. What does this imply for the way you interact with your parents? 3. Of course, you may have to disobey a parent if what they are asking is outside of God s will, but what is the ultimate objective in obeying your parent (Ephesians 6:1-3; Colossians 3:20)? 4. If you are a child, are there things you need to do to show respect, love, and obedience to your parents?

39 Week 5: How to live at home (3:18-4:1) Thursday: 1. Look at Colossians 3:21 again today. Why does the Bible single out fathers as the ones who are not supposed to discourage their children? 2. Why is the father-child relationship so significant in a child s understanding of our Heavenly Father? 3. What are some specific ways that fathers discourage their children? 4. How can parents (especially fathers) avoid discouraging their children? Name some specific ways.

40 Week 5: How to live at home (3:18-4:1) Friday: 1. As you read Colossians 3:22-4:1 think of a relationship between an employer and employee. What attitudes are employees to have toward their work? 2. Think of the most mundane or difficult aspects of your work at home or your place of employment. How do the phrases whatever you do and all your heart (3:23) say your attitude and work ethic should be? 3. Why are a hard-work ethic, proper attitude, and respectful language so important for your witness at work? 4. According to Colossians 3:24, do you think God notices your heart and little things you do while at work? What is it that will be rewarded?

41 Week 5: How to live at home (3:18-4:1) Friday (continued): 5. Even when it seems you may be getting a raw deal at work, what does Colossians 3:24-4:1 say about God making everything right? 6. If you are managing people, what does Colossians 4:1 say about how you are to treat them? 7. Are there attitudes or things you need to change in your approach to your job?

42 Week 6: conclusion (Colossians 4:2-18) Monday: 1. Take a few moments and meditate on Colossians 4:2. What are the three aspects of prayer that you are to build into your prayer life? 2. Read Romans 12:12, Ephesians 6:18, and 1 Thessalonians 5:17. What are the similarities between these passages? How do they relate to Colossians 4:2? 3. The word devoted means to be courageously persistent or to hold fast and not let go. This doesn t mean to constantly vocalize your prayers, but to relate every moment in life to God. How can you build this into your day today? 4. Look at Luke 12:35-48; 1 Peter 5:8-9 and Colossians 4:2. Why do you think you are to keep alert in prayer? 5. Why is thankfulness such an important part of prayer? 6. Take a moment to say thank you to your Heavenly Father for the good things He has given to you.

43 Week 6: conclusion (Colossians 4:2-18) Tuesday: 1. Read Colossians 4:2-6. In advancing the Gospel, what role does prayer play (v. 2-4)? 2. What role does care for others and wise living play in your witness and paving the way for the Gospel to be heard by your friends (v.5)? 3. How can you demonstrate your care and concern for someone around you today? 4. Give some examples of conversations that are always full of grace. Look at Colossians 3:8-9 for negative examples, and both Ephesians 4:29 and Colossians 3:16-17 for positive examples. 5. Read Colossians 4:5-6 and 1 Peter 3: How do your interactions with non-christians reflect these principles? 6. What opportunities do you have with unbelievers? What is your reputation among them? How do they see you? Are your conversations full of grace or of condemnation? Are they seasoned with salt or bitterness? Are you prepared to answer the questions of unbelievers hearts?

44 Week 6: conclusion (Colossians 4:2-18) Wednesday: 1. As you read Colossians 4:7-18, what do you learn about Paul s friendships? 2. Aristarchus was a Macedonian Jew; Onesimus was a slave; Epaphras was a native Colossian pastor; Nympha was a Laodicean woman. What do these facts tell you about the effect of the gospel? 3. What message do you think was communicated to outsiders by the relationships among the believers mentioned here (John 13:34-35, Colossians 4:7-18)? 4. If Paul were to commend your work in the ministry to others, what would he write? 5. Paul operated with a team. What does this imply for you and your ministry? 6. Of the qualities listed to describe these people, which ones would you like to have stated about

45 Week 6: conclusion (Colossians 4:2-18) Thursday: 1. Read through the four chapters of Colossians. One of the major topics of the letter is Christ s superiority. Summarize what the letter has to say about this. 2. What are the things He is superior to?

46 Week 6: conclusion (Colossians 4:2-18) Friday: 1. You are finished! Congratulations! Paul tells the Colossians (1:3, 12; 2:7; 3:15, 17; 4:2) that giving thanks is important. Why is thankfulness so important? 2. How does thankfulness change you? 3. How does a thankful attitude impact those around you? Family? Co-workers? Friends? 4. In this study over the last six weeks, what are ways that you have grown? Give thanks for those lessons God has taught you.

47 Congratulations! You have completed the Devotional Plan. We pray you have grown in your personal walk with God through studying His Word. If you have any questions or thoughts that have come to your mind during this study and you would like to talk about them please me at Sincerely, Bob Guilford

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