Colossians Growing a Faith that is Strong Contents: Before you begin... pg. 3 Introduction to Colossians pg. 4 Session 1 1:1-14 pg. 5 Faith Session 2 1:15-23 pg. 10 Christ Session 3 1:24-2:5 pg. 15 Discipleship Session 4 2:6-23 pg. 23 Self-Righteousness Session 5 3:1-4:1 pg. 25 Transformation Session 6 4:2-18 pg. 30 Witness How to use this study: This guide is designed to be used for individual or group study. Included you will find the Text (taken from the NIV) for Colossians, Study Notes to be used as needed, as well as Group Discussion questions to help apply the material to daily life. Before every meeting: To get the most out of this study, you will need to prepare before you participate in a discussion. Before meeting with the other members of your group take time to 1) read through the text. As you read, pay attention to words that are used more than once. Repeated words are called key words and help unlock the meaning of the passage. 2) Review the study notes. These notes provide added insights or deeper explanations. And finally, 3) answer the group discussion questions on your own. During every meeting: This study is not designed to be a lecture, but a discussion. When you meet as a group be ready to join the conversation. Simply start with the first question in the Group Discussion section and refer to study notes as needed. 2 P a g e
Before you begin the study... The best way to start studying Colossians is to read it through in one setting. This helps identify the audience, get a feel for the flow of thought, as well as discover the author s purpose in writing. Follow the steps below prior to starting Session 1. a) Read through the Introduction to Colossians b) Read through the entire book of Colossians. c) As you read, underline each time the word all is used in the letter. d) Once you have done that, summarize Paul s purpose for writing this book (use the space below). 3 P a g e
Introduction to Colossians: Author: This letter is written by Paul to the church in Colossae. Paul had persecuted Christ followers before his conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-31). After his conversion Paul had been sent out by the Apostles on three missionary journeys to establish churches throughout Asia Minor and Greece. Eventually Paul was arrested as he tirelessly worked to fulfill the mission God gave him. At the time of this letter was written Paul was under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:16-31). Audience: The Church in Colossae is not a well-known church in the New Testament. If not for this letter from Paul, the church would not have been mentioned at all. However, Paul became aware of the Church in Colossae because a man named Epaphras went to visit him in Rome (Colossians 1:7-8). Epaphras was a Colossian who had been converted by Paul while he was in Ephesus (perhaps along with Philemon) and eventually started the church. After false teachers began to infiltrate the body of believers in Colossae, Epaphras went to Rome to seek help from Paul. Purpose: Paul s purpose for writing this letter was to address several false teachings that had been developing in the Church as well as to encourage the Colossians to focus on Christ. The false ideas being introduced were an early form of Gnosticism (a complex belief system which blended elements of Judaism and mysticism). The Gnostics believed the way to salvation came through the attainment of secret knowledge rather than through faith in Christ. The Gnostic belief system included: Ceremonialism- Adherence to old ritualistic beliefs of the Jews. Asceticism- The belief that the path of enlightenment comes by living without any worldly pleasure or comforts. The Depreciation of Christ- The belief that Christ was less than God. Mysticism- a Greek belief that there was secret knowledge that man needed to strive to learn. Worship of Angels. God could be reached only through angelic beings. Paul wanted to establish the truth that Christ is the only way to salvation and that religious experience should never replace having a relationship with Christ. Paul also wanted to make it openly known that the gift of grace was for all people not just for a select few (Colossians 2:2). 4 P a g e
Session 1 FAITH Colossians 1:1-14 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace and peace to you from God our Father. 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel 6 that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God s grace in all its truth. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit. 9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10 And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 5 P a g e
Session 1 FAITH Study Notes: 1:3 We always thank God/pray for you Paul wanted the Colossian believers to know that he and the other believers with him prayed and gave thanks for them on a regular basis. Paul s constant prayer life was something that gave him strength and he wanted the Colossian believers to gain encouragement by knowing that he was praying for them. Paul opened most of his letters this way (1 Cor. 1:4, 1 Th. 1:2, 1 Tim. 1:12 etc.). 1:5 faith... love... hope. This triad of Christian graces is arranged and expanded upon in various ways throughout the New Testament (Rom. 5:1-5; 1 Cor. 13:13; Gal. 5:5-6; Eph. 4:2-5; 1 Thess. 5:8; Heb. 6:10-12; 1 Pet. 1:3-8). The center of the Christian faith is Jesus Christ; the essence of its lifestyle is love; and the sure hope of a future with Christ is its motivation. Word of truth, the gospel Because the Bible is the inerrant and inspired words of God, it is truth. Paul brought the Colossians the truth of the gospel as opposed to the heresy of the false teachers. No matter what interesting ideas they heard, the believers must hold on to the truth as it was taught to them, rejecting anything contradictory. 1:6 Bearing fruit and growing The good news of Christ is something that is alive and can reach out wherever it is spread. Within 30 years after Jesus resurrection, the gospel had spread from Palestine throughout the Roman Empire. Bearing fruit meant people were not only hearing the gospel, but lives were being changed. 1:9 Knowledge of his will Paul s pray for his audience was that they would be filled with the genuine understanding of God s plan. Also Paul is reestablishing the fact that there is a true wisdom and knowledge that God has for them instead of the false teachings of the heretics. Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding There is wisdom and understanding that only comes from the Spirit of God (1 Cor. 12:7). We only need to ask God for discernment and direction no matter what we are going through and God will help guide our steps. This is another contrast to the secret knowledge that the false teachers claimed was only available to a select few. The gifts of God are given freely to all those who have faith and that faith is not obtained by works so that none may boast (Eph. 2:8-9). 1:10 6 P a g e
Live a life worthy of the Lord Our behavior should match our status as God s holy people. In order to grow spiritually and live a life worthy of the Lord a believer must follow closely to God and be transformed to Christlikeness. 1:12 Qualified It is only through the Father that we are able to be called Sons and Daughters of Him. Some of the heretics in Colossae were trying to say that people were only able to gain acceptance by working for it. We must remember it is only through God and the work that He did in Christ on the Cross that we are made righteous and gain adoption into the family of God. Share in the Inheritance of the Saints This refers to the fact that through the death and resurrection of Christ we have been made into sons and daughters of God the Father. As such we have been made into coheirs with Christ and are able to gain all the riches and glory of Heaven that God has given to Him. 1:14 Redemption, the forgiveness of sins The goal of Christ s death and resurrection was to redeem man to God by the forgiveness of sins. God s goal was not to reveal some secret knowledge to man as the heretics were trying to say but to remove the barrier of sin that was between man and God. 7 P a g e
Group Discussion: Open: In what area of your life have you worked hard to build a reputation? Explain. Professional career Family life Community involvement Personal character Spiritual growth Hobbies / Sports Other Read: Colossians 1:1-14 1. What kind of reputation did Paul say the believers in the church of Colossae had developed among the community of believers (3-6)? How might these words of affirmation have been received by those who were dealing with the Gnostic heresies described in this study s introduction? 2. Who or what contributed to the Colossians growing faith (see vs. 7-9)? Who or what has helped you to grow in faith? 3. The word all appears 28 times in only 98 verses throughout the letter to the Colossians and is more than a coincidence it emphasizes an important spiritual truth. Write down the various ways the word all is used in each of the following verses? a) vs. 6a b) vs. 6b c) vs. 9 d) vs. 11 By using the word all so frequently, what point do you believe Paul was trying to drive home with his audience concerning faith and spiritual growth? 8 P a g e
4. Paul wrote to instruct his audience, but he was more than a teacher; he prayed for them daily. What four specific things did Paul pray in order that the Church in Colossae would continue to live in a way that pleases God (vs. 10-12)? a) Bearing fruit in... b) Growing in... c) Being strengthened with... d) Joyfully giving... 5. Looking at the answers from question 5 in which area do you feel like you are hitting the target? In which area of your faith journey would you like someone to pray for you? 6. Paul uses much of the opening section of his letter to encourage the Colossian Christians who were beginning to have doubts about their own faith (vs. 13-14). When are you most likely to get discouraged in your walk with the Lord? When life circumstances get difficult. When others start to criticize my beliefs or introduce new spiritual ideas. When I wrestle with on-going temptation. When there is a lack of spiritual community and accountability in my life. When God seems distant. What does the opening section of the letter tell us about the way we, as Christians, are to reach out to fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who may be struggling in their faith? 7. What is one thing you hope to gain by going through the study of Colossians? I would like to......know God in a more personal way....understand more of God s Word....be strengthened with the power of God....belong to a group that will encourage me....other. 9 P a g e
Session 2 CHRIST Text: Colossians 1:15-23 15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. 21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because off your evil behavior. 22But now he has reconciled you by Christ s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation 23if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. 10 P a g e
Session 2 CHRIST Study Notes: 1: 15 Image of the invisible God Although God is invisible or unable to be seen by human eyes (John 1:18), Jesus was God in human form. More importantly, Jesus is God s representation, his essence; this is why Jesus says in John 14:9 that Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. Firstborn of all creation The term firstborn does not refer to time, but to place or status. Jesus Christ was not the first being created, since He Himself is the Creator of all things. Firstborn simply means of first importance, of first rank. 1:16-1:17 By him/for him all things were created These repeated phrases serve to reinforce Christ s supremacy over all creation, visible (nature, man, etc.) and invisible (angels, Satan, etc.). All things are under the authority of Jesus, including those who were trying to lead the church of Colossae astray. 1:18 He is the beginning and the firstborn from among dead Jesus was the first to die and come back from the dead both physically and spiritually. All who trust in him will also defeat death and rise again to live eternally with him. 1:19 God was please to have all his fullness dwell in him The word fullness here means the sum total of God s divine nature. The fullness of God permanently resides in the man Jesus Christ because he is indeed God. Jesus is sufficient to reconcile us to God and bring us into right relationship with him. This truth was especially helpful for the Colossians because of the false teachings that denied the sufficiency of Jesus in His Godhood. 1:20 Reconciled... Reconciliation means reestablishing a relationship, causing a relationship to become friendly and peaceable when it has not been so. 1:21 Alienated from God/ enemies in your minds in their actions/behavior, desires, and attitudes, the Colossians were once distant and estranged from God. Their minds were controlled by the sinful nature and in direct contradiction and incompatibility with God (Romans 8:5, 7). 1:22 11 P a g e
Christ s physical body Christ s death on the cross is the sacrifice that atones or makes amends for our sin. Christ s physical body refers to his human body. One of the heresies of the Colossians day denied the humanity of Christ, Paul makes it clear that Jesus was both God (spirit) and man (flesh). Holy in sight/without blemish/free from accusation When we are reconciled to Christ we have a new identity. We are no longer evil or sinners, we are holy and in right standing with God. We are no longer stained or blemished by sin, but we are clean, pure and innocent. We are free from the accusation of sin. All of these qualities the false teachers in Colosse tried to attain through religious activity - but holiness, freedom from accusation, etc. can only be attained through the redemption of Christ. 1:23 If you continue in your faith, established/firm/not moved Continuing in faith means staying true to the truth of the Gospel of redemption through the death of Jesus Christ (Romans 5:8,10). If the Colossians hold on to the truth that Jesus sacrifice is a complete work that brings them into right relationship with God, then they will have a pure faith that is untainted by the falsehoods and heresy being impressed upon them. By holding onto Christ they have a strong foundation and will not be led astray. 12 P a g e
Group Discussion: Open: What words or images come to mind as you think about Jesus Christ? Read: Colossians 1:15-23 1. During the first century, there were several false teachings about Christ being introduced to the church. Paul addressed each one in the second half of chapter 1. Look through the list below and determine which false statements are still accepted today. False teachers (the Gnostics) believed... a) God did not create the world because He would not have created evil. b) Because all matter is evil, a holy God would not come to the earth in bodily form. c) Christ was not God but rather one of many intermediaries between God and people. d) Christ was not the only way to God, instead people could find God through special or secret knowledge. What other persuasive arguments have you heard today that can pull people away from putting their hope and trust in Christ? 2. Paul spoke with authority on the subject of Christ because he had actually met Jesus on the road to Damascus (see Acts 9:1-9). What benefit would Paul s personal experience have been to the believers in Colossae? What could you say to someone who wanted to know why you have put your faith in Christ? 3. One of the challenges the Colossian church was facing had to do with the Gnostic teaching claiming Jesus was a created being. How did Paul refute this idea (vs. 15-17)? When do you most need to be reminded of the truth that in him all things hold together : Natural disasters Political tension Personal difficulties Other 13 P a g e
4. Paul mentions the Holy Spirit only once in Colossians (1:8). By contrast, he speaks of Christ repeatedly. I seems like the false teachers in Colossae were more focused on being spiritual at the expense of being a follower of Christ. What is the danger of seeking spiritual knowledge while at the same time de-emphasizing Christ (vs. 18-20)... a)...in relation to the church? b)...in relation to God? b)...in relation to sin? 5. In His love God took the initiative to do what we could not do for ourselves by sending His Son to pay the penalty for our sins (vs. 21-22). The sacrifice of Christ allows those who follow Him to have peace with God. Is it okay for a Christ follower to continue to wallow in their past sins, habits, failures, or shortcomings? What would you say to someone who feels they are not good enough to receive God s grace? 6. Paul challenged his audience to continue in faith so they would not be moved from the hope they had in Christ. Read Hebrews 12:2-3 and discuss the role Jesus plays in your faith journey? What are some specific steps you can take this week to fix your eyes on Christ so that you will not become weary in following Him? 7. Looking back through this section of Paul s letter, which verse describing the character and power of Christ, has the most meaning for you today? Explain. 14 P a g e
Session 3 DISCIPLESHIP Colossians 1:24-2:5 24 Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 29 To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. 2 I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. 15 P a g e
Session 3 DISCIPLESHIP Study Notes 1:24 Rejoice in what was suffered It may sound strange that someone would rejoice in any type of suffering but here we can see that it can be done. Paul saw joyfulness in his sufferings and the sufferings of Christ because it had the result of people coming to Christ. We can also rejoice in suffering when we are doing it for Christ s purposes and are reaching out to others with the love of God. It is a hard job to disciple others, but that is what we are all called to as followers of Christ. 1:25 Servant by the commission of God... Anyone must know who it is that is sending them out to complete their work. We know that it is only by the authority of God that we can be sent out to do His will. Whereas the heretics who were in the Colossian church were working by themselves to fulfill their own purposes, Paul on the other hand was God s servant fulfilling the purpose of God. 1:27 Christ, the hope of glory Christ has given us hope for our future. It is through the sacrifice of Christ that we are able to look forward to living with Him in Heaven for all of eternity once we have left this life if we are Christians. Christ s death has given us the right to become Sons and Daughters of God and share in the inheritance of the riches of Heaven that God has given to Christ. 1:28 Proclaim, admonishing and teaching These are the three goals of everyone who is in a discipleship role. The good news of Christ must be first proclaimed to the person who is being discipled. The second part of discipleship is that once a discipleship relationship has been established both parties can admonish or keep each other held accountable to the word of God and things God is trying to reveal to us. The third aspect of discipleship is that the mentor must teach the commands of Christ and all that God wants from our lives to the person who is being mentored. 1:29 Labor, struggling We can see that discipleship is not something that is an easy job for someone to do. These words of labor and struggling give us a picture of a mother laboring in pain to give birth to a child. That is the concept of discipleship. It is painful, it takes work, and it takes complete focus by the mentor to finish the job once it has been started. God calls us to make disciples (Matt. 28:19) but reminds us that even though it is going to be hard that He will always be with us (Matt. 28:20). We can have faith while struggling through discipleship 16 P a g e
because we know that it is only for a short time and Christ has warned us of those troubles but has encouraged us because He was able to overcome the world (John 16:33). 2:4 Fine-sounding arguments Many people are going to try to persuade us to follow them by using very appealing statements but we have to ready when those come our way. We have to be able to give an answer (1 Peter 3:15) when they ask us why we follow Christ instead of another belief. It is only by being taught by someone and keeping a teachable attitude that we can learn the answers that we will need to give when presented with opposition by false teachers. There are a lot of false teachers that try to deceive us these days but staying in discipleship with other Christians will keep us aware when those are revealed to us. 2:5 Delight, orderly, and firm Once we have completed discipling someone we can then take joy in watching them live out their faith. The goal of discipleship is to get someone to a place in their life that they can live orderly or sound in regards to their integrity and firm lives in regards to their faith. Also at this point that person should be able to take on disciples for themselves and reproduce the love that God has given them through you in someone else. This is why we are able to take joy because we know that God is spreading His love through people and we are just a small part of it. 17 P a g e
Group Discussion: Open: What has been the biggest value of meeting together in a CARE Group for you: a) meeting people and making friends, b) growing in Bible knowledge, c) using gifts to serve others, d) being encouraged through difficult times, or e) other? Read: Colossians 1:24-2:5 1. Although many believers would not consider a jail cell an effective place for ministry, Paul continued to serve God faithfully. Using the passages below, list four ways Paul fulfilled the mission of Christ while under arrest. a) Colossians 1:3 b) Acts 16:29-31 c) Philippians 1:14 d) 2 Timothy 4:13 2. Being a political prisoner may have hurt Paul s credibility with the Colossians (in fact, the false teachers were counting on it). So how do Paul s statements (vs. 24-25; 2:1) demonstrate that he is a trustworthy teacher? What characteristics do you look for when it comes to submitting to the teachings of a spiritual leader / mentor? 3. The word mystery is used four times throughout Colossians. Who or what is the mystery that had been hidden for ages and generations (vs. 26-27)? What is the difference between know about Jesus and following Jesus? 4. According to Paul why was he laboring so hard (vs. 28-29)? Helping others mature in Christ is called Discipleship. Take a look at the following passages and write down key principles that can be learned about how disciples are made? 18 P a g e
a) Romans 12:5 b) 1 Peter 4:8 c) 1 Thessalonians 5:11 d) Ephesians 4:15 e) Hebrews 3:13 f) James 5:16 How do these items relate to meeting together in CARE Groups? 5. Paul s purpose was to help grow people in Christ (vs. 2-3). In the space below write down what you believe individuals might need to understand / practice at each stage in their spiritual development. Understand Practice Spiritual Infant: Spiritual Adolescent: Spiritual Adult: 6. Paul wanted the Colossians to know that even if he couldn t be present with them physically, he was still available for leadership and guidance (vs. 4-5). Who is your go to person on matters of faith? Who has God put in your life that you can help to grow and disciple? 7. God has called the church to make disciples. Take a moment to offer appreciation to the leaders of your CARE Group (or those who are helping you to grow). Give everyone in the room the opportunity to share why they are thankful for their investment. Close by praying for your leaders. 19 P a g e
Session 4 SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS Colossians 2:6-23 6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. 11 In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. 16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. 18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize. Such a person goes into great detail about what he has seen, and his unspiritual mind puffs him up with idle notions. 19 He has lost connection with the Head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow. 20 Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: 21 Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!? 22 These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. 20 P a g e
Session 4 SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS Study Notes 2:7 Rooted and built up Christ is the source by which all Christians are fed with strength and nourishment. Just like a plant that is in good soil receiving nourishment, so should we as Christians stay rooted in the word of God and in Christ. We can only grow or be built up if we stay close to the source of our power which is Christ. It is so much easier for us to be deceived by the enemy if we do not keep our roots in the Bible. 2:8 Hollow and deceptive philosophy The false statements being taught in the Colossian Church were nothing more than empty lies. The Greek word translated as Philosophy here is only used once in the New Testament and it means love of wisdom. Paul was a gifted philosopher, so he was not condemning education or the study of philosophy. Instead, he was condemning false philosophy, the kind that keeps people from seeing the truth. 2:11 Sinful nature We are all born with a desire to fulfill our own passions and seek out only what makes us happy. This nature not to follow after God is known as the sinful nature. The human race took on this nature after Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. Part of the punishment of this sin was that the human race was cursed with a nature that no longer desired the things of God but only what we think fulfills our worldly desires. It is Christ s desire that we let Him remove that nature from us so that we can once again please God and seek after Him. Circumcision done by Christ Jewish males were circumcised as a sign of the Jew s covenant with God (Genesis 17:9-14). Circumcision was an expression of Israel s national identity. It was a physical reminder of their commitment to cut off sin and live for God. Once Jesus established the new covenant, bodily circumcision was no longer necessary for Christians because Christ through the cross- cut off the sin nature. 2:14 Canceled the written code The Hebraic Law of the Old Testament was the written code of the Jewish people. The Law, as it was known, had become a list of rules that were legalistically used by the priest to make the Jewish people feel guilty of their sins. This Law did not make their lives please God but only made the roles of the priest necessary and in so doing made the priest rich. The Jewish people lived in constant guilt of all the impossible rules that they could not fulfill, but Christ wiped the guilt away by dying on the Cross. He fulfilled the Law and canceled the hold that it had on their lives. This is what Christ does for us. He cancels the hold that sin has on our lives and releases us to live in joy because we no longer are slaves to sin. 21 P a g e
2:16 New Moon/Sabbath day The New Moon festival is a Jewish feast day celebrating the new moon of every Hebrew month in commemoration of their exodus from Egypt. The Sabbath is a day of rest for Israelites mandated by the 10 commandments. The importance of these festivals is that they were religious requirements under the Jewish law. 2:18 Disqualified you for the prize The term disqualify refers to being left out or excluded from receiving much like an athlete is thrown out of a game if he fails to follow the rules. Paul was not saying that believers would lose their salvation however he was saying if they returned to the old life of condemnation under the Law, they would miss out on the rewards. The prize here is a faith that free from accusation based on the fact that Jesus already paid the penalty for all sin. 2:19 Lost connection with the Head Christ is the head of the church (Col. 1:18). The Christian must remain connected to Christ because it is through him and him alone, that faith grows. God is the author and perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). 22 P a g e
Group Discussion: Open: Identify which of the following statements are found/not found in the Bible: Yes / No Yes / No Yes / No Yes / No Yes / No Cleanliness is next to Godliness. Spare the rod, spoil the child. God helps those who help themselves. Money is the root of all evil. Pride comes before a fall. Read: Colossians 2:6-23 1. Paul exhorted the believers in Colossae that it wasn t enough just to accept Christ, instead they must continue to live in him (vs. 6-7). Is there ever a time when a Christ follower should be satisfied with his/her spiritual progress? Explain. 2. In this section Paul warns against three facets of Gnosticism being introduced to the church. These mixed-ideas (Jewish legalism, Eastern mysticism, and Greek asceticism) threatened to draw believers away from Christ toward a lifestyle of self-righteousness (vs. 8-10). What do you think might be appealing to some people about a smorgasbord (a little of this and a little of that) approach to faith? Why or how might a person who attends church be susceptible to fall captive to false, ideas, doctrines, or teachings outside the church? 3. The first issue Paul addressed was Jewish legalism (vs. 11-17). To be a good Jew required strict adherence to the Mosaic Law including: a limited diet, no working on the Sabbath, and circumcision for all men. The Colossians were being taught that circumcision was vital for conversion. However, to be circumcised meant the believer would be going backward by placing himself under the authority of the Old Testament. Why did Paul say believers were free from the rules and regulations of the Law (see vs. 14)? Even believers today can get caught up in legalism (looking for observable, measurable behaviors to gauge a person s spiritual maturity). Why should we be careful when evaluating a person s inner spiritual life according to outer behavior? 23 P a g e
4. Although we are no longer required to keep all of the commands of the Old Testament, it doesn t mean we are free to live by any standard we want. Look up the following verses to learn more about the purpose of the Law. a) Matthew 22:37-40 b) Romans 3:9-10 c) Galatians 3:23-25 d) Hebrews 10:1-4 How do these verses help you to understand the connection between the Old and New Testaments? 5. A second issue Paul had to address was Mysticism: the worship of angelic beings and the pursuit of heavenly signs (vs. 18-19). The thought was that God could not be approached directly and therefore a person needed to communicate with angels. Discuss some of the dangers Paul mentions to those seeking a religious experience rather than seeking a relationship with Christ. How can Christ followers guard against the same temptation today (not necessarily angel worship but seeking spiritual signs)? 6. Finally, the Colossians were influenced by asceticism the shunning of anything that might result in physical comfort or pleasure (vs. 20-23). What may seem spiritual about such a lifestyle? What warning did Paul give for such an extreme view of righteousness? If there is no connection between personal disciplines and holiness, does this mean we shouldn t include such practices (like fasting) in our own lives? Why or why not? 7. This sections was written to Christians hundreds of years ago, however even in our modern times we can fall into the trap of self-righteousness. What is one way you can apply this section of Scripture to your daily life. I need to focus on the fact that I have been saved by grace not by my own works. I need to seek a relationship with Christ rather than seek a religious experience. I need to guard against the false humility that comes with religious activity. 24 P a g e
Session 5 TRANSFORMATION Colossians 3:1-4:1 3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.12 Therefore, as God s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism. 4 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. 25 P a g e
Session 5 TRANSFORMATION Study Notes 3:1 Raised with Christ This is speaking of the certainty that we have new life in Christ. We were dead in our sins but through Christ we have been given a new life and have become a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17). This also parallels how we have died to sin and been made alive in Christ to Christ s death and resurrection. 3:3 Hidden with Christ Again we are reminded that what we know here on earth is not all there is. Our true life as Christians is the next life that we will live eternally with Christ in Heaven. To the world this is hidden. The world does not realize that we are not made for this world. They do not see us as sons and daughters of God and do not understand why we live differently than they do. That is why this passage says that our lives have been hidden with Christ. We have died to the world and are eagerly waiting for the hope of the next life when we will see Christ face to face. 3:6 Wrath of God This refers to God s judgment. God does not reveal his wrath arbitrarily; his perfect moral nature will not permit sin and wickedness to go unpunished. While wrath can occur at present in the natural consequences of sinful behavior, the final culmination of God s wrath comes with future and final punishment of all evil. Punishment should be an expectation for those who have not believed in Christ as Savior. 3:10 Image of its Creator The goal of all Christians is to be like Christ. From the time we come to Christ we are being transformed into the image of Christ. The Holy Spirit is working in us to take out all the sin habits that we had before we were saved. The process of being sanctified (1 Thess. 4:3), or being made holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16), is how we are be transformed into the image of our creator. This life-long process of laying down behaviors/attitudes that get in the way of our relationship with God is how we become more and more like Christ. 3:13 Bear with each other We are called to relate with each other in the same manner Christ has chose to relate with us. This means we are to forgive each other and understand that we are all being transformed by the Spirit and that we should not hold on to grudges or petty arguing. We have a mission to reach the world for Christ and we do not have the time to waste energy spent arguing and fighting among ourselves. We have been given love from God and we are commanded to share it with other Christians in peace as well as with unbelievers in the hope that they will come to the knowledge of God and His forgiving work through Christ. 26 P a g e
3:14 Love, which binds them all together Of all the virtues listed in this passage, love is the most important. It is love that holds all the other virtues together and makes it possible for Christians to live in peace with each other and fulfill the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19) of Christ. The love of God is what brought us salvation through Christ s death and it is love that works in us to become the image of Christ. Without love we can become bitter and lazy in our mission to reach the lost, so we need to continually make sure we are keeping love in our hearts for the people that God has placed around us and that we are not just going through the motions of the Christian life. 3:22 Reverence for the Lord Fearing the Lord is how another version of the Bible translates this section (NASB). This is the respect of God that we have for him as our King and as the one who holds our life in His hands. 27 P a g e
Group Discussion: Open: Share what has been the biggest or most satisfying change that has taken place in your life over the past 12 months? Read: Colossians 3:1-4:1 1. Chapter 3 opens with the phrase Since you have been raised with Christ (vs. 1). What is the significance of that word choice for all believers? Paul encourages proactive faith by saying, set your hearts on things above. How difficult is it for you to keep your mind on heavenly things and still do your jobs and fulfill your responsibilities on this earth? 2. The opening verses in Colossians 3 are a further clarification of Christ s role in the believer s life (vs.1-4). In your own words summarize what is meant by each of the following phrases. a) We are raised with Christ: b) We are hidden with Christ: c) We will be glorified in Christ: 3. The good news of the gospel is that God transforms our character so that we no longer are in bondage to sin in other words, we no longer have an overriding compulsion to sin (vs. 5-11). As you look back over your life in Christ, can you see a progression in behaviors, words, and thoughts? From the list below check off items that have helped you the most as you intentionally put to death old habits and hang-ups? Church attendance Private time in the Word Accountability / prayer partner Christian radio / music Desire to please God Holy Spirit Prayer CARE Group encouragement Scripture memorization Other 28 P a g e
4. Chosen by God, set apart for God, loved by God, and forgiven by God - they all add up to GRACE (vs.12-17)! Looking at the list of virtues with which we are to clothe ourselves as followers of Christ, do you believe God is more concerned about how well we behave or how well we treat others? Explain. What role does a community of believers play in the life-transformation process (see vs. 16)? 5. Paul clearly believes that the Christian life must include every facet of life, including the home (vs. 18-21). What do you believe are the foremost challenges facing families today? What do you believe are the most important things that families can do to strengthen their relationships to one another?...to Christ? 6. Although Paul is speaking to a culture that endorsed slavery (vs. 3:22-4:1), this section still has application for today. When it comes to your job, what advice do you believe Paul might give to you if he spent the day with you at work? 7. Subgroup into 2 s or 3 s. Spend a moment being honest with one another. Reflecting on Colossians 3, choose 1 behavior you need to put off and one characteristic you need to put on in order to continue to transform into the person God wants you do be. What will you do to put those changes into action this week? 29 P a g e
Session Six WITNESS Text: Colossians 4:2-18 2Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. 7Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about oura circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. 10My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. 12Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. 17Tell Archippus: See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord. 18I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. 30 P a g e
Session 6 WITNESS Study Notes: 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer Prayer is a significant part of the believer s life. Devotion to prayer does not mean that believers should spend all their time on their knees, but they should have a prayerful attitude at all times. This attitude would be built upon acknowledging dependence on God, realizing his presence, and determining to obey him fully. 4:3 May open a door Paul asks the church to pray for an opportunity (open door) so that he can continue to preach and proclaim the gospel of Jesus. Although Paul is in prison his main focus continues to be to make Christ known. Clearly, evangelism is one of the most important parts of an active faith and should be our focus as well. 4:5 Outsiders Outsiders refer to those who are unbelievers; not of the Christian faith. This term was not meant to suggest that unbelievers were excluded or ostracized by the church. Make the most of every opportunity This is a reminder that opportunities to share the gospel and love of Jesus Christ exist all around us. We must be alert and aware of the opportunities God provides for us. 4:6 Full of grace/seasoned with salt Salt was used as a seasoning and a preservative; likewise our speech should be preservative and tasteful. When we speak, our words should encourage others and point to Christ, especially when we are around unbelievers. We want our speech to reflect the way God feels about all people no matter their sin, love not judgment. 4:12 Always wrestling in prayer Epaphras has the watchfulness and devotion described in verse 2 of this chapter. He is not only praying at his convenience but he is praying constantly with a great fervency that can be compared with a wrestler giving all his strength in a match. This type of prayer takes commitment and love. Mature and fully assured Mature means being fully grown in the faith and having knowledge of the will of God that they would not be swayed by false teachings. Also, it means that even though we may not understand everything about God we can be confident in Christ. 31 P a g e
Group Discussion: Open: We call it by many names: evangelism, witnessing, soul winning, or giving a testimony. Regardless, what images, positive and negative, come to mind when you hear someone refer to sharing the gospel? Read: Colossians 4:2-18 1. Paul believed in the power of prayer. So much so that he challenged his audience to devote their lives to it (vs. 2-4). When it comes to sharing our faith, why is it important to talk to God about people, before talking to people about God? Are you praying for anyone by name today? 2. Paul s prayer that God may open a door for our message says a lot about his own spiritual maturity. What does Paul s passion for being a sharing the good news, despite his circumstances, say to Christians today? How do you think Paul would respond to someone who says they don t have the abilities or time to serve in the church or share their faith? 3. After prayer, Paul mentions two methods for sharing the gospel (vs. 5-6). Which method seems the most natural for you? I am most comfortable demonstrating my faith through action. I am most comfortable sharing my faith through words. What does the life of Jesus tell us about the most effective way to be a witness to (Luke 24:19)? 4. Our actions can actually draw or push people from Christ. Split into two groups and make two lists of what you believe are some wise and unwise ways we can act around those who do not (yet) share our faith. After a few minutes come back together and compare notes. Wise a. a. b. b. Unwise 32 P a g e