Colossians

HE HAS RESCUED US

Colossians 1:1-14; Key Verses: Col 1:13-14

*  GREETINGS AND THANKSGIVING (1–8)

1.    Who was the author of this letter? What was his situation? (Col 4:3,18) How does Paul identify himself? Who were the recipients of the letter? (Col 1:2) How did the church at Colosse begin? (Col 1:7-8; Ac 19:9b,10)

2.    Why was Paul thankful for the Colossian believers? (Col 1:3-4) What are the three virtues mentioned here, how are they interrelated, and why are they the essentials in Christian life? (Col 1:4-5) How are they a testament to the power of the gospel? (Col 1:6)

*  PAUL’S PRAYER (9–12a)

3.    What was Paul’s prayer for them? (Col 1:9) What was the purpose of his prayer? (Col 1:10a; Eph 4:1; Php 1:27)

4.    What are the four ways in which we can please God? (Col 1:10b-12) [“bearing fruit,” “growing,” “being strengthened,” “giving thanks”] Why is knowing the will of God so important? (Php 1:9,10)

*  JESUS OUR REDEEMER (12b–14)

5.    What is the great privilege Paul mentions, and how can we have it? (Col 1:12b)

6.    Read verses Col 1:13-14. What was our life like in the dominion of darkness? What has God done for us? What blessings have we received? What is the meaning of the redemption Paul mentions? (Jn 8:34–36; Lk 23:34a; Tit 2:14) Why is it such a great blessing?

THE SUPREMACY AND SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST JESUS

Colossians 1:15–23; Key Verses: Col 1:18-19

* JESUS, THE CREATOR OF ALL THINGS (Col 1:15-17)

1.    Who is Jesus in relation to God? (Col 1:15a) How did Paul describe God? (1 Ti 1:17; Jn 4:24) What does it mean that Jesus is the “image” of God? (Heb 1:3; Jn 1:18; 14:9b)

2.    What does the phrase “the firstborn over all creation” teach us about Jesus? (Col 1:15b; Jn 1:1,2 [Here, the term “firstborn” does not mean created but preeminent.]

3.    How does verse 16 explain the scope, means and purpose of Jesus’ creation? (Jn 1:3) How is Jesus continually involved in his creation? (Col 1:17)

* JESUS, THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH (Col 1:18-19)

4.    What is Jesus’ relation to the church? (Col 1:18a) What does it mean that Jesus is the head of the church? (Eph 1:22,23) How did he become the head? (Col 1:18b; 1Co 15:20–22; Ro6:9)

5.    Based on verses Col 1:15-18, in what respects does Jesus have the supremacy? Why is Jesus alone sufficient? (Col 1:19)

* JESUS, OUR RECONCILER (Col 1:20-23)

6.    What did God do through Jesus? (Col 1:20a) What does reconciliation mean? How did God reconcile all things to himself? (Col 1:20b)

7.    How did Paul describe our former condition? (Col 1:21) What happened to us because of Jesus’ death? (Col 1:22) What do we need to continue in? (Col 1:23a)