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Big Idea MapColossians (Title TBD)
SERIES OVERVIEWPaul is writing to an audience he’s never met. He never went to Colosse, a city in what is
modern day Turkey. Colosse was destroyed by an earthquake in 60AD and never
rebuilt.
Paul writes this letter because some people in Colosse were teaching that there was a
secret society with special knowledge that others didn’t have. Paul confronts this false
teaching by holding up the true gospel of Jesus.
The overarching theme of Colossians is “The supremacy of Christ.” Paul is boldly
declaring: “Jesus is Lord over everything!”
And yet the great mystery is that this Lord of heaven and earth is “Christ in you, the hope
of glory” (1:27). Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus resides in the life of every one of his
followers. He is “Christ in you.” He is “Christ in me.”
And this powerful truth changes everything about how we live. Because Christ is in us,
we are to:
Grow in Christ
Live in Christ
Love in Christ
Because Christ is in us, everything about our lives is now lived in him.
Static Research Requests (in order of priority):
Commentary (WORD) on key passages.
Relevant quotes that correspond with Big Idea.
Intro/hook ideas (WOW) that correspond with Big Idea.
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Practical responses/applications ideas. (WHAT NOW?)
Pertinent brain/social science insight.
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Big Idea MapColossians (Title TBD)
WEEK 1 | JULY 26, 2020 | CHRIST IN YOUScripture: Colossians 1:15-27, John 14:16-24 (Support text)
MESSAGE BIG IDEAJesus, Lord of heaven and earth, makes his home in us.
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him
all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether
thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and
for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And 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. 19 For God was pleased to have all
his fullness dwell in him, 20 and 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. 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because
of your evil behavior. 22 But 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
— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move 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. 24 Now I
rejoice in what I am suffering 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 Lord’s people. 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. -
Colossians 1:15-27
16 “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be
with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither
sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I
will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Before long, the world will not see
me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 On that day you
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Big Idea MapColossians (Title TBD)
will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Whoever has
my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be
loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”
22 Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you intend to show yourself
to us and not to the world?” 23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my
teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with
them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you
hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. -John 14:15-24
MESSAGE DESCRIPTIONToday’s passage lays the foundation for the rest of what Paul will say in Colossians. In
the same way, this first message will be the foundation for the following three weeks in
the series.
The overarching theme of Colossians is “the supremacy of Christ.” That is the focus of
verses 15-20. Paul is establishing the truth that Jesus is Lord of creation, Lord of the
church, Lord over everything!
In a word, when Jesus looks out at everything in heaven and on earth, he could rightfully
say, “MINE!”
“...there is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which
Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: ‘Mine!’” - Abraham Kuyper
And yet the problem is that although Christ is supreme, we’ve lived as if we were.
Commentator Mark Maynell writes:
“Ever since Genesis 3, the root cause of all that is wrong in the world–from the grand
scale of empires and nations right down to the personal level of playground bullies and
marital conflict–is simple. It is sin. This is the human heart-attitude that consistently
chooses to go it alone. It is a matter of creatures declaring independence from the
Creator. We insist that we don’t need God or his ways in our lives. Everything needs to
be done our way. That is treason of a cosmic order. The problem then is that everyone
plays the same game, and the results are horrendous. Just read a newspaper. If
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Big Idea MapColossians (Title TBD)
everyone is asserting their independence and supremacy over everyone else, people
will get hurt.” -Mark Meynell - Colossians & Philemon for You
Our rebellion against God left us separated from him. But through Jesus’ work on the
cross, we can now be reconciled to God (1:20). This reconciliation overturns everything
that had gone wrong. When a person puts their faith in Jesus, they are declared holy,
without blemish, and free from accusation (1:22). They become a follower, an apprentice
of Jesus.
A Christ-follower declares, “I am no longer lord of my life, Jesus is Lord!”
Paul reminds the Colossians (and us) that this is the good news, the gospel of Christ.
And it includes a mystery that people for centuries could never have imagined. That
mystery is: “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (1:27). The Creator of the universe, the Lord
of heaven and earth, takes up residence in the life of every Christ-follower!
In a word, when Jesus looks at those who have chosen to follow him, he says, “HOME!!”
Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus resides in the life of every one of his followers. He is
“Christ in you.” He is “Christ in me.” And because Christ is in us, everything about our
lives is now lived in him (John 14:15-24).
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Big Idea MapColossians (Title TBD)
WEEK 2 | AUGUST 2, 2020 | GROW IN CHRISTScripture: Colossians 1:28-2:7, Luke 8:4-15 (Support text)
MESSAGE BIG IDEAChrist is in you...so grow in Christ.
1:28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so
that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously
contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. 2:1 I want you to know how
hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me
personally. 2 My goal 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 disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. 6 So then, just as you
received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in
him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
- Colossians 1:28-2:7,
4 While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after
town, he told this parable: 5 “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering
the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. 6 Some
fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no
moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8
Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more
than was sown.” When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them
hear.” 9 His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10 He said, “The knowledge of
the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in
parables, so that, “‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not
understand.’ 11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12
Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away
the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the
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Big Idea MapColossians (Title TBD)
rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they
have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 14 The
seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they
are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15 But the
seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word,
retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. - Luke 8:4-15
MESSAGE DESCRIPTIONThe great mystery Paul points to in the first chapter of Colossians is: “Christ in you, the
hope of glory” (1:27). Through the Holy Spirit, the Creator of the universe, the Lord of
heaven and earth resides in the life of every one of his followers. He is “Christ in you.”
He is “Christ in me.”
And, Paul continues, this powerful truth should challenge us to GROW in Christ.
There are no graduates in the Christ-following life. No one ever “arrives”...at least not in
this life. There is never a time we don’t need admonishing and teaching (1:28). Paul
challenges the Colossians (and us) to grow as apprentices to Jesus (2:6-7).
Jesus, too, warned us that what we do with the truth we have learned matters. His
parable of the sower illustrates four ways we can respond to his Word. Only one of those
ways produces growth (Luke 4:8-15).
How intentional are you about growing in Christ?
This could be a message about the 3Cs challenging people to take a next step in one or
more of the 3Cs. We’d want to make sure these next steps include but go beyond
signing up for a Small Group and joining a Ministry Team. What does it look like to grow
in each of the 3Cs?
We could bring back the 3C Spiritual Growth Plan with updated next step suggestions.
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Big Idea MapColossians (Title TBD)
Spiritual growth takes effort on our part, but it is not all about our effort. Paul reminds us
that as we put effort into growing, Christ will be powerfully at work in us (1:29). Growth is
a partnership.
The goal, Paul says, is to “present everyone fully mature in Christ” (1:28). Christ in us,
us in Christ. Spiritual writers have called this “union with Christ.”
“We were told we have the hope of glory, because Christ is in us (v 27). But now we are
told that we will be presented fully mature in Christ. Who is in whom? The answer is both
are in both!” -Mark Meynell - Colossians & Philemon for You
This concept of “union with Christ” could be illustrated with a Mobius strip. On a thin strip
of paper, write “Christ in us” on one side and “Us in Christ on the other. Twist it once and
tape the two ends together. If you start drawing a line on one side, you will eventually
join the line at its start. The two sides have become one side that goes on forever.
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Big Idea MapColossians (Title TBD)
WEEK 3 | AUGUST 9, 2020 | LIVE IN CHRISTScripture: Colossians 3:1-14, John 14:1-4, John 14:15 (Support texts)
MESSAGE BIG IDEAChrist is in you...so live in Christ.
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
also 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 Gentile 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 one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord
forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in
perfect unity. - Colossians 3:1-14
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My
Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am
going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will
come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the
way to the place where I am going.” -John 14:1-4
15 “If you love me, keep my commands.” John 14:15
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Big Idea MapColossians (Title TBD)
MESSAGE DESCRIPTIONThe great mystery Paul points to in the first chapter of Colossians is: “Christ in you, the
hope of glory” (1:27). Through the Holy Spirit, the Creator of the universe, the Lord of
heaven and earth resides in the life of every one of his followers. He is “Christ in you.”
He is “Christ in me.”
And, Paul continues, this powerful truth should challenge us to LIVE in Christ.
A Christ-following lifestyle flows from a Christ-formed identity. We live how we live (3:5-
14) because we are who we are (3:1-4).
Paul begins this section of his letter by reminding the Colossians (and us) the
astounding truth of who we are “in Christ.” What does it mean that we have been “raised
with Christ?”
“When Jesus rose from the dead, those in Christ rose with him. Where he goes, we go.
The extraordinary thing is that because Jesus then ascended to his heavenly throne and
sat down, we have too. In Christ, we are in heaven. Already. That is our true home.” -
Mark Meynell - Colossians & Philemon for You
Jesus promised that our home would be with him (John 14:1-4). Paul tells us to set our
heart and minds on these “things above.” This means to meditate on them, value them,
prioritize them, let them shape and influence our lives in the here and now.
He then goes on to address some specific ways our Christ-formed identity should
influence our Christ-following lifestyle. Paul is not making “rules” in the next few
paragraphs, he’s simply saying, “Be who you are!” We live how we live because we are
who we are.
The lists that follow contrast “on earth” things with “above” things. Paul insists that the
former is incompatible with living as a Christ-follower and the latter is evidence of a
Christ-formed identity.
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Big Idea MapColossians (Title TBD)
There are no “or else” statements in Paul’s argument. Only “because you are…” live like
this! Illustration Idea: Contrast parenting styles: “Don’t lie or else…” (punitive focused)
with “Smith children don’t lie...” (Identity focused).
It is for this same reason that Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands.”
We live how we live because we are who we are. A Christ-following lifestyle flows from a
Christ-formed identity.
This message could lead to a time of repentance/realignment in the service.
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Big Idea MapColossians (Title TBD)
WEEK 4 | AUGUST 16, 2020 | LOVE IN CHRISTScripture: Colossians 3:15-4:1, 4:2-6, Matthew 22:34-40 (Support text)
MESSAGE BIG IDEAChrist is in you...so love as Christ.
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 message of Christ dwell among you richly
as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and
songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 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 yourselves 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 curry 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 human masters, 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 their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.
4:1 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you
also have a Master in heaven. - Colossians 3:15-4:1
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And 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. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in
the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your
conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to
answer everyone. - Colossians 4:2-6
34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One
of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the
greatest commandment in the Law?”
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Big Idea MapColossians (Title TBD)
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and
with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is
like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these
two commandments.” -Matthew 22:34-40
MESSAGE DESCRIPTIONThe great mystery Paul points to in the first chapter of Colossians is: “Christ in you, the
hope of glory” (1:27). Through the Holy Spirit, the Creator of the universe, the Lord of
heaven and earth resides in the life of every one of his followers. He is “Christ in you.”
He is “Christ in me.”
And, Paul continues, this powerful truth should challenge us to LOVE in Christ.
In the same way that a Christ-following lifestyle flows from a Christ-formed identity
(Week 3)...
A Christ-following community flows from a Christ-formed identity.
We love how we love (3:15-4:1) because we are who we are (3:1-4).
Not only did Christ’s death and resurrection reconcile us to God (1:21-22), he also
redeemed our relationships with one another. There is no such thing as lone-ranger
Christianity. Yes, Jesus said, the greatest command is to love God, but then he said the
second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:34-50) A Christ-following
life is meant to be lived in a Christ-centered community marked by peace, thankfulness,
and gratitude (3:15-17).
Paul then goes on to describe what this redeemed community life could look like in a
household (3:15-4:1). “Household codes” were common in the ancient world.
Commentator Mark Maynell writes:
“In the Greek and Roman world, philosophers and ethical thinkers devoted a great deal
of time and effort to considering what constituted ‘the good life’...Somewhere along the
line, they would consider what would make for a good home in what are called
‘household codes’...In the ancient world, as in many parts of today’s world, three or even
four generations would share a home, as well as various servants. And that pattern was
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Big Idea MapColossians (Title TBD)
not just for the rich. The Roman empire relied on slavery in the way we depend on fossil
fuels and transportation systems. Life without slaves was inconceivable. Paul was
clearly aware of these household codes in pagan philosophy, because he repeatedly
uses the form. But he certainly did not share the pagan worldview. He radically adapted
the form to make it profoundly Christian.” -Mark Meynell - Colossians & Philemon for
You
What is surprising is not that Paul includes a “Household Code” in his letter to
Colossians. After all, they were common in his day. What is surprising is that Paul’s
“Household Code” is completely counter-cultural.
Surprise #1 - Paul shows respect to women, children, and slaves. Under Roman law,
women, children, and slaves were things to be “owned.” Every previous household code
had been addressed deliberately and exclusively to the male head of the house.
Surprise #2 - Paul challenges males. Unlike the pagan household codes, Paul doesn’t
tell the men to make the women, children, or slaves do anything. Instead, Paul
challenges the men.
Though to modern ears, these household codes can seem old-fashioned (and even
offensive); to the Colossians they would have been revolutionary. The overarching point
of Paul’s instruction tears down the first-century notion of the male-dominated household
and instead declares, “Christ is Lord over all.” Notice all the commands are issued in the
name of Christ (3:17). Jesus alone holds ultimate authority over the home.
As we wrap up this series, we can land on the final instructions found in Colossians 4:2-
6. All Paul has said in this letter points forward to the mission. This is about the “Christ in
you” we are presenting to the world. Paul urges us to grow, live, and love in Christ so
that we can make the most of every opportunity to help people find their way back to
God.
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