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TRANSCRIPT
Home Group CurriculumJanuary 29-March 25
A Study through Colossians 1-2
The X FactorTable of Contents
The X Factor (Introduction) .......................................................................................................4 A Study Through Colossians 1-2
Universal (Lesson 1, January 29) ..............................................................................................6 Colossians 1:1-8
The Change Agent (Lesson 2, February 5) .................................................................................8 Colossians 1:9-14
Center Stage (Lesson 3, February 12) .....................................................................................10 Colossians 1:15-20
Middle Man (Lesson 4, February 19) ......................................................................................12 Colossians 1:21-23
Expensive (Lesson 5, February 26) .........................................................................................14 Colossians 1:24-29
Know-it-All (Lesson 6, March 4) ..............................................................................................16 Colossians 2:1-5
Home Base (Lesson 7, March 11) ............................................................................................18 Colossians 2:6-10
Champion (Lesson 8, March 18) .............................................................................................20 Colossians 2:11-15
Liberator (Lesson 9, March 25) ...............................................................................................22 Colossians 2:16-23
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The Story of ColossiansThe Apostle Paul is the author of Colossians, as well as 12 other New Testament letters. He names himself as the author in 1:1 and he is almost universally recognized as the author by the early church: “The external testimony to Colossians’ authenticity is impressive. Such leaders of the early church as Eusebius, Origen, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, and Irenaeus all attest to its Pauline authorship. There is no evidence that anyone doubted Colossians’ authenticity before the nineteenth century.”1 Another commentator writes, “There is no shred of evidence that the Pauline authorship of the whole or any part of this epistle was ever disputed until the nineteenth century.”2
The Apostle Paul planted many churches, but the church in Colossae was not one of them. He says in 2:1, “I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally.” Instead of Paul, it was his fellow minister Epaphras who taught the gospel to the Colossians (1:7-8). Epaphras was their pastor and Paul fully endorsed him (4:12-13).
While Paul was in prison (4:3), he wrote to the Colossians in order to address problems that had arisen. He sent the letter to the Colossians with two men named Tychicus and Onesimus. Many scholars believe that he wrote the letter sometimes between 53 and 55 A.D.
The Problems of the ColossiansPaul wrote to the Colossians in order to address doctrinal problems that arose at the church. Scholars have debated the exact nature of the false teaching that circulated in Colossae; no one can be completely sure of its nature. That said, by looking at the content of the letter, two key problems of the Colossian church become clear. Secret knowledge.
In 2:8 Paul warns, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, with depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.” Just a few verses earlier in 2:4 he warns, “I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.” Paul clearly believes that the Colossians are susceptible to impressive-sounding philosophical arguments. There is nothing evil about the discipline of philosophy, but Paul warns against a philosophical system
that is based on human wisdom and discounts God’s communication to mankind.
Many have theorized that the Colossians were being infiltrated by a teaching called Gnosticism. Two key elements to this teaching were (1) that the spiritual realm is good while the physical realm is evil, and (2) that fulfillment is found through discovering a secret inner knowledge (the word “Gnosticism” is related to the Greek word “gnosis,” which means “knowledge”). It seems that the Colossians were being taught that they could find meaning and fulfillment by discovering a secret knowledge hidden within themselves. Those who discovered this knowledge transcended reality and attained a superior status.
Paul combats this by telling them in 2:2-3, “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, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” According to Paul, the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are not hidden deep within ourselves. They are hidden in Jesus.
Our society is enamored with self-discovery. We are told that we can accomplish anything, that the potential for all things rests within us. We are told that all the answers we seek can be found within ourselves if we just look deep enough. Paul’s message flies in the face of this cultural value. He says that the meaning of life is not something that is found inside of us. It is something found outside of us. It is through our relationship with Christ that we gain knowledge and understanding. It is through Christ that we find meaning and significance. If we look within, we are looking in the wrong place. Legalism.
Legalism is the teaching that a person’s status before God depends on how well they have performed. It teaches that we earn favor with God through obedience and rituals.
In his letter to the Colossians, Paul goes to great lengths to convince his readers that they are completely forgiven and reconciled to God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. In 1:22 he says, “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.” In 2:13-14 he says, “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncir-cumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” Paul leaves no doubt
The X Factor (Introduction)A Study Through Colossians 1-2
1 Colossians & Philemon. John MacArthur. 3.
2 D. Guthrie, New Testament Introduction, rev. ed. (Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity, 1990), 576.
that forgiveness and reconciliation come only through Jesus’ great sacrifice on the cross.
But it is not simply that we are reconciled to God through Christ alone; it is also that our relationship with God is sustained through Christ alone. We don’t keep ourselves in his good graces by performing for him. Paul says in 2:16-17, “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. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” A few verses later, in 2:20-22, he says, “Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: ‘Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!’? These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings.” The focus for our ongoing relationship with God is not to rigorously obey the rules of a distant king. Instead, it is to walk closely with the God who has drawn near to us. As Paul says in 3:1-2: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
The Central Point of the LetterPaul wrote his letter in order to address the key problems facing the Colossian church. Because of this, the central point of the letter combats the false teaching that was present in the church.
If we don’t find the meaning of the universe through some secret inner knowledge, where do we find it? If we don’t find a relationship with God through rigorous rule-following, where do we find it? Paul answers both questions with one word: Christ.
Paul expresses to the Colossians that they are not incomplete without some secret man-invented knowledge, and they are not incomplete without some impressive performance to show to God. His message to them is that they are complete in Christ. His central point is best expressed in 2:9-10: “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.” In the NASB, verse 10 reads, “and in Him you have been made complete.” Paul’s message to the Colossians is that they are complete in Christ.
Jesus is the X FactorAn X-factor is a variable in a situation that could have the most significant impact on the outcome. One single variable, entering in and changing everything.
This study through Colossians 1-2 is called The X-Factor because Jesus is the one who walks into this world and changes everything. He walks into a world of pain and confusion and brings meaning and hope to humanity.
Jesus is not simply your X-factor for individuals, as if he is someone who you use to improve yourself and your circumstances. He is the X-factor, in that he takes center stage in the universe, in the church, and in the lives of his people. You don’t find meaning by somehow making him fit into your life. You find meaning by embracing him as the supreme one. You are complete in him. And the more you embrace him, the more you will experience the meaning and the power that he has come to bring.
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1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Father. 3We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people—5the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. 7You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.
Main PointThe gospel of Jesus transforms the lives of everyone who responds to it.
IntroductionIt is rare to find something that has universal impact. Musicians each have a niche, movies get mixed reviews, and the most popular politicians are lucky to receive 60% of the popular vote. People have different tastes and preferences, different hobbies and experiences. Because of this, we celebrate those who have the ability to transcend the normal divides of age and race and gender, and to appeal to a wide group of people. We celebrate those who are able to make a universal impact.
Paul begins his letter to the Colossians as he begins most of his letters. He introduces himself to the Colossians and he expresses his heart for them. Then, as his focal point for this opening passage, Paul talks about how the Gospel of Jesus has impacted their lives. And it is not only the Colossian Christians who have been impacted by Jesus. Paul says that wherever Jesus’ gospel goes, it bears fruit. Against all odds, Jesus has a universal impact.
Jesus isn’t limited to being a religious figure for Jews, or for people in the first century, or for the well-educated, or for Re-
publicans. He is the eternal Son of God, who offers transformation and salvation to every person in every place for all time.
Getting Started1. Name a person who has had a great impact on your life.
How are you different because of their impact on you?
2. What would have to be true of someone in order for them to have a universal impact, touching all kinds of different people?
Digging InRead through Colossians 1:1-8. The following questions will focus on verses 3-8.
3. In verses 4-5, how does Paul describe the impact that Jesus and his gospel have had on the Colossians?
4. Paul connects faith to love in both verses 4 and 5. How do faith and love relate to one another?
Paul specifies that the impact of Christ on the Colossians is tied directly to his message being preached to the Colossians. This is significant because he was combating the thinking that the answers to life’s questions are found within us. In contrast to
Universal (Lesson 1, January 29)Colossians 1:1-8
this, Paul claims that the answers to life’s questions are found in a message that is proclaimed to us.
5. What are the implications of the answers to life’s questions being outside us, instead of inside us?
6. Sum up the “true message of the gospel” (verse 5). If you need help, look up the following passages: Romans 3:21-26, 1 Corinthians 15:1-5, Ephesians 2:4-7.
7. In verse 6 Paul says, “the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the world.” What does this fact teach us about the nature of the gospel of Jesus?
Revelation 7:9: “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”
8. Share an example of how you have seen Jesus have an impact on diverse sets of people.
Wrestling With Issues9. How does the universal nature of the gospel speak to the
mission of the church and of individual Christians?
10. How would you respond if someone said, “Everyone should keep his religion to himself. There is no need to push your personal beliefs on others.”
Taking it to Heart11. What kind of impact has the “true message of the gospel”
had on your life?
12. How frequently do you share the message of Jesus with others? What keeps you from more freely telling others the good news about Jesus?
13. Who are some people in your sphere of influence who could be impacted by the gospel of Jesus?
Notes
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9For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Main PointComplete life transformation is possible because Jesus has brought his people into his kingdom.
IntroductionOne of the most popular reality shows in television is The Biggest Loser. The show centers on a group of obese people taking extreme measures to lose weight and restore themselves to health. The reason why the show has been so successful is that it affords the opportunity to watch people become physically transformed. Over the course of a few months, many of the contestants end up looking barely recognizable to how they looked when the season began. It is powerful to watch transformation take place.
In Colossians 1:9-14, the Apostle Paul is praying for transformation in the lives of the Colossians. He wants them to be people marked by knowledge and power through the Holy Spirit. But the transformation that Paul prays for is something that is possible not because of some great effort by the Colossians, but rather because of a great effort by someone else. His appeal for transformation is based on the fact that Jesus has ushered his people into a new kingdom. In this kingdom, he is the king and his people are the citizens. This means that his people have access to him, and as they depend on him and yield to his way of thinking and living, they are transformed.
The transformation for which Paul prays is possible for citizens of Jesus’ kingdom. And this kingdom is ruled by no normal
king. Jesus is not self-consumed, thinking only of furthering himself and his fame. Instead, he pours himself out for the freedom and growth of his people. He is a king deeply concerned with the transformation of his people.
Getting Started1. If you were the king of the world, what would be your first
orders of business?
2. How do kings (and other powerful people) normally impact the well-being of their “citizens”?
Digging InRead Colossians 1:9-14.
3. Write down the main things that Paul prays for in verses 9-11.
Paul’s prayer is Trinitarian in nature: “We continually ask God [the Father] to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord [Jesus].”
4. How does the life of the Trinity reflect the transformation for which Paul is praying?
The Change Agent (Lesson 2, February 5)Colossians 1:9-14
5. When you think of your own prayer life, how does Paul’s prayer impact your perspective?
6. Carefully read verses 12-14 and write down all your observations about the kingdom of Jesus.
7. What needed to happen in order for us to become citizens of Jesus’ kingdom?
8. What is the connection between (a) being brought into Jesus kingdom and (b) experiencing growth and transformation in your life?
Wrestling With Issues9. Read through the following passages and write down what
each one teaches about the kingdom of God: Daniel 7:13-14, Matthew 5:19-20, Matthew 25:31-34, Luke 17:20-21, Romans 14:17.
“The kingdom of God is both now and not yet. Thus the kingdom of God is ‘realized’ and present in one sense, and yet ‘consistent’ and future in another. This is not a contradiction, but simply the nature of the kingdom. The kingdom has come in fulfillment of the Old Testament promises. A new covenant has been established. But its final manifestation and consummation lie in the future.” ---Robert H. Stein, Theological Dictionary of the Bible. Page 453.
10. What are some implications of the present reality of the kingdom of God?
Taking it to Heart11. What kind of transformation do you think Jesus longs to
bring to your life? How can you respond to him as he brings this transformation?
12. How does the thought of one day living in the fully realized kingdom of Jesus bring hope to you today?
13. Not everyone is a citizen of Jesus’ kingdom, but all are invited. Who are some people to whom you can extend the invitation?
Notes
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15The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16For 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. 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.
Main PointJesus takes center stage in creation, in the church, and in redemption.
IntroductionWhenever the President walks into a room, everyone stands. When the President speaks at an event, he is not normally introducing the keynote speaker; he is the keynote speaker. When the President makes a statement, every newspaper in the country reports it. This is because he is not simply one man among many, and his voice is not simply one voice among many. He is the President. And anytime he is in a room, he takes center stage.
Along with John 1, Hebrews 1, and Revelation 1, this passage in Colossians is one of the classic texts on the identity of Jesus. In it Paul makes the bold claim that Jesus is God himself, eternally divine. He is not simply one more religious leader. He is not simply one wise voice among many. He is not simply god-like. In this passage Paul lays out Jesus’ credentials for being the focal point not only of our personal lives but also of the entire universe. Jesus does not take his place alongside other important people. He takes center stage all by himself.
Getting Started1. What are some qualities that make someone elite?
2. What are some common views about Jesus that exist in our culture today?
3. In your experience, what are some common reactions that people have when Christians claim that Jesus is the one true God?
Digging InRead Colossians 1:15-20.
“It would be wrong to think in physical terms here, as if Paul were asserting that the Son had a physical origin or was somehow created (the classic Arian heresy) rather than existing eternally as the Son, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, in the Godhead. What Paul had in mind was the rights and privileges of a firstborn son, especially the son of a monarch who would inherit the ruling sovereignty. This is how the expression is used of David: ‘I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.’” ---ESV Study Bible
4. In two places in this passage, Jesus is called the firstborn (verse 15 and verse 18). Interact with the quotation above, and summarize in your own words what this title means.
5. How do verses 16-17 speak to those who would characterize Jesus as one wise voice among many?
Center Stage (Lesson 3, February 12)Colossians 1:15-20
6. Verse 18 ends with Paul saying, “so that in everything he might have supremacy.” What would it look like if Christ’s supremacy was properly recognized by the world?
7. What does it mean that all the fullness of God dwelt in Christ?
8. In verse 20 Paul says that through Christ, God reconciled “all things” to himself. In what sense are “all things” reconciled to God through Christ, especially in light of what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:18-21?
9. Verses 19-20 are very Trinitarian in the interaction between the Father and the Son. How does the Father’s exaltation of the Son reflect the life of the Trinity, and how does this reality impact you?
Wrestling With Issues“Pluralism is conceived to be a proper characteristic of the secular society, a society in which there is no officially approved pattern of belief or conduct. It is therefore also conceived to be a free society, a society not controlled by accepted dogma, but characterized rather by the critical spirit which is ready to subject all dogmas to critical (or even skeptical) examination.” ---Leslie Newbigin, The Gospel in a Pluralist Society, Page 1.
10. If Christ really takes center stage among all his rivals, this impacts how you listen to other voices. Give an example of another voice that you frequently listen to, and share how Jesus’ supremacy impacts how you listen.
11. In a culture that celebrates the equality of all religions, what are some practical ways that Christians can effectively talk with non-Christians about the amazing claims of this passage?
Taking it to Heart12. If Christ really owns center stage in the universe, how does
this fact impact your reality today?
13. What would change if Christ owned center stage in your life?
Notes
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21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of 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, 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.
Main PointJesus has ushered in complete peace with God through his sacrifice on the cross.
IntroductionConflicts can be hard to resolve. Sometimes two people are so far apart that they cannot come to a resolution on their own. So a third party is brought in. A middle man. The purpose of the middle man is to bring the two people together. His goal is to see reconciliation take place.
Jesus came to be the mediator, the middle man, between God and mankind. The two were so far apart that someone needed to come and bring them together. In this case, though, the conflict didn’t exist because God was unwilling to be reconciled to man. He was so committed that he sent his precious Son to be the middle man. And as the mediator, Jesus’ goal was to see reconciliation take place between God and mankind.
As you study this passage don’t forget that Christ’s identity is what makes him a capable middle man. Who else could take up our case before God? Jesus’ power and supremacy, as well as his eternal fellowship with the Father, is what makes him the only one who could act on our behalf. The identity of Christ was powerfully displayed in 1:15-20, and it provides the basis for this passage.
Getting Started1. Describe a conflict that you observed between two people.
What was keeping them apart?
2. What makes someone a good mediator between two parties?
Digging InRead Colossians 1:21-23.
“They were God’s enemies. In such a condition, the possibility of reconciliation seemed remote. They would not naturally choose another course of action. That was their former condition. God took the initiative to change all of that. The simple reminder of who they used to be served to bring adoration and renewed commitment to the Lord who changed their lives.” ---R.R. Melick, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon.
3. What does verse 21 say about our status before Jesus acted on our behalf?
4. Many people who have not placed their trust in Christ would not call themselves God’s enemies. They would simply claim indifference. Why would people who ignore God be his enemies?
Middle Man (Lesson 4, February 19)Colossians 1:21-23
5. Why do you think Paul emphasizes the role of “Christ’s physical body” in our reconciliation?
6. What does verse 22 say about our status after Jesus acted on our behalf?
7. According to verse 23, what do we need to do to receive the benefits of being reconciled to God through Christ?
Wrestling With IssuesA quote on verse 23: “The Greek construction of the if is not an expression of doubt but an expression of confidence and is better translated as since. Paul is not in doubt about whether the Colossians will remain faithful (see Col. 2:5). He is confident that because they have understood what it means to be reconciled they will remain faithful to the gospel that reconciled them.” ---M. Anders, Holman New Testament Commentary: Galatians-Colossians
8. How can a person be sure that he has continued in his faith?
9. How can you securely rest in what Christ has done for you if you are required to continue in the faith?
10. Read the following passages and write down what each says about the issue of continuing in the faith?
John 10:25-30
Romans 8:28-39
2 Timothy 2:11-13
Hebrews 10:19-23
1 Peter 1:3-5
Taking it to Heart11. Take a moment for prayer. Think of what this passage says
about your status before Christ intervened and about the benefits you have received because Christ intervened. What do you want to say to God? Take a moment and write out a few thoughts so that you can remember your response.
12. This passage speaks of our reconciliation to God through Christ. Second Corinthians 5:18-21 speaks of the ministry of reconciliation, by which believers urge other people to be reconciled to God. Who is God calling you to urge toward reconciliation?
13. Today, what is at least one practical way that you can continue in your faith?
Notes
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24Now 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. 25I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—26the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27To 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. 28He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.
Main PointYou can only be made complete in Christ at the expense of others.
IntroductionIf you have ever attended a military funeral, you know that it is a powerful event. It is very moving to honor a person who sacrificed so much in order to benefit others. Throughout the history of the United States, many men and women have paid the ultimate price so that people they never met could receive the benefits of freedom. Those of us who never served in the military receive benefits for which we didn’t pay. But those benefits were paid for. And they were expensive.
Colossians 1:24-29 is a very personal section for Paul. He has already spent time writing about the objective truth of Jesus’ supremacy, and now he talks about how he personally responds to this great truth. In Acts 9:15-16, Jesus said of Paul, “This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Paul was a man with a mission, and that mission was to proclaim “the true message of the gospel” (1:5) to all people, and especially to Gentiles. In this passage Paul speaks about how passionately and diligently he sought to fulfill this calling.
Jesus sacrificed to bring life to the human race, and his sacrifice was expensive. Now we see Paul sacrificing so that people receive life through Jesus. And his sacrifice is also expensive.
This passage brings up some powerful questions about the role of suffering in the Christian life, and about the sacrifices necessary to bring new life to people who need it.
Getting Started1. Share about someone in your life who has sacrificed greatly
in order to bring you benefits.
2. What are some things for which you would be willing to endure great pain and suffering?
Digging InRead Colossians 1:24-29.
3. How are Paul’s sufferings similar to Christ’s sufferings? How are they different?
4. What are the benefits that flow out of Paul’s sufferings?
5. In verse 27, Paul sums up the mystery about which he speaks as, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” What does this phrase mean?
Expensive (Lesson 5, February 26)Colossians 1:24-29
6. Look throughout the passage and write everything that Paul says about what motivates him to spread the “true message of the gospel” (1:5)?
7. According to verses 28-29, what is Paul’s ultimate goal for his life and ministry?
Wrestling With IssuesFocus in on Colossians 1:24, especially the phrase “what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions.”
“If we take the straight-forward meaning of the phrase as signifying Christ’s suffering upon earth, we have two main possibilities of interpretation. On the one hand, we may follow Lightfoot and others and refer it to the sufferings involved in the building up of the body of Christ; and in this Christ had left room for further sufferings by His servants. On the other hand, we may take these sufferings as being those which Christ suffers in Paul because of the mystical union of the apostle with his Saviour.” ---Herbert M. Carson, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries: The Epistles of
Paul to the Colossians and Philemon. Page 51.
8. Is it possible for Christians to suffer in behalf of other people? If so, in what sense?
9. Read Philippians 3:10-11 and 2 Timothy 3:12. What do these passages say about the role of suffering in the lives of those who follow Christ?
10. How does suffering for Christ bring us closer in our relationship with Christ?
Taking it to Heart11. Who, apart from Jesus himself, paid a cost in order to
bring you the benefits of Christ?
12. If you are going to participate in sharing the benefits of Christ with others, it is going to be costly to you. That being the case, why is it still worth it?
13. What will it cost you if you if you dedicate your life to sharing the benefits of Christ with others?
Notes
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Know-it-All (Lesson 6, March 4)Colossians 2:1-5
1I 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. 2My 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, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5For 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.
Main PointWe are protected from deception by the riches of wisdom and knowledge hidden in Christ.
IntroductionNobody likes a know-it-all, right? It can be aggravating when someone is constantly correcting others and acting like he has all the answers. But what if someone really did know it all? Instead of being an annoyance, this person would be an amazing source of wisdom and knowledge. People would constantly track him down, looking for answers and solutions. His inbox would always be full, and he’d have the largest twitter following in history. He would truly be a treasure chest to anyone who came into contact with him.
A true know-it-all would be in high demand because of all the lies that we face each day. We face misinformation from media, from billboards, and even from politicians (yes, it’s true). We need answers and solutions, so we need someone we can trust to expose the lies and point us to the truth.
In this passage, Paul wants to protect the Colossians from searching out empty sources of wisdom and knowledge. He especially wants to keep them from the disappointment of looking to themselves for the answers of the universe and finding themselves lacking. To accomplish this, Paul directs the Colossians, and us, to the true source of all wisdom and knowledge. He points them to the only one who can bring understanding to the deepest questions of the human soul. This one can protect from the lies and misinformation that they encounter each day, and can bring clarity and freedom to their lives.
Getting Started1. How many lies do you think you hear in a normal day?
From whom (and what) do you hear these lies?
2. What are the most pervasive lies that people in our culture embrace?
Digging InRead Colossians 2:1-5.
3. What are some of the ways that Paul expresses his heart toward the Colossians in this passage?
4. Paul equates having “the full riches of complete understanding” with knowing “the mystery of God, namely, Christ.” In what sense does the message about Christ bring complete understanding?
5. What are the implications of the bold claim that Paul makes in verse 3?
6. Obviously there is knowledge outside of the message about Jesus. Then, in what sense are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden in Christ?
7. What do verses 4-5 reveal about the importance of seeking wisdom and knowledge in Jesus?
Wrestling With IssuesPaul expresses deep concern for the spiritual stability of the Colossians. Even though he has never personally met them, he carries a deep burden for their growth in Christ. He considers their well-being to be part of his calling in life.
8. People around you are susceptible to lies that could bring great pain to their lives. What responsibility do you bear for their spiritual health?
9. How can you develop a heart-felt burden for the well-being of others without taking responsibility for their actions in an unhealthy way?
Taking it to Heart10. What are some lies that you struggle to reject? How does the
wisdom and knowledge found in Christ address these lies?
11. How can you actively protect yourself against the deception that you face each day?
12. How can you point people in your sphere of influence to find the “riches of wisdom and knowledge” in Jesus?
Notes
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18
Home Base (Lesson 7, March 11)Colossians 2:6-10
6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 8See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. 9For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.
Main PointChrist provides the perfect grid for reality and no human wisdom needs to be added to him.
IntroductionMaking your way through a theme park can be confusing. If you don’t have a good sense of direction, it can be easy to get lost. Thankfully, maps will be occasionally displayed throughout the park. These maps are especially helpful when they include a small black dot that says, “You are here.” Once you have a correct orientation, you can get to anywhere you want to go. However, if you make a mistake on your starting point, each step will be based on a wrong orientation.
In life, if your basic orientation is wrong, everything will be impacted. Your thoughts, your words, and your decisions all will be based on a faulty premise. And since it is easy to get off track, it is helpful to have a home-base, something that helps you get re-oriented so that you have an accurate starting point.
Once again in this passage, Paul is concerned that the Colos-sians will be led astray by impressive-sounding lies. He wants them to be able to sift through the advice and information they receive and to know what they should embrace and what they should reject. To be able to do this, they need to be correct in their basic orientation. They need to have solid understanding of their home base.
Getting Started1. What are some catchphrases that people live by?
2. Share an example of how a foundational error can have a great impact.
Digging InRead Colossians 2:6-10.
3. What are some implications of receiving Christ Jesus “as Lord”?
4. Write down all the verbs that Paul uses in verses 6 and 7, and then sum up how Paul wants the Colossians to relate to Jesus.
“The most serious error of the false teachers at Colossae was that they went about their spiritual lives with only natural insight. They did not go to God to learn of him, nor did they learn from the revelation of Christ that was available to them.” ---R.R. Melick, New American Commentary: Philippians, Colossians, Philemon.
5. In verse 8, what are the marks of the philosophy that Paul wants the Colossians to reject?
6. Give an example of how a philosophy, or a set of ideas, can take you captive.
7. How do verses 9 and 10 relate to what Paul says in verse 8?
8. What does it mean to be “brought to fullness” in Christ?
Wrestling With Issues9. In light of Paul’s warning in this passage, what is the role of
philosophy in the lives of believers?
10. How can you protect yourself from bringing your own “human tradition” to the table when you read and seek to understand the Bible?
Conclusion11. What practical things can you do to “continue” to live
in Christ, “rooted and built up in him”?
12. If you end up in a discussion or debate concerning philosophy and ideas, how can you present Christ as “the head over every power and authority”?
Notes
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20
Champion (Lesson 8, March 18)Colossians 2:11-15
11In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, 12having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
Main PointChrist has brought about complete salvation, winning the victory over all his (and our) enemies.
IntroductionSometimes less is more. In other words, sometimes (many times, in fact) simplicity is preferable to complexity. Introducing an extra sub-plot into a novel can confuse the story. Adding new flavors to a soft drink can ruin its taste. Accumulating a bunch of stuff can clog up your home. Introducing new elements to something can ruin its purity and simplicity.
In this letter to the Colossians, Paul is crying out, “Jesus doesn’t need any help!” Jesus is supreme. He is the Creator of everything, the one who holds the universe together, and the only head of the church. So, at the beginning of chapter 2, Paul tried to convince the Colossians that they don’t need any human wisdom to add to Jesus. Jesus is enough, and adding to him only corrupts the purity and simplicity of his message.
Now, in the middle of chapter 2, Paul tries to convince the Colossians that they don’t need any extra human efforts to add to Jesus. He spent the first half of chapter 2 celebrating Jesus’ supremacy in knowledge. He spends the second half of chapter 2 celebrating Jesus’ supremacy in salvation. If we try to add our own good works to the salvation that Jesus brought, we don’t improve it. We corrupt it.
In his attempt to convince the Colossians that they don’t need to add anything to the salvation that Jesus achieved, Paul tells them not only what Jesus accomplished, but also how he
accomplished it. He uses several illustrations to teach them about the completeness of the salvation that Jesus has brought.
Getting StartedThis passage is about the salvation that Jesus brought through his death on the cross. Some synonyms of “salvation” are “rescue” and “deliverance.”
1. Share an example of someone who was rescued. How did it happen?
2. What kind of a person needs to be rescued?
3. What kinds of people rescue others?
Digging InRead Colossians 2:11-15.
4. Read the entire passage the write down everything that Paul says about what happened when we came to Christ for salvation?
5. What is the significance of circumcision in this passage?
6. According to verse 12, what was the object of our faith?
7. How did Jesus win the salvation that he brought to humanity?
8. According to verses 13-14, what happened to the sins of people who embrace Jesus?
9. What does this passage say about what human beings contribute to their salvation? What do you learn from this?
Wrestling With IssuesThis passage, as well as others, paints a pretty grim picture of the state of humanity without Christ. At the same time, sometimes we meet non-Christians who seem to be good and pleasant people.
10. How do you reconcile the Bible’s teaching with this experience?
11. What are some ways that this passage reflects your own experience with human darkness?
Taking it to Heart12. When do you become tempted to try to add to Jesus’
victory for your salvation?
13. How does it impact your relationship with Jesus when you embrace the fact that your salvation is not something that you earned, but rather something that Jesus won?
14. How you can actively rest in the victory that Jesus has won for you?
Notes
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22
Liberator (Lesson 9, March 25)Colossians 2:16-23
16Therefore 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. 17These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. 18Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. 19They have lost con-nection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow. 20Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: 21“Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. 23Such 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.
Main PointJesus Christ has set us free from any need to perform for him through acts of abstinence or penance.
IntroductionWe want freedom. We long for the weekends because they bring freedom from work. We long for graduation because it brings freedom from school. We fight wars in order to gain freedom from oppression. The desire for freedom is the driving force behind many of the decisions that we make.
How does Jesus relate to our quest for freedom? Sometimes we might think that he is the enemy of freedom. He comes into our lives and tells us to stop doing things we like and to start doing things we don’t like. He seems to limit our freedom by giving us commands and calling certain things “sin.” This can make us think that we need to make a choice between following Jesus and pursuing freedom.
In Colossians 2:16-23, the Apostle Paul disagrees with this assessment. Instead of seeing Jesus as the enemy of freedom, he sees him as the great liberator. He did not come to pile up rules. He came to set us free from lives that were driven by
rules. He did not come to demand that we meet God through mystical religious experiences. He came to set us free from this and to bring God near to us.
The Colossians were their own worst enemy when it came to pursuing freedom. They embraced philosophies that kept them in bondage to rules and regulations. Likewise, we can be our own biggest obstacle to freedom. In this passage, Paul points us away from these empty philosophies, and the rules they bring, and points us to Jesus as the great liberator.
Getting Started1. Share about a time when you experienced real freedom.
What led to it? How did you feel?
2. What are some things that rob you of experiencing freedom?
Digging InRead Colossians 2:16-23.
3. Paul begins this passage with the word, “Therefore.” How does this passage springboard off what he has already written in this letter?
4. In verses 16-19, what does Paul tell the Colossians not to let anyone do?
5. How does verse 19 provide a solution to the things that enslave us?
6. In verses 16-17 and 21-22 Paul talks about following rules. Write down everything that Paul says about these rules.
Verse 18 talks about some of the “hollow and deceptive philosophies” that the Colossians were facing. In particular, these philosophies were based on people claiming to have extraordinary spiritual experiences.
7. What can be the danger of looking for extraordinary spiritual experiences?
8. In verse 23, what all does Paul say about the weaknesses of manmade regulations?
Wrestling With Issues9. What do you make of the fact that Paul goes out of his way
to warn the Colossians against a lifestyle of rule-following? Are rules bad? What is the role of rules in the Christian life?
10. Is Paul doing away with all rules or only manmade rules?
11. How does this passage influence the way you think about things like fasting, Bible reading, or attending church?
Taking it to Heart12. What aspect of this passage most resonates with issues that
you currently face in your life?
13. How are some manmade rules impacting your life right now?
14. How can you actively live in the freedom that Jesus has brought you?
Notes
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