Built to Last (Colossians)+study...

TERM 1 | 2020

7 STUDIES FOR GROUP OR PERSONAL USE

BUILT TO LAST | COLOSSIANS

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Table of Contents

How to Use This Book…………………………………………………………………3

Series Overview…………………………………………………………………………4

Helpful Resources………………………………………………………………………6

STUDY 1 | A Fruitful Christian……………………………………………………7

STUDY 2 | The Centrality of Christ..…………………………………………10

STUDY 3 | A Mystery Made Known...………………………………………..13

STUDY 4 | Complete in Christ..…………………………………………………16

STUDY 5 | Out with the Old……………………………………………….…….19

STUDY 6 | Christ with One Another………………………………..…….…22

STUDY 7 | Christ and Community…………………………………………….25

Study Guide…..………………………………………………………………………….28

Parts of this study are based on Colossians: The Complete Christian, by Matthias Media, second edition, 2010, with insight from Colossians and Philemon (TNTC) by N.T. Wright, and The NIV Study Bible: Tenth Anniversary Edition, 1995.


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How to Use This Book

Personal Devotions Use this guide to help you read your Bible every day. Meditate on the passage for the week. Perhaps scribble down your thoughts and questions each day and remember to pray and ask God to speak to you by His Spirit, through His word.

Discipleship Groups

Take this guide with you to your Discipleship Group. Use it to write down answers and insights that arise from discussion, as well as prayer points that come from the study.

Church

Keep this guide with your Bible and bring it with you to church. Use it to scribble down sermon notes. You can do that in the study sections, or in the space at the end of each study.


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Series Overview

Authorship

The relatively short New Testament letter of Colossians was written by the great missionary apostle Paul (1:1; 4:18). From the 19th century there has been (some) debate over this, as some believe the heresy referred to in chapter 2 is second-century Gnosticism. This would date Colossians after Paul’s life and cast doubt on his being the letter’s original author. However, this theory lacks sufficient weight (see The ‘Colossian Heresy’ below). There are also personal details that help to establish the circumstances of its writing. Among other things, Paul refers to “sufferings” he has experienced, and, indeed, seems to be experiencing in the present (1:24-25). This includes being “in prison” for Christ (4:3, 10). As such, Colossians seems to have been written during Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome, where he spent at least two years under house arrest (cf. Acts 28:16-31). This would date the letter c. A.D. 60 (the same year as Ephesians and Philemon).

Background to the Colossian Church

The town of Colossae (also spelt Colosse) had once been a leading city in Asia Minor (present-day Turkey). By the first century A.D., however, it had diminished in significance, surpassed in power and importance by the nearby towns of Laodicea and Hierapolis (cf. 4:13). In early church/New Testament terms, though, Colossae is significant because of its connection to Paul’s three-year ministry in Ephesus. A man named Epaphras was converted in Ephesus and had carried the gospel to Colossae (cf. Acts 19:10; Col 1:7-8).


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The young church that resulted was probably a series of house churches made up primarily of Gentile converts. However, in the time since its inception it had become the target of heretical attack. This led to Epaphras’s visiting Paul in Rome (1:4; 4:12).

The ‘Colossian Heresy’ Paul never explicitly describes the false teaching he opposes. This has to be inferred from statements he makes in opposition to it. Whatever the heresy was it is noticeably less developed than full-blown second and third-century Gnosticism. Moreover, the seeds of what would become full-blown Gnosticism were already present in the first century. It is likely that the ‘Colossian Heresy’ was a mixture of an extreme form of Judaism and an early stage of Gnosticism, which seemed to emphasise reliance on human tradition and special religious knowledge as the path to long-lasting spiritual progress over and above reliance on Christ.

Colossians: Purpose and Themes Correcting this heresy, and thus ensuring the healthy growth of the church, seems to have been Paul’s primary purpose for writing Colossians. Thus, the theme of the letter is the complete supremacy of Christ. This is seen in Paul’s exaltation of Christ as the very image of God: the pre-existent Creator and Sustainer of all things and the head of the church. The faith that is in Christ alone is one Built to Last. Our prayer is that this may be true of each one of us sitting under this letter’s teaching. As Paul writes in 2:6-7: “Therefore, as you have received Christ, walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, overflowing with gratitude.”


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Helpful Resources


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STUDY 1 | A Fruitful Christian Colossians 1:1–14

Introduction 1. What are the things you most often find yourself thanking God for and asking God for? READ | Colossians 1:1-8 2. In the opening lines of this letter the Colossians learn that the Apostle Paul (and other ministry partners) prays for them. What an amazing encouragement! And when Paul and co. do pray, they “always thank God”. Why? 3. What does this tell Paul (and the Colossians) about the nature of the gospel? 4. Consider your own Christian walk – from first understanding and responding to the gospel to now:

• Do you remember how you came to understand the gospel – what that process was like? Was it quite quick, or over a long time? Were there one or two key people who explained it, or many?


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• What ‘gospel growth’ can you see God has brought about in you over time?

READ | Colossians 1:9-14 5. What is Paul’s response to this encouraging report from Epaphras? 6. Why do you think Paul’s prayer for the Colossians is that they “may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (vv.9b-12)? 7. When speaking of the Colossians’ conversion (vv.12-13), why do you think Paul uses the language of “darkness” and “light”? 8. In v.14 Paul adds another image: redemption. What is “redemption”? How does it contribute to our understanding of salvation? • Do you see your conversion in similarly dramatic terms (being moved

from “darkness” to “light”; being “rescued” and “redeemed”)? Why/why not?

• Can you see the difference this transferral has made in your life (how you think/act/relate to God/etc.)?


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Final Thoughts and Application 9. Do you pray that God would help you to endure in faithfulness? Do you pray that for others? Why/why not? 10. To whom can you ‘be an Epaphras’? That is, with whom can you share the gospel so that they too might “have redemption, the forgiveness of sins, in Christ”?


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STUDY 2 | The Centrality of Christ Colossians 1:15–23

Introduction 1. Who is the most important person you know? What makes them important? READ | Colossians 1:15-20 2. Consider the language used in v.15. What do you think it means for Paul to describe Jesus as:

(i) “the image of the invisible God”?

(ii) “the firstborn over all creation”?

What do these descriptions tell us about Jesus (cf. 2 Cor 4:4; Heb 1:3)? 3. These verses are possibly an early hymn about Christ’s supremacy. In addition to what v.15 has told us, what are some of the particular things we learn in vv.16-20 about Christ’s supremacy in creation and his supremacy in salvation?

• Does this ‘hymn’ change the way in which you view Jesus? Why/Why not?


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4. What do you think is meant by the declaration that, by “making peace through the blood of [Jesus’] cross” God has “[reconciled] everything to himself”? READ | Col 1:21-23 5. Verses 21-22 paint a similar picture to vv.13-14 (see last study): a movement from one ‘location’ to another (here: from alienation and hostility to reconciliation and holiness). Is that how you see yourself – and your standing before God? Why/why not? 6. What is the significance of v.23? How does it make you feel? What does it add to our understanding of salvation? 7. What do you think Paul means when he says “This gospel has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven”? Final Thoughts and Application 8. What difference does this hymn about Jesus’ supremacy make to you:

• in your private life?

• in your family life?

• in your church life?

• in your work/study life?


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9. Paul says in v.23 that he has “become a servant” of this universally-proclaimed gospel. In what way can you echo Paul’s words?


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STUDY 3 | A Mystery Made Known Colossians 1:24 – 2:5

Introduction 1. Think of a ‘whodunnit’. What do you think makes them work? What do you find frustrating/annoying about them? READ | Colossians 1:24-27 2. What do you think it means for Paul to say he suffers for the Colossians? And why might this be something in which he rejoices? 3. In what way do Paul’s sufferings “complete … what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for his body … the church”? Is Paul saying that Christ’s suffering and death was insufficient?

• Think of times when you’ve experienced some measure of suffering for your gospel witness. What was the effect of that experience on your faith?

4. Why might Paul refer to God’s message (i.e. the gospel of Christ) as “a mystery”? And why does he seem so happy about it being so?


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READ | Colossians 1:28 – 2:3 5. What does Paul say is the goal of his “labour”? What does this suggest about the relationship between evangelism and discipleship?

• Can you speak of your Christian walk as one of ‘maturing’ in Christ? If so, how in your experience does this happen?

6. What do you think Paul means when he says that “All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in [Christ]”? 7. Why does Paul so emphasise this link between “knowledge” and Christ? Read | Col 2:4-5 8. In light of what Paul’s just said, what is the significance of the Colossians being “well ordered” with a strong “faith in Christ”? Why does this cause Paul to rejoice? Final Thoughts and Application 9. What does it look like for us (as individuals, as a church community, as the wider church) to make Christ, and Christ alone, the basis and goal of our spiritual hope and understanding?


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10. In what ways can we play our part in presenting people “mature in Christ”?


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STUDY 4 | Complete in Christ Colossians 2:6–23

Introduction 1. Think of something that, when other elements/features/ingredients are added to it, ceases being what it originally was? Why is this so? READ | Colossians 2:6-7 2. What is the significance of the word “Therefore”? What does it communicate to us? READ | Colossians 2:20-23 3. Have a look at vv.6-7. In many ways these two verses sum up the message of the entire letter. What is that message? How is that message communicated in:

(i) The verbs Paul uses? (What is in the past tense/present tense/some other tense? Does this make a difference? Why/why not?)

(ii) The imagery/metaphors Paul uses? (How do they interact with one another? What picture(s) are evoked?)


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READ | Colossians 2:8-19 4. What do you think is the focus of Paul’s warning in v.8? Is he concerned about “philosophy” and “human tradition” per se? What light do vv.9-19 shed on this? 5. Far from being deficient as the Gnostics claimed, Paul declares the Christian person to be complete in Christ. What are some of the reasons he gives for why this is so?

• Do you feel ‘complete’ in Christ? Are there ‘extra’ spiritual or religious things you feel you need to possess or do to be right with God – or ‘more Christian’?

• Why do you think we’re drawn to add ‘extra religious things’ to our Christian faith?

6. According to Paul, what is the fundamental problem of the person who insists upon these extra religious things? (cf. v.19). READ | Colossians 2:20-23 7. What final reason does Paul give for why the Colossians should not be submitting to these regulations?


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8. What, then, according to Paul is the true motivation for godly living? Final Thoughts and Application 9. Paul’s point in this passage is that the Christian believer is complete in Christ – spiritually they lack nothing. With regard to these ‘extra religious things’, part of his ‘application’ to the Colossians is: “Therefore, don’t let anyone judge you” (v.16) and “Let no one disqualify you” (v.18).

• How does this encourage you?

• How might it guide you in your attitudes towards other Christian believers?


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STUDY 5 | Out with the Old Colossians 3:1–17

Introduction 1. Think of a time you replaced something old with something new. What led to that? Was it necessary? How did you feel about the new thing? READ | Colossians 3:1-4 2. Consider the significance of “So” at the beginning of this verse. What does it signify/what does it do (cf. 2:6)? 3. As he has explained in the previous chapter, Paul says a change has occurred in the Colossians as a result of their Christian faith. What is his logic?

• What do you think it looks like to “set your minds on what is above, not on what is on earth”? How has this worked out in your life of faith?

READ | Colossians 3:5-11 4. Note the imperatives (commands) in vv.5-11. Make a list of them (some/all).


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5. Imperatives are often connected to rule-making/rule-keeping. This does all sound a bit ‘legalistic’. Is that what Paul’s being here? What are the grounds for these lifestyle ‘commands’?

• What does it look like for you to “put off the old self with its practices” and “put on the new self”? Perhaps like the Colossians, do you find it difficult to do?

6. In the flow of the passage v.11 seems to come a bit out of nowhere. The word “Scythian” referred to a ‘savage’ or ‘barbarian’. What might Paul be saying, and how might it connect with vv.1-10?

• How should this reality be reflected in our church lives? READ | Colossians 3:12-17 7. Verse 12 begins with another “Therefore”! How is it similar to the “Therefore” of v.5? How does it differ? 8. Why is love “the perfect bond of unity”?


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9. Paul narrows the focus to times when the church gathers together (v.16). The vision he puts forward is a very encouraging one. In particular, what ‘communications’ does Paul envision happening when believers live out their new identity? Final Thoughts and Application

10. Consider v.17:

• In what way would you say this describes your life?

• What do you think this would look like in practice?


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STUDY 6 | Christ with One Another Colossians 3:18 – 4:1

Introduction 1. In your experience, what does self-interest tend to do to relationships (of all kinds)? And what’s been key to making lots of different relationships work? READ | Colossians 3:18 – 4:1 2. List the commands given to the following people: Wives Husbands

Children Parents/Fathers

Slaves Masters


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3. Now list all the phrases in the passage that that contain the words “Lord” or “Master”: Verse Phrase containing “Lord”

Verse Phrase Containing “Master”

4. What do you notice about these ‘household’ instructions? Do you discern a pattern?

5. Have a think about how the previous passage ended (3:17) – the picture Paul had painted was one of ‘true spirituality’, where everything is done in the name of the Lord Jesus.

In light of the lists you’ve just compiled, what do you think is the connection between 3:17 and 3:18 – 4:1? How does 3:17 help us to interpret Paul’s ‘household’ instructions here?


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N.B. On “be submissive to your husbands”: to submit meant to yield one’s rights. If the relationship called for it, as in the military, the term could connote obedience, but that meaning is not called for here. In fact, the word “obey” does not appear in Scripture with respect to wives, though it does with respect to children (v.20; cf. Eph. 6:1) and slaves (v.22; cf. Eph. 6:5). Rather, Paul shows that this is not a one-sided submission, but a reciprocal relationship (as are those of parent-child and slave-master). Husbands are called to “love” their wives. If this is love “in Christ”, then it ought to be every bit as self-giving and ‘rights-yielding’ as a wife’s submission. N.B.B. Though in some (significant) respects the slave/master relationship is completely foreign to our context, in other respects it’s not – primarily Paul is addressing all who labour for another. Final Thoughts and Applications 6. If you’re married, how do you think Paul’s commands in vv.18-19 should work out in practice?

7. In what ways can parents – especially fathers – “exasperate” their children? Does the obligation to honour our parents ever cease (cf. Eph 6:1-3)?

8. How might the principles of slaves/masters apply to our work situations?

• How does this contrast with the attitude of some/many wage earners in our society?

• If we were in charge of others at work, what practical steps can

we take to treat them “rightly and fairly”?


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STUDY 7 | Christ and Community Colossians 4:2–18

Introduction 1. How do you go at communicating with all the people in your life? Are there people with whom you feel it’s important to speak often? How does that happen? How do you feel when people haven’t connected with you for a while? READ | Colossians 4:2–18 2. What do these verses teach us about:

• The nature of prayer?

• The content of prayer?

3. What, according to Paul, is his evangelistic task (vv.3-4)? 4. How are the Colossians to be involved?


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• What do you think it means for our conversation to be “gracious,

seasoned with salt”? READ | Colossians 4:7-18 5. What’s the overwhelming sense you get from these verses? Final Thoughts and Application 6. How might this passage (vv.2-18) affect the content of your prayers? 7. What do you think would constitute “wise behaviour” towards outsiders? 8. What steps could you take to render your conversation more “gracious” and “seasoned with salt”?

• Do you know to explain the gospel to someone?


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• Does God ever get a mention in your daily conversation?

9. Reflect on the conversations you have with sisters, brothers, and visitors at Minchinbury. • What encouragement do you get out of them?

• What encouragement have you been able to give lately?


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Study guide

STUDY 1 | A Fruitful Christian Colossians 1:1–14 1. This question is designed to get people thinking about their own prayer emphases before reading about Paul’s. 2. Because they have heard of the Colossians’ faith in Christ Jesus, and their loving concern “for all the saints”. 3. First, the gospel is about growth – the gospel message grows as it spreads around the world, and those changed by it grow and “bear fruit”. Second, the gospel is a message – it needs to be proclaimed. That’s how the Colossians learned of it: when Epaphras taught it to them. 5. Paul’s response is to pray “without stopping” for the Colossians. 6. Biblical knowledge is not merely the possession of facts. Rather, knowledge and wisdom in the Bible are practical, having to do with godly living. This is borne out by vv.10-12, where knowledge, wisdom and understanding result in a life worthy of the Lord. Paul prays this for the Colossians because he wants them to endure in godly faithfulness. 7. In Scripture light symbolises holiness and darkness unholiness. Here it means that the Christian is no longer under the oppressive rule of evil but under the benevolent rule of God’s holy Son. For the Colossians, who came out of a strong pagan culture, this would be particularly helpful way to think of their salvation and identity. 8. “Redemption” is the paying of a ransom price in order to free something or someone. By harnessing the term Paul is saying that the Colossians (and all believers) have been freed from the penalty of sin by the ‘payment’ of Jesus’ substitutionary death on the cross. It is a payment of immeasurably great cost.

STUDY 2 | The Centrality of Christ Colossians 1:15–23

1. Accept responses. This question is intended to get people thinking about the criteria for importance. 2. The first description tells us that God is invisible and yet, incredibly, that Christ is God: in his being and incarnation as a man, Christ reflects and reveals God (2 Cor 4:4 and Heb 1:3: “the radiance of God’s glory and exact representation of his nature”; cf. also Col 2:9). The second tells us that, just as the firstborn son had certain privileges and rights in the biblical world, so also has Christ in relation to all creation – priority, pre-eminence and sovereignty. 3. Christ created everything; Christ is pre-existent (“before all things”); Christ sustains all things (“by Him all things hold together”); Christ is the “head” of the church; Christ has provided resurrection hope (“firstborn of the dead”); Christ is fully God (“all [God’s] fullness dwells in Him”); by his blood Christ reconciles all things. 4. It does not mean that Christ by his death has saved all people. Scripture speaks of an eternal hell and makes clear that only believers are saved. When humankind fell into sin not only was the harmony between God and man destroyed, but also disorder came into creation (cf. Rom 8:19-22). So when Christ died on the cross he made peace possible between God and man, and he restored in principle the harmony of the physical world – which will come in fulness only when Christ returns.


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6. The promise (to be presented faultless before God) holds good as Christians hold to it. From God’s point of view, genuine faith is assured of continuing to the end. From the human point of view, Christians discover whether their faith is of the genuine sort only by patient perseverance, encouraged by the hope of the gospel. Indeed, this is the very thing Paul has been praying for the Colossians (1:9-12)! 7. It seems Paul intended this claim to be taken in an anticipatory sense. In Christ himself, and in the fact of the now-unfolding Gentile (i.e. non-Jewish ‘rest of the world’) mission, the gospel had in principle already been preached worldwide.

STUDY 3 | A Mystery Made Known Colossians 1:24–2:5 1. Accept responses. This question is designed to get people thinking in conventional terms about a ‘mystery’, because the term is used somewhat differently in the passage. Still, there’s overlap; hence the follow-up question concerning how mysteries work (i.e. facts are revealed) and the frustration when this doesn’t happen, or doesn’t happen well – you’re left in limbo! 2. By preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, Paul experienced all kinds of afflictions. Here he was probably referring especially to his imprisonment (see Introduction). Paul rejoices because, in the case of the Colossians, his service to Christ is bearing gospel fruit. 3. Paul isn’t saying that there was a deficiency in the atoning sacrifice of Christ. Rather, Christ suffered on the cross to atone for sin, and Paul “completed” Christ’s afflictions by experiencing the added sufferings necessary to carry this good news to a lost world. 4. The word “mystery” was a popular term used in certain pagan religions to refer to secret information available only to an exclusive few (see notes on the ‘Colossian Heresy’ in Introduction). On the one hand God’s message is a bit like this: his purposes can only be known by revelation; in that sense they have been “hidden”. The “mystery” here is the fact that Christ indwells Gentiles, for it had not been previously revealed that non-Jews would be admitted to the church. However, this mystery is “now revealed” and “made fully known” (vv.25-26). It is a revelation of divine truths now openly proclaimed all over the world (1:6) – to Jew and Gentile! 5. Paul’s goal is to “present everyone mature in Christ”. This suggests that evangelism and discipleship are closely linked; that they are two sides of the one coin and that gospel work doesn’t finish when someone confesses Christ for the first time. The point is to mature – to grow – in Christ. The key is that both conversion and maturity flow from the proclamation of the gospel (v.28). 6. He doesn’t mean that Christ has a direct relevance to everything that can possibly be known and understood. He does mean that all we need to know about life’s meaning, and especially how to know God, can be found in Christ – and Christ alone. 7. Most likely because he was refuting a heresy that emphasised special, secret knowledge as the means of salvation (see notes on the ‘Colossian Heresy’ in Introduction). 8. In light of the threat of false teaching, “well-ordered” and “strong” are most probably military metaphors: the Colossian church is drawn up in proper ‘battle array’ with a solid wall of defence against the Gnostic heresy. The encouragement of this, and the many things God has accomplished among the Colossians, causes Paul to rejoice (like in the opening of his letter).

STUDY 4 | Complete in Christ Colossians 2:6–23 1. Accept responses. This is to lay the groundwork for the discussion regarding Christ’s sufficiency.


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2. It communicates that everything Paul is about to say – which includes several exhortations/instructions – ought to be interpreted in light of the truths he has already established in chs.1-2. 3. The message is that Christ is central in every way to Christian identity, Christian living, and the ultimate Christian hope. It was Christ they “received” (past tense – the gospel message they accepted, and their subsequent confession of faith). Christ, and the spiritual benefits that flow from his sacrifice on our behalf, is simultaneously their ongoing life guide (“walk in Him”) and, because his death was ‘once-for-all’, their immovable foundation (like a great tree or solid structure – “rooted and built up in him”). 4. The focus seems to be the ‘Colossian heresy’ which, in part, taught that for salvation one needed to combine faith in Christ with secret knowledge and man-made regulations, such as circumcision, consuming certain food and drink, and observing particular religious festivals (i.e what Paul refutes in vv.9-19). 5. This completeness includes: having every spiritual blessing ‘in Christ’ because God’s fullness dwells ‘in Christ’, (v.10); the putting off of the sinful nature - like circumcision it has been ‘cut away’ (v.11); resurrection from spiritual death – which baptism in part symbolises (vv.12-13); forgiveness of debt (v.13); and deliverance from legalistic requirements (v.14) and evil spiritual powers (v.15). 6. They’re disconnected from Christ – ‘the head’: he who gives life to and rules over everything (1:15-18; 2:10). If they’re disconnected form the head they have no guidance, no growth, and no life. 7. Because these regulations are “commands and doctrines of men” (v.22), not only do they have no real spiritual power, they totally fail to control sinful desires (v.23). If the goal is to become more holy, this is not the way to do it! 8. The fact that those who trust in Christ have “died with the Messiah to the elemental forces of this world” (v.20). If you’re dead to something, you have no more part in it!

STUDY 5 | Out with the Old Colossians 3:1–17

1. Accept responses. One of their most compelling elements is the complete change the person undergoes – almost like ‘a new person’. 2. It links this section with what preceded it. In the flow of the letter the “So” of verse 1 links the doctrinal section (concerning knowledge and belief; chs.1-2) with the practical section (concerning living out that belief; chs.3-4). The doctrine provides the grounds for the practice. 3. By faith in Christ you died with him (your life was “hidden” with him, v.3). But by that same faith you’ve been raised with him (v.1). And Christ is ascended to heaven, so that’s where your focus should be – and what should shape/determine your life’s priorities from now on. 4. “Put to death”: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, greed/idolatry (i.e. what belongs to your “worldly nature”) “Put away”: anger, wrath, malice, slander, filthy language (i.e. the practices of the “old self”). 5. No, Paul’s not being legalistic. A key is to note the “Therefore” which begins this section. Paul has already preached the “indicative”: what has happened to them. Because of God’s grace in Christ a change has occurred in them – they are no longer ‘themselves’; they are a ‘new them’ (“being renewed in knowledge according to the image of [their] Creator” v.10)! Only then does Paul preach the “imperative”: how they should live. And they should live as the entirely new people they already are – it’s just logical! 6. In the same way that Christ ‘cuts across’ our former selves and gives us a new identity and way of life in him, so too Christ transcends all barriers and unifies people from all cultures, races and nations. When Christ alone matters, such distinctions are no longer significant.


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7. It’s similar in that Paul is saying, as he said earlier, “in light of what God has done for you, do [this]”. It differs in that the focus has moved from negative traits and practices (“worldly” things that needed to be “put to death” and “put off”) to positive virtues and practices (“holy” things that need to be “put on”). 8. Because love – self giving, other-person centred – is what drives all other unifying endeavours/actions. Indeed, it’s God’s love that has re-unified us to him – and to each other. 9. God speaking to us: it is “the message of the Messiah”, which God speaks to us in the bible, that we want to remember and ponder so that it “dwells richly among us” Us speaking to each other: we want to be “teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom” – reminding our brothers and sisters about Jesus and exhorting each other to keep on living for him. Us speaking to God: “singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in our hearts to God” – that is, wholeheartedly engaging with our generous God in recognition of his saving work in Jesus.

STUDY 6 | Christ with One Another Colossians 3:18 – 4:1

1. Accept responses. This question is to help people think if relationships good and bad, and what made/makes them so? This lays the groundwork for the later focus on self-giving love. 2. Wives (be submissive to husbands – as is fitting in the Lord) Husbands (love your wives; don’t be bitter towards them) Children (obey your parents in everything) Parents/Fathers (don’t exasperate your children) Slaves (obey your human masters in everything; work wholeheartedly and enthusiastically – as if for the Lord, not men) Masters (treat your slaves rightly and fairly) 3. “as is fitting in the Lord” (v.18); “for this pleases the Lord” (v.20); “obey your human masters in everything” (v.22); “work wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord” (v.22); “as something done for the Lord and not for men” (v.23); “knowing that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord” (v.24); “Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair” (v.25); and “you too have a Master in heaven” (v.25). 4. In each of the three sets of commands (18 and 19, 20 and 21, 22 to 25), there were reciprocal obligations. Wives must submit and husbands must love; children must obey and fathers must teach; slaves must obey and masters must supply amply and fairly. This pattern of role is a feature of biblical relationships.

5. To live and act ‘in the name of Christ’ is to live a life of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, accepting and forgiving one another – just as the Lord has forgiven us (cf. 3:12-13). It’s to live a life characterized by love – self-giving, other person-centered love (cf. 3:14). If we truly are “doing everything in the name of Jesus”, then each party in a relationship will be looking to the needs of others, and doing so with all the virtues listed above – even if the relationship involves “submission” or “obedience”. In the ancient Greco-Roman world in which Paul lived, this was radical teaching.

STUDY 7 | Christ in Community Colossians 4:2–18

1. Accept responses. 2. The Nature of Prayer: It’s a way to speak directly with God! And so it’s something that ought to be God-focussed and to which we devote ourselves – we do it with commitment, awareness and thankfulness.


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The Content of Prayer: Prayer should involve thanksgiving for all God has done. It should also make requests of God – in particular, about the gospel and its ever-growing progress. 3. “To speak the mystery of the Messiah” – to preach the gospel, not matter the cost (even prison), so that its saving truth may continue to be revealed. 4. Firstly, by supporting Paul in prayer. Secondly, by “acting wisely toward outsiders”, in particular by commending the good character of the gospel with speech that is always “gracious” and “seasoned with salt” (cf. vv.5-6). 5. That Paul has many partners in his gospel work – and that they’re all personal in some meaningful way: he values them and works to keep his churches well-resourced and built up.

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