colo�ians

Map of Colossae........................................ 6 Background of Colossians..................... 8 Getting the Most Out of this Study..... 9

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THIS BOOK BELONGS TO:_____________________________ CONTACT: __________________ The following verses are referenced in English Standard Version (ESV).

WEEK THREE C olossians 1:24 -29 devotionals p. 52

WEEK FOUR C olossians 2 :1-15 devotionals p. 68

devotionals p. 84

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Welcome........................................................ 4

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devotionals p. 36

C olossians 2 :16-2 3

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table of contents

C olossians 1:15-2 3

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WEEK TWO

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devotionals p. 20

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C olossians 1:1-14

WEEK FIVE

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WEEK ONE

WEEK SIX C olossians 3:1-1 7 devotionals p. 100

WEEK SEVEN Colossians 3:18-4:1 devotionals p. 116

WEEK EIGHT C olossians 4:2-18 devotionals p. 132

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If Christ, then…. In that small phrase, the book of Colossians lays

welcome

If

its

Jesus

foundation. truly

was

crucified

for

the sins of the world,

if

He

truly was raised by the Father, and if He truly is

ruling

and

reigning as Lord, than the shockwaves from these

cataclysmic

events are infinite in their effects.

In this small letter to

the book of Colossians

Christians in the city of

puts on full display the

Colossae, the apostle

majesty and glory of

Paul makes it clear

the Risen Jesus. It will

that because Christ

show us how Jesus is

is King, then every

not only the glue that

component of our lives

holds our life together,

should be significantly

but

altered. For Paul, the

holds the very cosmos

Lordship

Jesus

together. Journey with

has implications for

us in this eight week

philosophy,

series as we mine the

relations,

of

race marriages,

the

treasures

glue

of

that

God’s

church life, and every

word and allow them

other facet of our world

to conform us to the

and our humanity.

image of Jesus.

In four short chapters,

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MAP OF

Colossae 6 O

8

b ac k g r o u n d

Paul, who had never met the Colossians, wanted to help them grasp the centrality of Christ and the rich glories of all

that God had done in Him. The letter affirms the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ as the fullness of God and as our Creator and Redeemer. Paul knew that when Christians do not live with a deep conviction and sense of gratitude for what God has done for them in Christ, they can be tempted to look for security in something other than Christ. He repeatedly urges the Colossians to be thankful for the victory already won for them by Christ’s cross and resurrection. Much like the Colossians, we live in a society which regularly scoffs at Christian faith. Many Christians in the west have become increasingly disconnected from their faith

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Colossians was written to a young Christian community in the Lycus River Valley (in modern day Turkey) almost 2,000 years ago to give witness to the finality, adequacy and all sufficiency of the Christ by whom and for whom all things were made. That truth will always remain but will find opposition in a secular society. And apparently a “philosophy” undermining this truth was threatening the Colossian congregation causing some concern for Paul and Epaphras, the missionary who likely founded the church.

and the acids of criticism eat away at the foundations of their beliefs. When Christians do not explore and exercise their faith, they are likely to water down the gospel and accommodate the surrounding culture. And when Christians live no differently from those around them who do not know God, they forfeit the credibility of the gospel. The letter to the Colossians argues that Christians must not only be solidly grounded in their faith they must also lead lives worthy of the Lord, bearing spiritual fruit in a spiritually anemic world. In this letter to the Colossians, Paul intends to form this kind of “faithful brother.” So is the intent of this study.

G E T T I N G T H E M O S T O U T O F T H I S S T U DY NN

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These materials include daily devotionals for individual benefit; the core of the study guide is designed to be worked through as a group. Come prepared by reading the Biblical text and reading through the week’s material ahead of time. It is unfair and limiting to leave all the heavy lifting to your group leader/facilitator. Take notes in your book from the sermon and chapters and bring them to your group. You do not have to complete every question in your meeting. Your group has a particular make-up, so take some time before your meeting to determine questions that might be most interesting.

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Remember that your group is diverse and not everyone knows what you know. The questions have been created with varying depth and difficulty because of this diversity.

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Pray together before you start. The Spirit of the Living God will provide the richest soil for your group to learn and grow.

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Have a member of your group read the text aloud. Reading more than once can help.

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The “Let’s Get Started” section is intended to get your group interacting. It may not be deeply focused on the week’s study but should get them thinking together.

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The “If Christ...” section immerses you in the Biblical text for the week. The meaning and purpose of the text should start to come alive here.

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The “...Then Believers” section is designed to bring a fuller understanding of the text to light through some interactive questions that attempt to bridge the text from the first century to now.

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Finally, the “Now You” section engages your group in the teaching of the text so you can start to live out the gospel in your group, family, work and life. Taking shortcuts here is a mistake. We can fill our minds with a bunch of information, but how much better would it be to display a “living” faith.

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Week one

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COLOSSIANS 1:1-14

aul, an apostle of

in the word of the truth, the

understanding,

Christ Jesus by

gospel, 6 which has come to

walk in a manner worthy of

the will of God,

you, as indeed in the whole

the Lord, fully pleasing to

and Timothy our

world it is bearing fruit and

him, bearing fruit in every

increasing—as it also does

good work and increasing

among you, since the day you

in the knowledge of God.

heard it and understood the

May you be strengthened

grace of God in truth, 7 just as

with all power, according

you learned it from Epaphras

to his glorious might, for all

Grace to you and peace from

our beloved fellow servant.

endurance and patience with

God our Father.

He is a faithful minister of

joy,

brother,

2

To the saints and faithful

brothers

in

Christ

at

Colossae:

3

G O S P E L F R U I T

11

We always thank God, the

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4

since we heard of your faith

Christ on your behalf

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12

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so as to

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giving thanks to the

and

Father, who has qualified you

has made known to us your

to share in the inheritance of

love in the Spirit.

the saints in light.

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And so, from the day we

in Christ Jesus and of the

heard, we have not ceased

love that you have for all the

to pray for you, asking that

saints, 5 because of the hope

you may be filled with the

laid up for you in heaven. Of

knowledge of his will in

this you have heard before

all

spiritual

wisdom

and

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He has

delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,

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in whom

we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

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Notes

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T H E

W E E K

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Read the text out loud and open in prayer. Then select one of the following options for discussion: Discuss how the Sunday Service and Daily Devotions impacted you.

Discuss the following question: Think of a time when you saw someone’s life radically changed for the better. How did you respond? What did you think and say about that person?

the gospel proclaimed

Only about 30 years have passed since Jesus’ death and resurrection and we see this picture of Paul not just proclaiming the centrality of a crucified Jesus to people he spent significant time with, but to a young church that has never met him. This message that he carries, like life-forming DNA, is so central to “living out” true humanity that he stops at nothing to bring its reality to those that may only know him by name.

QUestions

WEEK 1 GOSPEL FRUIT

IF CHRIST

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As Paul writes this letter, he is in prison, most likely in Ephesus. His own personal circumstances make this letter especially poignant, and gives us a portrait of a man facing huge difficulties and hardships and coming through with his faith and hope unscathed.

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Paul addresses the church as “holy and faithful brothers in Christ.” What do you think “holy” means and what it does not mean?

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In verse 5, what is the “truth” of the gospel that makes it such good news? How has the gospel been defined here at SVCC?

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Why does Paul use the analogy of a fruit-bearing plant to describe the truth of the gospel?

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Verses 11-14 use the words “inheritance” and transfer from a “domain of darkness” to a “kingdom.” To what Old Testament event might this be pointing and what might Paul be implying about the gospel?

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WEEK 1 GOSPEL FRUIT

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THEN B E L I E VE R S the gospel understood

The church at Colossae was just starting up, full of energy and enthusiasm. Paul wants these believers to know how to nurture the seed of the gospel that has been planted in order to bear more fruit.

What qualities would indicate the gospel is bearing fruit in one’s life (refer to Gal 5:22-23 for more thoughts)?

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How might those qualities reflect the gospel?

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Can you share a time in your life when you felt unfruitful and why? What do you think lead to that unfruitful time?

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What does Paul specifically pray for those in Colossae and why would this be the focus of Paul’s prayer?

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the gospel applied

Paul describes the gospel as the word of truth. This word is powerful. When the gospel is spoken, God Himself works through it spreading the plant of new life, color, fragrance and fruit in every place.

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Do you recall a time when you were thankful in prayer (and life) as Paul would seem to be? Share some examples. Is God receiving due thanks as well?

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How have you come to better understand the gospel and its purpose and power in your life?

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As a group, determine some actions you can take individually this week that would show how you are walking in the truth of the gospel and report back next week.

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p Prayer R E Q U E S T S

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MONDAY

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Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. C O LO S SI A NS 1 : 1 -3

Daily

D E V O T I O N A L S

F A M I L Y There are so many blessings that come as a byproduct of accepting the grace of God. One of them is the truth that we are instantly bonded to other believers and grafted into a new family. What is your family of origin like? Is it strong and rooted in love, predictable, and secure? Or is it the complete

opposite, weak and lacking in love, and full of unpredictability and insecurity? Perhaps it is a blend of the two extremes. Either way, it is earthly. It is flawed and falls short. Anything on this side of heaven does. But through grace, our Father saw fit to bring a solution through the church of believers. We are instantly given

a new family through faith. The blood of Christ creates a bond so deep that even those from the most dysfunctional of families can be made whole again through the healing and restorative relationships of fellow believers. We are no longer strangers, but now known as brothers and sisters.

P R AY O N T H I S THINK ON THIS How has your family of origin shaped how you see yourself and the world around you?

M O N D AY * T U E S D AY * W E D N E S D AY * T H U R S D AY * F R I D AY

T I E S

Faithful Father, thank You for my earthly family that You have given me. Despite their flaws, I thank You for each and every one of them. You knew exactly what You were doing when I was born into my family. Show me the areas of my life that need healing and wholeness through my church family. Help me to build relationships with other believers and add value into their lives. Let me fully understand what it means to have a new family in Christ.

T UESDAY

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WEDNESDAY

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We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven.

…Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant.

C O LO S SI A NS 1 :3-5

C O LO S SI A NS 1 :5 -7

H O P E Cause and effect. It is the direct relationship between two things and the outcome that occurs when one thing precedes another. We are able to breathe because we have lungs. We are able to see because we have eyes, or we are able to hear because we have ears. While these examples are very simplistic and physical in nature, there are cause and effect relationships in our spiritual lives that deserve attention. For example, our

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C A U S E

increasing trust in God releases harbored fear of man. Our invested time in prayer yields a greater peace in God. Our focused heart in worship diminishes our problems and magnifies our God. Paul gives a specific example of cause and effect in this portion of scripture that is subtle yet profound. In writing to the people at Colossae, he mentions the effect before the cause. The effect was their love for the saints and faith in Christ, which

was directly related to the cause, hope in what is “laid up for you in heaven”. The hope (the cause) they had in Christ allowed them to have a greater faith in Him and to love others without inhibition (the effect). Where is your hope today? Are you waffling in the waves or are you anchored in the hope of Christ that gives you the greatest sense of security to love others freely with the same love that He first loved you with?

T H E You’ve probably read a book that was so descriptive and the storyline so in depth that it transported you to another place and time altogether. You became so entwined and connected to the characters that you felt their feelings, hoped their hopes and dreamed their dreams. When the book ended, there may have even been feelings of withdrawals for the loss of the emotional experience

P R AY O N T H I S THINK ON THIS How can you renew your hope in Christ every day?

Faithful Father, I thank You that You are my hope. You are my Ultimate Cause so I can be effective in the world at loving others and remaining faithful in You. I repent of my false hopes in people, things, and even myself. I know that the effects of these things have led to frustration and lack of faith. I renew myself to You and pray for a truly effective life on earth, marked by real love for others and a servant’s heart that is rooted in deep faith, Christ my hope.

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that accompanied reading the book. The phenomena has been described as “the words coming alive right off of the page.” We know that words cannot actually be living, or can they? It defies human comprehension when Paul describes what the gospel is doing in the hearts of the people of Colossae and all over the world. The gospel or “word of truth” is changing hearts individually and

collectively simultaneously. It is bearing fruit and bringing change. It is full, not empty. It is foolproof and never failing. It brings clarity where there is confusion and calm when there is catastrophe. It brings correction and conviction. Immerse yourself in the word of God and the promises it possesses. The gospel inherently has the power to change, fulfill, and heal you one word at a time.

P R AY O N T H I S THINK ON THIS Does the time I spend in God’s word reflect how much I value it?

Faithful Father, thank You for Your word that is my guide, my healing and my hope. I am encouraged when I read how Your word brings life and truth. I admit that I sometimes choose other things to fill my time. Help me to desire to read Your word and for wisdom in discerning what it means. I trust in the power of Your holy, unchanging word to bear fruit in my life!

THURSDAY

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And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

Intercession is the act of intervening on behalf of another. Some forms of intercession include arbitration, negotiation, or intervention. Spiritually speaking, intercession is simply praying on behalf of someone else. Paul is interceding for the people of Colossae to be filled with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. Why is it necessary for us to intercede for one another?

Father. Take a moment to reflect on that! Jesus is the one who loves us without condition and knows us without inhibition. Jesus is the maker of prayer and master of it. Take comfort in knowing that you are prayed for – your needs are taken directly to the Father by the Son. With this comfort taken, take a step of faith and be the intercessor for others.

R E D E E M E D Do we actually take God at His word? From banished outsiders to grafted family members, we are given a new identity as sons and daughters of Christ. But how many of us actually live in a way that reflects what we believe? Our lives have been littered by battered relationships, blatant sin, and bruised hearts, amongst so many other forms of brokenness.

P R AY O N T H I S THINK ON THIS Take a few moments and pray for the specific needs of a family, friend, or an acquaintance.

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C O LO S SI A NS 1 : 13-14

P L E A S E

Sometimes the weight is too heavy and the pain is too overwhelming. Sometimes the situation is too confusing and the choices are too daunting for us to face on our own. Have you been the recipient of someone’s intercession? While another may have prayed for you recently, scripture tells us that Jesus is constantly interceding on our behalf at the right hand of the

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He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

C O LO S SI A NS 1 :9-1 0

I N T E R C E D E

FRIDAY

Faithful Father, thank You that You know my needs and me. You know them even more than I do. Thank You for the examples of intercession in scripture that encourage me to do the same. I am comforted by the fact that Jesus who knows me best is interceding for me most! I want to be this for others. Give me the awareness when I need to intercede for others and the courage to follow through with it.

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Through Christ, we have been rescued from what Paul calls “the domain of darkness” and delivered into the kingdom of light in which we receive the gift of redemption. This gift of redemption brings the forgiveness of sins. This forgiveness breaks down the previously forged walls of shame, self-pity, and separation that sin erected. Living out forgiveness means we actively

R E A L embrace the kingdom identity that we possess through Christ. It is not something we earn, but something we inherit. It is not something we deserve, but something we receive. It is not just something we do, but something we are. As believers, we have been redeemed for real. Our identity is part of the “kingdom of His beloved Son”. We are to live as forgiven, free, and hope-filled.

P R AY O N T H I S THINK ON THIS How has your identity in Christ changed you?

Faithful Father, thank You that You give me a new identity. I no longer have to live in the shame and sin of my past, but can walk in the forgiveness and newness of life You’ve given me in the present. Help me to embrace my identity in You that frees me of fear and all condemnation so that I can live to bring others into a redemptive relationship with You.

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Week two

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J E S U S R U L E S

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COLOSSIANS 1:15-23

e is the image of

church. He is the beginning,

reconciled in his body of flesh

the invisible God,

the firstborn from the dead,

by his death, in order to present

the

that in everything he might be

you holy and blameless and

firstborn

of all creation.

preeminent. For in him all the

above reproach before him,

For by him all things were

fullness of God was pleased to

if indeed you continue in the

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created, in heaven and on

dwell,

and through him to

faith, stable and steadfast, not

earth, visible and invisible,

reconcile to himself all things,

shifting from the hope of the

whether thrones or dominions

whether on earth or in heaven,

gospel that you heard, which

or rulers or authorities—all

making peace by the blood of

has been proclaimed in all

things were created through

his cross.

creation under heaven, and

him and for him.

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of which I, Paul, became a

And he is

before all things, and in him all things hold together.

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And you, who once were

And

alienated and hostile in mind,

he is the head of the body, the

doing evil deeds, 22 he has now

minister.

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Notes

F O R

T H E

W E E K

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or

Read the text out loud and open in prayer. Then select one of the following options for discussion: Discuss how the Sunday Service and Daily Devotions impacted you.

Discuss the following question: Who is your favorite writer or artist and why do you like his/her works so much?

IF CHRIST the gospel proclaimed

One component in the “philosophy” threatening the Colossian church was the denial of the deity of Jesus. Paul counteracts this false teaching with one of the strongest statements about the divine nature of Jesus found anywhere in the Bible.

QUestions

WEEK 2 JESUS RULES

Poetry has always been an effective medium for communicating and remembering essential truths. This passage, emphasizing the supremacy of Christ, is one of the earliest Christian poems written, and it provides a wisdom for the ages that both the Colossians and we should heed.

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How does this passage describe Jesus’ role in creation (vv. 15-17) and in redemption (vv 18-20)?

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What parts of this poem would have to change if Jesus was simply a prophet or wise man? Why is it important to know that Jesus is not only equal to God (Philippians 2:6), He is God (John 10:30, 38)?

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The “blood of the cross” is a unique phrase in the New Testament. Why do you think Paul used this imagery for the audience at Colossae?

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What do you think it means that the gospel “has been proclaimed in all creation?”

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WEEK 2 JESUS RULES

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THEN B E L I E VE R S the gospel understood

Paul has just painted a picture for his Colossian brothers and sisters. Now he must bring things into focus for them in verses 21-23, like a point on a map that says “You are here”. Within the story of creation and redemption, these verses indicate where God’s people fit.

What are the implications of the centrality and supremacy of Christ for your life?

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What are some characteristics of a life that has been reconciled to God?

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How do you respond to the idea that you are “holy, blameless and above reproach” in God’s presence? In what ways do you feel you are not?

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What are some specific ways in which your life is different from once being alienated but now being reconciled to God through Jesus’ death (vv 21-22)?

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the gospel applied

We need to continually review how we live, and this passage ends with a warning that we all should pay close attention to. We are called to “continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven.”

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When are you most tempted to “shift from the hope of the gospel”?

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Confess to each other the things in which you tend to place your hope in that are not the “hope of the gospel.”

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Pick a person from your group who you will pray for and encourage to “hope in the gospel” for the coming weeks of this series. Be faithful as God is faithful.

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MONDAY

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He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. C O LO S SI A NS 1 : 15

Daily

D E V O T I O N A L S

I N V I S I B L E “I’ll believe it when I see it.” Many of us approach life with this kind of scientific logic. Our spiritual lives can operate with the same mode of thinking that has us making agreements with the Almighty. You show me where to go and I’ll go or you show me what choice to make and I’ll make it. While the world is all about trusting what is tangible,

our faith is based on trusting in the Intangible One, the God in whom we cannot physically see or touch. However, we are not left in the dark. We are given the living word of God that gives us the exact “image” of what God is like in the flesh. The invisible God becomes visible in Christ: sinless, stainless, and perfectly preserving. He was

V I S I B L E loving and loyal, sacrificial and utterly secure in the Father’s love. He was the first creation and the best reflection of God the Father. The next time we are tempted to only trust in what we see, let us remember what Christ has done for us so that His invisible Spirit can live within us, fanning the flame of our faith made visible.

P R AY O N T H I S THINK ON THIS How can your faith be strengthened today?

M O N D AY * T U E S D AY * W E D N E S D AY * T H U R S D AY * F R I D AY

M A D E

Faithful Father, thank You for Your tangible example of Christ’s love for me demonstrated through His sinless life and sacrificial death. When I am tempted to stop trusting You based on what I cannot see, help me to go to Your word where my faith can be strengthened. I trust You in Your word and declare in faith Your will be done in my life.

T UESDAY

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For he created all things, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.

T H R O U G H

All is a big word. It encompasses everything and leaves out nothing. It is the antonym of none and synonym of whole. Not only does Paul claim that Christ created all things, but he goes further to say that all things He created were through Him and for Him. In heaven, this includes the visible sun, moon,

and stars, and the invisible angels, saints, and the realm where He dwells. On earth, this encompasses the visible trees, seas, and the human beings that walk in His image, while also the invisible minds, souls and spirits of those same men who inhabit the earth. Christ created all and all is for Christ. We are all created through and

C O LO S SI A NS 1 : 1 7

&

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for Christ’s glory, pleasure, and purpose. The very obvious outermost parts, and the very mysterious hidden hearts - it is all through and for Him. How does this make you feel about yourself and your purpose? It should excite you to the very core! You are Christ’s all through and for. Rededicate all of yourself to Him today.

P R AY O N T H I S THINK ON THIS What does it mean to you to be created for Christ?

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And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

C O LO S SI A NS 1 : 1 6

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WEDNESDAY

Faithful Father, thank You that You reveal that Christ made all things for Him and through Him. I am a part of that creation and am not an accident. I may not feel valued or valuable, but Your word tells me differently! I receive the truth of that word today and rededicate myself to You. Make my life purposeful for Your glory!

H O L D Be honest. Have you ever felt like you could barely hold it together? From the big things to the small, and everything in between, have you been walking on a tightrope of tension between trying to thrive and merely survive? For so many of us, this is our reality. We are barely holding it together but act as though we have our lives tight and woven in a neatly tied bow.

THINK ON THIS What situation in your life are you trying to hold together on your own?

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The truth is, our lives were not meant to be backbreaking, energysapping displays of pseudo omni-competence. Instead, Paul purposefully describes Christ as “before all things” and “in Him, all things hold together”. He is not supposed to be a side thought or an after thought. He is the before thought. He goes before us to be the greatest holder of our

minds, hearts, talents, and time. Furthermore, Christ is the One who is the holder of all our things together – all of those things in our lives that do not make sense but somehow have purpose when we submit them to Him. So let it go all of it. The big things, the small ones, and everything in between. Let your life unravel in the arms of the One who is safe to hold it.

P R AY O N T H I S

Faithful Father, thank You that I do not have to hold it altogether. Much of the time, I feel like I am barely able to keep afloat. I was never meant to hold it together all by myself anyway. I ask You to show me how to unravel in You day-by-day, minute-by-minute, if needed. I trust in Your goodness and Your character. You truly are the safest one to carry my burdens!

THURSDAY

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For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. C O LO S SI A NS 1 : 1 9-20

P L E A S E D Peace is absolutely essential in the life of a believer. Without peace, there is a natural bend to fear, anxiety, and unrest. But how is peace for our hearts and minds made reality? It was Christ pierced that made possible the peace we possess. So then, if we have peace, how come we do not feel peaceful? How come we struggle with lives that

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signify anything but the peace we are promised? Jesus is called the Prince of Peace. He is also the Son who sacrificed it all so we could be in relationship with the Father. To take the concept a step further, peace is not just the absence of conflict. It is the heart fully content in relationship with God. It is communion at its fullest, without fear or guilt or

Does your life currently reflect peace or chaos?

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And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. C O LO S SI A NS 1 :2 1 -23

P E A C E shame. Could it be that we lack peace because we are lacking in cultivating the one relationship with the very One who embodies the very concept? Christ does not just give peace. He is peace. To know Him is to be with Him and to be with Him, you will become like Him. Peace is a byproduct of being in the presence of Christ Himself.

P R AY O N T H I S THINK ON THIS

“

FRIDAY

Faithful Father, I need the peace You give. I need the peace You are. Thank You that You are my peace when my world is spinning and moving in every different direction but straight. I repent for not being in communion with You as much as I need to be. I want everything You are more than I want to be in the chaos of separation. I dedicate my life to You and I receive the peace You freely give.

R E C O N C I L E D We are presented as “blameless” before the Father through Christ. We are looked on as white as snow, with hearts as pure as the dawn of day. While sin may haunt our past, Christ’s death declares we are blameless in the eyes of the Father in the present and even into the future. Alienated outsiders no more, we are reconciled to Him so that we

THINK ON THIS What does it mean to you that you are “blameless” in Christ?

F O R

can reconcile others. Although this is our truth as believers, we tend to live stuck in the lie that our sin is our identity. Paul reminds the people to “continue in the faith…not shifting from the hope of the gospel”. The hope of the gospel is our anchor. It is our tether in the tide of lies that the enemy is quick to throw our way in an effort to take us off

R E A L

course. The most powerful believer is one who embraces their identity in Christ, actually believes the truth of the gospel, and lives completely liberated from the sins of their past, present, and future. It’s time to take the gospel at its word and live in the liberation that it provides so that we can be reconciled for real and bring that gift of grace to others.

P R AY O N T H I S

Faithful Father, thank You that I am liberated. I am no longer enslaved by the sins of my past, present, or future. Free me from my shame and guilt and help me to embrace my true identity in Christ so that I can no longer live in fear but live in the true freedom that You give.

42

Week three

M Y S T E R Y U N V E I L E D

“

n

43

COLOSSIANS 1: 24-29

ow I rejoice

stewardship from God

of this mystery, which is

in

my

that was given to me for

Christ in you, the hope of

sufferings

you, to make the word of

glory. 28 Him we proclaim,

for

God fully known,

the

warning everyone and

sake, and in my flesh I am

mystery hidden for ages

teaching everyone with

filling up what is lacking

and generations but now

all wisdom, that we may

in Christ's afflictions for

revealed to his saints.

present everyone mature

the sake of his body,

To them God chose to

in Christ.

that is, the church,

25

make known how great

struggling with all his

of which I became a

among the Gentiles are

energy that he powerfully

minister according to the

the riches of the glory

works within me.

your

26

27

29

For this I toil,

44

45

Notes

F O R

T H E

W E E K

WEEK 3 MY STERY UNVEILED

46

or

Read the text out loud and open in prayer. Then select one of the following options for discussion: Discuss how the Sunday Service and Daily Devotions impacted you.

Discuss the following question: What movie do you remember enjoying that left you looking forward to the sequel and why?

IF CHRIST the gospel proclaimed

The Old Testament predicted the coming of the Messiah and that Gentiles would be included in the salvation He would bring. But it did not reveal that the Messiah would actually live in each member of His Church, now believers, both Jew and Gentile, now possess the surpassing riches of the indwelling Christ is the glorious revealed mystery.

QUestions

Most everyone enjoys a good mystery. We may feel bewildered or anxious at moments as the story-line twists and turns but most often we can trust the writers to tie up the loose ends, bring us to a satisfactory conclusion and resolve the tension we feel. That is unless the writers are setting the stage for a sequel. In the gospel story we find the mystery unveiled with yet more to come.

4

L

ET 'S BEGIN

NN

In what sense could Paul say “he filled up what was lacking in Christ’s affliction”?

NN

What is Paul’s goal in verses 24-29, and what does he believe he must do to accomplish this goal?

NN

Describe “the mystery” that Paul refers to in verses 26 and 27.

NN

How does this section balance divine control with human responsibility?

47

WEEK 3 MY STERY UNVEILED

48

NN

NN

THEN B E L I E VE R S

What did Paul understand about suffering?

Describe a time you were taught something and a time you were warned about something. How would you differentiate them and their intended effect, and why might Paul be using these terms together?

the gospel understood

Christ is the “hope of glory.” We know from other parts of scripture the Holy Spirit is the guarantee to each believer of future glory, and of becoming truly human, a restored image bearer of God. Our lives now are to point to a new creation with Jesus at the center, a real hope for the world.

NN

NN

N O W Y oU

the gospel applied

Paul gives us a picture of a balanced Christian life that all of God’s people are to strive for. He served and honored God with all his might with the understanding that he was a steward, responsible for managing the abilities and resources God gave him.

NN

How well are you at managing the abilities and resources God has given you?

NN

With a partner, describe yourself as you would imagine totally “mature in Christ” and try to identify steps necessary to reach that maturity. Start with just one quality if it would be easier.

What is meant by Paul’s reference to “everyone being perfect in Christ Jesus”? Give an example of a person you think is “being perfected.”

What was the last thing you toiled and struggled with? Be honest.

49

50

51

p Prayer R E Q U E S T S

“

MONDAY

p.53

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church… C O LO S SI A NS 1 :24

Daily

D E V O T I O N A L S

S U F F E R I N G Suffering and Christianity is like peanut butter and jelly or an oreo and filling. Without one of the duo, the pair would be incomplete. While this is an ultra simplistic illustration, this is not how we like to think about suffering, especially in relation to our faith. In fact, we often

T H E

pray for it to go away and even blame God for the suffering we endure. Paul does the exact opposite of passing the buck for the cup of suffering that he is forced to drink. He is thankful for his suffering because he sees it as an extension of Christ’s ultimate act of love for

S A K E

humanity. Suffering, likewise, is passed on to Chirst's body of believers, the church, as a demonstration of His love for humanity. We are the extension of Christ on planet earth and it is often most evident through the sufferings we endure for His namesake.

P R AY O N T H I S THINK ON THIS How do you view the different forms of suffering in your life?

M O N D AY * T U E S D AY * W E D N E S D AY * T H U R S D AY * F R I D AY

F O R

Faithful Father, I admit that I do not like to suffer. It is painful and sometimes feels like punishment. Help me to trust in You when I do not understand why I have to suffer. Help me to remember that my suffering is ultimately an extension of Your suffering and true love for me. Grow my faith in my current season of suffering.

T UESDAY

p.54

“

...of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you.

Stewardship by definition is the responsible planning and management of resources. God is the ultimate steward. He knows who should do what, and what goes where. Stewardship is not any easy task, especially when our view is limited. We see the here and now of what is directly in the present frame, while God is able to see the entire collections of the scenes in our

THINK ON THIS How have you been an effective or ineffective steward of God’s stewardship to you?

“

C O LO S SI A NS 1 :26 -2 7

S U S TA I N S

script called life. But fear not, God has imparted His Spirit through Christ, to give us the supernatural ability to do things in our normal skin that we would not be able to do. Paul refers to his calling as a minister as the “stewardship from God that was given to me for you”. What is your stewardship from God? What are you responsible to be and do? More importantly, are you being and doing those

p.55

The mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

C O LO S SI A NS 1 :25

S T E WA R D S H I P

WEDNESDAY

things? Someone once said that knowledge is power. In this case, knowing what your stewardship is from God will impart power. It has the potential to empower others, through you, to live in their unique talents and ultimately, bring the gospel to the world around them. It’s time to live in ownership of the stewardship that God has imparted to us so we can live the most effective of Christian lives.

S E C R E T Have you ever had a secret that you were just dying to tell? Did it take all of you to not say something to the recipient because it was too good, too exciting, or too important to keep hidden? For generations and ages past, the plan was being made perfect. It was hidden until the secret was ready to be revealed. Since God is perfect, so are His intentions, timing, and mode of delivery. Paul,

P R AY O N T H I S

Faithful Father, thank You that You are the best steward! Sometimes, I feel like I do not know what I am supposed to do or be. Thank You that I do not have to figure it all out but You give me Your Spirit to reveal Your truth to me. Help me to consistently depend on You through Your word and prayer and trust You to show me how to best use my time and talents for Your kingdom!

N O

formerly known as Saul, was a Jewish religious zealot before his humbling conversion. He was the most educated and distinguished among his counterparts. The sweet irony is that God chose him to deliver the saving message of Christ to the exact people groups he formerly despised: the Gentiles. The mystery made known and the secret exposed is that Christ is our saving grace; our

M O R E only hope of glory and the church is this representation of this mystery revealed on earth. God chose the church to be filled with both Jews and Gentiles. Every face and race and every size and shape makes clear that there is no discrimination with grace. Trust in God’s perfect mystery, which has come to completion through Christ, the groom and the bride, the church.

P R AY O N T H I S THINK ON THIS How has God’s perfect timing been evident in your life?

Faithful Father, I am so thankful that all that You are and do is perfect, including Your timing and delivery. I admit that I get impatient and become distrustful of Your best for my life. Help me to wait and trust. Reveal to me my part that I play in the church body. You have given me a specific role to complete and I pray for specific courage to step up and be an active member of Your church on earth!

THURSDAY

p.56

“

“

FRIDAY

p.57

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.

For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

C O LO S SI A NS 1 :28

C O LO S SI A NS 1 :29

S O

E V E R Y W H E R E

What is our mission mindset? Do we have Christ on the forefront of our minds everywhere we go and in everything we do? Paul stated, “Him we proclaim”. The “Him” is Christ and the audience is everyone. It is not reserved for some people that look like us or talk like us. It is not reserved for those who we know relationally

or relatively. We have Christ so that we can proclaim freedom and make that known to free others. Paul emphasizes the goal is ”that we may present everyone mature in Christ”. Christ in us does not stop with us. Often times, our Christian culture places emphasis on the grace we get, but fails to focus

W E

G O

on the grace we give. Our gift of grace is meant to be a gift to others. We are fat on being fed and are satisfied to end there. Yet our faith is to be exercised in the form of a mission mindset that is deliberate, intentional, and interested in taking the good news of the Gospel to the world around us, both near and far.

P R AY O N T H I S THINK ON THIS How do you proclaim the name of Christ to the world around you?

Faithful Father, thank You that You have not given me a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and self control. Your word is clear that we are responsible for sharing the good news of the Gospel with the world around us. It is not reserved for a select few, but for everyone. Give me boldness to speak about Your saving grace that has changed my life. I pray against any fear that may arise when the opportunity presents itself. Instead, I pray for courage to declare what Christ has done for me!

T H E

S T R U G G L E

Life is hard. The struggle is real. For the believer, life without struggle is not Biblical. A strugglefree life may be part of the normal reality television lineup, the latest Facebook post or prime Instagram picture, but the truth is, this life will have struggle. The Christian life will be full of, but not limited to, disappointment,

THINK ON THIS Reflect on a specific time where Christ has been your strength in struggle.

heartache, betrayal, and tragedy, to name a few. Paul, in referring to his very dedication to preaching the Gospel said, “For this I toil, struggling with all his energy…” Paul was under no misconceptions or misnomers about his task. He had a realistic outlook on the assignment that God had given him to complete. It was straight

I S

R E A L

up hard work! There was struggle involved. But it did not end there. Where there is struggle, He will be your strength. Christ will be the strength you need to run the race, which has been set before you. Take heart and know that your struggle is not without an extra measure of supernatural strength to accompany your toil.

P R AY O N T H I S

Faithful Father, thank You that I am not alone in my struggle. Life often seems so easy for others. I tend to get discouraged when I begin to compare my struggle to others’ stress-free lives. Help me to keep my eye on You, the prize, and depend on Your strength to sustain me in my time of struggle. Encourage me today Lord!

58

Week four

“

f

or I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for

those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face 2

to face, that their hearts may

be encouraged, being knit

COLOSSIANS 2 :1-15 your faith in Christ. 6

without hands, by putting

Therefore, as you received

Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,

12

having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from

together in love, to reach all

8

the riches of full assurance

you captive by philosophy

were dead in your trespasses

of understanding and the

and empty deceit, according

and the uncircumcision of

knowledge of God's mystery,

to

tradition,

your flesh, God made alive

in whom

according to the elemental

together with him, having

are hidden all the treasures

spirits of the world, and not

which is Christ,

T R U E K N O W L E D G E

59

3

See to it that no one takes

human

9

the dead.

13

And you, who

forgiven us all our trespasses, 14

of wisdom and knowledge.

according to Christ.

4

I say this in order that no

in him the whole fullness

debt that stood against us

one may delude you with

10

with its legal demands. This

For

and you have been filled in

he set aside, nailing it to the

though I am absent in body,

him, who is the head of all

cross.

yet I am with you in spirit,

rule and authority.

In him

rulers and authorities and

rejoicing to see your good

also you were circumcised

put them to open shame, by

order and the firmness of

with a circumcision made

triumphing over them in him.

plausible arguments.

5

For

of deity dwells bodily,

11

by canceling the record of

15

He disarmed the

60

61

Notes

F O R

T H E

W E E K

62

or

Read the text out loud and open in prayer. Then select one of the following options for discussion: Discuss how the Sunday Service and Daily Devotions impacted you.

Take some time in your group to play “Two Truths and a Lie” as a way to enjoy getting to know the other members better.

the gospel proclaimed

The center of Paul’s argument is made in these few verses. At the core of his thought is “Christ Jesus the Lord”—the foretold Messiah come as a man, crucified, and exalted in resurrection. He reminds the Colossians that they have been buried and raised with Jesus through faith, and any “philosophy” that does not focus on Him can only confine or exclude them.

QUestions

WEEK 4 TRUE KNOWLEDGE

IF CHRIST

4

L

ET 'S BEGIN

“Two Truths and a Lie” is a get-acquainted game where each person in the group takes turns sharing two things about himself along with telling one thing that is not true. The goal is to have people guess what facts are true and not true. The lies in this case are harmless. But when it comes to what you believe about reality and God, knowing the truth has eternal consequences.

NN

What does Paul say God accomplished through Jesus’ death on the cross (vv. 13-15)? How is this ironic?

NN

This section includes seven occurrences of “in Him” or “in Christ.” In looking through these references, what is Paul trying to establish with his audience?

NN

From this passage, what are the identifying features of the “philosophy” that Paul is defending against and how does he call the Colossians to protect themselves?

NN

What was the purpose of circumcision in the Old Testament and why might Paul be using it here?

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WEEK 4 TRUE KNOWLEDGE

64

NN

THEN B E L I E VE R S

NN

Why do people have difficulty with the idea that Jesus Christ is the “one way”? How have you struggled with this?

What are some of today’s “arguments or philosophies” that seek to deceive Christians?

the gospel understood

“In this passage, Paul makes the sharpest and clearest statement in all his writings of his belief that Jesus quite literally embodies the one true God. Therefore, if you possess Jesus, you are already ‘fulfilled’ in him, and no rule or authority can go over his head and impose itself on you. He is the head of them all.” N.T. Wright

NN

NN

N O W Y oU

the gospel applied

At that heart of our faith is a full immersion in water that re-enacts a burial with Christ such that His death is counted as our death. But it is also a rising from the grave, a newness of life, a dying to the old ways, a resurrection. Like Paul’s words to the Colossians, we not only believe that Jesus was raised from the dead, but we proclaim a God who raises the dead as should be seen in our newness of life.

NN

Have you participated in full-immersion baptism? Share your experience.

NN

How does the centrality of Jesus in Paul’s words challenge you and your response to the gospel?

NN

Paul says that he “struggles” for the Colossians, a people he has not met. How can you “struggle” in tangible ways for others in your group this week? Make a commitment.

What word-pictures about life in Christ does Paul use in verses 6-7 and how does your life look in comparison?

In what ways do you think the church today needs to refocus on the supremacy of King Jesus?

65

66

67

p Prayer R E Q U E S T S

“

MONDAY

p.69

That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. C O LO S SI A NS 2 :2-3

Daily

D E V O T I O N A L S

C O M P L E T E Our hope in Christ is not based on circumstance or chance. Our hope in Christ is rooted in complete confidence. Paul’s prayer for fellow Christians was that they would “reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding”. Assurance or confidence is likened to riches. Where do you reach for your riches? Do you find your confidence in position or people

THINK ON THIS

M O N D AY * T U E S D AY * W E D N E S D AY * T H U R S D AY * F R I D AY

Where is your confidence found – in Christ or in other things, people or even self?

C O N F I D E N C E

or maybe in status or self? Your confidence will always be shortlived and shallow if it is built on things, others, or even self. True assurance and confidence comes from knowing Christ. How do we know Christ? It is through deliberate investment in His word, in worship, in prayer and in community with fellow believers where the “knowledge of God’s mystery” is revealed.

Hidden in Christ is where we find the true “treasures of wisdom and knowledge”. These treasures do not rust or run out, but are safe from decay and disappointment. Seek the hidden riches and treasures only found in Christ. You can have complete confidence that you will be encouraged, encountered with wisdom, and engrained in knowledge.

P R AY O N T H I S

Faithful Father, thank You that You are my confidence. When I am feeling insecure or self-focused, You are the antithesis of that. You are my cure for feelings of inadequacy. You encourage my heart and my mind with the truth – encourage me in the specific areas of wisdom and knowledge so that I can be an encouragement to others!

T UESDAY

p.70

“

“

WEDNESDAY

p.71

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

C O LO S SI A NS 2 :6 -7

C O LO S SI A NS 2 :8-1 0

R E C E I V E D The root system of a plant is vital to its survival. Without a secure and strong system, the exterior parts of a plant are apt to wither and die. The inner feeds the outer. The same applies to our spiritual lives as Paul encouraged the church at Colossians to be “rooted and built up in Him”. Him being

&

R O O T E D

Christ and the emphasis is on the nourishment found only in Him. We cannot expect to have a firm faith if the root system is fragile and fragmented. False nourishment will only lead to a shallow and fruitless faith. An integral part of remaining rooted is obedience. Through obedience we become what

Paul describes as “established in the faith”. Obedience is for the benefit of the believer and stems from a heart that is grateful. Remember, obedience is not out of duty or obligation. Remain rooted in Christ today, desiring to live an obedient and grateful life that is indebted to the master Gardener Himself.

F U L L Contrast always emphasizes opposites. Tall and short, round and square, and black and white are all opposites that contrast one another. Paul cautions in Colossians against “empty teaching” in contrast to the fullness that Christ embodies. To go further, Paul uses the metaphor of captivity to describe how the

P R AY O N T H I S THINK ON THIS Recall a time when you were obedient and it grew your faith.

Faithful Father, thank You that You have given me instruction in Your word that helps me grow deeper in You! Your truth is timeless. I trust in it to lead me, guide me and grow me. I pray for a deep desire to walk in obedience to You! I want my life to be a grateful outpouring of who You are to me and how You have freed me from my need to please others.

N O T

E M P T Y

luring lies of false philosophy have the power to enslave minds and hearts to it. In a world that is full of confusing and competing doctrine, where do you stand, and how do you guard yourself against falling for the false? If you are a believer, Christ is the “head of all rule and authority”. He is in you and the fullness of His

wisdom, knowledge and power reside. Yet, there are forces, both seen and unseen, that are trying to take you captive by offering a cheap contrast that may appear to look a lot like the original on the surface. Take caution. Guard your hearts and minds, and stand firm in the true Authority who is Christ Himself.

P R AY O N T H I S THINK ON THIS How do you practically guard against false teaching?

Faithful Father, thank You that Your word is my guide when I am confused. Help me to remember the tools and the truth that You have given me: Your word, prayer, the church, and Your Spirit to guide me when I am unclear. Help me to navigate the difficult issues that are challenging my faith, and I trust You to guide me in all truth!

THURSDAY

p.72

“

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

Our sins were set aside. All sins committed – past, present and future ones. Christ through His grace and mercy, set them aside. We cannot fully fathom the fullness of this act. No amount of money could do it, no earthly authority could do it, and no persuasion of power could do it. It was only perfection

THINK ON THIS Who do you need to forgive today in light of God’s forgiveness of all of our sins?

I T

“

C O LO S SI A NS 2 : 15

A S I D E

Himself that could defeat death head on. But before our sins were set aside, there had to be sacrifice. This sacrifice, in the form of perfection, took on the form of man, remained in that perfection, and chose to be slain for our salvation so that our sins could be set aside. In doing so, we get to go from death to life

p.73

He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

C O LO S SI A NS 2 : 13-14

S E T

FRIDAY

in Him during our lives on earth as well as into eternity. This forgiveness cancels all debt and declares freedom over sin. The cross did what we could never do – declares us free so that we can declare others free of their debt to us. We forgive as an extension of the same forgiveness we were given.

D I S A R M E D Every enemy you come up against has already been disarmed. There is no power in the shame you feel, the regrets you relive, or the addictions you face. Paul says it very clearly: “He disarmed the rulers and authorities”. To disarm means to take away the effectiveness of their fight by destroying their weapon’s power. The death of Christ disarmed our enemies: every last one of them.

P R AY O N T H I S

Faithful Father, thank You that You have set aside my sins – all of them! I cannot even fathom this entirely. It is still somewhat of a mystery to me but I accept Your forgiveness and pray that I am able to fully forgive others who have sinned against me or will in the future. I trust in Your forgiving power, and I am so grateful for You making me alive in You!

THINK ON THIS What areas of your life do you need to trade in your battle plan for Christ’s power?

&

D E F E A T E D

Then why are we so powerless in fighting the fight? Paul tells us in another letter to the Corinthians, “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ…” (2 Cor. 10: 4-5). The power we possess in Christ is divine in nature. It is

not based on human strength or limitation. Often times, we fight our “enemies” in our humanness rather than in the divine power that Christ provides. We end up defeated, disillusioned, and disappointed in our faith. Let us start approaching our enemy with a different battle plan. The strategy that says we are victorious through Christ, who has disarmed our enemies and “triumphed over them in Him”.

P R AY O N T H I S

Faithful Father, thank You that You have disarmed all of my enemies. Even though I feel defeated in many areas, I repent of trying to fight these battles in my own strength. You are my defender and my power source! I trust Your word that says You have disarmed all of my enemies! Help me to live a victorious life in You that rests in Your power!

74

Week five

“

t

herefore no

let

one

pass

judgment

on

you in questions

75

COLOSSIANS 2 :16-23 up without reason by his

21

sensuous mind,

taste, Do not touch”

19

and not

22

holding fast to the Head,

(referring to things that all

from

perish as they are used)—

whom

the

whole

of food and drink, or with

body, nourished and knit

according

regard to a festival or a new

together through its joints

precepts and teachings?

moon or a Sabbath. 17 These

and ligaments, grows with

23

are a shadow of the things

a growth that is from God.

appearance

to come, but the substance

J U S T S H A D O W S

“Do not handle, Do not

belongs to Christ.

18

Let no

in 20

If with Christ you died to

to

human

These have indeed an of

promoting

religion

and

wisdom self-made asceticism

one disqualify you, insisting

the elemental spirits of the

and severity to the body,

on asceticism and worship

world, why, as if you were

but they are of no value in

of angels, going on in

still alive in the world, do

stopping the indulgence of

detail about visions, puffed

you submit to regulations—

the flesh.

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77

Notes

F O R

T H E

W E E K

In his Allegory of the Cave, Plato describes a gathering of people who have lived chained to the wall of a cave all of their lives unable to even turn their heads. They can only watch shadows projected on the wall from things passing in front of a fire behind them. The shadows are as close as the prisoners get to viewing reality. He then explains how the philosopher is like a prisoner freed from the cave and comes to understand that the shadows do not make up reality at all, for he can perceive the true form of reality.

or

Read the text out loud and open in prayer. Then select one of the following options for discussion: Discuss how the Sunday Service and Daily Devotions impacted you.

Discuss how Christians are like philosophers in Plato’s Allegory of the Cave. Do you agree or disagree with following quote by Plato: “ Those who are able to see beyond the shadows and lies of their culture will never be understood, let alone believed, by the masses.”

IF CHRIST the gospel proclaimed

The people in Colossae and those in the surrounding region have been immersed in Greek thought for centuries. They are also likely surrounded by a mixture of beliefs including Jewish mysticism. Paul argues that these surrounding belief systems only shadow the tangible “substance” of the Christ.

QUestions

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WEEK 5 JUST SHADOW S

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NN

What is Paul warning the Colossian believers about in verses 16 and 17?

NN

Read and compare this text with Galatians 4:8-10. How might the Colossian believers be trading their freedom for something else?

NN

How does the gospel differ from what these false teachers were claiming?

NN

How would you explain in your own words the question Paul poses in verses 20-21? Try to make it contemporary to our context.

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WEEK 5 JUST SHADOW S

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NN

THEN B E L I E VE R S the gospel understood

Paul has spent the opening portion of his letter dealing with the preeminence and sufficiency of Christ as a solid foundation on which to build, encouraging them in the Lord. He now turns his attention to the dangers of false doctrine and worship tainted by the influence of sin and pride. These dangers were real in Colossae and they remain in our day as well.

In what way would adherence to these false teachings “disqualify” the believer? (In the KJV the phrase used in verse 18 is “cheat you of your reward.”)

NN

Why are believers now under the New Covenant not required to observe the restrictions in the Mosaic law?

NN

What are things you have heard in our culture that are attempts to “add” to the gospel?

NN

How does this type of false teaching have an appearance of wisdom that draws people in? What does Paul imply it actually produces?

N O W Y oU

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the gospel applied

Christ alone is sufficient! He is pictured by Paul as absolutely real while all other belief systems are at best just a shadow. Similar false teachings today are causing confusion about who Jesus is and how we are to approach Him. The more we study the real deal the more we will be able to detect the counterfeit.

NN

Using the scale of 1-5, how would you rate the level of your understanding of the gospel?

NN

Take a moment to consider ways that we try to reduce our faith to a checklist of things to do (or not to do). As a group, write down a list of these things, and try to be relatively exhaustive. After reading this list, does it sound like good news to you or a weight? Pray for each other to see Jesus through the clutter of this list.

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MONDAY

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Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. C O LO S SI A NS 2 : 1 6

Daily

D E V O T I O N A L S

PA S S I N G J U D G M E N T U N J U S T LY Have you ever been criticized for doing something that was perceived as “unchristian like”? On the flip side, have you criticized another believer for their behavior that seemed a little too flippant, risqué, or even immoral? We have all been there and done that. We have passed judgment and been passed on. This is human nature

THINK ON THIS Recall a time when you condemned another or felt the sting of condemnation. M O N D AY * T U E S D AY * W E D N E S D AY * T H U R S D AY * F R I D AY

– to want to be God-like in theory without the actual authority to judge. Paul is speaking to a group of Christians who were experiencing the feasting that accompanied the Sabbath or sacred festivals. This was an extension of their joy and community that was looked on with criticism by a part of the congregation. Paul didn’t

discourage what they were doing, but rather told them not to allow others to condemn their practices. So the next time you are tempted to pass judgment, just recall the words of Jesus in Matthew 7: “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you”.

P R AY O N T H I S

Faithful Father, thank You that Your word is our guide for everything! You know my human nature and how easily judgment can creep in and overtake me. I pray against the need or desire to judge others and want to leave that up to You. Help me in this area and free me from judgmental thoughts and attitudes that keep me from freely loving people.

T UESDAY

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“

“

WEDNESDAY

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Let no one disqualify you insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)— according to human precepts and teachings?

C O LO S SI A NS 2 : 18-1 9

C O LO S SI A NS 2 :20-2 2

H O L D

FA S T

Spiritual snobbery is a sickness. It is found in the collective church, across denominations and down to the very pews of the physical churches we occupy. It starts in the hearts and minds, where humbleness is claimed but pride actually resides. Paul warns the church at Colossae to be on guard against those who suffer from it who go on

T O

T H E

to disqualify others that do not believe it. He goes on to say that these people are “not holding fast to the Head”. The Head is Christ and from Him, the body, the church, is nourished and grows from God. When spiritual snobbery assumes that selfdenial, angel worship, and visions are a necessary part of one’s spiritual experience,

H E A D

they assume human rules over relationship and Christ is no longer the object of worship. The object of worship becomes the actual spiritual experience itself. Instead of getting disqualified, we are to hold fast to the Head where there is true growth in the body of believers, with divine nourishment coming directly from God.

E X C H A N G E An exchange is when one thing is given for another. Christ exchanged our bondage to evil for freedom in Him. Often times, we do not actually take full advantage of this exchange and remain enslaved and enveloped in a legalistic mindset that has us focused on extraneous issues. Paul is asking an extremely important question to his

What are some practical ways to combat spiritual pride?

Faithful Father, thank You that I can wrestle with difficult topics by the truth of Your word. Where there is sickness, You are a Healer. I pray for unity in the church, where Christ is the source of all truth and the Head of the church. Grow me in You individually so I can be a healthy, functioning part of the body of Christ!

The cross says the opposite! You are righteous only through Christ and not of anything you could do or not do. So the next time you find yourself in a cycle of “do not's” or “must do’s” that create angst and a regimen of rules to follow, rest in His grace that has saved you from the need to be self righteous. Your righteousness is only found in Christ.

P R AY O N T H I S

P R AY O N T H I S THINK ON THIS

audience: why do you continue to focus on the extraneous issues and not the essential One? In essence, some “do not’s” that are not essential are mere distractions. These distractions can detract from the real joy and freedom that comes from following Christ! Human nature is notorious for needing to follow rules in order to feel righteous.

THINK ON THIS What areas of life do you feel enslaved by your own set of rules?

Faithful Father, thank You that I can be freed from my own selfish need to be righteous by following rules. There are absolute essential things that You warn us against in Your word. Help me to differentiate between those and the extraneous rules I put on myself and others for the need to be regimented or to feel righteous. I pray for wisdom in discerning the difference. Only You, Jesus, can make me free from this type of bondage and truly righteous!

THURSDAY

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“

“

FRIDAY

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These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

C O LO S SI A NS 2 :23

2 COR I N T H IA NS 3 :1 7-18

I N S I D E What looks good on the outside is not necessarily the case on the inside. This can be true of food, families, and even faith. Have you ever reached for a jar of spaghetti sauce that looks perfectly edible from the jar, only to find mold growing on the inside from being in your refrigerator for too many months? Or maybe, it’s the perfect family that lives four doors down that recently went through a nasty divorce, only after renewing

O U T

their vows a few months earlier. Perhaps, it is someone’s faith. They looked to have it all together on the outside: serving and regularly attending services and midweek small group, only to have that person fall away in a manner that completely devastated themselves and anyone closeby. What looks good on the outside is not necessarily healthy on the inside. Paul is giving the Colossians a realistic reminder about

what outside rule following without the internal, Christ-centered life is like: it is powerless. It is powerless against fighting the battles that require a supernatural intervention that begin in our hearts and minds. The powerful Christian life is one that is rooted, anchored, and centered on Christ from the inside out and not focused on the mere outside actions that in themselves are empty, unhealthy, and downright powerless.

P R AY O N T H I S THINK ON THIS What are some outside actions that may look good, but are powerless without Christ?

Faithful Father, thank You that I can come to You – the outside and the inside, and offer it all to You. I repent of any external, outside actions that I have done without any of the internal humility or submission to You. Show me these areas that are powerless because of this mindset. I want my life to be one not of external rule following to make myself feel better, but one of true devotion, submission, and power that stems from the inside out!

F R E E D O M Christ said it is better that He goes so we can have the Helper instead. Someone that is exactly like Him but in us, all believers at all times simultaneously. Leading, guiding, counseling, interceding, and convicting, the Holy Spirit is beyond what we can actually comprehend but is crucial to a

R E F L E C T I O N S

victorious Christian life of freedom. The Holy Spirit has all the power that Christ possesses. He is fully accessible, fully alive, and fully present once we submit our lives to Christ. According to Paul, the Lord is the Spirit and the evidence of the Spirit’s presence is freedom. Are there areas of your life where

you feel enslaved? Are there mindsets that have you tied up? Are there cycles that need to be cut off? Pray that the Holy Spirit would empower you to overcome your fears, encourage you to continue, and equip you with the supernatural strength you need to be victorious!

P R AY O N T H I S THINK ON THIS What are specific areas, either mindsets or actions that have kept you enslaved?

Faithful Father, thank You for Your Holy Spirit! Even though I do not totally comprehend the mystery, I am grateful for the many gifts that Your Spirit gives to me: wisdom, discernment, counsel, conviction, and intercession. I pray that Your Spirit would become a very real part of my life and empower me to live a life that is free of all bondage so I can lead others to that same freedom in You!

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D Y I N G L I V E

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f then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

5

T O

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is

idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you

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COLOSSIANS 3:1-17 were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11

Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. 12

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint

against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

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Notes

F O R

T H E

W E E K

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or

Read the text out loud and open in prayer. Then select one of the following options for discussion: Discuss how the Sunday Service and Daily Devotions impacted you.

Discuss other principles of life that are counterintuitive but you have found to be true.

IF CHRIST the gospel proclaimed

Scholars tell us that a candidate for baptism in the early church would remove their clothing and after baptism they would be given a new set of clothes to wear to signify the new life they were now entering. Like shorts and a T-shirt at a wedding, living in the shabby clothes of one’s previous life does not fit the new order of things.

QUestions

W E E K 6 DY I N G T O L I V E

If you are dying to live, meaning you are yearning for a real, vibrant, life transforming life in Christ, then you must die in order to live. Much of the gospel message is counterintuitive. Jesus said “If you seek to save your life you will lose it, but in losing your life your will find it.” Go figure!

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Paul says Christ “is seated at the right hand of God.” What might this and other thoughts in verses 1-4 say about how we are to relate to Him?

NN

“Put to death,” “put them all away,” and “put on then” are strong commands from Paul. Reviewing the lists in verses 5, 8 and 12 in context, what is the difference Paul wants them to understand? What’s the motivation?

NN

Why does Paul say that “the wrath of God is coming”?

NN

Verses 10 and 11 end with “Christ is all, and in all.” Given the context, what might this mean? What does it likely NOT mean?

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W E E K 6 DY I N G T O L I V E

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NN

THEN B E L I E VE R S Much like Paul's Letter to the Ephesians, the first half of Colossians lays down the theological basis, while the second half provides practical instructions for Christian living. If you see this as New Covenant ”law” then you're missing the point. Paul isn't giving us regulations, but describing what true humanity looks like in the midst of Colossae and our own culture, a humanity that is shaped like and centered on Christ.

How might we set our minds on things that are above?

NN

In order to reflect the new life we have in Christ, what are we told to put to death and put away?

NN

Describe a time when you felt underdressed for an occasion/event or a time when you saw someone who was. What did you think? How did you feel and why?

the gospel understood

NN

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Verses 12-17 describe the appropriate behaviors and characteristics of God’s people. What three things in verses 14 and 15 does Paul indicate are “above all” and why? How can we be better about living them out?

N O W Y oU

the gospel applied

In verse 16, Paul describes what we as believers are to do to encourage and support one another. These are all things that can take place in our small groups; teaching one another, exhorting and admonishing one another, and singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with grateful hearts.

NN

Imagine changing your clothes. Using the metaphor of old and new, what are the old clothes that you tend to put back on from time to time and why? Imagine Jesus standing in front of you and offering you a replacement for that old piece of clothes. What might stop you from receiving it?

NN

Write down a key truth or key application you are taking from this passage and remind yourself of it throughout this week. Better yet, remind someone else throughout the week.

NN

If you feel bold, worship through song with one another, or read a psalm together.

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MONDAY

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Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. C O LO S SI A NS 3 :2-3

Daily

D E V O T I O N A L S

M I N D O V E R E A R T H M AT T E R S Why does the mind matter? The mind is the center of our thoughts and our thoughts produce beliefs and our beliefs propel action. For instance, if we begin to think negatively about our job or house or car or spouse, these thoughts can lead us to believe that we are dissatisfied with these things or people. Our dissatisfaction can then fuel our desired action to quit our jobs, sell our house, buy a different car, or divorce our spouse. It all starts in the mind. Paul speaks to the people at

THINK ON THIS

M O N D AY * T U E S D AY * W E D N E S D AY * T H U R S D AY * F R I D AY

What are some “earthly” thoughts and mindsets you have that need to be submitted to Christ?

Colossae with a specific command to “set your minds on things that are above, not on the things are on earth”. To “set” is an action verb. It implies continued discipline and intention. It is not an attitude that will constantly exist once we entrust our lives to Christ. Setting our mind on things above will require sacrifice, submission, and a Spirit filled life. We are given the Spirit of Christ so we can overcome the earthly thoughts that filled our minds before we knew Him: temporal, lustful, covetous, and

slanderous thoughts to name a few. We will be tempted to think on these things again. In fact, the enemy of our minds will try even harder to play mind games with us. This is precisely why our thoughts are to be tethered to the truth of God’s word. We are not to be tied down to an earthly mindset, but as Paul spoke in Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

P R AY O N T H I S

Faithful Father, thank You that there is a solution to my wandering thoughts! Sometimes, I cannot control them. They catch me off guard. Remind me when I tend to lose my mind in wrongful thinking that You have given me tools to overcome my earthly mindsets: Your word, worship, people, and Spirit. I submit my thought life to You!

T UESDAY

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“

Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices.

Christ died so you could too. He died so that all of the ugly, sinful, and dirty deeds and desires that were alive in you could die within you. His death meant not only your forgiveness, but also your freedom. No longer do you have to be enslaved by the earthly things that ruled over you. He died so that you would walk free from the flesh and live fully alive in the Spirit. So how is that done? If

I T

discipline, and obedience to the word of God. The great news is that you are not alone in the battle. You have everything you need to overcome those things that used to overcome you. You can conquer what used to conquer you through Christ! According to Romans 8:37, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

P U T According to that old cliché, the world believes that love is blind. When you look into the pages of scripture, there is a different concept of love presented. In his letter to Colossians, Paul concludes his list of the many Christ-like characteristics that all believers are to “put on” with the idea of love. He states that above everything else,

P R AY O N T H I S THINK ON THIS What are some sinful actions that need to be put to death in your life?

“

C O LO S SI A NS 3 : 1 2-14

O F F

you have been a Christian for any amount of time, you know that it is not that simple. Just accepting Christ will not take away all of your former temptations. Paul told the Colossians to “put to death what is earthly within you” and goes on to list what those things are. Again, this is an active, offensive approach to dealing with the former actions. It is not passive. It requires submission,

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Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

C O LO S SI A NS 3 :5 -9

T A K E

WEDNESDAY

Faithful Father, thank You that my sinful actions are not something I have to overcome on my own. I have tried numerous times to do it using my own strength and with failing willpower. Your word makes it clear that through You, I can put to death what used to control me. I do not want to be a slave for one more day to my sin! Remind me through Your Spirit when I am tempted that You have given me a way out. Your word and prayer are my weapons!

I T

O N

love is what binds these things together. While the world believes that love is blind, the word of God states that love is what binds. In this sense, to bind is to wrap around with something so as to enclose or cover. It is this binding love that encloses kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and forgiveness. How do we

possess this binding love? We get to take possession of love by being first possessed by Christ. It was Christ’s love for humanity that bound Him to the cross. From this crossbound Lover, we are enabled to walk in His likeness that Paul presents and wrap others in the unconditional, binding love that He first gave us.

P R AY O N T H I S THINK ON THIS How do you practically “put on” love?

Faithful Father, thank You that You are the source of my strength and give me the supernatural ability to be patient, kind, forgiving, and most of all, loving. I cannot truly love apart from You. I am bound to You because You were bound for me. I pray that I can walk in the freedom of Your unconditional love everyday and put that same love on for others!

THURSDAY

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“

“

FRIDAY

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Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

C O LO S SI A NS 3 : 1 6

C O LO S SI A NS 3 : 1 7

WORD DWELLS & SONGS WELL

W H AT E V E R O R W H AT E V E R?

To dwell is to replay something over and over. It is also a place where someone lives or abides. Christ’s word is our sword in times of trouble and song in times of victory. It is our source of wisdom if we let it dwell. Our song will well up inside and pour out of us if the word is truly abiding within us. Paul says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” Richly means fully. It does not mean somewhat, part

time, or sort of. Richly is equivalent to wholly, completely, totally, and utterly. Wisdom, encouragement, worship, and gratitude are sure to follow where there is total immersion in the Christ of Colossians. What is keeping you from complete devotion? Is it distraction? Is it pride? Is it disillusion? The truth is, the word of God is living. You do not have to fully understand what is keeping you from it, rather submit yourself

to it anyway and trust that God’s word will be illuminated for you and instilled within you. Paul writes about the life and the power that the word possesses: “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

The word whatever has come to mean many different things in modern culture. There is the flippant whatever that implies indifference and skepticism. This is the most commonly used term among teens who do not want to mind their parents. To take it further, some have used this word as a lifetime theme and applied it to their attitude and abilities. They say think things like, “Well, whatever comes my way, will be will be. I am

P R AY O N T H I S THINK ON THIS How do you regularly spend time in God’s word?

Faithful Father, I am filled with gratitude at the thought that Your word is living and active! I am so distracted and somewhat disillusioned at times. I admit that I choose other things over spending time in Your word. Change my heart, God! Place in me a desire to know and love Your truth above all things. Let my life be a source of wisdom, worship and gratitude that results from investing in Your word.

THINK ON THIS What part of your life or your theology have you been saying a resounding and passive whatever?

the way I am, so whatever.” This is not how Paul meant the word when he said, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” This was a long directive that started with a specific whatever. This form of whatever was opposite from indifference or passivity. It implied wholeness of passion that accompanied all things said and done in a Christ

follower’s life. The life of a believer is to be lived out with an emphatic and whatever that says and does all things according to Christ. But the directive does not stop there. This and whatever life yielded to Christ is grounded in gratitude. So the next time you are tempted to say or act out whatever in an indifferent or passive way, make the mental switch that says and whatever I do, I will do in the name of Jesus!

P R AY O N T H I S

Faithful Father, thank You that my life does not have to be purposeless or passive. I can be confident when my life is fully yielded to Christ. I am called to have my words and actions, everything I say and do, be in Your name. Give me the grace to live like this because I cannot do it on my own. My flesh wants to say whatever, but by Your Spirit, I can say and whatever!

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COLOSSIANS 3:18- 4:1

i v e s ,

children, lest they become

receive the inheritance as

su bmit

discouraged. 22 Bondservants,

your reward. You are serving

to

your

obey in everything those who

the Lord Christ.

husbands,

are your earthly masters, not

wrongdoer will be paid back

19

by way of eye-service, as

for the wrong he has done,

Husbands, love your wives,

people-pleasers,

and there is no partiality.

and do not be harsh with

sincerity of heart, fearing the

as is fitting in the Lord.

them.

20

Children,

obey

your parents in everything,

R U L E S T O L O V E B Y

for this pleases the Lord.

21

Fathers, do not provoke your

Lord.

23

but

with

Whatever you do,

work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

24

knowing

that from the Lord you will

Masters, bondservants

25

For the

treat

your

justly

and

fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

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W E E K

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or

Read the text out loud and open in prayer. Then select one of the following options for discussion: Discuss how the Sunday Service and Daily Devotions impacted you.

Take some time in your group to discuss your response (agree or disagree) to the opening quote by Walsh and Keesmaat.

IF CHRIST the gospel proclaimed

Last week’s passage ended with the exhortation to “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” which simply means to act consistently with who He is and what He wants. Then beginning in verse 18, Paul discusses what that looks like in our home and at work. It is a call to demonstrate the highest form of love and submission which is rendered selflessly to honor His name.

QUestions

W E E K 7 R U L E S T O LO V E B Y

“This is not a narrative that imposes a series of absolutes to oppress us; it is a story of liberation from an empire that would take captive our imagination while it rapes and plunders the earth….this is a story of restored relationships, a love story that calls forth an alternative community characterized by compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, love, peace, gratitude and wisdom.” Walsh and Keesmaat

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How does Paul’s exhortations in this text relate to the message of the gospel?

NN

The word ̋submit˝ in the Greek means “to subject oneself” which denotes willingly putting oneself under someone. What is your understanding of its meaning in marriage? What additional insight does the phrase “as is fitting in the Lord” give? (Ephesians 5:22 says “as to the Lord”).

NN

What additional insight is given to husbands in Ephesians 5:25 and how might the description of Jesus in Colossians 1:15-20 further develop our gospel understanding of love and care?

NN

What do you think the reference in verse 24 to “an inheritance from the Lord as a reward” might mean?

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W E E K 7 R U L E S T O LO V E B Y

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THEN B E L I E VE R S the gospel understood

In this text we study the direct and simple exhortations from Paul about what impact the gospel should have on our home and work lives. For the Christian, there should be no compartmentalization of life. Rather, whatever we do, whether at home or work or play, should reflect Jesus and our submission to His Lordship.

What motivation(s) does Paul give for how believers are to behave in the various relationships he mentions?

NN

First Corinthians 10:31-33 echoes the emphasis in verse 23 that we are to do all to the glory of God. What does that look like and how does this outlook reflect the gospel message?

NN

How would you work differently on your job if you had the mindset of “working for the Lord, not for men”?

NN

If you are an employer or a manager, how does remembering that you have a “Master in heaven” affect how you relate to your employees?

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the gospel applied

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” (verses 23-24)

NN

How has this text (verses 23-24) challenged you personally?

NN

Consider your work and/or family life. Maybe you have slacked off at work. Maybe you have neglected to take that special time with a spouse or child. Consider things that you are not doing “as to the Lord,” remember His actions for us, and let His Spirit renew these more barren areas of life. Commit before the group to “serve the Lord Jesus” in your workplace or home in specific ways.

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MONDAY

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Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. C O LO S SI A NS 3 : 18-1 9

Daily

D E V O T I O N A L S

INSTRUCTIONS NOT OPTIONAL Have you ever put together a piece of equipment without the instructions? If so, you know that there is a high likelihood of missing a crucial step in the assembly process that could effect the functionality or effectiveness of the unit as a whole. It may still work, but not with its same original intent, strength, or purpose. Why does Paul specifically direct wives to submit to their husbands as is fitting (pleasing) to the Lord and husbands to love their wives without harshness? Wasn’t it a natural tendency for the people at

THINK ON THIS

M O N D AY * T U E S D AY * W E D N E S D AY * T H U R S D AY * F R I D AY

How has God’s instructions whether in marriage or in another area, been a blessing and not a burden?

Colossae to be this way anyway? The answer is no or else there would be no instruction necessary. It was a challenge for them then and has been a challenge for humanity since the fall. The instructions to wives and husbands are a necessary part of the full functionality of a marriage unit. Without these instructions and subsequent adherence to them, there is a definite diminished effectiveness, unity, and power in marriage. God as Master Designer of the individual parts and relational unit, knew the need for specific

instruction by way of tendencies, needs, and mindsets of those He designed. So wives, when it does not make sense, submit to your husband anyway. It is the Lord who is pleased. And husbands, when your wives do not act fit for love without a harsh word of instruction to follow, love them anyway without a sense of abrasiveness. It is God who is calling you to these things. He knows how the full functionality of the marriage unit works best. Do not bypass these instructions, but be blessed by following them.

P R AY O N T H I S

Faithful Father, thank You that I am not without instruction in marriage. When two lives blend, there is an earthly clash of the flesh but in the spiritual realm, You say that two become one and we are stronger because of it. Help me to live out Your instruction for my marriage by first submitting my life to Your Spirit so I can be the best spouse that You have called me to be.

T UESDAY

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WEDNESDAY

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Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

C O LO S SI A NS 3 :20

C O LO S SI A NS 3 :2 1

TO OBEY OR NOT TO OBEY

DESTINED FOR DISCOURAGEMENT

Obedience is submission or compliance to the rules or laws of another who has the authority to enforce them. Authority can take on many different forms, such as governmental, professional, parental or spiritual. In this portion of Scripture, Paul is deliberately addressing the children of the church. His specific directive is obedience. He does not describe any other reason for obedience, but the fact that it is pleasing to the Lord. Why is it pleasing to God

for a child to be obedient to his or her parents? It is God Himself that armed those parents with the ability to have authority in the first place. He is the founding Father of authority and demands it not only in the earthly relational sense, but also in the spiritual sense. For the believer, childhood obedience is preparation. It is the earthly representation of what our spiritual obedience to Christ requires—a submission to the spiritual authority who knows

THINK ON THIS What is a recent example from your life in which you acted in either obedience or disobedience to something your heavenly Father required of you?

what is best, good, and necessary for our character development. It is the spiritual authority that comes directly from the written word of God and the spoken word of pastors, preachers, and teachers who have been entrusted with it. The next time you are tempted to turn in your obedience for some disobedience, remember that your compliance is for the betterment of your character and ultimately, is a sweet fragrance that pleases the Lord Himself!

While the Bible can be somewhat complex in its presentation on some issues, there are definite relational realities that God’s word is simplistic in saying. One of those realities is the cause and effect relationship that Paul reveals to the fathers at the church of Colossae. To paraphrase, Paul says the best way to discourage your children is through provoking them. Synonyms for provoke include aggravation, annoy, irritate, and antagonize. The parent who provokes his or her children is the parent who is never pleased, never satisfied, and never appeased. It is the parent

P R AY O N T H I S

Faithful Father, thank You that obedience was your creation. You know my flesh and my tendencies to want to rebel against both earthly and spiritual authority. Help me through Your Spirit to walk in obedience regardless of my feelings or desires. I entrust my life to You and know that Your laws are out of love and ultimately to build my character!

THINK ON THIS In what area does your discouragement as a child or parent need to be replaced with Christ’s sense of self worth in your life?

who is constantly harping, consistently complaining, and continuously hurting their children through a fragile and fragmented self that they themselves possess. The byproduct of this parentchild relationship is discouragement, lack of confidence, and a broken spirit. The indifference that results from being under the cloud of discouragement is almost guaranteed. While you may not be this kind of parent, you may have been this kind of child. The child that could never fully satisfy or please a parent, regardless of how hard you worked, achieved, or accomplished.

Your desperation for parental approval took you to places that caused harm, pain, and ultimately regret. There is good news whether you can identify as the parent or the child. There is freedom today from your wounded self worth! There is a Father who can repair even the most discouraged and provoked of parents and children. Take heart that your Heavenly Father wants to put the pieces back together again and replace wholeness where brokenness once made its home. He says you are worth it through Christ Jesus!

P R AY O N T H I S

Faithful Father, I am thankful that certain realities are made so clear in Your word! You show me how to be the best parent I can be and You cover the wounds that I may have received from my parents during childhood. No matter my stage in life, You have got me covered! My identity in Christ trumps the facts of my life that may have told me a different story. Renew my mind according to Your truth and put together the broken pieces of my spirit and make me whole in You!

THURSDAY

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FRIDAY

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Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

C O LO S SI A NS 3 :2 2

C O LO S SI A NS 3 :23-24

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE The gospel is geared to the underdog. In the time that Paul preached this message to the church at Colossae, over 60 million slaves existed. Paul’s instruction was not an appeal for these slaves to get out of their situation, but to thrive in spite of the harsh surroundings and conditions in which they were living. It was encouragement to the people to work with a heart

and mind dedicated to Christ, in fear of the Lord. It was a plea to be more-than-meets-the-eye peoplepleasers, and to be genuine at-theheart God pleasers. Christianity is not a ticket to get out of difficult situations; instead it is a faith that allows one to endure, persevere and hope in and under the most challenging circumstances. In fact, the gospel is what gave the slaves hope and a reason for living.

What challenging situation do you find yourself currently facing in which you feel overwhelmed, discouraged, and enslaved? Perhaps it is your marriage, your profession, your kids, your finances, or your future that has you feeling hopeless. Instead of being tempted to run, cling to the gospel truth, fill up on hope, and give yourself fully to it “with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.”

W O R K For the believer, no work is in vain. It does not matter whether you’re a CEO or a carpet cleaner, a dishwasher or a graphic designer, a teacher or a preacher. Your motivation is not concerned with men. It is what Paul said: “whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men…” The word heartily means enthusiastically, eagerly, and earnestly. Are you representing the Lord in whatever you do and

P R AY O N T H I S THINK ON THIS Reflect on a current situation or past experience in which you acted as a people-pleaser.

Faithful Father, thank You that You have freed me from the need to peopleplease. You have given me the ability through the Holy Spirit to have sincerity of heart. Remind me when I am hopeless to take heart and hold tight to Your gospel truth. Help me to truly fear You and not man. I entrust every experience to You, whether good or bad. Remind me that You always work all things for good for those who are called according to Your purpose in Christ Jesus!

THINK ON THIS How does your attitude towards your work reflect or not reflect working “heartily” for the Lord?

F O R

R E W A R D

wherever you do it with these three “e’s”? If your work seems menial and inconsequential, think again. This portion of scripture sheds the truth that trumps that misconception. Nothing is wasted when done unto the Lord: Those diaper changes, that dog walking, this data entry, or their daily dose of medication. It is never for nothing. In fact, Paul goes on to say that the motivation for work comes from the deep wisdom in “knowing

that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.” What is this inheritance? It is not a monetary earthly inheritance. In fact, it is far more valuable. It is sharing in the reward of true joy in the Lord that is protected from the deceit of riches and the decay of time. You are serving the Lord that then produces spiritual riches that far exceed what earthly temporal riches could buy. Be encouraged in whatever you do!

P R AY O N T H I S

Faithful Father, thank You that nothing I do is in vain. Thank You that I can take the truth of Your word and apply it to my work! At times, I feel like the tasks that I do are not making a significant impact and are so menial. Help me to see my work as an opportunity to reflect Your glory and share in the real reward of Your joy and knowing You!

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o n t i n u e steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. 5

P R A Y & P R O C L A I M

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. 7

Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant

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COLOSSIANS 4: 2-18 in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here. 10

Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always

struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.” 18

I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

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F O R

T H E

W E E K

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or

Read the text out loud and open in prayer. Then select one of the following options for discussion: Discuss how the Sunday Service and Daily Devotions impacted you.

Discuss with your small group a time when you were given a responsibility that you felt honored to be entrusted with. What was that experience like and how did you feel?

the gospel proclaimed

Having begun the letter by telling the Colossians how he has prayed and labored for them and the gospel, Paul now closes by leaving them with clear instructions on how they now are to do the same and to be effective witnesses. Paul knows that you can talk all you like, but unless God opens a door that lets the word into the hearts and lives of individuals, you will simply be making a useless noise.

QUestions

W E E K 8 P R AY & P R O C L A I M

IF CHRIST

4

L

ET 'S BEGIN

The best teachers make sure they get their students to take on some responsibility of their own. From children to adults, most are ready to rise to the occasion when feeling valued and entrusted with responsibility. That is what is going on in this passage. Paul is the great apostle of the gospel who has planted numerous churches. The Colossians are new Christians who are taking their early steps in the faith. Yet Paul asks them to pray for him.

NN

In advancing the gospel (verses 2-6), what role is played by prayer? Watchfulness? Thankfulness? Open doors? Closed doors or chains? Wise actions? Opportunism?

NN

What is the “mystery of Christ” that Paul refers to in verse 3 (also mentioned in Colossians 1:26-27, 2:2) and how is it different than our understanding of the word mystery?

NN

Why might Paul be asking for prayer in order to “speak clearly” about the gospel?

NN

What does it mean for our conversations to be “full of grace and seasoned with salt” when sharing the gospel? How does that result in “knowing how to answer everyone”?

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NN

THEN B E L I E VE R S the gospel understood

The Colossians have never seen Paul face to face, but once you have prayed for someone and you realize they are praying for you as well, a bond grows and creates a special relationship. Paul reveals himself as a pastor and friend to several men and women who he had obviously prayed for and encouraged as fellow servants and workers and beloved brothers.

For what purpose did Paul say he was sending Tychicus to them and why might that be important?

NN

How does this give insight into the significance of short term mission trips?

NN

In light of the influence of the false teachings, why would Paul commend Epaphras to the Colossians (1:7; 4:12-13)?

NN

Paul’s last exhortation is given to Archippus. Paul’s message to him to fulfill his ministry is similar to his exhortation to Timothy (2 Timothy 4:5). How would this same exhortation relate to your own life?

N O W Y oU

129

the gospel applied

The point Paul is making throughout his letter to the Colossians is that they are “in Christ” and they belong to a community that should point back to Him. Paul identifies several ways that Christians belong to one another in a fellowship of mutual love, prayer, instruction and service. Paul’s own vulnerability and value of community emerges as he asks them to remember his chains.

NN

How is your small group doing in practicing this “belonging to one another”?

NN

Our faith has a lot to say about relationships and community. We worship in large gatherings, we meet in small groups and we should be developing smaller and deeper relationships where we practice the “one-anothers” of Scripture (Romans 12:5, 13:8, 13:10, 13:16, 15:5, 15:7, 15:14, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Galatians 5:13, 6:2, Ephesians 4:2, 4:25, 4:32, 5:21, Colossians 3:13, 3:16, 1 Thessalonians 3:12, 5:11, Hebrews 3:13, 10:24-25, James 4:16, 1 Peter 1:9, 5:5, and more). On a scale of 1 to 10, how well do you think you are doing with community? Share it with the group and pray about how you can be better, more like your King.

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MONDAY

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Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. C O LO S SI A NS 4 :2

Daily

D E V O T I O N A L S

S T E A D FA S T & A L E R T S U P P L I C AT I O N How would you rate your prayer life? Do you carry on a continual conversation with God throughout your day like you would with a friend? Do you pray first thing in the morning and before your meals? Do you pray only when you are desperate and need some deliberate divine intervention? Paul’s reminder is to “continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it…” To be steadfast is to be loyal, committed, and devoted. Would these terms describe your

THINK ON THIS M O N D AY * T U E S D AY * W E D N E S D AY * T H U R S D AY * F R I D AY

Does your current time spent in prayer reflect how much you value it? If not, what intentional changes do you need to make?

prayer life? To be watchful is to be alert, vigilant, and awake. If someone looked in on you, would these words reflect your prayer life? Paul seals the instruction in an imperative plea “with thanksgiving”. There is power in thanksgiving. Thanksgiving frees up the heart to receive openly. In context, Paul is writing these instructions from a prison. What does the prison perspective know about prayer? It is often in the prisons of our lives where we meet God in prayer the

most. It is through the isolation, introspection, and downright desperation where our prayer life tends to be steadfast, alert and thankful. You may be in a “prison” situation of your own. It could be a relationship, a hardship, or a stronghold that is keeping you in shackles. Be encouraged. It is in this exact place that your prayer life and faith walk could experience the greatest breakthroughs and broken chains in Jesus’ name!

P R AY O N T H I S

Faithful Father, thank You that I can have continual conversation with You in prayer. You are available, accessible and interested in every detail of my life. Nothing goes on in me, to me or with me that You are not aware of – I want to have a powerful prayer life that is committed and consistent, alert and aware, all sealed with thanksgiving! Help me to pray often and intentionally!

T UESDAY

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“

At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

from the body of believers at Colossae. He asked to pray, “that God may open to us a door for the word…that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.” God will not only prepare hearts to receive the word when it is spoken, but he will put the words in the speaker’s mouth that the delivery would be uncomplicatedly clear and concise. Let’s pray for one another to be effective witnesses to the world, both in word and in deed, in spirit and truth.

P R AY O N T H I S THINK ON THIS Take a moment to intercede for someone in prayer right now.

“

C O LO S SI A NS 4 :5

INTERCESSION OPENS DOORS become intentionally unselfish and deliberately giving of our petitions in prayer. We are after all, the body. If one part is wounded or weary, the other parts are affected. In some cases, the healthy parts over compensate for the weaker ones until total function and health is restored. The church is the same way. If someone is sick, we are to lay hands on them and pray. If someone is astray, we are to pray for his or her restoration. Paul was asking for something particular

p.135

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.

C O LO S SI A NS 4 :3-4

The act of intercession is praying for another. Something straight up supernatural and downright divine happens when we go to spiritual bat for someone else. Paul is asking those on the other side of the prison walls to pray that he would have more opportunities to speak out about Christ – the very reason he was enchained. It is safe to say that we sometimes get selfish in prayer. We barely have enough time to say prayers for ourselves, let alone for others. However, it’s time that we

WEDNESDAY

Faithful Father, I am thankful for the gift of intercession. I know there have been many times in my life where I was prayed for, some of which I do not even know about. I pray that I would be more mindful of the need to intercede and selfless with my time to do so. There are members of the body of Christ who need to be strengthened and encouraged in prayer. Give me an awareness of this need and the courage to do it!

O U T S I D E We are presented with opportunities everyday: opportunities to give, to take, to complain or to appreciate. We have opportunities to impact, inspire, or ignite passion in others. For Christians, our greatest opportunities reside with outsiders. Paul directs the believers he’s addressing to “walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.” We are to handle our relationships

THINK ON THIS Reflect on a recent opportunity where you were either a positive or negative influence to a non-believer.

O P P O R T U N I T Y

and workings with non-believers in the most cautious of ways. Our lives are bearing witness to the very One who has the power to save them from an eternity in complete separation from Him. This is not without weight. This is heavy and requires a deliberate walking in wisdom. It could mean life or death, eternity or hell. Our lives have influence whether we like to believe it or not. We are influencing others to either move

closer to God, stay where they are, or move further from Him. How are you making the most of your time and opportunities with outsiders? We are not Christians to be a social club where salvation is guaranteed and sharing is only for those speaking from the pulpit. We are to be living, breathing, and walking vessels who strive to be consistent and constant representations of Christ to the fallen world.

P R AY O N T H I S

Faithful Father, I thank You that Your spirit lives in me to make me more like You. I cannot be a Godly example to the world without Your supernatural love and power. I repent of the many times where my life was a poor witness to Your redeeming power. Help me to walk in wisdom and make the most of every opportunity that comes my way, especially with those who do not yet know You. Make my life a powerful testimony!

THURSDAY

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Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Remember the most popular song you sang as a child second only to “Happy Birthday”? It was most likely, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” If it was not the second most popular, it at least made your top ten list. What is it about the power of words? They have the ability to cut down, build up, or destroy all together. As children we may not have known exactly what we were singing, but there was some awareness about the impact that

like idle talk, foul language and angry outbursts, to give a few examples. But beyond this, believers must consider what to say and how to say it. This is what Paul is referring to when he said, “so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” This ability to be girded in gracious speech, seasoned in salt-filled words, and marinated in meaningful response comes from being in the Word, using wisdom, and being controlled by the Holy Spirit.

R E M E M B E R To follow Christ is costly. It has cost many friends, family, and even their lives. The price is so high, in fact, that Jesus Himself said to count the cost when deciding to be a disciple. Paul ended his letter to the Colossians with a profound statement: “remember my chains.” This statement in itself is multifaceted. He was saying many things with few words. He was asking the people to recall the fact that he was imprisoned for the very Christ he was professing.

P R AY O N T H I S THINK ON THIS When have you recently said the right thing at the right time (or wrong time) to a non-believer?

“

C O LO S SI A NS 4 : 18

S P E E C H

words can have on our very souls. Paul’s imperative directs the church to “let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” In the previous verse, Paul gives clear instruction on how to act with non-believers. Here, he is careful to also address our speech, using salt as a comparison. Salt is what gives food flavor, just like gracious speech is more appetizing, satisfying, and easy to swallow. He is speaking against things

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I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

C O LO S SI A NS 4 :6

S A L T Y

FRIDAY

Faithful Father, when I study Your word, I am overwhelmed by Your goodness to me. Thank You that You give me specific instruction for not only how to act to others, but how to speak. Apart from You, I can’t be or do what You ask of me. I need You to strengthen me and revive my spirit to be fully in tune with You, by way of my actions and my words. Let my life as a whole be a reflection of Your changing work within me, pointing others to Your salvation.

T H E

Undoubtedly, Paul was asking the church to pray for him that he would be strengthened in his physical and spiritual being to continue to preach. But even more than that, he was asking them inadvertently, to count the cost of following Christ. After all, he was shackled in the midst of preaching freedom in the Gospel. He was bound while the very truth coming from his pen was breaking others out of bondage. It was a beautiful paradox of

C O S T prose. What are your chains for professing Christ? What has been your cost as a disciple? If you have lost friends or been disowned by family, do not be surprised or feel insecure. It was Christ himself who affirmed these losses with a love-filled reward in Matthew 19:29, “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life.”

P R AY O N T H I S THINK ON THIS What has being a follower of Christ cost you?

Faithful Father, thank You that following You has great reward despite temporal losses. You give me a new identity in You, a new family in the body of Christ, and a new purpose for living. Help me to understand that there is a great cost to following You and not to be surprised when I must pay the price with loss or suffering. Remind me that You paid my ultimate price on the cross and You are my prize. In You, I have true freedom!

IF

Christ THEN...

now we go.

THANK YOU F O R PA R T I C I PAT I N G I N T H I S STUDY OF COLOSSIANS.

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SVC C c h urc h. c o m