P’s and Q’s :Colossians 1
“Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother…” (verse 1)
Paul & Timothy were not related by blood, yet they often referred to one another as brothers. What is the difference between “friends” and “brothers in Christ”?
Christian “brothers (or sisters) in Christ” are a part of the household of faith and share a special responsibility to each other because of that distinction. We also have the wonderful possibility of deep relationships that cross cultural and ethnic barriers. Two people, unalike in every way, are tied to each other with the bonds of family, when both are joined to Christ.
How can you become a true “brother in Christ” to the guys/girls in your bible study?
“To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.” (verse 2)
Why do you desire to be known by Jesus as one of His “faithful”? Describe someone who
Jesus would see as His “faithful”.
Describe someone who Jesus would see as His “faithful”.
“We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you.” (verse 3)
Who are you “praying always” for? Why does it matter?
“Because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel.” (verse 5)
“Hope laid up for you in heaven” – what is Paul describing? Why is “hope laid up in heaven” more important to you than “hope laid up on earth”? Where is your hope today?
Hope in heaven is a Christian’s hope of eternal life. That hope is forever, never-ending whereas the hopes we have on earth are temporary and fleeting. Example: My hope should be in Christ but I have been struggling lately with putting my hope in earthly things like my boyfriend/girlfriend, sports, etc.
“Which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing it you also since the day you heart of it and understood the grace of God in truth.” (verse 6)
Where and how is the gospel bearing fruit in your life this week?
Example: Specifically, I’ve been able to talk to some of my lost friends about Christ. Reading the Bible has buried those verses in my heart, and I’ve seen the Holy Spirit work through me to be able to share the Word with my friends who need it most.
“For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” (verse 9)
What is God’swill for your life? How is His will different than His plan for your life?
(See Eph. 2:10, 1 Thess. 4:3 & 1 Thess. 5:18)
“So that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” (verse 10)
What does it mean to “walk in a manner worthy” of the Lord?
This means to live out my life as a good steward of what God has given me and do my best to be a light for him (resist temptation, live purely, be kind to others, and serve others selflessly).
What changes do you need to make in your life to “please Him in all respects”?
Define some places in your daily life where you can “bear fruit” for Jesus. What does that look like for you?
How can you more fully “increase in the knowledge of God”? Do you have a daily plan?
“Strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously…” (verse 11)
STEADFASTNESS. Fifteen times in scripture, we are exhorted to “stand firm.” In the last two weeks, where have you been challenged to “stand firm”? What did you learn about steadfastness?
“For He rescued 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.” (verse 13)
What does it mean to you to be rescued from darkness by Jesus and His death on the Cross?
