THE LETTER TO THE COLOSSIANS
This letter is addressed to a congregation at Colossae in the Lycus Valley in Asia Minor, east of Ephesus. At the time of writing, Paul had not visited there, the letter says (Col 1:4; 2:1). The community had apparently been established by Epaphras of Colossae (Col 1:7; 4:12; Phm 1:23). Problems, however, had arisen, brought on by teachers who emphasized Christ's relation to the universe (cosmos). Their teachings stressed angels (Col 2:18; "principalities and powers," Col 2:15), which were connected with astral powers and cultic practices (see the note on Col 2:16) and rules about food and drink and ascetical disciplines (Col 2:16,18). These teachings, Paul insists, detract from the person and work of Christ for salvation as set forth magnificently in a hymnic passage at Col 1:15-20 and reiterated throughout the letter. Such teachings are but "shadows"; Christ is "reality" (Col 2:17).
For help in dealing with these problems that the new teachers posed at Colossae, Epaphras sought out Paul, who was then imprisoned (Col 4:10,18) at a place that the letter does not mention. Paul, without entering into debate over the existence of angelic spirits or their function, simply affirms that Christ possesses the sum total of redemptive power (Col 1:19) and that the spiritual renewal of the human person occurs through contact in baptism with the person of Christ, who died and rose again (Col 2:9-14). It is unnecessary for the Christian to be concerned about placating spirits (Col 2:15) or avoiding imagined defilement through ascetical practices in regard to food and drink (Col 2:20-23). True Christian asceticism consists in the conquering of personal sins (Col 3:5-10) and the practice of love of neighbor in accordance with the standard set by Christ (Col 3:12-16).
Paul commends the community as a whole (Col 1:3-8); this seems to indicate that, though the Colossians have been under pressure to adopt the false doctrines, they have not yet succumbed. The apostle expresses his prayerful concern for them (Col 1:9-14). His preaching has cost him persecution, suffering, and imprisonment, but he regards these as reflective of the sufferings of Christ, a required discipline for the sake of the gospel (see the note on 1:24; cf 1: 29; 2:1). His instructions to the Christian family and to slaves and masters require a new spirit of reflection and action. Love, obedience, and service are to be rendered "in the Lord" (Col 3:18-4:1).
Colossians follows the outline of a typical Pauline letter. It is distinguished by the poetic lines in Col 1:15-20 concerning who Christ is and what Christ means in creation and redemption. This hymn may be compared with similar passages in Phi 2:6-11; 1Ti 3:16; and Joh 1:1-18. It was apparently familiar liturgical material to the author, the audience, and the false teachers. In Col 1:21-2:7, however, Paul interprets the relation between the body of Christ, which he insists is the church (Col 1:18), and the world or cosmos to be one not simply of Christ's preexistence and rule but one of missionary advance into the world by the spreading of the word (Col 1:25,28). In this labor of the missionary body of Christ, Paul as a minister plays a prime part in bringing Christ and the gospel as hope to the Gentiles (Col 1:23,25,27). To "every creature under heaven" the word is to be proclaimed, so that everyone receives Christ, is established in faith, and walks in Christ (Col 1:28; 2:6,7).
Paul wrote the Letter to the Colossians while in prison, but his several imprisonments leave the specific place and date of composition uncertain. On this point the same problem exists as with Ephesians and Philippians (see the Introductions to these letters). Traditionally the house arrest at Rome, in which Paul enjoyed a certain restricted freedom in preaching (see Act 28:16-28), or a second Roman imprisonment has been claimed as the setting. Others suggest a still earlier imprisonment at Caesarea (see Act 23:12-27:1) or in Ephesus (see Act 19). Still others regard the letter as the work of some pupil or follower of Paul, writing in his name. In any case, the contents are often closely paralleled by thoughts in Ephesians.
OUTLINE:
The principal divisions of the Letter to the Colossians are the following:
I. Address (Col 1:1-14)
II. The Preeminence of Christ (Col 1:15-2:3)
III. Warnings against False Teachers (Col 2:4-23)
IV. The Ideal Christian Life in the World (Col 3:1-4:6)
V. Conclusion (Col 4:7-18)I: ADDRESS
CHAPTER 1
Greeting.
1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
1:2 to the holy ones and faithful brothers in Christ in Colossae: grace to you and peace from God our Father.
Thanksgivings.
1:3 We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,
1:4 for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the holy ones
1:5 because of the hope reserved for you in heaven. Of this you have already heard through the word of truth, the gospel,
1:6 that has come to you. Just as in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing, so also among you, from the day you heard it and came to know the grace of God in truth,
1:7 as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow slave, who is a trustworthy minister of Christ on your behalf
1:8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.
Prayer for Continued Progress.
1:9 Therefore, from the day we heard this, we do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding
1:10 to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God,
1:11 strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy
1:12 giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.
1:13 He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
1:14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
II: THE PREEMINENCE OF CHRIST
His Person and Work
1:15 He is the image of the invisible God,
the firstborn of all creation.
1:16 For in him were created all things in heaven and on earth,
the visible and the invisible,
whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers;
all things were created through him and for him.
1:17 He is before all things,
and in him all things hold together.
1:18 He is the head of the body, the church.
He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,
that in all things he himself might be preeminent.
1:19 For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell,
1:20 and through him to reconcile all things for him,
making peace by the blood of his cross
(through him), whether those on earth or those in heaven.
1:21 * And you who once were alienated and hostile in mind because of evil deeds
1:22 he has now reconciled in his fleshly body through his death, to present you holy, without blemish, and irreproachable before him,
1:23 provided that you persevere in the faith, firmly grounded, stable, and not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, am a minister.
Christ in Us.
1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church,
1:25 of which I am a minister in accordance with God's stewardship given to me to bring to completion for you the word of God,
1:26 the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past. But now it has been manifested to his holy ones,
1:27 to whom God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you, the hope for glory.
1:28 It is he whom we proclaim, admonishing everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
1:29 For this I labor and struggle, in accord with the exercise of his power working within me.
CHAPTER 2
2:1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I am having for you and for those in Laodicea and all who have not seen me face to face,
2:2 that their hearts may be encouraged as they are brought together in love, to have all the richness of fully assured understanding, for the knowledge of the mystery of God, Christ,
2:3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
III: WARNINGS AGAINST FALSE TEACHERS
A General Admonition.
2:4 I say this so that no one may deceive you by specious arguments.
2:5 For even if I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing as I observe your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
2:6 So, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in him,
2:7 rooted in him and built upon him and established in the faith as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
2:8 See to it that no one captivate you with an empty, seductive philosophy according to human tradition, according to the elemental powers of the world and not according to Christ.
Sovereign Role of Christ.
2:9 For in him dwells the whole fullness of the deity bodily,
2:10 and you share in this fullness in him, who is the head of every principality and power.
2:11 In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not administered by hand, by stripping off the carnal body, with the circumcision of Christ.
2:12 You were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.
2:13 And even when you were dead (in) transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he brought you to life along with him, having forgiven us all our transgressions;
2:14 obliterating the bond against us, with its legal claims, which was opposed to us, he also removed it from our midst, nailing it to the cross;
2:15 despoiling the principalities and the powers, he made a public spectacle of them, leading them away in triumph by it.
Practices Contrary to Faith.
2:16 Let no one, then, pass judgment on you in matters of food and drink or with regard to a festival or new moon or sabbath.
2:17 These are shadows of things to come; the reality belongs to Christ.
2:18 Let no one disqualify you, delighting in self-abasement and worship of angels, taking his stand on visions, inflated without reason by his fleshly mind,
2:19 and not holding closely to the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and bonds, achieves the growth that comes from God.
2:20 If you died with Christ to the elemental powers of the world, why do you submit to regulations as if you were still living in the world?
2:21 "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"
2:22 These are all things destined to perish with use; they accord with human precepts and teachings.
2:23 While they have a semblance of wisdom in rigor of devotion and self-abasement (and) severity to the body, they are of no value against gratification of the flesh.
IV: THE IDEAL CHRISTIAN LIFE IN THE WORLD
CHAPTER 3
Mystical Death and Resurrection.
3:1 * If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
3:2 Think of what is above, not of what is on earth.
3:3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
3:4 When Christ your life appears, then you too will appear with him in glory.
Renunciation of Vice.
3:5 Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and the greed that is idolatry.
3:6 Because of these the wrath of God is coming (upon the disobedient).
3:7 By these you too once conducted yourselves, when you lived in that way.
3:8 But now you must put them all away: anger, fury, malice, slander, and obscene language out of your mouths.
3:9 Stop lying to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices
3:10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed, for knowledge, in the image of its creator.
3:11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all and in all.
3:12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
3:13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.
3:14 And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection.
3:15 And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful.
3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
3:17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
The Christian Family.
3:18 Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord.
3:19 Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them.
3:20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.
3:21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged.
Slaves and Masters.
3:22 Slaves, obey your human masters in everything, not only when being watched, as currying favor, but in simplicity of heart, fearing the Lord.
3:23 Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others,
3:24 knowing that you will receive from the Lord the due payment of the inheritance; be slaves of the Lord Christ.
3:25 For the wrongdoer will receive recompense for the wrong he committed, and there is no partiality.
CHAPTER 4
4:1 Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, realizing that you too have a Master in heaven.
Prayer and Apostolic Spirit.
4:2 Persevere in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving;
4:3 at the same time, pray for us, too, that God may open a door to us for the word, to speak of the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison,
4:4 that I may make it clear, as I must speak.
4:5 Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.
4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you know how you should respond to each one.
V: CONCLUSION
Tychicus and Onesimus.
4:7 Tychicus, my beloved brother, trustworthy minister, and fellow slave in the Lord, will tell you all the news of me.
4:8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, so that you may know about us and that he may encourage your hearts,
4:9 together with Onesimus, a trustworthy and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you about everything here.
From Paul's Co-Workers.
4:10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions; if he comes to you, receive him),
4:11 and Jesus, who is called Justus, who are of the circumcision; these alone are my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
4:12 Epaphras sends you greetings; he is one of you, a slave of Christ (Jesus), always striving for you in his prayers so that you may be perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.
4:13 For I can testify that he works very hard for you and for those in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis.
4:14 Luke the beloved physician sends greetings, as does Demas.
A Message for the Laodiceans.
4:15 Give greetings to the brothers in Laodicea and to Nympha and to the church in her house.
4:16 And when this letter is read before you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and you yourselves read the one from Laodicea.
4:17 And tell Archippus, "See that you fulfill the ministry that you received in the Lord."
4:18 The greeting is in my own hand, Paul's. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
Thanks and Prayer
God bless George or Grace today" may be a typical prayer for a friend as heor she comes to mind. But what am I specifically asking for? How will I know if my prayer is answered? What difference would it make in their life?
Colossians 1:1-14Paul begins his letter by telling the Colossians why he is thankful for them and what he asks God to do in them. Paul’s example gives us a model for encouraging and praying for one another.
1. How does it make you feel when a friend tells you the specific things he or she notices and appreciates about you?
2. Read Colossians 1:1-8. What characteristics of the Colossians cause Paul to always be thankful for them (vv. 3-6)?
3. How do faith in Christ and love for other Christians spring from the hope described in verse 5?
4. What examples of faith, love and hope have you seen in a group of Christians?
Who in your church or fellowship group could you affirm this week for demonstrating those qualities?
5. What impresses you about how the gospel was spreading (vv. 5-8)?
6. How have others helped you to hear and understand the truth about God’s grace?
7. Read Colossians 1:9-14. After affirming their strengths, Paul tells the Colossians what he prays for them. What are Paul’s requests for how they think and act?
8. How might spiritual wisdom and understanding help us to understand God’s will (v. 9)?
From what less helpful sources do we try to find knowledge of God’s will?
9. According to Paul, true knowledge leads to a "life worthy of the Lord" (v. 10). What qualities does such a life include (vv. 10-12)?
How are these qualities related to each other?
10. In what specific ways do you see these qualities developing in your life?
11. How does Paul graphically contrast our condition before and after we became Christians (vv. 12-14)?
12. Reread verses 12-14, putting your name in each sentence. How would meditating on these verses help you to appreciate what God has done for you?
13. Take time to pray for your church or fellowship group, using verses 9-14 as your model.
Jesus Is Supreme
We frequently hear, "All roads lead to God." "Everyone is trying to get to the same place." "That belief is fine for you, but I don’t buy it for myself." "Only bigots and fanatics label belief true or false."
Colossians 1:15-23The Colossians heard, "Worship Jesus, but not exclusively. Jesus is just one spirit among many to be worshipped." In this passage we’ll study Paul’s adamant declaration of Christ’s supremacy over every being and idea which invites our attention.
1. What problems have you encountered in helping someone under stand why Jesus is the only way to God?
2. Read Colossians 1:15-23. Make as many statements as you can about why Jesus is supreme (vv. 15-18). Begin each with, "Christ is . . ."
3. What difficulties do you have in relating to an invisible God?
How has Jesus overcome those difficulties (v. 15)?
4. How do discoveries made through microscopes and telescopes add to your appreciation of Jesus’ supremacy over nature (vv. 16-17)?
5. What does it mean that Christ is the "head of the body, the church" (v. 18)?
In what practical ways is Christ’s headship evident in your church?
6. How did some recent choice you made about your time or money reflect Christ’s supreme place in your life?
7. What actions was God pleased to take to reconcile us to himself (vv. 19-22)?
8. How does understanding God’s actions help you explain why Jesus is the only way to God?
9. How do the words reconciled, holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation (vv. 22-23) motivate you to continue firm in your faith in Christ?
10. How might those words appeal to unspoken needs of the friends you want to introduce to Jesus?
11. Spend some time worshiping Jesus Christ for who he is and what he has done for you and your friends who don’t yet know him.
Struggles for Maturity
Colossians 1:24—2:5For a whole year a young man lived in isolation on a remote Arctic mountain. He risked his life on the flight in and on trails over thin ice (which gave way when he struggled under a heavy backpack). He shared his cold tent with mice and mosquitoes. He experimented with a diet of boiled, fried or charred mice. Why would anyone willingly subject himself to such hardships? Farley Mowat had a goal. He wanted to learn the relationship between the wolves and the diminishing caribou herds.
In this study Paul describes his compelling goal, his struggles and his resources to reach it.
1. What goal has been compelling enough to make you willing to suffer to reach it?
2. Read Colossians 1:24—2:5. How does Paul define God’s commission to him (vv. 24-29)?
3. In the New Testament, the term mystery refers not to something mysterious, but to something previously hidden which God now wishes to make clear. What is the mystery that represents the "word of God in its fullness" (1:26-27; 2:2-3)?
4. Why would this mystery be startling to both Jews and Gentiles in the Colossian church?
5. What thoughts and feelings does this idea of "Christ in you" arouse? (Consider the description of Christ you studied in Colossians 1:15-20.)
6. How does Paul’s ultimate goal include more than just disclosing a mystery (1:28)?
7. In addition to prayer (1:9), what means does Paul use to achieve that goal (vv. 28-29)?
Which of these means has God used to help you toward maturity in Christ?
8. According to Paul, what are the marks of Christian maturity (2:2-5)?
9. The Gnostics taught that their secret knowledge was the key to salvation. How would Paul’s description of Christ (2:3-4) protect the Colossians from the "fine-sounding arguments" of the Gnostics?
10. What "fine-sounding arguments" today lure us away from Christ and hinder our spiritual maturity?
11. What can you do to refocus your attention on Christ and on his goals for you?
No Additions Needed
Kim Yeng and his family celebrated the day they became American citizens. Now they were no longer refugees but free citizens with full privileges and endless opportunities. But soon the neighbors began to question Kim. "Why are you making your kids superpatriots? They don’t have to wear flags on their shirts every day." "Why did you spend all that money installing a tall flagpole in your yard?" "Don’t you know that making your family eat hamburgers instead of eggrolls doesn’t make you a better citizen?"
Colossians 2:6-23In this study, Paul questions the Colossians about the foolish human additions they are trying to add to all they have in Christ.
1. How would you finish the following sentence: "I would feel fulfilled if . . ."
2. Read Colossians 2:6-15. What does it mean to "receive Christ Jesus as Lord" (v. 6)?
3. How do each of the images rooted, built up, strengthened and overflowing (v. 7) help us understand how we should continue to live in Christ?
4. In verse 8 we get the first real glimpse of the heresy being taught to the Colossians. What do we learn about it?
5. How would Paul’s two statements about fullness in Christ (vv. 9-10) protect the Colossians from those deceptive ideas?
6. In verses 11-15 Paul describes some of what "fullness in Christ" includes. Which of our basic needs did Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection meet?
7. Why did Jesus have to take care of our sinful nature (v. 11) as well as our sins (v. 13)?
8. A written code (v. 14) was a signed confession, listing personal debts. What has Christ done with this certificate that was "against us" and "opposed to us"?
9. A triumph (v. 15) was "the victory parade given for conquering generals when they returned to Rome. In the victory celebration the defeated enemies, bound in chains, were dragged through the city. Then came the conquering general riding in a chariot, receiving the acclamation of the spectators who benefited from his victory."* Who are the "powers and authorities" (v. 15) Christ disarmed and triumphed over (see Eph 6:12)?
10. Silently reread verses 9-15, inserting your name every time Paul says you or us. How do these facts affect your view of yourself?
11. Read Colossians 2:16-23. What "shadows" were the Colossians adding to the "reality" they had found in Christ (vv. 16-17, 20-23)?
What "shadows" are we tempted to add today?
12. What is the appeal of such additions (vv. 18-19, 22-23)?
13. Why are these regulations useless (vv. 22-23)?
14. How does the following hymn help you grasp the implications of your fullness in Christ?
Complete in Thee! no work of mine
May take, dear Lord, the place of Thine;Thy blood hath pardon bought for me,
And I am now complete in Thee.Complete in Thee! no more shall sin,
Thy grace hath conquered, reign within;Thy voice shall bid the tempter flee,
And I shall stand complete in Thee.Complete in Thee! each want supplied,
And no good thing to me denied;Since Thou my portion, Lord, wilt be,
I ask no more, complete in Thee.Dear Saviour! when before thy bar
All tribes and tongues assembled are,Among Thy chosen will I be,
At Thy right hand complete in Thee.Cecil F. Alexander (1818-1895)
New Life, New Lifestyle
Have you seen pictures of marathon runners from the Olympics? Concentration and determination seem to ooze from every pore. These people set their hearts and minds on one thing—finish this race. They focus on the next step, the next checkpoint, until the race is complete. They shed pounds, unnecessary clothing or anything else that might slow them down. Attach their official number and they are ready to run.
(Part 1)
Colossians 3:1-11As Christians, we are to live like marathon runners. We are to take off anything that slows us down and set our hearts and minds on the finish line.
1. As a child, how did setting your heart on a certain toy or gift affect how you acted and what you thought about?
2. Read Colossians 3:1-11. What do you think Paul means by things above and earthly things (vv. 1-2)?
3. How can we set our hearts and minds on things above rather than on earthly things?
In what current situation are you facing this choice?
4. What reasons and incentives does Paul give us for having this kind of orientation (vv. 1, 3-4)?
5. What do the things we are to "put to death" have in common (v. 5)?
6. Why do you think greed is viewed as idolatry (vv. 5-7)?
7. How can we keep God’s perspective on immorality and greed when our culture accepts them as the norm?
8. Our old ways of reacting are compared to a garment we took off at conversion (vv. 8-10). Why is each type of behaviour inconsistent with our new life in Christ?
9. What has been the effect on you and others when you have fallen back into these old motives or actions (vv. 5, 8-9)?
10. Although we may still struggle with these sins, what resources for change do we now have (vv. 9-11)?
How are these resources better than determination and "trying harder"?
11. In verse 11 Paul lists the distressing divisions between people in the Colossian culture. How would becoming aware of Christ in other Christians help us to eliminate our cultural divisions?
12. Paul has shown the necessary blending of our emotions, mind and will in order to live like people who have been raised with Christ. Pray for help in the area where you feel weak. Spend time thanking God for the changes he has already
New Life, New Lifestyle
(Part 2)
Colossians 3:12-17Marathon runners not only shed anything that might slow them down, they also dress carefully. They choose the best running shoes and the most comfortable shorts and shirt possible.
After telling us what to get rid of, Paul now speaks about the new clothes we are to wear because of our new life in Christ.
1. When you were a child, what was one behavior your parents in sisted on just because you were a member of their family?
2. Read Colossians 3:12-17. Why does Paul begin by reminding us of who we are in God’s sight (v. 12)?
3. Why is the description "God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved" (3:12) not dependent on our feelings or efforts (1:12-14; 2:9-10)?
4. How would putting on the "new clothes" described in verse 12 make your church or group distinct from your culture?
5. Paul recognizes that grievances occur even in the church. How are his instructions for handling grievances different from the way our culture handles them (vv. 13-14)?
6. Paul also recognizes that Christians conflict with each other. How could conflicts be better managed with peace ruling (lit., "functioning like an umpire") in our hearts (v. 15)?
7. What does it mean to let the word of Christ dwell in us richly (v. 16; see also Eph 5:18-20)?
8. What opportunities exist in your church or group to teach, admonish and sing as described in verse 16?
What opportunities would you like to create?
9. What is there about thankfulness that causes Paul to command it three different ways (vv. 15, 16 and 17)?
10. How would doing everything "in the name of the Lord Jesus" transform what you have to say and do today (v. 17)?
11. In contrast to the rules mentioned in 2:16-23, how are these "new clothes" we are to wear appropriate expressions of the fullness we have in Christ?
At Home and on the Job
Colossians 3:18—4:1Factory workers in the Philippines had been meeting for months for a lunch-hour Bible study. One day the supervisor came to the leader and asked, "Could you start some more Bible studies in the factory? The men in the study have become the best workers on my shift."
That wouldn’t have surprised the apostle Paul. In this section he instructs us about the distinctive attitudes and behaviour that should mark Christians at home and on the job.
1. What attitudes have you seen in a family or on the job that you would label as "Christian"?
2. Read Colossians 3:18—4:1. How do Paul’s commands to wives/husbands, children/fathers and slaves/masters address our tendency to do the opposite?
3. The wife is to submit to the husband "as is fitting in the Lord" (v. 18). From what you learned in Colossians 3:5-17, what would that kind of submission include?
What would it not include?
4. The husband is to love his wife and not be harsh with her (v. 19). How would Colossians 3:12-17 help him understand what that love should be like in actions and attitudes?
5. Why are these commands to submit and love unconditional; that is, not dependent on the behaviour of the spouse?
6. Why is the basic command to children: "Obey your parents" (v. 20)?
7. Why are fathers told what they are not to do (v. 21)?
8. What attitudes and actions of parents embitter or discourage their children?
9. How could the motivations of pleasing the Lord (v. 20) and not discouraging others (v. 21) improve relationships in your family?
10. When and how are slaves to obey their masters (vv. 22-25)?
With what motives?
11. What would it demand of a master to "provide your slaves with what is right and fair" (4:1)?
12. How should knowing "that you also have a Master in heaven" affect a master’s attitude toward himself and his slaves (3:25—4:1)?
13. How would obeying these instructions change how you do your job as employee or employer (3:22—4:1)?
14. How would following the instructions in 3:18—4:1 demonstrate that "you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority" (2:10)?
Making the Most of Opportunities
Colossians 4:2-18No one ever becomes a Christian by just watching how a Catholic Christian lives. An observer might think the Christian is earning his way to heaven by trying to be good. How could anyone ever guess how to become a Christian? Debating if what we say or how we live is more important in witnessing is like asking which leg is more important for walking.
In this study Paul shows that witnessing is an interplay between prayer, living and speaking. His closing greetings illustrate many ways Christians help and encourage each other.
1. What one piece of advice about witnessing would you give to a younger Christian?
2. Read Colossians 4:2-6. In this section Paul teaches us how to speak to God about people and how to speak to people about God. Why would he tell us to devote ourselves to prayer (v. 2)?
3. Based on what you have read in Colossians, what are we to be watchful and thankful for (v. 2)?
4. Paul might have asked the church to pray for his release from prison. What requests does he make instead (vv. 3-4)? Why?
5. Since God is the one who opens doors for the gospel, take time now to pray these requests for your pastor, a missionary or Christian worker you know (vv. 3-4).
6. What advice does Paul give us about the way we live and converse with non-Christians (vv. 5-6)?
7. In what ways might you "be wise in the way you act toward out siders" and "make the most of every opportunity" (v. 5)?
8. How would conversation "always full of grace, seasoned with salt" (v. 6) prompt questions from non-Christians?
9. How would it change your attitude toward witnessing if each day you expected questions about your wise actions and gracious, salty speech?
10. Read Colossians 4:7-18. Paul concludes this letter with numerous personal messages and greetings. What qualities in people does Paul affirm, and why?
11. You’ll meet Onesimus, who was Philemon’s runaway slave (v. 9), and Archippus, who was Philemon’s son (v. 17), again in the letter to Philemon. How might Paul’s words make each one feel about himself and the other?
12. Epaphras, who had taken the gospel to the Colossians (1:7-8), is commended for his continuing concern for them. What impresses you about his praying?
13. From what you’ve learned about the problems at Colossae, why are his requests particularly appropriate?
14. How could you encourage or comfort a fellow Christian this week by following the example of someone named here?