Read: Colossians 1:11, Acts 16:16-25
Why do you think Paul includes “with joy” in his prayer for the Colossians and God’s strength?
In what way did Paul and Silas display the answer to this type of prayer while in prison?
How does this encourage you in your current challenges? Take some time to talk to God about it.
Read: Colossians 1:11, Ephesians 3:14-21, 6:18-20
How did Paul essentially pray the same way for both the Colossians and the Ephesians?
In what way did he ask the Ephesians to reciprocate? What does this indicate about Paul’s propensities?
How can you relate to the same propensities? How will you step into Paul’s approach for strength?
Read: Col. 1:11, Romans 15:13, Phil. 4:13, Gal. 3:3, 2 Timothy 1:7, 2 Thess. 1:11
Why did Paul pray for the Colossians to have strength? What does this imply about human strength?
What does this also imply about boldly living out the Christian life? Be specific.
How often do you pray for God’s strength? What does this reveal? How will you change this week?
Read: Colossians 1:9-10, John 15:1-8
What does it mean for a Christian to “abide” in Christ? What is the result?
In what way does Paul’s prayer for the Colossians relate to the same thing? Be specific.
Describe your current level of “abiding” in Christ. Take some time right now to pray Colossians 1:9-10.
Read: Colossians 1:9-10, James 2:14-17
How does Paul’s approach to prayer relate to James 2:14? What does it ultimately reveal?
Explain the distinction between knowledge and wisdom. Why is this important to understand?
In what way can Christians overlook this truth? Give an example. How can you protect yourself?
Read: Colossians 1:9-10, Ephesians 1:17-23, Philippians 1:9-11
What is similar about Paul’s prayer for the Colossians, Ephesians, and Philippians? Be specific.
What will happen as a result of this type of prayer? Give an example. Why is this important to remember?
How does this challenge the way you currently pray? What specific steps will you take to adjust?
Read: Colossians 1:1-9a
Explain the four principals that were highlighted the past two Sundays to prepare for 2021?
What truth speaks to you the most? Why? What was your experience with this in 2020?
How do you see 2021 being an opportunity for spiritual growth? Pray and commit this to the Lord!
Read: Colossians 1:9a, Philippians 4:6-7
What benefits does Paul promise will take place when Christians have an active prayer life?
Why is this important during challenging times? How would this have been helpful in 2020?
In what way did you typically respond to the challenges of 2020? How does this adjust you for 2021?
Read: Colossians 1:9a, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Ephesians 6:18
It appears from scripture that the Apostle Paul had a very vibrant and active prayer life. Why?
In what way do you think this provided him balance and stability? Be specific.
How does this encourage you going into 2021? What specific steps will you take to be more prayerful?
Read: Colossians 1:3-8, Matthew 9:35-38, Romans 10:14-15
What primary role did Paul highlight about Epaphras’ role in the Colossian church?
In what way does this highlight how God wants the Gospel to spread? How does this apply today?
In what way have you avoided this responsibility? Why? What changes will you make this week?
Read: Colossians 1:3-6, Matthew 13:3-9, 13:18-23, Mark 4:26-32
Explain what Col 1:6 means by the Gospel “bearing fruit and increasing”? Be specific.
What does this imply about God’s role in people responding to the Gospel? Why is this important?
How can a man-centered view of the Gospel prevent it from spreading? How does this adjust you?
Read: Colossians 1:3-6, Acts 5:12-21, 19:1-10, Philippians 1:12-13
Given Paul faced many challenges, how did this limit the spreading of the Gospel? Why?
What can happen if this truth is overlooked? (i.e. how challenges can shut down your evangelism)
In what way did you see this happen in 2020? Give an example. How does this encourage you?
Read: Colossians 1:5-6a, Romans 5:3-5, John 16:33, 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Explain how pain and suffering can produce hope. How does God play a part in this process?
What does this reveal about an added benefit to the Gospel? How have you seen this in your life?
In what way has God met you during a painful time? What was the result? How does this encourage you?
Read: Colossians 1:5-6a, 1 Corinthians 15:19, Philippians 3:20-21
What is the purpose of the Gospel and responding to the “word of truth”? What is at risk?
What happens when this gets overlooked or misunderstood? Give an example.
In what way can an eternal perspective help you throughout 2021? How will you keep this in place?
Read: Colossians 1:4-5, John 13:1-14, 1 Cor. 13:13, 1 Thess. 1:3, 5:8, Hebrews 6:10-12
Explain the interaction between faith, love, and hope in the Christian life. Why is “faith” the beginning?
How does “love” represent the fruit of faith? Be specific. In what way does “hope” look forward?
Why is a balance between all three important? How does this speak to you? How do you need to balance?
Read: Colossians 1:2-4, Galatians 5:22-25
Given Paul wrote both Colossians and Galatians from prison, what is implied about the fruit of the Spirit?
As you look back to 2020, how was this truth specifically challenged in your life? Why?
In what way do you need to change your approach in 2021? How will “looking for the good” help?
Read: Colossians 1:2-4
Given Paul wrote from a Roman prison to correct a Colossae heresy, how would Paul have been challenged?
In what way were his remarks encouraging rather than correcting? How did this provide balance?
Why is this important as we approach the potential challenges in 2021? How does this adjust you?
Read: Colossians 1:1, Acts 1:21-22, 9:5-6, 15, 22:10-21, 26:15-18, Romans 1:1, Galatians 1:1
In multiple letters by Paul, he refers to himself as an Apostle. Why?
How would the title help in delivering the message of Colossians? (i.e., a corrective letter)
How is an Apostle different than a disciple? How does this elevate the message of Colossians to you?
Read: Matthew 6:19-21, Luke 6:22-23, 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
How can the idea of rewards in heaven help you to correctly prioritize your life? Do they? Why or why not?
In light of these passages, what has your life been focused upon, and how can you invest more wisely?
What are some specific ways you can invest in eternity? What will you do starting this week?
