Read: Colossians 2:1-2a, Proverbs 4:23, Psalm 26:2, Matthew 12:34-35, Ephesians 3:17
What is implied when the metaphor of the heart is used? Why is it important to pay attention to it?
How did Paul struggle for the Colossians? Be specific. What does this highlight about watching your heart?
What typically competes for your heart’s attention? What adjustment do you need to make today?
Read: Colossians 1:24-29, Philippians 3:10, John 15:18-21, Romans 8:17-18, 28
What three things does Paul highlight about suffering and what it provides in the Christian life?
How does this differ from the way culture views suffering today? How does this challenge you?
What situation are you currently struggling with? How might God be using this in one of the three areas?
Read: Colossians 1:29, Philippians 2:14-18, 1 Timothy 4:10, Acts 20:17-21
Why does Paul rejoice when he suffers or is “poured out like a drink offering”? (c.f. Philippians 2:17)
What does this highlight about defining spiritual success or failure? How does this relate to your calling?
In what way has this been misunderstood today? How will you put forth more effort to fulfill your calling?
Read: Colossians 1:29, Acts 9:22-27, John 15:5
Explain the balance Paul was presenting when it comes to living out the Christian life. (i.e., God versus you)
In what way did Jesus present this same truth with the vine/branch metaphor?
How have you experienced this truth? Be specific. What does this mean for you today?
Read: Colossians 1:24-28, Acts 9:1-16, Galatians 1:15-17
What did Paul know about his calling in Acts 9? How was it clarified over time? Be specific.
In what way did it require Paul to take steps of faith? What does this reveal about how a calling is revealed?
How clear are you about your personal calling before God? What steps of faith can you take this week?
Read: Colossians 1:24, Mark 13:13, Ephesians 3:1, 2 Corinthians 1:3-5, 4:17
How does the Apostle Paul view his suffering and afflictions? How does it relate to Christ’s afflictions?
In what way does this help you understand why he would rejoice in his suffering? (Hint: calling)
How has Christianity missed this truth today? Give an example. How does this adjust you?
Read: Colossians 1:23, John 15:1-11
In what way does John 15:1-11 compliment the admonition of Colossians 1:23 to “continue in the faith”?
According to Jesus, what is required? How is this a balance between your decisions and God working?
What will be the result? Be specific. How does this encourage you today? What decisions will you make?
Read: Colossians 1:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 John 2:18-19, Philippians 1:6, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
In what way is Colossians 1:23 both an encouragement and a warning to the Colossian Christians?
How does this relate to “finishing well”? Why is this not a warning about losing one’s salvation?
What does this imply about daily commitment? How will you recommit your life to the Lord today?
Read: Colossians 1:21-22, Ephesians 2:3-11, Romans 5:6-11, 2 Cor. 5:21, 1 Peter 2:24-25
In what way does Colossians 1:21-22 describe what it means to become a Christian? Be specific.
Explain why the words “holy”, “blameless”, and “above reproach” are important. How is it accomplished?
How does this refute a works-based view of salvation? What is at risk if this truth is misunderstood?
Read: Colossians 1:19-20, Ephesians 2:11-19, Romans 3:23-25, Gal. 3:13, 2 Cor. 5:17-18
In your own words, explain the meaning of Colossians 1:19-20. What is implied in the word “reconciled”?
What is implied in the word “peace”? How does the cross relate to this? Why is the cross necessary?
How does culture today reflect a similar truth? (i.e. laws) What is challenging to you about the cross?
Read: Colossians 1:18b, Romans 8:29, 1 Corinthians 15:20, Hebrews 2:14-15, Revelation 1:5
What does “firstborn from the dead” mean? (Hint: ranking) How did Jesus demonstrate this?
In what way does this elevate Easter? Why is this important and essentially the basis for the Christian faith?
Why should this be an encouragement to Christians? How does this encourage you?
Read: Colossians 1:15-18a, Romans 12:5, 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
What does scripture imply by using a physical body metaphor to describe the local church?
How does Jesus being the “head” relate? How does this also clarify the role of church leadership?
In what way does this adjust your view of the local church? How does on-line church relate?
Read: Colossians 1:17b, Psalm 19:1-5
What does Paul mean when he says Jesus “holds all things together”? Be specific.
What does this imply about Jesus’ involvement when it comes to prayer? Give an example.
Take time to look up at the sky tonight and journal your thoughts? How does it expand your view of Jesus?
Read: Colossians 1:17a, John 1:1, 14, 17:5, Revelation 22:13
How was Jesus described in John 1:1? How does this relate to Paul’s description in Colossians 1:17a?
In what way does this explain who Jesus was before the incarnation? (i.e. becoming human)
As you consider this truth, how does it challenge your view? How does it also encourage you?
Read: Colossians 1:15-16, 2:9, John 8:58, 14:9-14, Titus 2:13
How did Paul ultimately correct a Colossian heresy that had adopted a reduced perspective of Jesus?
How did Jesus support Paul’s perspective during His ministry? (c.f. John 8:58) What was the result?
How easy is it for you to understand the deity of Christ? What danger is there if this truth is rejected?
Read: Colossians 1:16, Luke 4:33-37, Ephesians 1:19-21, Hebrews 1:7-9, Philippians 2:9-11
Why do you think Paul highlights Christ’s authority in this way? How could it be both physical and spiritual?
In what way did Jesus demonstrate this truth during His ministry? (c.f. Luke 4:33-41)
How does this increase your confidence during prayer? Take some time and pray about this right now.
Read: Colossians 1:16, Genesis 1:26, John 1:2-3, Romans 11:36, Hebrews 1:1-2
How did Paul describe Jesus in terms of the creation? In what way does this surprise you?
How does this also sound like a description of God the Father? What does this imply about Jesus?
How does this challenge the way you’ve approached prayer? Why will this never be fully comprehended?
Read: Colossians 1:15, Matthew 22:20, Hebrews 1:3, 2Corinthians 4:4
Explain what Paul means by using “image” and “firstborn” when describing the authority of Jesus.
In what way does this elevate Jesus for you? Be specific. Why is this important when it comes to prayer?
How have you seen this truth overlooked today? How does this adjust your current perspective?
Read: Colossians 1:9-14
What truths did Paul model for a productive prayer life? In what way has this adjusted you?
Why is prayer such an important part of the Christian life? What happens if it isn’t a regular practice?
How would you have described your prayer life before this study? What has changed? Be specific.
Read: Colossians 1:13-14, Hebrews 11:6, Romans 1:17, 3:27-31, James 1:2-4
What is required in order for someone to become a Christian? What does this imply about trusting God?
Why do you think it pleases God when we continue to walk by faith? What does it reflect?
Why will this always lead to a productive prayer life? What faith steps does God want you to take?
Read: Colossians 1:13-14, Mark 10:45, John 8:34-36, Galatians 3:13, Titus 2:11-14
Explain how today’s reading helps explain both Christmas and Good Friday. Why was this necessary?
Why are words such as “delivered” and “redemption” so important? What does this imply about prayer?
In what way does this encourage you? Be specific. How will this make a difference for you today?
Read: Col. 1:12, Eph. 1:1-6, 2 Cor. 3:4-6, Genesis 1:4, John 8:12, 1 John 1:5-7
When the Bible talks about “light” what is it referring to? How does that contrast with darkness?
How did Paul use this metaphor to relate to worship? Why should this encourage every Christian today?
How does this also bring balance in challenging times? In what way does this encourage you?
Read: Colossians 1:12, 1 Chronicles 16:8-9, Psalm 107:1-2, 136:1-3
Describe the way the Jews would express their thankful hearts? How is it the same or different than today?
In what way is today’s approach to worship involving music limiting? Give an example.
How does this adjust your approach to worship? What steps will you take to proclaim a thankful heart?
Read: Col. 1:12, 3:17, 2 Cor. 1:10-11, Eph. 5:18-20, Phil. 4:6, 1 Thess. 5:16-18
Why do you think Paul consistently encouraged churches to be thankful? How did it provide balance?
What is required in order to pray this way? Give an example. Why is it an ongoing action step?
How does this challenge your current interactions with God? Take time right now to engage in this way?
