Read: Matthew 26:17-75
On Thursday, what strikes you about Jesus’ final evening with His disciples? What did He provide?
In what way does Jesus do the same for you today? How does this elevate the importance of communion?
How does this adjust you? What are some ways you can improve your upper room time with Jesus?
Scripture is silent when it comes to the events that took place on Wednesday of Passion Week.
Given that Jesus might have been resting, reflecting, and praying, take time to do the same with God today.
Reflect on Monday and Tuesday’s commitments, praying and asking God for further insight and wisdom.
Read: Matthew 21:23-24:51
On Tuesday, why did Jesus confront the Pharisees in such an aggressive way? What was being exposed?
What did the Olivet Discourse emphasize about daily faith? How did the temple and discourse relate?
How often do you contemplate these truths? Why is it important? What is God teaching you today?
Read: Mark 11:12-19, Matthew 21:12-17, Luke 19:45-48
On Monday, what was Jesus teaching by cursing a fig tree? (i.e. fig tree represents Israel)
How did temple events support Jesus’ message of the fig tree? How can this same problem occur today?
Ask God how you might be falling into the same trap. What corrective steps do you need to take?
Read: Colossians 2:11, Romans 7:15-25, 1 Cor. 6:19, 2 Cor. 5:17, Phil. 4:13, Gal. 6:15
What spiritually happens to someone who becomes a Christian? How does Paul relate this to circumcision?
Why is this important to understand when it comes to spiritual battles? How can this be spiritual ammo?
What does this imply about your spiritual potential in Christ? Be specific. How does this help you?
Read: Colossians 2:11, Romans 2:25-29, 4:9-12, Acts 7:51
Given Paul was a Jew, how would he have viewed circumcision? How did he apply it to Jesus?
What does a “circumcision made without hands” mean? Why would Jesus be involved?
In what way would this have helped Jewish Christians to accept Gentile Christians? Be specific.
Read: Colossians 2:11, Genesis 17:1-14, Deuteronomy 30:6
Why did God tell Abraham to engage in circumcision? How does God’s covenant relate?
In what way does this help explain the physical act and body location of circumcision?
Why is it more than just a physical act? How does this help you better understand circumcision?
Read: Colossians 2:9-10, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 13:5, Ephesians 4:11-13, 2 Peter 1:3-4
Explain how Christians have two natures. What does this imply about a spiritual battle?
What is required in order for the new nature to grow and mature? Why is this important?
How does the truth of Colossians 2:9-10 become ammo so you can win the battle? (i.e. being “in him”)
Read: Colossians 2:10, 1:16, Galatians 4:4-6, John 1:2-5, 15:3
In what way was Paul confronting the Colossian heresy? (i.e. legalism, Gnosticism, etc.)
How has this same type of heresy been embraced by Christians today? Give an example.
How can you be tempted in this way? Be specific. Take some time and confess this to God.
Read: Colossians 2:9, 1:19, John 1:1, 14:2-7, 20:19-29
What does Paul claim about Jesus? Given “dwells” is present tense, what is implied about Jesus today?
Why is the deity of Christ an important doctrine of the Christian faith? What is at risk if it’s rejected?
Why is this important when it comes to eternity? In what way does this encourage you?
Read: Colossians 2:8, Matthew 7:15, Acts 17:10-11, 20:28-29
In what way did the Berean’s apply the truth of Colossians 2:8 when listening to a sermon? Be specific.
Why is this an important practice when it comes to every part of the Christian life? How does it protect?
How is God prompting you to be more of a Berean? What steps will you take to doublecheck yourself?
Read: Colossians 2:8b, Acts 20:28-31a
In what way did Paul expose how a worldly approach to living can slip into the church? (Hint: self)
How does this ultimately shift a trust in God to trusting in yourself or others? Be specific.
How do you see this happening in Christianity today? How can this happen to you? What will prevent it?
Read: Colossians 2:8b, Galatians 4:3, 9
What was Paul highlighting about false teaching based on “human tradition”? (Hint: who is trusted)
What is meant by “elemental” spirits? What does this reveal about Satan’s tactics for deception?
How do you think the church’s challenge of COVID has possibly exposed this issue? Be specific.
Read: Colossians 2:8a, Psalm 119:15-16, Matthew 4:1-11, 2 Timothy 2:15
Why will the Bible be the place of ultimate protection against a spiritual attack? How did Jesus use it?
What does it mean to “meditate” on God’s precepts? (Psalm 119:15) How will it help provide protection?
How does this elevate your view of the Bible? What steps will you take to protect yourself with the Bible?
Read: Colossians 2:8a, Romans 1:21-32, 2 Peter 2:15-18
How does Paul’s discussion in Romans 1:21-32 relate to Colossians 2:8a? What is implied about a progression?
What is also implied about “human traditions”? Why is this important to recognize?
In what way have you possibly been deceived? Give an example. What adjustment will you make?
Read: Colossians 2:8a, Ephesians 5:12, Philippians 3:2, 1 Peter 5:8
Describe how Christians today are at spiritual risk. In what way can this easily be overlooked?
Explain the tactics Satan will often use to catch Christians off guard. Be specific.
How does it make you feel knowing you’re at risk? What are some ways you can be more on guard today?
Read: Colossians 2:7, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Philippians 1:9, 1 Thess. 3:12-13, 4:1, 10
What does today’s reading reveal about the “on-going” part of spiritual growth? Why is this important?
In what way will this lead to a thankful heart? How is this often overlooked in today’s Christian culture?
How does Col. 2:7 both encourage and challenge you? What step is God prompting you to take today?
Read: Colossians 2:7, Romans 16:25, 2 Thess. 2:16-17, 1 Peter 5:10, 2 Corinthians 1:21-22
According to Colossians 2:7, what is required in order to be “established” in the faith? Be specific.
Who actually does the establishing? Why is this important to understand? How can this be overlooked?
How would you rate your level of being “established”? What does this reveal about your next steps?
Read: Colossians 2:6, John 3:25-29, Revelation 19:7-8, 21:2-4
How does it make you feel knowing scripture calls you the spiritual bride and Jesus your bridegroom?
What does backsliding imply about being spiritually faithful to your relationship? (e.g. spiritual affair)
In light of this truth, what adjustments do you need to make to be more faithful? (i.e. walk in Him)
Read: Colossians 2:6, 1 John 2:4-6, Revelation 2:4-5
Describe what Paul meant by his encouragement to “walk in him”. How does it relate to intentionality?
In what way does frequency play into it? Why is this important? How would “backsliding” be the opposite?
What is the solution based on Rev. 2:5? How does this encourage or adjust you today? Be specific.
Read: Colossians 2:6, Matthew 6:31-33, 16:24-27
What does “the” Lord imply about priority in Col. 2:6? How do John and Jesus emphasize the same truth?
What changed for you when you became a Christian? (i.e. priorities) What does this reveal to you today?
In what way can this type of reflection help with preventing future struggles? How does this help you?
Read: Colossians 2:5, 1 Corinthians 12:1-27
List three things that Paul highlights by using a human body as a metaphor for the church.
What does this imply about doing Christianity on your own? Why is this important? Be specific.
In what way have you underestimated the implications of this truth? What steps will you take to change?
Read: Colossians 2:5, Hebrews 3:13, 10:24-25
Why did Paul essentially insert himself into the lives of the Colossians? How does Hebrews 3:13 relate?
How do you see culture today challenging this truth? What is at risk? How has COVID contributed?
In what way have you drifted into this trap? How and when will you adjust to protect yourself?
Read: Colossians 2:2-4, Galatians 1:8-10, Eph. 4:11-14, 2 Cor. 11:3-4, 1 Tim. 4:1-2, Rev. 2:4-5
In what way was the Colossian church struggling? Why was this a potential struggle for every church?
What was the solution? What does this imply about you being on guard? Why is this important?
Take some time and ask God to expose any areas of your life that are putting you at risk.
Read: Colossians 2:1-3, Matthew 5-7
Given that true spiritual wisdom and knowledge is found in Christ, how did today’s Read: ing help you?
In what way did the teachings of Jesus teach you about Jesus? How does this help or adjust you?
How will you continue staying focused on Jesus in the weeks ahead? What is your specific plan?
Read: Colossians 2:2-3, Proverbs 2:3-6, 1 Corinthians 1:19, Ephesians 3:4-5, Matthew 13:10-16
Given the Colossians were drifting into Gnosticism, how did Paul correct them? (i.e. the solution)
How do you see this same type of drifting taking place in Christianity today? Give an example.
In what way have you drifted into this trap? How can a refocus on Jesus start for you today?
