Read: Colossians 2:19, John 15:1-11
In what way did Paul essentially emphasize the same thing that Jesus taught in John 15?
What does this imply about grace and true spiritual growth? How can a counterfeit version take place?
What type of spiritual growth do you see taking place in your life? How can you better default to Jesus?
Read: Colossians 2:19, 1 Corinthians 12:12-26
Explain the struggle Paul was addressing in the Corinthian church. How was it similar to Colossae?
Why did it lead to envy and jealousy? What does this imply about staying connected to the “head”?
How do you feel about your spiritual gifts compared to others? How do you need to regroup with Jesus?
Read: Colossians 2:19a, 1:17-20, Ephesians 4:15-16
What does “holding fast to the head” mean? How were false teachers letting go? Give an example.
What does this imply about keeping grace in place? Why will this always be a Christian temptation?
Take some time and pray, asking God, how you may be “letting go” of your focus on Him.
Read: Colossians 2:18, Luke 18:10-14, Philippians 2:3-4
In what way will asceticism, angel worship, and visions ultimately lead to spiritual competition and pride?
How did the Pharisee model this same problem? Be specific. Why is this extremely dangerous?
How can you be susceptible to this struggle? How can you protect yourself? (i.e. motive check)
Read: Colossians 2:18, Matthew 4:10, Revelation 5:11-12, 19:9-10, 22:8-9
Given angel worship was popular in the Colossian region, what does this imply about spiritual distractions?
Give an example of how this same type of spiritual distraction can take place today. (e.g. Mary, icons, etc.)
Why will this ultimately impact keeping grace in place? How does this adjust and keep you in check?
Read: Colossians 2:18a, Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 Timothy 2:5-7
Explain the root belief behind asceticism. What types of behavior are included? Why is it legalism?
In what way does the idea of spiritual “disqualifying” fly in the face of God’s grace?
How can it happen in churches today? Give an example. How can you protect against this type of thinking?
Read: Colossians 2:16-17, John 10:7-15, 27
What truth was Jesus teaching about Colossians 2:16-17 using a shepherd/sheep metaphor?
In what way is this different than most historic religious leaders? What does this highlight about Easter?
How does the shepherd/sheep metaphor make you feel? How will you be a better sheep today?
Read: Colossians 2:17, Mark 1:17-20, Hebrews 4:14-16
When Jesus first called His disciples, what were His instructions? Why is this important to remember?
How does this relate to Jesus being a “personal” Lord and Savior? Be specific.
In what way can Christians lose site of this today? Give an example. How can you lose sight?
Read: Colossians 2:17, John 6:51, 1 Peter 1:18-19, Matthew 11:28
What was Paul trying to teach about Jesus by using the shadow metaphor? How does this relate to the law?
In what way did Jesus provide the “substance” during His ministry? How does He provide it today?
What does this imply about where Christians should place their focus? What can be a distraction for you?
Read: Colossians 2:16, Romans 14:1-9, Acts 15:1-21
Why were Colossian Christians judging one another? How did this also happen to the Roman church?
What is implied when this takes place? In what way did the Jerusalem Council settle the issue? (Acts 15)
Why will legalism always turn to judgment? How can this be a temptation for you? How will you adjust?
Read: Colossians 2:16, Exodus 20:8-11, Lev. 23:1-8, Luke 22:19-20, Heb. 9:13-15, Eph. 2:8-9
Explain the difference between the old covenant and the new covenant in Christ. Be specific.
In what way does this relate to legalism vs. freedom in Christ? Why is this an important distinction?
How can this happen in churches today? Give an example. How does this keep you in check?
Read: Colossians 2:16, Numbers 6:1-20, Romans 10:4, Galatians 5:1, Titus 1:13-14, 1 Cor. 8:8
What was happening to the Colossian church when it came to legalism? (i.e. Nazarite vow)
Why would this have shut down the grace of God? What does it imply about the consequences of legalism?
How can Christians divide over this same issue today? In what way does this challenge you?
Read: Colossians 2:12-15, 2 Corinthians 7:10, Mark 1:4, Romans 10:9-10
In your own words, explain the Gospel (Good News) of Jesus Christ including Good Friday and Easter.
What three elements are necessary to respond? Be specific. Why is this important to clarify?
In what way has today’s noise about Jesus missed this truth? How does Easter help clarify the issue?
Read: Col. 2:13-14, Matthew 26:27-28, Ephesians 1:7, Romans 5:20-21, Galatians 3:10-14
In what way were your sins “nailed” to the cross of Christ? What does this imply about Good Friday?
Why is Easter necessary for Good Friday to have actually taken place? Be specific.
How does this help explain how redemption and grace work together? How has this impacted you?
Read: Col. 2:13-14, Exodus 20:1-17, Romans 3:23, 6:5-11, 1 Cor. 15:17-22, Eph. 2:4-5
What does it mean that everyone is born spiritually “dead”? What does this imply about legalism?
Why does a spiritually dead condition require Easter? How does this separate Christianity for all religions?
In what way does this adjust your perspective about Heaven? How have you responded to this message?
Read: Colossians 2:12, 1 Corinthians 15:12-14, John 2:19, 11:25, 14:6
In what way are Christians “raised” with Jesus through faith? What does this imply about Easter?
Why can’t Christianity exist without Easter? Be specific. Why will this also make Jesus a liar?
How does this help cut through today’s noise about Jesus? How does this elevate your view of Easter?
Read: Colossians 2:12, Ephesians 1:15-23, Titus 3:4-7
What was required in order for Jesus to rise from the dead? How does this demonstrate the trinity?
Where is the resurrected Christ today? Be specific. What does this imply about His authority?
In what way is this same resurrection power available to those who believe? How has it impacted you?
Read: Colossians 2:12, Romans 6:2-4, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:27, Matthew 28:19
Explain the purpose of baptism. In what way is baptism a believer’s act? (c.f. Matthew 28:19)
Why is this important to understand? Be specific. How does baptism also relate to Easter?
How does this help clarify your perspective about baptism? Do you need to be baptized? (call the PCC office)
Read: Matthew 27:62-66
During the Sabbath when Jesus was in the tomb, what were the Jewish leaders doing? Why?
What does this imply about times when God appears to be silent? How can you fall into this same trap?
How can prayer help? In what way has your week of devotions prepared you to celebrate Easter?
Read: Matthew 27:1-61
On Friday, how was Jesus treated by others? What does this highlight about our sinful condition?
What does this imply about the way you should remember Good Friday? How does this challenge you?
Make it a point to thank God throughout the day for the cross. Worship Him for His sacrifice for you!
