Colossians - An Inductive Bible Study

Colossians An Inductive Bible Study Sunergos Bible Studies Jan Wells Copyright  2007 by Jan Wells Colossians – An I...

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Colossians An Inductive Bible Study

Sunergos Bible Studies Jan Wells

Copyright  2007 by Jan Wells Colossians – An Inductive Bible Study by Jan Wells Printed in the United States of America ISBN 1-932934-30-8 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise – without the prior written permission of the publisher and copyright owners. Acknowledgments Unless otherwise indicated or if marked (ISV) Scripture quotations are taken from: The Holy Bible: International Standard Version®, ISV®. Copyright © 1996-2009 by the ISV Foundation Santa Ana, CA. Used by permission of Davidson Press, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED UNDER INTERNATIONAL AND PAN-AMERICAN COPYRIGHT CONVENTIONS. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from The New American Standard Bible®, NASB® Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. (www.Lockman.org) Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, KING JAMES VERSION. KJV is public domain. Word studies are taken from Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible as well as other reference sources. The Hebrew and Greek words given in the left column of the word study are the lexical form of the word, followed by actual word found in an Interlinear Bible. When sources other than the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance are used in the center column of the word study they are in italic print. A complete list of the references used for this study is found in the Bibliography. Cover Picture: Saint Paul by Michelangelo Buonarroti, c. 1503-04 Duomo, Siena Italy

Sunergos Bible Studies 2485 Morse Road Sebastopol, CA 95472 707 829 2956 To order additional copies, www.SunergosBible.org

11/01/2009

Table of Contents Page Lesson 1 – Overview of Colossians .......................................................................................5 Lesson 2 – Colossians 1:1-12 ..............................................................................................13 Lesson 3 – Colossians 1:12b-17...........................................................................................29 Lesson 4 – Colossians 1:18-29 ............................................................................................43 Lesson 5 – Colossians 1 Review and Colossians 2:1-10.......................................................57 Lesson 6 – Colossians 2:11-23 ............................................................................................71 Lesson 7 – Colossians 2 Review, Colossians 3:1-11 ............................................................87 Lesson 8 – Colossians 3:12-25, Colossians 3 Review ........................................................ 101 Lesson 9 – Colossians 4, Colossians 4 Review, Colossians Review ................................... 117 Appendix........................................................................................................................... 129 Scripture Work Sheets....................................................................................................... 131 Inductive Study Methodology............................................................................................ 139 Themes and Titles Chart.................................................................................................... 145 The Person and Work of Christ Jesus ................................................................................ 146 My Response to the Person and Work of Christ Jesus........................................................ 148 Map................................................................................................................................... 149 The Apostle’s Creed .......................................................................................................... 150 The Nicene Creed.............................................................................................................. 150 Word Study Index ............................................................................................................. 151 Bibliography ..................................................................................................................... 155 Sunergos Bible Studies...................................................................................................... 157 Book Summary ................................................................................................................. 159 Author Profile ................................................................................................................... 159

I have written this Bible study that it might strengthen and encourage believers who are fellow workers, translated from the word sunergos in the New Testament Greek. We are to glorify God in all that we do, and diligent study of His word will equip us to carry out God’s plan in our life and in His church so that we might truly enjoy Him forever. Join with me that we might be fellow workers, allowing God’s word to equip us as members of His body. In His Love,

]tÇ Jan Wells, M.A. Sebastopol, CA 95472 707.829.2956 707.829.7376 email: [email protected] website: www.sunergosbible.org And we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker (sunergo), in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith. 1 Thessalonians 3:2

I have found that there are some prayers that I can voice that God will always answer. One is asking God to increase my desire to spend time with Him, asking Him that my spirit would long to commune with Him in the pages of His word. If you surrender your feeling of “you have to” study God’s word, and instead ask God to help “you want to” spend time with Him, you will be delighted and amazed at the difference in your attitude toward the spiritual discipline of Bible study. Soli Deo Gloria (to God alone be the glory)!

Lesson 1

Lesson 1 – Overview of Colossians Introduction The inductive method of Bible study begins by looking at Scripture through careful observation that leads to interpretation, and looks for eternal principles and the application of biblical doctrines in one’s own life. Through this inductive study of the book of Colossians, a great many doctrines will be studied as you seek to understand God’s perspective for your life so that you might come to know your God and your Savior better through the power of the Holy Spirit. Understanding how important it is to “be diligent” and “handle accurately the words of truth,” do you allow God’s word to have priority and significance in your life? Do you believe Paul’s message to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:16? Paul wrote “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the person who belongs to God may be complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Jesus promised His followers that the Holy Spirit will help believers understand the holy word. All believers have the same indwelling Holy Spirit to guide them in the truth. When you feel frustrated or hear a voice telling you, “You cannot do this study,” recognize that that thought is not coming from God. Our own flesh often defeats us and Satan devises a great many and varied plans to keep us from studying God’s word.

As you study, stand firm, persevere, and ask for God’s help. You will be truly blessed as you learn more about the Lord! As you move through the study, you will be challenged to memorize some of the Scripture being studied. Trust that God will use His word to minister to your spirit and equip you to share your faith with another person. Part of being ready to share your faith is to be diligent in studying Scripture. Another way is to commit verses to memory! Do not give up, thinking that memorization is too difficult, because it is possible for all believers to treasure God’s word in their heart in this way. You may even surprise yourself!

Day 1 – First Impressions from the First Reading of Colossians 1. Any time you approach God’s holy word, please establish the habit of opening your time in prayer. Humbly come before the Lord God Almighty asking Him to use His word to bring you to a deeper understanding of who He is and to help you see what He has done for you. Ask God to draw you closer to Him and help you follow after His will as He leads. Each lesson will always begin with observation questions that will observe the verses to be covered in the day’s lesson. One way to approach the study would be to answer the observation questions that are introduced with a bold dot in Question 1, and then move to the last questions that will be in a simple rectangular box. (This has been designed to take between twelve and twenty minutes.) Another option for the study is to complete some or all of the remaining questions in between Question 1 and the questions in the rectangular box, which could take from thirty minutes to one hour in total. This format allows some flexibility within the commitment of “completing” the study. However, the Overview Lesson usually takes a little longer than all the rest of the lessons. • Go to the Scripture Work Sheets that are located in the Appendix. These are the text of Colossians, double-spaced, with no marginal notes, no introductory helps, no chapter headings, no footnotes, no paragraph titles, and no other helps that you would 5

Lesson 1 find in many Bibles. Begin by reading through the book of Colossians, without stopping or looking for anything in particular, just read through the entire book. After you have completed each chapter, glance back at the chapter and write down your first impressions of the chapter. This can be any response that comes to your mind after completing the reading. Remember each time you begin to open in prayer. Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

2. You have just read the book of Colossians and recorded your first impressions. At this point in the study, you probably have questions about what you read. Trust God with what He will reveal to you as you study the book of Colossians through His Holy Spirit. God longs for you to spend time with Him in His holy word. For now, write out your goals for the time you have set aside to study the book of Colossians. My goals (or reasons) for taking this study:

Close in prayer asking God to help you to be faithful with your time in the word in the coming weeks. Look at your goals and pray specifically for God’s help with each of these. Praise the Lord that His mercy does not fail as God’s mercy is new every morning. Claim this truth as you close your time in His precious word. 6

Lesson 1

Day 2 – Key Words 1. The overview process of inductive Bible study asks that you look at the entire book being studied before you take a close examination of each chapter. Ask God to increase your determination and your desire to be in His word. God will give you a heart to persevere and continue with a study of His word. Today you will look at three of the important key words in Colossians. In an inductive study you will look at the key words that are essential to the text. These key words are usually repeated. When the key words are removed, they leave the text without clear meaning. Key words reveal the message of the text and form the basis for studying specific doctrinal truths. Keep in mind that key words reveal the subject of a passage, and these subjects then reveal the themes of the text to help you see why the book was written. When the author of any Scripture mentions God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, as well as any words representing these words, these are always considered key words. For this part of the lesson, you will look for the use of the words God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. • Mark the words God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit in a consistent way. I mark any reference to God with a red triangle through the word. Using the same red pencil, I place a symbol of a cross through each reference to Jesus or Christ. When the word Lord is used I place a small red crown around the word. I designate any references to the Holy Spirit with a wiggly red “cloud” surrounding the word. In addition to marking the words God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, also look for the words that were used to represent these three. You might find the words Creator, Savior, or the Comforter as designations for God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Mark these words in the same way you marked the words God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Also take the time to distinguish between the pronouns that were used to represent God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. When a sentence declares something about God followed by information about Christ Jesus and the word He, Him, or His follows, it would be a reference to Christ who was mentioned secondly rather than a reference to the Father God. When you mark the text in this way it will help you differentiate truths about God, Christ Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. This part of the lesson will take some time, please do not just mark the words, but as you do the marking, think about what is being declared about God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit in the book of Colossians. Let these truths provide nourishment to your spirit and bring courage to your heart. 2. After you have marked these key words, record some of the truths that ministered to your spirit. God Jesus Christ The Holy Spirit

There is more space on the next page. 7

Lesson 1 God

Jesus Christ

Did you decide on a verse from Colossians to memorize this week? I have a dear friend who always thought that she could not memorize Scripture and then realized that God could do this through her, and now memorizing Scripture is a part of her life! Participating in this spiritual discipline has encouraged her as well as those who know her! You will be blessed by this discipline. Please close by praying for the truths of Colossians to penetrate your spirit and make a difference in your response to the challenges and problems that will come into your life in the days ahead.

Day 3 – The Author of Colossians 1. An important step in the overview process is to look at what you learn about the one who wrote the book that is being studied. The Holy Spirit inspired the writing of all Scripture and God directed men to record truths so that He might be made known to all mankind. Open in prayer and then read through the book of Colossians, this time taking a colored pen or pencil and marking, perhaps with a circle or rectangle, each time something was said about the author. The author might describe himself by name or by using pronouns like “I” or “me,” or perhaps with the plural pronouns “us,” “we,” or “our.” Inductive study includes answering the “5 Ws and an H” questions, which are explained in the “Inductive Study Methodology” in the Appendix. When you think about these questions you will learn the purpose of the book you are studying. Begin to look at the identity of the author by answering the following questions. • How is the author identified or how does the author identify himself? List some information about the author that is found in each chapter. Chapter 1

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Lesson 1 Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

2. Now record any thoughts that you have based on the text that have helped you understand the author’s character.

3. At the end of each day of study you will be asked to reflect on what you have studied and how the Scripture can apply to your life. Always allow the Lord to speak to you through His holy word, and then close your time in prayer. Today in closing read a passage of Colossians and then pray through that passage, personalizing the message. There are several ways you could do this, one would be to close by reading Colossians 1:9-12 as your own prayer for yourself. I challenge you to memorize this prayer. What a blessing to be able to pray this prayer for yourself as well as on behalf of others.

Day 4 – The Recipients of Colossians 1. While the lessons in this study will examine Scripture, you will also be provided with information about the historical and cultural setting of the early Christian church so that you might have a better understanding of life in the world of the first century A.D. At the end of the study you will understand the impact that the book of Colossians had on the people who received it, while being challenged personally to apply its truths to your own life. Open your time in the word today by praying that the Holy Spirit would speak to you personally through observing information about the recipients of this letter. Today you will read through the book of Colossians looking for any reference to the recipients. Who received this letter? Use a different color or symbol from the way you marked the references to the author, so that you can see these references at a glance. As you are marking, think 9

Lesson 1 about what you are learning about the recipients. Remember part of the observation process will be to answer the “5 Ws and an H” questions to help you observe the text. The recipients might be identified as “you” or “your,” or in the plural form “we,” “us,” or “our.” Mark any way the recipients are addressed. What do you learn about the recipients? Please list three simple truths about the recipients from each chapter. Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

2. What other individuals are mentioned in the book of Colossians? References to these other individuals can be marked with a different colored marking. Briefly record some information about these other individuals.

3. You have looked at what Paul said about God, Christ Jesus, the Holy Spirit as well as himself and the recipients of the book of Colossians. One way that God led His people in the time of the Old Testament was by asking them to meditate on His word and its truths. Psalm 119:97, 99 says that David’s love for God’s law was his meditation all the day. David also said that he had more insight than all of his teachers because God’s testimonies were his meditation. Close your time today by meditating on your response to the book of Colossians.

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Lesson 1

Day 5 – Cultural, Geographical, and Historical References, and Literary Genre 1. Some people struggled with the study of history when they were in school. I challenge you to bow before God and ask Him to open up your thinking to the cultural and historical truths in Scripture so that you might have a better understanding of the context of the different books of the Bible. Ask God to increase your interest in the importance of “His story,” as this will help Scripture come alive to you. • As you read through the book of Colossians today, record any information concerning the cultural, geographical, and historical background that is either mentioned specifically or alluded to in Colossians as part of the observation process. What references are made concerning the culture at the time that the book to the Colossian people was written?

•

What references to geographical locations are made in Colossians? Look at the map in the Appendix to see the Roman Empire in the first century A.D.

•

Aside from the details given about Paul’s life, what references to historical information are made in Colossians?

2. Considering what you know about Christianity, what references are made to religions other than Christianity in the book of Colossians?

3. Consider the “attitude” expressed by the author in the book. What is the general tone or atmosphere of the book of Colossians?

4. After reading through a book of the Bible, it is possible to know the type of literature or the genre of the book. Read through these brief descriptions and circle the 11

Lesson 1 word that describes the genre of the book of Colossians. Some biblical books represent several genres. Epistle – a letter written either to an individual or to a group of individuals Gospel – biographical narrative, sharing Christ’s words and deeds Narrative – a written record of a series of events Poetry – poetry of the Ancient Near East rhymed through images, not in sounds Prophecy – a record of what is to come, often telling of events in the near future as well as in the distant future Wisdom Literature – nuggets of truth to exhort with practical insight into life choices 5. In Colossians 1:2 Paul named the believers in Colossae (also spelled Colosse) as the people who received his letter. Colossae was in the western region of Asia as it was called by the Roman Empire, also known as Asia Minor. The cities of Hierapolis and Laodicea were a few miles away from Colossae and all three cities were in the Lycus (also spelled Lychus) River Valley. A major trading route ran from the west to the east passed through Colossae. The sea port of Ephesus was about 100 miles to the west of the city of Colossae. The system of Roman roads spread throughout the Roman Empire, uniting cities by the military guarded roads. The Roman Emperors had the roads built with slave labor as a part of their “Pax Romana,” because they promised safety and peace throughout the Roman Empire. Colossae was an important city when the Greeks dominated the world, but by the first century, the city was less important. After Paul wrote his letter to the church in Colossae, history records that the city was devastated by an earthquake in 61 A.D. Many ancient cities have been excavated over the past several centuries. A number of cities have been “adopted” by countries who want to contribute to the study of archaeology through the discovery of ancient cities. As more countries have sponsored the excavations of cities of the Ancient Near East, modern civilizations gain a better understanding into the life of those who came before us. The city of Colossae has yet to be excavated, although historians know where the city was once located. Many cities and tombs that were established in the ancient world lie beneath “hills” of soil. The ancient town of Colossae is in modern Turkey. You have read the book of Colossians several times this week. As you close your time today, read again Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1:9-12 allowing these words to be your own prayer for yourself. The “Doxology” is a wonderful hymn that used to be sung after churches took their offering. You might close by singing this simple hymn, allowing these truths to encourage your heart concerning the biggest challenge you are facing in your life this very moment. Join the prophet Jeremiah in proclaiming God’s faithfulness, “The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness,” Lamentations 3:22. “Doxology” Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise Him, all creatures here below; praise Him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. By Thomas Ken and Louis Bourgeois

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Lesson 2

Lesson 2 – Colossians 1:1-12 Introduction Please keep in mind the challenge of claiming a verse from each lesson to memorize so that as you treasure this verse in your heart it might minister to you. You might decide to memorize a portion of the book of Colossians as you study. Remember to learn the reference for the verses, so you can know where the verses are located in the Bible. Some call this the “address” of the verse. Here are a few suggestions to help you memorize Scripture: • Write the verse on a 3 x 5 inch card and carry it with you throughout the day. Say the verse out loud, over and over and over again. • Write the verse in BIG letters on a board or with chalk on your sidewalk! • Sing the words of the verse to a simple tune. • Take a walk and recite the verse slowly as you move along. Never give up! Remember to ask God to help you remember His precious truth. The memory verse you worked on while doing Lesson 1:

If you are pressed for time during any of the weeks of this study, and know you will not be able to complete the day’s lesson, I suggest that you read the Scripture that is being studied for the day. Ask God to help you set aside your need to do all things in a certain way and do not allow any tendency toward “perfectionism” rob you of your desire to complete the study. You will be blessed as you continue.

Days 1 and 2 - Colossians 1, Comprehensive Chapter Study 1. Every time you begin a new chapter you will spend time going through a process called the Comprehensive Chapter Study. The pattern for inductive study would generally be to observe a chapter and then study the chapter verse by verse. For Colossians 1 you will be given two days to complete the Comprehensive Chapter Study as you start the in-depth observation for Colossians. Open in prayer asking for the Holy Spirit to help you. • Read through Colossians 1 paying attention to the key words in the chapter. In Lesson 1 you looked for the ways that God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit were used in the book of Colossians. Today you will look for other key words that are used in the first chapter. Key words are essential to the text, because they reveal the message of the text, and form the basis for studying specific doctrinal truths. The key words also reveal the themes in the passage. If you were to remove the key words the text would be without clear meaning. As you begin the observation process, mark the key words in a consistent way. For example, I always mark any reference to the word gospel with a green box around the word. After you have read through the chapter, 13

Lesson 2 decide the ten most important words in Colossians 1 and then list these key words here. Always consider God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit as key words in any passage.

•

As you read Colossians 1, you can also look for the contrasts and comparisons that were used by Paul. Refer to Appendix pages 141 and 143, and then write the contrasts and comparisons in the space provided, or mark your Scripture Work Sheets in some way to show these. I always circle the words that have been contrasted or compared and then I draw arrows between them. After marking the Scripture Work Sheets, I write these out. This helps me see these important truths at the beginning of the observation process. Contrasts (to show differences Comparisons (to show similarities and or opposites) connections, often using the words as or like)

2. As you continue with the observation process, you will be looking for the purpose of the book of Colossians, which is an important part of inductive study. The purpose for a book is sometimes very clearly stated by the author, but not always. One of the clearest purpose statements in Scripture is found in John 20:30, 31. Read these verses to see John’s purpose for writing his Gospel. One way of understanding the purpose of the book is to look for the author’s teaching through declarative statements, instructions, exhortations, warnings, and admonitions. My prayer is that this process will not become an academic exercise, but rather that even in this part of the lesson, the word would speak to your heart in a very meaningful way. Some of the writing in the Bible includes declarative statements that consist of the straightforward teaching of doctrinal truths, or perhaps historical narrative, as found in the book of Acts. These declarative statements are common in the New Testament. Examples of declarative statements appear in Colossians 1:1, 2a and 15-20, 29, as they would be considered to be truths to inform the believer. Since there are many of these declarative statements in Colossians, you might mark the number of the verse in some way, with a colored line or circle, or by putting the verse or paragraph in brackets, < >, to help differentiate these declarative statements from other verses. I write in the left hand margin the means the author used to communicate. You will be learning about this as you move through the study of Colossians. Remember that this is to help you “see” the purpose for the book, so be patient. 14

Lesson 2 The word exhortation comes from the word exhort which was used in the New Testament to mean coming alongside of someone, reminding them of God’s truth, and perhaps urging them to be obedient to the word of God. Exhortations might also be stated in the form of something that is promised from God. Exhortations are also personal in nature, sometimes introduced with the word “you.” Colossians 1:2b-14, 21, 22, 24-27 are written as words to exhort. Read these verses and think about how they would exhort the recipients. Mark these exhortations in some way. The Bible also communicates with instructions and these can be found with the help of several clues. Instructions were generally written as commands, where the author tells the recipient or recipients to “do something,” and sometimes the author included himself in the instruction by saying “Let us…” Sometimes in a narrative passage of Scripture an instruction is given to someone. Read Colossians 1:23 to see the instruction Paul gave to his audience. The “hint” here is the word “must.” Mark any instructions you find in Colossians 1. Another “hint” is that the pattern for Paul’s writing is that the last half of his letters is generally where he included instructions to his audience. Some of the verbs or words that express action were written in the imperative mood, which means that they are statements written as commands to be followed by those hearing the words or receiving the book or letter. These imperatives were generally written in the second person, addressing the recipients as “you” or “your” or sometimes the “you” is understood but not actually stated in the sentence. In the Koine Greek that was used for the New Testament, the verbs written in the imperative mood are easy to differentiate, because the imperative mood has a different ending than other verb forms. However, even when you do not know the Greek word that was used, you can tell when a verb is in the imperative form by the intent of the sentence. Now read how Paul used the word “admonish” in Colossians 1:28 and mark this verse. When an admonition is written it does not generally include the word admonish! An admonition is a confrontation of someone’s behavior when their choices have not honored God. An admonition strongly advises, reproves, and/or calls individuals to repentance.

In a later lesson we will look at a warning Paul included in his letter in Colossians 2. 3. Look for terms of expression that help you understand time, with words like “now,” “then,” and “later,” and mark these in a consistent way. Another means of understanding language is to examine the way verbs are used in writing. A simple explanation of verbs is that they are words that express action or the state of being, and they relate the words communicated within a framework of time. Verbs communicate that something is happening at the moment, or has happened in the past, or will happen in the future. (The verbs in the preceding sentence are in italics.) Verbs can also announce that an event has already taken place and the results of that event are continuing at the present time. Please take the time to read Colossians 1 looking for the different verb tenses that were used by Paul, noting in the left hand margin references to the future, the present, or the past. This can add another dimension to your study, not because you will be studying verbs, but this will help you see what God has done in the past, what He is doing today, and what the future holds. 4. Mark words that express conclusion or show results or purpose with words like “for,” “for this reason,” “so that,” and “because.” Words that express conclusion are important to note because they show why the author wrote what he wrote and help you see the promises or consequences that will come. 15

Lesson 2 5. What is the truth in Colossians 1 that the Lord wants you to focus upon? What caused you to think about your own life and lifestyle choices as you studied the chapter? How has this portion of Scripture ministered to you?

A Memorization Challenge! Please read through Colossians 1 and choose a verse that you can commit to memory. Read the verse several times to help you remember the wording. Memorizing Scripture is a unique discipline, because God will enable you to hold His precious and holy word within your spirit. It is worth the time and effort! Now please close by praying through the verse you have chosen and make it very personal to where you are in your life today.

Days 3 and 4 – Colossians 1:1-8 1. It is time to begin the in-depth study of Colossians 1! As you move through Paul’s epistle you will see very significant doctrines that reveal God’s plan and purpose for your life. Part of good biblical interpretation is to determine what the message of Scripture meant to those who received the writing, and then we are called by our Lord to recognize the message of Hebrews 4:12, that “the word of God is living and active. It is sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow, as it judges the thoughts and purposes of the heart.” What does God want you to “do” with His word? Open in prayer asking the Lord to minister to your spirit as you spend time with Him in His holy word. Hebrews 4:13 says that “No creature can hide from Him. Everything is naked and helpless before the eyes of the one to whom we must give an account.” In the observation process of inductive Bible study, we begin with asking the “5 Ws and an H questions” and these words are always underlined to help you remember the focus of the observation questions. Read the passage of Scripture being studied in the next two days, and then start with these observation questions. • How did Paul identify himself at the beginning of his letter?

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•

Who was with Paul and how did Paul identify this person?

•

How did Paul identify his audience in Colossians 1:2 and what did Paul ask for them?

•

Why did Paul thank God and what reputation did the believers in Colossae have according to Colossians 1:3, 4, 8?

Lesson 2 •

What did Paul say the faith of the Colossian people was based upon in verse 5a?

•

Based on Colossians 1:5b-7, what impact had the gospel had upon the people in Colossae?

2. When the in-depth portion of the lessons begins, you will study some of the words that were used in the Scripture to clarify your understanding of the meaning of the words used by Paul. This study of Colossians includes a large number of word studies because of the important doctrines and theology that Paul included in his letter. To benefit from this part of the lesson, you might look at the definition, or you might skip the word studies! In order to save you the time of having to look up these words, the word studies will appear on a chart like the one that follows. Many books are available to help with word studies. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance is an excellent resource for looking at both the Old Testament Hebrew words and the New Testament Greek words. The definition column in the middle might also give the word as it is translated in other versions of the Bible. When another source is used in the definition column this is in quotation marks or in italics. A list of the references used for this study is found in the Bibliography in the Appendix. In the first column you will find the Strong’s number and the lexical form of the word, the word before it is changed grammatically to fit in its context. The second row will show the actual word used based on the grammatical use of the word. Sometimes these two words will be the same, but they are usually different. The third line has the biblical reference of the word from the lesson. Included in the third column will be cross-references that will show you how the word was used in another passage of Scripture in a similar way. Words can have more than one meaning, and they can be defined by looking at their context. You might briefly summarize what you learn about the word from the cross-reference(s) given, or just choose to read the verse. In the book of Colossians, Paul used over 30 words that are not used anywhere else in the New Testament and these are noted as hapax legomen. Please examine these word studies of some of the key words used in today’s lesson. Strong’s # and Transliteration:

Definition from Strong’s Concordance unless written in italics:

Use of the word in other Scriptures:

652 apostolos apóstolos Colossians 1:1

Apostle, a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ, (with miraculous powers): messenger, he that is sent

1 Corinthians 15:7-9

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Lesson 2 Strong’s # and Transliteration:



5547 Christos Christoú Colossians 1:1 2424 Iesous Ieesoú Colossians 1:1

Christ, anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus

Matthew 16:16

Jesus, (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and … other Israelites. This word originates from the Hebrew word for salvation. Will, a determination (properly, the thing), i.e. (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination: desire, pleasure God, a deity, the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very: exceeding, god [-ly, -ward] Brother, (as a connective particle) and delphus (the womb); a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote Holy ISV, saints KJV, sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated): (most) holy (one, thing)

Philippians 2:10, 11

Faithful ISV, objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful: believe (-ing, -r), faithful (-ly), sure, true In union with ISV, in KJV, a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), at, (up-) on, by Grace, graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude): acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, joy, liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, worthy) Peace, probably from a primary verb eiro (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity: one, quietness, rest, set at one again Father, a “father” (literally or figuratively, near or more remote): parent

Colossians 4:7, 9

(Give) thanks, to be grateful, i.e. (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal: (give) thank (-ful, -s) Lord, supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Mr. (as a respectful title): God, master, Sir

Colossians 1:12; 3:17

2307 thelema theleématos Colossians 1:1 2316 theos Theoú Colossians 1:1-3 80 adelphos adelphós Colossians 1:1, 2 40 hagios hagíois Colossians 1:2 Colossians 1:4 (saints) 4103 pistos pistoís Colossians 1:2, 7 1722 en en Colossians 1:2 5485 charis cháris Colossians 1:2

1515 eirene eireénee Colossians 1:2 3962 pater Patrós Colossians 1:2 2168 eucharisteo eucharistoúmen Colossians 1:3 2962 kurios Kuríou Colossians 1:3 18

Romans 12:2

Colossians 2:12 Colossians 4:7, 9, 15 Colossians 1:12, 22, 26; 3:12

This word was used in Paul’s writings over 150 times to describe the believer’s relationship to Christ. Ephesians 2:8

Romans 14:17

Matthew 6:9

Romans 6:23

Lesson 2 Strong’s # and Transliteration: 4336 proseuchomai



Praying to God, i.e. supplicate, worship: pray (…earnestly, for), make prayer Faith, persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: assurance, belief, believe, fidelity Love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast: (feast of) charity ([-ably]), dear; unconditional love Hope, (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence: faith

James 5:17

3772 ouranos ouranoís Colossians 1:5, 16

Heaven, the sky, by extension heaven (as the abode of God); by implication happiness, power, eternity, specifically, the Gospel, air, heaven (-ly)

Philippians 3:20 (Mark this for later.)

3056 logos lógoo Colossians 1:5

Word, something said (including the thought); by implication a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computation; specifically (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ): account, cause, communication, concerning, doctrine, … preaching, question, reason, … say (ing), … speaker, speech, talk, … tidings, treatise, utterance, … Truth, true, truly, verity

John 1:1

Gospel, a good message. From # 2097 euangelizo, to announce good news, evangelize, especially the gospel, declare, bring (declare, show) glad (good) tidings, preach… Bearing fruit, to be fertile (literally or figuratively): be (bear, bring forth) fruit (-ful)

Colossians 1:23

proseuchómenoi Colossians 1:3 4102 pistis pístin Colossians 1:4

26 agape agápeen Colossians 1:4 1680 elpis elpída Colossians 1:5

225 aletheia aleetheías Colossians 1:5 2098 euaggelion euangelíou Colossians 1:5 2592 karpophoreo karpoforoúmenon Colossians 1:6 2889 kosmos kósmoo Colossians 1:6

World, orderly arrangement, i.e. decoration; by implication, the world (in a wide or narrow sense, including its inhabitants, … [morally])…

Romans 10:17

John 3:16 (Also used further down on the page.) Colossians 1:23, 27

John 14:6

Colossians 1:10

John 3:16

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1921 epiginosko epégnoote Colossians 1:6

Know, to know upon some mark, i.e. recognize; by implication, to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge: (ac-, have, take) know (-ledge, well), perceive Fellow servant, a co-slave, i.e. servitor or ministrant of the same master (human or divine) Minister, an attendant, a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon or deaconess): deacon, servant Spirit, a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit: ghost, life, spirit (-ual, -ually)…

2 Corinthians 13:5 (recognize, NASB)

4889 sundoulos sundoúlou Colossians 1:7 1249 diakonos diákonos Colossians 1:7 4151 pneuma Pneúmati Colossians 1:8

Colossians 4:7 Colossians 1:23, 25

John 14:26

3. At the beginning of Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae he identified himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God. In other epistles Paul wrote about the spiritual gifts that are given so that believers in the church would be edified. Read what Paul said in Ephesians 4:11-13 about the purpose for the gifts he mentioned, that are also called offices in the church. a. The “offices”: b. The reason for these:

When you read a verse in Scripture you will have a fuller understanding of what was said in the verse by reading the verse in its context so that you can answer the questions, “What comes before the verse?” and “What follows the verse?” Look at the next few verses to see what Paul said would result from obedience to the instructions in Ephesians 4:11-13.

In light of what you just read in Ephesians 4:11-16, think about how the Apostle Paul used his gift of apostle as he wrote his letter to the church in Colossae. Can you name three ways Paul’s letter was a fulfillment of his calling as an apostle for the Colossian church? a. b. c.

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Lesson 2 What did Paul say in Colossians 1:7, 8 about Epaphras?

Based on what you read in Ephesians 4:11-16, what role did Epaphras have in the church? 4.

Based on the opening of his letter, how did Paul know about the people of Colossae?

According to Paul, what he heard about the believers in Colossae caused him to pray for them. Do you have that kind of relationship with other believers? When you hear about someone’s circumstances, are you moved to pray for that person? Read what these two verses say about prayer. What does this say to you personally? a. 1 Thessalonians 5:17

b. James 5:16

5. The way that the word faith in used in the New Testament is in association with Christ Jesus, as Paul used the word faith in Colossians 1:4. Read what Paul said in Romans 3:21-26 about the faith of those who follow Christ. In this passage, what did Paul say comes from a faith in Christ?

6. What did Paul say about hope in Colossians 1:5? Look at the word study in Question 2 where the word hope is defined for insight into this. One of my favorite passages on hope is found in Hebrews 6. Read the last paragraph of Hebrews 6 (verses 13-20), and write down what is taught about hope in this passage.

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Lesson 2 How does Hebrews 6:13-20 relate to what Paul said about hope in Colossians 1:5?

Look at what Paul wrote to the church in Philippi about the “future” of those who follow Christ in Philippians 3:20, 21. What did Paul say about the hope that is laid up for you in heaven in these verses in Philippians?

Stop and take some time to meditate on what you have learned about hope, allowing the words of Scripture to minister to your spirit. Consider sharing your hope with someone in the next week, as Peter wrote to believers in 1 Peter 3:15 that you are to “always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you to explain the hope you have.” 7. In Colossians 1:2b Paul said “May grace and peace from God our Father be yours.” In this statement Paul incorporated the two greetings of the day known to Gentile and Jew alike, focusing on the words grace and peace. When Gentiles met one another in the street they would use the Greek word “Charis!” simply translated into English as grace. This greeting included a “wish” for the person to find favor from their heathen gods and goddesses. The wonderful truth is that for those who are followers of Christ Jesus, we have been given God’s grace, as we have received God’s unmerited favor, and are acceptable to Him. When the Jewish person greeted another on the street they would say “Shalom!” which is the Hebrew word for peace. To the Hebrew the word shalom meant the absence of strife as well as a realization that perfect peace would come with the coming of the Messiah. Shalom to the Hebrew also meant completeness, and it is in Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae that we are told that we as Christians are complete in Christ. Join with me in rejoicing that in Christ it is possible for believers to have peace. As we have grace and peace from God our Father, we must live as if we know this. As we are the recipients of God’s grace, we are to extend this same grace to others. Jesus was asked what was the greatest commandment and He answered (in Matthew 22:37-39) that loving the Lord your God is the greatest commandment, and loving your neighbor as yourself is the second greatest. Read again Colossians 1:3-8 to see what Paul shared about how the church in Colossae lived their faith in Christ. Colossians 1:8 is the only place the Holy Spirit is mentioned in Paul’s letter. What do Paul’s words say to you in verses 4 and 8?

Look at these two references that refer to the words grace, peace, and love as you finish your time in the word today. These verses are really good to memorize because of Continued on the next page. 22

Lesson 2 the profound truths they explain concerning your salvation. If you do not know these verses, ask God to help you learn these. a. Ephesians 2:8, 9

b. Romans 5:1-5

Think about what has taken place in your life in the past twenty four hours. How has your faith in Christ affected a decision you needed to make in this past day?

As you close your time with the Lord today, read or sing the words of this song “The Solid Rock” and notice the way the word “hope” is used in the first and third verses. “The Solid Rock” My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. Refrain: On Christ the solid Rock I stand – All other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand. When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; in ev’ry high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the veil. Refrain: His oath, His covenant, His blood support me in the whelming flood; when all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay. Refrain: When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in Him be found, dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne. Refrain: By Edward Mote and William B. Bradbury

Day 5 – Colossians 1:9-12 1. One of my favorite passages in the New Testament begins with Colossians 1:9-12 and I have prayed these verses on my own behalf and for others many times. I really appreciate the prayers that are recorded in Scripture because they help me understand how those who knew and loved God during “biblical times” voiced their prayers before the Lord. My prayer 23

Lesson 2 for you is that as God’s truth strengthens and equips you, you will be obedient to Him and long to do His will. Pray that God’s truth would be very clear to you as you study His word and seek His wisdom. Read Colossians 1:9-12 and then begin with these observation questions. • Whenever you read a verse that starts as verse 9, you must go back to see what came before the verse. What did Paul mean when he wrote “For this reason, since the day we heard about this…”?

•

Why did Paul say “we have not stopped praying for you”?

•

What did Paul ask for the believers in Colossae in Colossians 1:9c?

•

What are the three reasons Paul gave for praying in this way according to verse 10? a. b.

c.

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•

What did Paul say was happening on behalf of the believers in verse 11 and why? (Look at the phrases “you are…” and then “so that...”)

•

What are we to do and how has God enabled believers according to verse 12?

Lesson 2 2.

Please examine these word studies of some of the key words used for this lesson.

Strong’s # and Transliteration:



4137 pleroo pleerootheéte Colossians 1:9

Filled, (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), … verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.: accomplish, after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfill, (be, make) full (Full) knowledge, recognition, i.e. (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement: (ac-) knowledge (-ing) Spiritual, non-carnal, i.e. (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (demoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religious Wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual). “Wisdom is the ability, in concrete situations, to apply knowledge to the best advantage.”1

Colossians 2:10

1922 epignosis epígnoosin Colossians 1:9, 10 4152 pneumatikos pneumatikeé Colossians 1:9 4678 sophia sophía Colossians 1:9 4907 sunesis sunései Colossians 1:9 4043 peripateo peripateésai Colossians 1:10 516 axios axíoos

Ephesians 5:18 Colossians 2:2; 3:10 Colossians 3:16

James 3:17

Colossians 2:2 Understanding, a mental putting together, i.e. intelligence or (concretely) the intellect: knowledge Live, to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary): go, be occupied with, walk (about) Worthy, appropriately: as becometh, after a godly sort, worthily (-thy)

Colossians 2:6; 3:7; 4:5

Philippians 1:27

Colossians 1:10 699 areskeia areskeían Colossians 1:10 18 agathos agathoó Colossians 1:10 2041 ergon érgoo Colossians 1:10 837 auzano auxanómenoi Colossians 1:10 1412 dunamoo dunamoúmenoi Colossians 1:11 1

(Fully) pleasing, complaisance: pleasing Good, (in any sense, often as noun): benefit, good (-s, things), well Work, toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act: deed, doing, labour Grow ISV, increasing KJV, “wax”, i.e. enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive): grow (up), (give the) increase Strengthened ISV, to enable

Hapax legomen, which means that this is the only place this word was used in the New Testament. 2 Timothy 2:21 Colossians 1:21; 3:17 2 Peter 3:18 Hapax legomen.

William Hendriksen, A Commentary on Colossians & Philemon, London, The Banner of Truth Trust, 1971, 105. 25




2904 kratos krátos Colossians 1:11 1391 doxa dóxees Colossians 1:11

Power, vigor [“great”] (literally or figuratively): dominion, might [-ily], strength Glorious, (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective): dignity, glory (-ious), honour, praise, worship Might, force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself): ability, abundance, meaning, might (-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle (-s), power, strength, … mighty (wonderful) work Patiently, cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy: enduring, patience KJV, patient continuance (waiting) Endure, longanimity, i.e. (objectively) forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude: longsuffering, patience with respect to persons while hupomeno is patience toward things or circumstances Joy, cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight: gladness, greatly, (be exceeding) joy (ful, -fully, -fulness KJV, -ous)

Ephesians 6:10

1411 dunamis dunámei Colossians 1:11

5281 hupomone hupomoneén Colossians 1:11 3115 makrothumia makrothumían Colossians 1:11 5479 chara charás Colossians 1:11

3.


Acts 1:8

1 Timothy 6:11 Colossians 3:12

James 1:2

According to 1 John 5:20, how have believers received understanding?

Why did the Apostle John say that believers have understanding according to this verse?

What did the Apostle Paul say about God’s will in Romans 12:1, 2 and personalize this to help you recognize God’s will.

Read what Paul told the believers in Corinth about God and wisdom in 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. How is it possible to have God’s wisdom?

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Lesson 2 4. Paul used the same phrase “in a manner worthy” in Philippians 1:27. Read this verse in its context and summarize how this would help you know what is pleasing to the Lord.

5. Paul was praying that the believers in Colossae would “bear fruit in every good work.” What did Jesus say about bearing fruit in John 15:16?

How did Paul describe the bearing of fruit in Galatians 5:22, 23? (Do you know the nine fruit of the Spirit? This would be a great verse for you to memorize. Work on these in three sets of three; the words in the first set are each one syllable, the second set is made up of two syllable words, and the last set of three is made up of three syllable words.) Write out the fruit of the Spirit here: a. b.

c.

6. Did you notice the timing of the main verb in Colossians 1:11a? What an amazing truth that as a believer you are being strengthened. Read what was written for the nation of Israel in Isaiah 41:10 about being strengthened.

What is the reason you are being strengthened according to Colossians 1:11?

7. What do you need to do so that you might “be filled with the full knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding”?

Continued on the next page.

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Lesson 2 Can you recognize “spiritual wisdom”? Read James’ definition of spiritual wisdom in James 3:13-18. What does James contrast in this passage and how does he define these two types of wisdom. a. b.

How did Paul say that believers are to respond to everything that comes our way in Colossians 1:11?

What does James 1:2-4 say that relates to Colossians 1:11?

Read James 1:2 in its context and summarize what James wanted believers to know about their circumstances.

What did James say about wisdom in James 1:5?

You might close by singing the song “I Surrender All” as a song of consecration before the Lord. “I Surrender All” All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live. Refrain: I surrender all, I surrender all, all to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all. All to Jesus I surrender, humbly at His feet I bow; worldly pleasures all forsaken, take me Jesus, take me now. Refrain: All to Jesus I surrender, make me, Savior, wholly Thine; let me feel the Holy Spirit, truly know that thou are mine. Refrain: By Judson W. Van de Venter and Winfield S. Weeden

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Lesson 3

Lesson 3 – Colossians 1:12b-17 Introduction In this week’s lesson you will study Colossians 1:12b-17. The theology that Paul presented in Colossians 1 is very important to the Christian faith and because of this the lesson is extended for an in-depth look at this portion of Paul’s epistle. Ask the Lord to renew your mind this week as you spend time with Him in His holy word. May you be blessed by the important doctrines that are found in Colossians 1. Did you memorize a verse last week as you began Colossians 1? You can review your verse or verses and write the Scripture here. The memory verse you worked on while doing Lesson 2:

Days 1, 2, and 3 - Colossians 1:12b-14 1. When Paul wrote to the churches in Galatia he told them (in Galatians 1:11-2:1) about spending time with the Lord and learning directly what he needed to know about Christ so that he could serve as an apostle. I join with many others who would have loved to have overheard those conversations! Paul was a Pharisee serving among the nation of Israel and in that role he had an intimate understanding of the sacred writings from the Hebrew Bible. The Hebrew Bible included the Old Testament that the protestant faith uses, plus the writings of the “intertestament” times, some which came to be know as the apocrypha, from the Greek word that means unveiling. These writings made up the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures that was translated in the third century B.C. Paul, a Pharisee in the first century Hebrew church knew the Septuagint, and then he met Jesus! My prayer is that spending time in this part of Colossians will give you a deeper understanding about the person of Christ and what He did on your behalf, so that this truth will bring nourishment to your spirit. Open by asking the Holy Spirit to minister to you through the truths of this portion of Colossians, that it might truly permeate your thinking and help you share your faith in Jesus with others that God will certainly bring into your life. Read the first three observation questions based on Colossians 1:12b-20 and then spend some time focusing on Jesus Christ, your Savior. • How does Paul describe or identify Jesus in Colossians 1:12-20?

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Lesson 3

2.

•

What does Paul say that God accomplished through Christ in the past?

•

What does Paul say about Christ at the present time?





2427 hikanoo hikanoósanti Colossians 1:12 3310 meris merída Colossians 1:12

Enabled, i.e. qualify: make able (meet)

Used twice in the New Testament. 2 Corinthians 3:6

Share, a portion, i.e. province, share or (abstractly) participation: part (-takers)

Used five times in the New Testament. Luke 10:42

2819 kleros kleérou Colossians 1:12

Inheritance, a die (for drawing chances); by implication a portion (as if so secured); by extension an acquisition, … heritage, lot, part Light, from phao (to shine or make manifest, especially by rays; luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative): fire Rescued, to rush or draw (for oneself), i.e.: deliver (-er); deliver KJV. “To draw out of danger or calamity and to liberate.”2 Darkness, shadiness, i.e. obscurity (literally or figuratively)

1 Peter 5:3

5457 phos phootí Colossians 1:12 4506 rhoumai errúsato Colossians 1:13 4655 skotos skótous Colossians 1:13 2

John 8:12 (Mark this for later.)

Romans 7:24

1 Peter 2:9 (Mark this for later.)

Spiros Zodhiates, The Complete Word Study New Testament, Chattanooga, AMG Publishers, 1991, 954. 30




932 basileia basileían Colossians 1:13 5207 huios huioú Colossians 1:13 5337 natsal wayatsileeniy Exodus 18:4 6299 padah pªdeeniy Psalm 26:11

Kingdom, properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively): reign Son, a “son” (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship: child, … Delivered, to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense: … defend, escape, without fail, rescue,… save Redeemer, to sever, i.e. ransom; generally, to release, preserve: at all, deliver, by any means, ransom, (that are to be, let be) redeem (-ed), rescue, surely Redemption, (the act) ransom in full, i.e. (figuratively) riddance, or (specially) Christian salvation: deliverance. This word means “emancipation from slavery.”3 Forgiveness, freedom, pardon, deliverance, liberty, remission. “The putting away of sin and the deliverance of the sinner from the power of sin although not from the presence of sin.”4 Sin, offense, sin (-ful). “Missing the true goal and scope of life; offense in relation to God...”5

Matthew 4:17

629 apolutrosis apolútroosin Colossians 1:14 859 aphesis aphesin Colossians 1:14 266 hamartia hamartion Colossians 1:14

Mark 9:7 Exodus 18:8, 9, 10 Psalm 71:23

Romans 3:24

Hebrews 9:22

John 1:29

3. What are the two contrasting words that Paul used in verses 12 and 13 and what does he say about each of these? a. b.

Look at 1 Peter 2:9 where the Apostle Peter shared using the same contrast. As Paul introduced his passage with the word “saints,” Peter says what it means to be a follower of Christ. Who are you according to Peter’s teaching and what are you called to do?

3

Richard R. Melick, The New American Commentary: Philippians, Colossians, Philemon, Nashville, Broadman Press, 1991, 208. 4 Zodhiates, Ibid., 894. 5 Ibid., 884. 31

Lesson 3 Read Jesus’ words about His identity in John 8:12. What did Jesus say about Himself and what does this mean to His followers?

Read what Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus in Ephesians 5:6-14 to see how this important teaching confirms what Paul wrote in Colossians 1:12b, 13. What instructions did Paul give to believers in Ephesus? Ask the Lord to help you as you make choices everyday.

4. Paul said that God “rescued us from the power of darkness” in Colossians 1:13 and this was an attribute of God known to ancient Israel, as He was called the Deliverer who rescued His children from their enemies. The phrase about being “rescued” from the darkness was Israel’s perspective on God’s miraculous rescuing of His people from the bondage of Egypt. The Hebrew word for deliver (natsal, see Question 2) was used five times in Exodus 18:4-10. What was said about God in this passage?

(The study of Colossians 2 will investigate what Paul meant by the source of “the power of darkness” as well as the spiritual/heavenly realm he introduced in Colossians 1.) The nation of Israel understood the Hebrew word padah, that is translated into English as redeem and/or rescue (see in Question 2). Israel’s freedom (redemption) from the Egyptians cost the Egyptians their first born, among both humanity and animal. Because the first born of the Israelites were spared, they were asked to consecrate their first born unto the Lord as it is recorded in Exodus 13:11-16. The Pharaoh of Egypt hardened his heart concerning the Israelites being allowed to go free from their bondage to his grand building projects. It was not until the Pharaoh’s first born son was killed and then the Pharaoh allowed the Israelites to go from his control. The redemption of Israel in Egypt cost the Pharaoh his son’s life. Centuries later, another first born Son died so God’s children would be set free from their bondage to sin that had previously ensnared them. As children of God, our freedom was bought with the life of Jesus Christ. This redemption is a key doctrine in the New Testament. Please read these Scriptures listed below to see how God redeemed those who believe in Him. What you have in Christ: Ephesians 1:3-8

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How is this possible?

Lesson 3 What you have in Christ: Hebrews 9:11-15

How is this possible?

When we end this part of the lesson we will look at Psalm 18 where David wrote about God his Deliverer. For now, look at another place Paul used a form of the word rhoumai (rescued, in Colossians 1:13). How did Paul use the word in 2 Corinthians 1:8-11?

5. Matthew 3:2 says that when John the Baptist began his teaching he announced to Israel that they needed to “Repent, for kingdom of heaven is near!” Matthew 4:17 records that “From that time Jesus began to preach and say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.’” Matthew was a Hebrew man who had been taught that it was irreverent to speak the name of God, and in his Gospel written to his own people, he wrote the “kingdom of heaven” rather than the kingdom of God. Look at the verses written by Paul to see what you learn about the kingdom of God. a. Romans 14:17

b. 1 Corinthians 4:20

6. Praise the Lord that God rescued you from darkness because He loves you. John 3:16 says that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life,” NASB. Two different times God’s voice came out of heaven while Jesus was on earth. Look at these two places and then record what was said about Jesus. a. Mark 1:9-11 b. Mark 9:2-7

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Lesson 3 7. To understand what is meant by “the forgiveness of sins” we must consider what the Bible teaches about sin. A thorough study on sin would require the diligent Bible student to look at the many words used for sin in Scripture (such as iniquity, transgression, rebellion, and treachery), and there are hundreds of verses where these words are used. The following reflects a study on the “theology of sin” based on biblical evidence, addressing the question “What is God’s perspective on sin?” The Bible reveals the nature of sin that is made known in a variety of ways. One characteristic of sin includes the concept of missing the mark, a common narrative metaphor for sin, as used in Judges 20:16. Consider an archer who stands before a target that is clearly designated with rings to aid in hitting the center of the target with an arrow. A variety of reasons can cause someone to miss the mark. In weakness one’s efforts can fall short. In haste or carelessness, one’s arrow can wildly fall round about the target, or perhaps someone deliberately follows the wrong path (1 Corinthians 3:16, 17). Without help the individual does not know how to hit the target. When one misses it is not because the target was moved; God is steadfast and faithful to His word and His way.6 Sin’s nature also includes unrighteousness as an impiety or irreverence toward God and His righteousness in the breaking of His law (Colossians 3:25). Sin also includes the concept of transgressions whereby one goes beyond God’s established limit (Numbers 14:41, 42). Sin involves a lack of integrity (Leviticus 19:15) as well as rebellion and disobedience toward God (Isaiah 1:2). The nature of sin is also seen as humanity’s treachery toward God (Jeremiah 3:10) and in one’s perversion or warped perspective (Isaiah 21:3). Some sins are considered to be an abomination to God (Deuteronomy 7:25, 26; Leviticus 18:22; 20:13). Through Adam we were born into sin, death, judgment, and condemnation. By Adam sin entered the world and death entered the world by sin, and so death reigned upon all humanity (Romans 5:12, 17). Through Adam’s transgression came the condemnation of humanity (Romans 5:16, 18) and through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners (Romans 5:19). The result is that in Adam all of humanity are dead to God and alive to sin (Ephesians 2:1) and separated from God by this position. By Adam came death and in Adam all die (1 Corinthians 15:21, 22) physically, spiritually, and eternally. In Adam we are children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3) separated from God by our nature. That which is born of the flesh is flesh (John 3:6) and self-centered, and set on the flesh (Romans 8:6), as all have sinned, fall under its power, and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:9, 10, 23). Original sin expresses the universal depravity and inherited sinfulness of humanity since the fall of Adam and Eve. From conception humanity has a corrupted nature and the inherited inclination to sin (as through one man’s sin all sin) and are guilty in God’s sight facing condemnation. God established the standard of righteousness and yet gave humanity freewill. An individual’s sin breaks their relationship with God and they become God’s enemy (Romans 5:10). The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) and eternal separation from God. Humanity is (spiritually) dead in its trespasses and sin, and this brings eternal separation from God (Matthew 25:41-46). The wrath of God is evidenced by His response to sin, as those who are in the flesh cannot please God (Romans 8:8). Scripture tells us that God hates sin (Proverbs 6:16, 17) and looks at all sin with disfavor. Whether sins were committed out of ignorance or in willful disobedience, sin is sin, and God is the God of justice who condemns sinfulness.

6

Jan Wells, Joshua and the Call to Live Victoriously by Faith, Sebastopol, Sunergos Bible Studies, 2006, 103, 104. 34

Lesson 3 There seem to be degrees of sin as God shared with Ezekiel that he would see still “greater” abomination in Ezekiel 8:6. Jesus referred to the “least” of these commandments (in Matthew 5:19), and (in John 19:11) to a “greater” sin. When someone sins there are consequences that will affect themselves as well as others. God ordained that humanity would face the consequences for their sin. Sin results in enslavement as it reigns within one’s spirit (Romans 5:17, 18). A sinner cannot bear fruit as sin has separated one from Christ (John 15:4) and they become enslaved to sin (Romans 6:16), finding true peace illusive. A pattern of sin leads to denial of the seriousness of sin and callousness, as the conscience is seared by sin (1 Timothy 4:2). Those who sin will suffer the loss of heavenly reward (according to 1 Corinthians 3:12, 15 and 2 Corinthians 5:10). In truth, a pattern of sinful disobedience might mean that one is not actually a Christian (1 John 2:4; Matthew 7:23). Sinning against others leads to selfish ambition, disrespect, and competitive interactions with people. What is your response to the Bible’s teaching that in Christ you have redemption, the forgiveness of sins?

8. Several years before Paul wrote his letter to the church in Colossae, he stood in Caesarea along the Mediterranean coast of Israel before Rome’s leader in Israel, King Agrippa. Luke recorded Paul’s account of his “calling” in Acts 26, and this provides information about Paul, his ministry, and his heart for the unsaved. Read this and notice the “darkness” from which the Lord rescued Paul. What does Paul say it means to be a follower of Christ in Acts 26?

To those in the Christian faith, the Greek word hamartia became one’s lack of commitment to the kingdom or community of God. The root of the word is martia which means witness. In the Greek culture, a citizen’s participation (in something) would be their martia. If they did not participate they were amartia, without witness. From those who follow Christ, we are called to be a witness for the Almighty Holy God and our Savior Jesus. When we are not a witness for our Lord, we are sinning. Look at Paul’s teaching about sin in Romans 5:12. Continued on the next page. 35

Lesson 3 Paul wrote to the members of the Christian church in Rome who were very familiar with the word redemption as those who lived during the time of the Roman Empire. One way the word redemption was used in the first century A.D. was in relationship to the slave market. Within the Roman Empire, between 20 to 30 percent of the residents were enslaved to someone, or to the Roman Empire itself. To be redeemed was to be “bought,” as this took place in the Roman slave market, so that a price was paid for one’s life. One of the clearest explanations of our redemption is written in Romans 3:21-31 when Paul used three words very well known to those living in Rome in the first century. Within the legal system of Rome, to be justified meant that someone who was guilty of wrong doing would stand before a judge who declared that the individual was not guilty, but in fact, innocent. The second term was redemption, associated with the slave market as we have already seen. The third word Paul used was atonement, understood by Jew and Gentile alike as the wrath removing sacrifice an individual made before their god or as in Israel’s case before God who would then forgive the one who brought a sincere offering. Please read Paul’s explanation in Romans 3:21-31 and allow these words to minister to the very depth of your spirit. How has God accomplished your justification, redemption, and atonement?

I cannot think of going on from the truths in Romans 3 without bowing before Almighty God and praising Him, and thanking Him for His goodness and mercy to us, His children. What is your personal response to your redemption?

Who would God want you to share these truths with in the near future? Ask Him, and then earnestly pray for opportunities to share of your own redemption and what that means to you. Record on the sheet entitled “The Person and Work of Christ Jesus” in the Appendix what you have learned about Jesus from this lesson. Close by reading Psalm 18 to see how David understood God to be his Deliverer. Allow these words to minister to your own spirit as you read. Thank the Lord for the provision He made for you to be rescued from the power of darkness. 36

Lesson 3

Days 4 and 5 - Colossians 1:15-17 1. Colossians 1:15 opens a passage that came to be known as a “Hymn to Christ” and this “reflects the worship of the early church.”7 The hymns of the early church were “poetic, lyrical presentations of theology.”8 Some passages of the New Testament appear in the original language of Koine Greek as poetic, although these hymns were teaching significant truths in ways that would help followers of Christ to remember doctrines essential of their faith. You might open by praying through the truths of Colossians 1:12-20, first by thanking God for what He has done for you through Jesus, and then by praising your Savior Jesus Christ for who He is according to Paul’s hymn found in verses 15-20. One way to pray Scripture is to say something like, “Thank You Lord that you have enabled me to share with the saints’ inheritance of the light, that You have rescued me from the power of darkness, and that You have brought me into the kingdom of Your Son whom You love...” In this way you are praying biblical truths and voicing the words used in the biblical texts to help you learn these truths. After your prayer, open with these observation questions. • On pages 29 and 30 you answered observation questions for Paul’s hymn. Look back at the three questions you answered and read those again. Make sure you have marked the verse number after each verse that you recorded.

7 8

•

Read verses 14-20 again and mark in some way these key words: “is,” “all,” “over,” “by,” “through,” “existed,” “everything,” “in” (in verses 14 and 19), and “of” (in verse 20). I circled the words “is” and “existed” with the same red as I marked the pronoun Him that stands for Jesus’ name. I underlined in red the prepositions “over,” “by,” “through,” “in,” and “of” to connect these words with what follows. I always underline the words “all” or “everything” with two parallel pencil lines. Paul uses the word “all” frequently in his writings. After your time of marking these words, read the verses again and allow these truths to minister to your spirit concerning your Savior and your redemption, the forgiveness of your sins.

•

Over the centuries the Christian church has discovered the many ways that those who follow Christ can grow in their faith. One way is to study the Bible, another is to pray, and another is to meditate on the word. Some have found that to write out Scripture helps them study Scripture. Since the Apostle Paul wrote his hymn to the church in Colossae as a means of teaching about Christ, please write out verses 15-17, meditating on what the Holy Spirit had the Apostle Paul write for you.

Melick, Ibid., 210. Ibid. 37

Lesson 3 2.





1504 eikon eikoón Colossians 1:15

Image, a likeness, i.e. (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance. The English word icon comes from this Greek word. Invisible, invisible (thing)

Colossians 3:10

517 aoratos aorátou Colossians 1:15, 16

4416 prototokos prootótokos Colossians 1:15, 18

2937 ktisis ktíseoos Colossians 1:15, 23

3772 ouranos ouranois Colossians 1:16 2936 ktizo ektísthee Colossians 1:16 1849 exousia exousíai Colossians 1:16 4921 sunistemi sunésteeken Colossians 1:17

Firstborn, (… literally as with one’s firstborn child or figuratively as in relationship with God): first begotten Creation, original formation (properly, the act; by implication, the thing, literally or figuratively): building, creature Heaven, the sky, by extension heaven (as the abode of God); by implication happiness, power, eternity, specifically, the Gospel, air, heaven (-ly) Created ISV, to fabricate, i.e. found (form, originally): Creator, make Powers ISV, privilege, (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, … or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, …), delegated influence: authority, … strength Hold together ISV, to set together, … to stand near, or (figuratively) to constitute: approve, com-mend, consist, make, stand (with)

Used five times in the New Testament. Romans 1:20 Romans 8:29 (Mark this for later.) Mark 10:6 Colossians 1:20, 23

Hebrews 4:13 Colossians 2:10, 15 (authority/ies)

2 Peter 3:5 (formed)

3. The lesson will look at what is taught in Colossians 1:15-17 concerning Christ by studying other teaching in Scripture. What is meant by the phrase “He is the image of the invisible God”? As you read these other references, allow these verses to feed your spirit and fill you with the very Spirit of God. What is said about Christ’s image? What is said about God being invisible? a. 2 Corinthians 4:4 d. John 1:18

b. Hebrews 1:3 (Mark this for later.)

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e. John 6:46

Lesson 3 c. Philippians 2:6

f. Exodus 33:18-23

4. Paul said that Jesus was “the firstborn of all creation” in verse 15 and understanding this phrase is absolutely essential for believers. In the 4th century a council of church leaders met under the approval and authority of the Emperor Constantine at Nicea to debate and solidify the essential doctrines of the Christian faith. After the “Nicean Creed” was written (see in the Appendix), a battle ensued concerning whether Jesus, called the Word of God was co-eternal with God. One of those who dissented from the orthodox beliefs of the Creed was Arius, a church leader from Alexandria, Egypt. Arius’ motto was “there was when He was not…” as to say that there was a time when Jesus was not, as He was created by the Father, and not eternal with the Father.9 Arius taught that Jesus was “greater than the rest of the creation but lesser than God Himself.”10 This “heresy” opened a great debate in the early church and church leaders were willing to put their lives on the line to guarantee that the truth of Jesus’ identity would be known to His followers. Athanasius, who was also from Alexandria, Egypt, was a strong defender of the Christian faith who proclaimed the identity of Christ wherever he went. Athanasius was exiled many times by several of the Roman Emperors who came after Constantine denying the teaching of the Nicean Council, basing their faith on the Arians, those who followed Arius. “Even so, Arius’s position has refused to die and lives on in several sectarian groups”11 into the 21st century. (For those who want to help young people find heroes of the Christian faith,I would suggest you look into the lives of several of the early church leaders. Athanasius’ commitment to Christ and his commitment to orthodoxy is indeed inspirational. Following the death of Athanasius, a young woman named Macrina who was from Cappadocia, an ancient city in modern day Turkey, was concerned about who would “pick up the mantle” of the faith and carry on after Athanasius’ death. Macrina was thoroughly committed to Christ Jesus and she urged her brothers to commit to the cause of truth. Macrina’s brothers Basil and Gregory of Cappadocia became leaders of the church and they are also very noteworthy to study.) Part of the “confusion” about the word firstborn was how it was used in other Scriptures. In the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew writings) it was used 130 times, mainly in a literal sense, as one’s offspring that had the special place of the first to be born. The word firstborn was only used eight times in the New Testament, and only twice with a literal meaning, in Luke 2:7 and Hebrews 11:28. Look at the places where the word firstborn was used in the New Testament (besides Colossians 1:15 and 18) to help you understand what is meant by this. a. Romans 8:29 b. Hebrews 1:6

9

Justo L. Gonzalez, The Story of Christianity, San Francisco, HarperSanFrancisco, 1984, 161. Melick, Ibid., 215. 11 Ibid. 10

39

Lesson 3 c. Hebrews 12:23

d. Revelation 1:5

In the cultures of the Ancient Near East (ANE) the privileged position of the birthright went to the firstborn, and yet in God’s sovereignty, He sometimes intervened and the birthright went to the ones God Himself chose rather than the one born first. Biblical scholar J.B. Lightfoot writes that the Jewish understanding of firstborn influences how the word is used in Scripture and the “word lost the meaning of the first in time and developed the meaning of first in priority.”12 C. Vaughan suggests that Paul wrote that Jesus “is His Father’s representative and heir and has the management of the divine household (all creation) committed to Him.”13 R. Melick points out that in Colossians 1:15 “birth and creation are not to be equated here. The point of the metaphor is to distinguish Jesus from creation, not to tie him to it by placing him within it.”14 God ordained that the Messiah would come through Judah, the fourth born son of Leah and Jacob. David, from the tribe of Judah, held a privileged place in Israel, and Psalm 89 reminded Israel of the covenant God made with David, as Psalm 89:27 records that God said of David “I also shall make him My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth.” 5. In Question 1 you were asked to mark how Paul used prepositions in his “Hymn to Christ,” and in Colossians 1:15 the ISV and NIV have translated the preposition pases as “over” while other translations have translated this as “of.” Using the word over in verse 15 is a better translation and Colossians 1:16, 17 explains how Jesus is “over” all creation. Please read what the Apostle John wrote about Jesus at the opening of his Gospel, in John 1:1-3 and write what John said that confirms Paul’s writing in Colossians 1:16. John’s Gospel was written in the last decade of the first century, many years after Paul’s writings. (Keep this chapter marked for a later question.)

Now read what the Apostle Paul wrote to the churches in Rome and Corinth that helps us understand Colossians 1:15-17. a. Romans 11:36

b. 1 Corinthians 8:6

12

Melick, Ibid., 216. Ibid. 14 Ibid. 40 13

Lesson 3 Based on the Scriptures you have looked at today (John 1:1-3; Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Colossians 1:16, 17; Hebrews 1:2), how would you describe Christ’s role in creation?

6. In the creation account in Genesis we read about the creation of the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:26 uses the Hebrew word for God in the plural (Elohim) and Christians point to this verse confirming Christ’s presence and contribution in creation, as the biblical text says “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…” Genesis 1:2 says that “the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters,” and the Hebrew word used for Spirit (ruach) is also used for breath, so some question the role of the Holy Spirit in creation. Because of the Apostle John’s introduction to his Gospel where he called Jesus the Word, some interpret the references to God speaking (“God said,” in Genesis 1:3) as “Jesus said…” meaning that it was Jesus who spoke the world into existence. Colossians 1:16 teaches about different dimensions that were involved in the creation of heaven. Some understand heaven as “the timeless future destination of believers. Others see it as an unending time, an eternal realm…” however “Paul used the word for another dimension: the unseen but created reality.”15 Look ahead to Colossians 2:13-19 and consider what Paul wrote that relates to his statement about Christ’s relationship with what He created. When we study Colossians 2 we will study what Paul meant by Christ’s triumph over rulers and authorities, and the lesson will study this as well as angels, mentioned in Colossians 2:18. In Colossians 1:17 Paul said that by Christ “all things hold together,” and this is a statement of the “scientific” dimension of Christ’s role in creation. The age of enlightenment led many people away from a belief in God as both the creator and sustainer of the universe. The “religion” of Deism (at the end of eighteenth century) initially claimed that God created the world and then He left it on its own, so people would take care of what He created, denying God’s on-going involvement in the world. To the Deist, “God is viewed as a divine clock maker who wound up the ‘clock’ of creation at the beginning but then left it to run on its own.”16 Rationalism and the scientific method brought doubt to people’s minds, as they contended that for something to be “true” it had to be “provable.” Many Bible critics began to teach that it is impossible to “prove” that God created the world, and performed the miracles recorded in the Bible, claiming instead that the Bible is merely a work of literature, rather than the inspired God breathed word. As those who follow Christ, our faith is based on the Bible’s record of creation and the Bible’s Continued on the next page.

15 16

Melick, Ibid., 218. Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, Leicester, Inter-Varsity Press, 1994, 270. 41

Lesson 3 description of deity. It is by faith that we believe. Revelation 4:11 tells us about the elders who bow down in front of the throne in heaven saying, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory, honor, and power, because You created all things, and they came into existence and were created because of Your will.” Many biblical scholars conclude from this verse that “the purpose of God’s plan is His glory,”17 Read what Paul said to the Greek people who assembled at Mars Hill in Athens in Acts 17:16-34. What did Paul say about creation to his Greek audience in Athens?

A book has been written to help people share their faith called Share Jesus Without Fear which suggests that the first question you ask someone who does not know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior is “To you, who is Jesus?” The second question is “If what you believed was not true would you want to know?” Knowing who Jesus is is so important for each of those who follow Him. Record on the sheet entitled “The Person and Work of Christ Jesus” in the Appendix what you have learned about Jesus from this lesson. Several psalms proclaim God as the creator of the universe. Read Psalm 33 as an act of worship before the Lord and notice what this psalm says about God, the Creator.

You might close by singing the song “My Redeemer” as an act of worship before Jesus, your Redeemer. “My Redeemer” I will sing of my Redeemer, and His wondrous love to me; on the cruel cross He suffered, from the curse to set me free. Refrain: Sing, O sing of my Redeemer, with His blood He purchased me; on the cross He sealed my pardon, paid the debt and made me free. I will tell the wondrous story, how my lost estate to save, in His boundless love and mercy, He the ransom freely gave. Refrain: I will praise my dear Redeemer, His triumphant power I’ll tell, how the victory He giveth over sin, and death, and hell. Refrain: By Philip P. Bliss and James Mc Granahan

17

Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology, Grand Rapids, Baker Books, 2003, 379. 42

Lesson 4

Lesson 4 – Colossians 1:18-29 Introduction This week you will continue to study Paul’s “Hymn to Christ” in Colossians 1 and then Paul’s explanation of what it means to be one who follows Christ. The Apostle Peter wrote in 2 Peter 3:18 that we are to “continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Glory belongs to Him both now and for that eternal day! Amen.” My prayer is that as you study Colossians you will grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Did you spend time last week memorizing a verse of Scripture? I have been working on learning Paul’s “Hymn to Christ” and was able to share some of these truths with my granddaughter when we spent some time driving in the car! You can take some time to review the verse/s you learned. The memory verse you worked on while doing Lesson 3:

Days 1 and 2 - Colossians 1:18-20 1. Imagine that you are a follower of Christ living in the first century and you hear from another believer that you meet with that the Apostle Paul has written a letter and it is going to be read when your group comes together. For those who are “audio learners” listening to the reading of a letter would permeate your mind and heart. For those of us more visual in their learning style, taking in the auditory presentation of Paul’s letter would be more difficult. When the reader came to verse 18, the concept that Paul introduced might have been quite puzzling. Open in prayer, seeking God’s wisdom and illumination upon your time in the word and then begin with these observation questions. • How does Paul identify Jesus in verses 18 and 20? Underline the phrases that tell you why this is so important.

•

What do you learn about God in Colossians 1:19?

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Lesson 4

2.

•

As a reminder, look back at Colossians 1:15 and compare what Paul said when he used the word firstborn in verses 15 and 18. a. Colossians 1:15 b. Colossians 1:18

•

What did Paul say in Ephesians 5:23-27, 29, 30 about Christ and His relationship with the church?





2776 kephale kephaleé Colossians 1:18 4983 soma soómatos Colossians 1:18

Head, (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively

Ephesians 5:23

Body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively: bodily, body, slave

Ephesians 5:30

1577 ekklesia ekkleesías Colossians 1:18

Church, a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): assembly Beginning, a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank): … (at the, the) first (estate), magistrate, power, principality, principle, rule; “priority in both time and rank”18 Fullness, repletion or completion, i.e. (subjectively) what fills (as contents, supplement, copiousness, multitude), or (objectively) what is filled (as container, performance, period): which is put in to fill up, piece that filled up, fulfilling, full

Ephesians 1:22

746 arche archeé Colossians 1:18

4138 pleroma pleérooma Colossians 1:19

18

1 Corinthians 15:24 (ruler ISV, rule KJV, dominion NIV)

Colossians 2:9

N.T. Wright, Colossians and Philemon, Leicester, Inter-Varsity Press, 1988, 74. 44




604 apokatallasso apokatalláxai

Reconciled, to reconcile fully. “The restoration of a relationship of peace which has been disturbed,”19 (from the sin of Adam and Eve). (Making) peace ISV, to be a peacemaker, i.e. (figuratively) to harmonize: make peace

Used three times in the New Testament. Ephesians 2:16

Colossians 1:20, 22

1517 eirenopoieo eireenopoieésas Colossians 1:20

Hapax legomen.

3. In Lesson 3 on page 35 you were asked to read Paul’s words at his “trial” before Roman officials. Read Acts 26:23 and write out what Paul said about Jesus there.

4. In Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus, there are many of the same phrases Paul used when he wrote his letter to the church in Colossae. Look at Ephesians 1:15-23 and then compare the last four verses in Ephesians 1 with Colossians 1. What is written in Ephesians 1:20-23 that is “similar” to what Paul wrote in Colossians 1? Ephesians 1:20

What is only written in the Ephesians’ passage? Ephesians 1:20

Ephesians 1:21 Ephesians 1:21 Ephesians 1:22 Ephesians 1:22 Ephesians 1:23

5. In Revelation 1:5 John described Jesus before sharing Christ’s messages for the seven churches. What does John say about Jesus in Revelation 1:5?

19

Zodhiates, Ibid., 890. 45

Lesson 4 Summarize what Jesus said about those who follow God and the resurrection in Luke 20:35, 36, 38. It would help to read Jesus’ response in its context looking at the question asked by the Sadducees in Luke 20:27. The Sadducees were the Jewish leaders who were in the position of authority over the Jerusalem temple and since they did not believe in the resurrection, it has been said of them, the Sadducees were “sad you see.”

What does Jesus say about Himself and about those who believe in Him in John 11:25, 26? a. Jesus Christ’s identity: b. The identity of those who follow Him:

In Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth he shared about Christ’s resurrection and what the resurrection means to those who follow Him. What does Paul say about Christ’s resurrection? 1 Corinthians 15:4-8

What does Paul say about those who believe in Christ? 1 Corinthians 15:21, 22

1 Corinthians 15:20

1 Corinthians 15:23, 24

6. To understand the person of Christ you must know that He has always been fully God and when He came to earth He became fully man. Read these verses that teach this truth. Jesus Christ’s deity: John 1:14, 18

Jesus Christ’s humanity:

Philippians 2:6-8

Colossians 2:9 Continued on the next page. 46

Lesson 4 Jesus Christ’s deity: Hebrews 1:3; 2:14-18

Jesus Christ’s humanity:

7. The Apostle John recorded in Revelation 1:8 ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, the one who is, the one who was, and the one who is coming, the Almighty.” Alpha is the name of the first letter in the Greek alphabet, and omega is the last letter in the Greek alphabet, so Jesus was saying that He is the beginning and the end. Read Revelation 1:8 again and meditate on its truth. In 2 Corinthians 5:17 Paul tells who we are as a child of God and in this paragraph Paul used a form of the word reconcile to help the believers in Corinth understand their faith. Please read this passage to see the amazing blessing that God has extended to us to be His ambassadors of reconciliation to people that He brings into our lives. What does 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 say about you?

Ask the Lord what He would want you to do this week as His representative.

We are reminded often in Scripture about what our salvation cost our Savior. What is the truth of our position as believers according to these verses? a. Hebrews 9:22

b. Ephesians 2:13-16

Please stop and offer a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s provision for you to be rescued from the power of darkness and brought into the kingdom of the Son whom He loves. Thank God for your redemption, the forgiveness of your sins. Record on the sheet entitled “The Person and Work of Christ Jesus” in the Appendix what you have learned about Jesus from this lesson. Continued on the next page. 47

Lesson 4 Another psalm that tells of God’s interaction with His creation is Psalm 65. Close by reading this psalm and allow its truths to minister to your spirit by meditating on the verses.

Day 3 - Colossians 1:21-23 1. In this next passage of Colossians 1 you will study the contrast that Paul made about you; who you were before your salvation and who you are now as a follower of Christ. At the end of the paragraph, Paul gave his first instruction for the people in Colossae showing them their responsibility as believers. Open in prayer asking that God would use His holy word to equip you for what He has planned for you in the future. Begin with these observation questions. • In the Comprehensive Chapter Study for Colossians 1 you were asked to look for the contrasts in the chapter. In Colossians 1:21, 22 you find a contrast about who the Colossian people were before they came to Christ and then after coming to Christ. Write how Paul described the “before” and “after” of one’s conversion to Christ and personalize the phrases by writing “I was…” and “so that I might be…” a. Before: b. After:

2.

•

What instructions did Paul give to the Colossians in verse 23?

•

What did Paul say about the gospel in verse 23?





526 apallotrioo

Alienated, to estrange away, i.e. (passively and figuratively) to be nonparticipant: be alien; excluded NASB & NIV Hostile ISV, hateful (passive odious, active hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially Satan): enemy KJV, foe Mind, deep thought, properly the faculty (mind or its disposition), by implication its exercise: imagination, understanding

Used three times in the New Testament. Ephesians 2:12; 4:18

apeellotriooménous

Colossians 1:21 2190 echthros echthrous Colossians 1:21 1271 dianoia dianoia Colossians 1:21 48

Philippians 3:18

Ephesians 4:18




4190 poneros poneeroís Colossians 1:21

Evil, hurtful, calamitous; also (passively) ill, i.e. diseased; but especially (morally) culpable, i.e. derelict, vicious, … mischief, malice, or (plural) guilt; … the devil, or (plural) sinners: bad, grievous, harm, lewd, malicious, wicked (-ness) Deeds ISV, toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act: doing, labour, works KJV Blameless, unblemished (literally or figuratively): without blame (blemish, fault, spot), faultless, unblameable KJV Firmly established ISV & NASB, to lay a basis for, i.e. (literally) erect, or (figuratively) consolidate: (lay the) found (-ation), ground KJV, settle Steadfast ISV & NASB, sedentary, i.e. (by im-plication) immovable: settled KJV

Romans 12:9

Proclaimed, to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel): preacher (-er), publish Servant, an attendant, … a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specifically, a Christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon or deaconess): minister KJV

2 Timothy 4:2

2041 ergon érgois Colossians 1:21 299 amomos amoómous Colossians 1:22 2311 themelioo tethemeliooménoi Colossians 1:23 1476 hedraios hedraíoi Colossians 1:23

2784 kerusso keruchthéntos Colossians 1:23 1249 diakonos diákonos Colossians 1:23, 25

Colossians 3:17 Ephesians 5:27 Ephesians 3:17

Used three times in the New Testament. 1 Corinthians 7:37; 15:58

Colossians 4:7

3. Paul used a form of the same Greek word apallotrioo (translated as alienated in Colossians 1:21) in Ephesians 2:12 and Ephesians 4:18. How did Paul describe those who do not believe in Christ in Ephesians 2:12 and Ephesians 4:17-19? a. Ephesians 2:12 b. Ephesians 4:17-19

4. Read what Paul said in Titus 1:15, 16 that relates to Colossians 1:21. How did Paul describe those who were unbelieving in his letter to Titus?

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Lesson 4 5. In Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus he described what Christ accomplished for His followers with words similar to those he used in Colossians 1:22. What was accomplished according to Ephesians 5:25b-27?

6. After Paul’s description in Colossians 1:21, 22, he wrote his first instruction to the people in Colossae. For someone who “thinks in pictures” reading the instruction might bring to mind a picture or chart that would show this instruction visually. How would you “show” someone what Paul meant in verse 23?

7. Read Colossians 1:21-23 again and then paraphrase these verses (by putting them into your own words). You might glance back at the word studies in Question 2 to get some ideas of how to explain your understanding of Paul’s words in this passage. My paraphrase of Colossians 1:21-23:

In Joshua 1:9 God’s words to His people were recorded. God said, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Daniel 11:32 says that those who know God will display strength and take action. Think about what God’s truth can mean in your own life. Continued on the next page. 50

Lesson 4 After John the Baptist was born to Elizabeth and the priest Zachariah, he was “filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied concerning his son and the coming Messiah. Read Luke 1:67-79 and record some of what was proclaimed about the Messiah and His role among people.

Close in prayer asking the Lord to help you be strong in your faith as there are many customs in this world that can influence you and the choices you make in every day life.

Days 4 and 5 - Colossians 1:24-29 1. The last paragraph of Colossians 1 is actually one single (long) sentence as Paul wrote in the Greek, so we will study Paul’s entire sentence as we conclude the first chapter in the next two days. Open in prayer before you begin with the observation questions asking the Lord to help you understand Paul’s message. • Paul’s words in Colossians 1:24 are certainly puzzling! What was Paul’s response to his circumstances and how did Paul relate to Christ?

•

What was the purpose of God’s commission according to verse 25?

•

What is the contrast Paul made in Colossians 1:26?

•

What did Paul say about God, the Gentiles, and Christ in verse 27? a. God b. The Gentiles c. Christ

•

What was involved with Paul’s commission according to Colossians 1:28 and why?

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Lesson 4 •

2.

What was Paul’s attitude toward his ministry according to Colossians 1:24-29?





3804 pathema patheémasin Colossians 1:24

Sufferings, something undergone, i.e. hardship or pain; subjectively, an emotion or influence: affection, affliction, motion Completing ISV, to supplement, fill up KJV. Two prepositions were added to the front of the word “to fill” (plerow), meaning “again” (ana) and “in place of” (anti); “the word seems to demand the ideas of exchange or vicariousness and repetition.”20 Flesh, (as stripped of the skin), i.e. strictly the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul [or spirit], or as the symbol of what is external, or as the means of kindred), or by implication human nature, with its frailties [physical or moral], and passions, or specifically a human being, carnal, (-ly, or carnally minded) Sufferings, pressure, afflicted (-tion) KJV, anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble Glorious, (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective): dignity, glory KJV, honour, praise, worship Riches, wealth (as fulness), i.e. (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specifically) valuable bestowment Admonish ISV, to put in mind, i.e. (by implication) to caution or reprove gently: warn; warning KJV Teach, to teach (in the same broad application). “To instruct by word of mouth; instruction in the Christian faith.”21

Hebrews 2:9

466 antanaplerow antanaplerow Colossians 1:24

4561 sarx sarkí Colossians 1:24

2347 thlipsis thlipseon Colossians 1:24 1391 doxa dóxees Colossians 1:27 4149 ploutos ploútos Colossians 1:27 3560 noutheteo nouthetoúntes Colossians 1:28 1321 didasko didaskontes Colossians 1:28

20

Melick, Ibid., 238. Zodhiates, Ibid., 904. 52 21

Hapax legomen.

Galatians 5:13, 16, 17, 19, 24

John 16:33 2 Peter 3:18

Colossians 2:2

Romans 15:14 Matthew 28:20




4678 sophia sophia Colossians 1:28

Wisdom, (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

James 3:17

5046 teleios téleion Colossians 1:28

Mature ISV, complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); completeness: of full age, man, perfect KJV Energy ISV, to be active, efficient: do, (be) effectual (fervent), be mighty in, shew forthself, work (effectually in); worketh KJV Powerfully works, specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself): ability, abundance, meaning, might (-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle (-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work

Colossians 4:12

1754 energeo energouméneen Colossians 1:29 1411 dunamis dunámei Colossians 1:29

Romans 7:5

Acts 1:8

3. When Paul wrote (in the Koine Greek language) he used two different words for the words translated as sufferings in Colossians 1:24. Look back at the word studies in Question 2 and compare these words. Read Colossians 1:24 again and stop to meditate on what Paul wrote before going on with the lesson. When Paul wrote his letter to the church in Colossae he was in prison. Why was Paul suffering? Acts 9 shares about Paul’s conversion to Christianity and in verse 16 the Lord said to Ananias that He would show Paul the great things he would suffer for His name sake. (Mark this chapter for Question 4.) Look at what Jesus said in John 15:18-27 about the response from people that His followers could expect. What did Jesus tell His disciples about suffering?

What did Jesus say was to be the response of His followers in Matthew 5:11, 12?

Read what Paul said to the church in Corinth in 2 Corinthians 1:5, 6, and then read these verses in their context (1:3-11). What does Paul say about tribulation (#2347 thlipsis) in verse 4 and what does Paul say about Christ’s sufferings (#3804 pathema) in verse 5? a. Tribulation, 2 Corinthians 1:4 b. Christ’s sufferings, 2 Corinthians 1:5

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Lesson 4 What did Paul teach about God and Christ in 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 and what does this mean to you personally? a. God: b. Christ

Look at what Paul said about himself in 2 Timothy 2:9-13. What was Paul’s response to his suffering and why was he responding in this way?

What is to be our attitude toward our afflictions, tribulations, and sufferings according to these Scriptures? a. Romans 5:3 (In this verse Paul used the word thlipsis.)

b. Romans 8:14-17

c. 2 Corinthians 4:6-11

4. When Paul wrote to the churches in Galatia he shared his concern for these churches that were made up mostly of Gentiles. Read Galatians 4:4 concerning the good news of Christ’s coming in the flesh to the world from His heavenly home. Meditate on the important truths in this verse. Now read Galatians 3:28 and as you write out the verse, think about what this would have meant to the Gentiles in the first century and what this means to you today.

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Lesson 4 5. The end of Colossians 1:27 reveals very significant teaching about the Gospel. According to this phrase, what relationship do you have with Christ and what does this mean concerning your future?

In Colossians 1:2 Paul used a simple preposition to help the church in Colossae understand their relationship with Christ. Look at the word study for “in union with” (#1722 en) on page 18 to see how this word was used. Read Colossians 1:1 and then Colossians 1:28. What did Paul say about his ministry and his ministry goal in Colossians 1:28?

Read about the “commission” that Paul had been granted from the High Priest in Jerusalem in Acts 9:1, 2 and then continue reading to see the “commission” that came from God in Acts 9:15 and Acts 26:16-18. a. Paul’s commission granted by the High Priest:

b. Paul’s commission given by God:

Read 1 Thessalonians 3:1-8 to see what Paul said to the church in Thessalonica concerning their relationship to his suffering?

What is your response to this passage?

Continued on the next page. 55

Lesson 4 Paul summarized his ministry into two areas in Colossians 1:27; Paul said that he and Timothy (remember the opening verses in Colossians 1:1) proclaimed Christ as they admonished everyone and taught everyone with all wisdom, so that they might present everyone mature in Christ. Read what Paul said to the church in Rome where he used the same word for admonish in Romans 15:14. What did Paul say about the church in this verse?

Now look ahead to Colossians 3:16 as Paul used the same word for admonish in this verse. What is the message Paul shared later in his letter?

Who is helping you to become more mature in Christ? Do you humbly sit under this person’s teaching, being open to the ministry of the Holy Spirit that God has entrusted to this individual? Now look at what Paul said concerning his ministry in verse 28. How does this challenge you concerning the individual that has been “commissioned” by God to minister to you?

As you have finished the study of Colossians 1, record on the sheet entitled “The Person and Work of Christ Jesus” in the Appendix what you have learned about Jesus from this lesson. A man named Horatio Spafford suffered great loss when his children died. Sing (or read) his words of response as you close your time today, allowing these words to minister to your spirit. “It is Well with My Soul” When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll – Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, “It is well, it is well with my soul.” Chorus: It is well, (it is well), with my soul, (with my soul), it is well, it is well with my soul. Tho’ Satan should buffet, tho’ trials should come, let this blest assurance control, that Christ hath regarded my helpless estate and hath shed His own blood for my soul. Chorus: And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll; the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend, “Even so” – it is well with my soul. Chorus: By Horatio Spafford and Philip P. Bliss

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Lesson 5

Lesson 5 – Colossians 1 Review and Colossians 2:1-10 Introduction In the lesson this week you will spend one day reviewing Colossians 1 to help you remember the message of the first chapter. Colossians 1 had such important teaching on the doctrine of Christ, and because of that, the lessons moved more slowly than usual! After reviewing Colossians 1, the rest of the lesson will move on to Colossians 2. Ask the Lord to increase your passion for Him and His holy word, so that you will not become discouraged. I know these are prayers that God will always answer for you. Did you memorize a verse of Scripture while you were working on Lesson 4? Write out the verse or verses that you have been learning in this space and keep working on this discipline! You will be blessed to have words from the holy Scriptures within your spirit. Remember it helps to “write out” as well as “speak out” the verse you are learning. The memory verse you worked on while doing Lesson 4:

Day 1 - Colossians 1 Review 1. As you begin your review of Colossians 1, you might look back at page 6 where you recorded your goals for taking this study, and praying again against those issues you thought might become obstacles for you. God is faithful and He delights in you studying His holy word that it might transform your spirit and renew your mind. Some who study the Bible inductively find the review portion of the lesson the most difficult. Because I am so detail focused, this is always hard for me, and I would never attempt to work on the review lesson without completing the in-depth study of the chapter! Some are more global in their thinking and finding chapter themes through summary statements is not as difficult. Because I am not a global thinker who can see the “big picture” easily, this portion of the lesson forces me to seek the help of the Holy Spirit, while some have “seen” the theme of the chapter weeks before! If you are like me, know that God will help you as you review. When you work on this, and it will be work, it will help you understand the chapter in a way that you would not otherwise understand. It is always a valuable effort for me to complete the chapter review, and I always enjoy hearing from my “global thinking” friends what they recorded for the summary statements, and what they wrote for their chapter theme! (Of course there are some who skip this section of the lesson and open their study Bible to see what the editors of their Bible chose for the paragraph themes!) However, I challenge you to pray and then approach this part of the lesson, trusting that God will bless you for the time you spend with Him while working on this task! Start by reading Colossians 1 again, and as you do, determine what are the five key words in the chapter. 57

Lesson 5 2. The goal will now be to reflect back on the message in each paragraph of Colossians 1. Using some of the key words in the chapter, and especially the five words you chose as your key words, you will now consider a theme for each of the paragraphs you studied in Colossians 1. It might help to write out several summary statements for each section, and then try to limit your statement to no more than five words. List these statements here as well as on the chart in the Appendix, the Theme and Title Chart in the section for the Chapter 1 Summary Statements. Paragraph Summary Statements for Colossians 1 Colossians 1:1, 2

Colossians 1:3-8

Colossians 1:9-14

Colossians 1:15-20

Colossians 1:21-23

Colossians 1:24-29

3. The next part of the lesson is to ask God to show you the theme for Colossians 1 based on the main points of each paragraph. Is there one theme that the separate paragraph themes would “fit” under? Sometimes you can take some of the key words from the paragraph themes and write those into a theme or title for the entire chapter. Another reminder: Take the time to pray and ask for the Lord’s help with this part of the lesson! List your summary statements and title for Colossians 1 on the Theme and Title Chart in the Appendix. List your title for Colossians 1 here.

Look back at your key words for Colossians 1. Are at least two of these key words in your chapter title? 4. Are you praising the Lord as you finish the review of Colossians 1? It is always good to praise God for His faithfulness! My prayer continues to be that the Scripture you are studying would continue to make a difference in your life. 58

Lesson 5

Day 2 - Colossians 2, Comprehensive Chapter Study 1. In today’s lesson you will begin the observation of Colossians 2 by completing the Comprehensive Chapter Study. Open in prayer asking for the Holy Spirit’s help as Christ promised His followers that the Holy Spirit would help us and guide us into the truth. • Read through Colossians 2 paying attention to the key words in the chapter. You can refer to the Appendix pages 140, 141, and 143 for help with the inductive observation process. When the key words are removed they leave the text without clear meaning. Key words are essential to the text, because they reveal the message of the text, and form the basis for studying specific doctrinal truths. The key words also reveal the subjects in the passage, and these subjects then reveal the themes of the text. As you begin the observation process, mark the key words in a consistent way. Now look at your marking in the chapter and decide the ten most important words in Colossians 2, and then list these key words here.

•

As you read Colossians 2, you can look for contrasts and comparisons that were used. Refer to Appendix pages 141 and 143, and mark your Scripture Work Sheets in some way to show these. You might circle the words or phrases that have been contrasted or compared and then draw arrows between them. After marking the Scripture Work Sheets, write these out. This will help you see these important truths at the beginning of the observation process. Contrasts (to show differences Comparisons (to show similarities and or opposites) connections, often using the words as or like)

2. As you continue with the observation process, you will be looking for the purpose of the book of Colossians by examining how Paul communicated through declarative statements, instructions, exhortations, warnings, and admonitions. Ask the Lord to help you with this so that you might see Paul’s message in Colossians 2. Remember that the Bible includes declarative statements that consist of the straightforward teaching of doctrinal truths, or perhaps historical narrative, as found in the Gospels and the book of Acts. Declarative statements are common in the New Testament. Examples of declarative statements appear in Colossians 2:3, 9, 17, 18b, 19, 22, and 23, as they would be considered to be truths to inform the believer. Since there are many of these declarative statements in Colossians, you might mark the number of the verse in some way, 59

Lesson 5 with a colored line or circle, or by putting the verse or paragraph in brackets, < >, to help differentiate these declarative statements from other verses. I write in the left hand margin the means the author used to communicate. You will be learning about this as you move through the study of Colossians. Remember that this is to help you “see” the purpose for the book, so be patient! The word exhortation comes from the word exhort which was used in the New Testament to mean coming alongside of someone, reminding them of God’s truth, and perhaps urging them to be obedient to the word of God. Exhortations might also be stated in the form of something that is promised from God. Exhortations are also personal in nature, sometimes introduced with the word “you,” or when the author includes himself “us.” Colossians 2:1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 10-15, and 21 are written as words to exhort. Read these verses and think about how they would exhort the recipients of the letter from Paul. Mark these exhortations in some way. Now look at the instructions Paul wrote in Colossians 2. Remember that instructions were written as commands, where the author tells the recipient or recipients to “do something,” and sometimes the author included himself in the instruction by saying “Let us…” Sometimes a narrative passage of Scripture records an instruction that is given to someone. Read Colossians 2:6, 8, 16, 18a to see the instructions that Paul gave. Some “clues” for finding instructions would be sentences that use the words “must” or “let.” Mark the instructions you find in Colossians 2. The usual pattern for Paul’s writing is that in the last half of his letters he included instructions for his audience. In Colossians 2:20 Paul made a statement and then he asked a question. The manner in which Paul asked the question is an admonishment, as he was challenging the church, and confronting them when he said “why are you submitting…” Sometimes in Scripture we find warnings that are used to put the recipients on guard or on notice concerning possible danger, evil, or harm. Warnings also describe a just recompense or a possible consequence for behavior based on God’s prophecy concerning judgment or God’s standard for righteousness. Warnings were written to say “if you do this, you will face consequences for your actions.” In Colossians 2:20-23 you see that Paul named a consequence for his audience, although since this is written in the present tense, “why are you submitting…” Paul wrote an admonition for the church in Colossae. Read this paragraph carefully to see Paul’s concern for the church. 3. Look for terms of expression that help you understand time, with words like “now, then, later,” etc. and mark these in a consistent way. Another means of understanding language is to examine the way verbs are used in writing. A simple explanation of verbs is that they are words that express action or the state of being, and they relate the words communicated within a framework of time. Verbs communicate that something is happening at the moment, or has happened in the past, or will happen in the future. (The verbs in the preceding sentence are in italics.) Verbs can also announce that an event has already taken place and the results of that event are continuing at the present time. Please take the time to read Colossians 2 looking for the different verb tenses that were used, noting in the left hand margin references to the future, the present, or the past. This can add another dimension to your study, not because you will be studying verbs, but this will help you see what God has done in the past, what He is doing today, as well as show what the future holds.

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Lesson 5 4. Mark words that express conclusion or show results or purpose with words like “for,” “for this reason,” “so that,” and “because.” Words that express conclusion are important to note because they show why the author wrote what he wrote and help you see the promises or consequences that will come. 5. As you worked on the Comprehensive Chapter Study, did the Holy Spirit bring conviction to your heart concerning something? How has this portion of Scripture ministered to you today?

A Memorization Challenge! Please choose a verse from Colossians 2 and read the verse several times to help you remember the wording. Write the verse out on a three by five inch card and carry the card with you this week as a reminder of your desire to hide God’s word in your heart. The beautiful hymn “Fairest Lord Jesus” speaks of our Lord Jesus, and some of the truths that are taught in Colossians. Please take the time to sing or read this hymn. “Fairest Lord Jesus” Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature, O thou of God and man the son: Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor, Thou my soul’s glory, joy, and crown. Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands, robed in the blooming garb of spring: Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer, who makes the woeful heart to sing. Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight, and all the twinkling starry host: Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer, than all the angels heaven can boast. Beautiful Savor! Lord of the nations! Son of God and son of man! Glory and honor, praise, adoration, now and forevermore be thine! From “Munster Gesangbuck,” 1677

You might close by praying through the verse you have chosen and make it very personal to yourself and where you are in your life today. My verse is Colossians 2:7 and I have prayed; “Father God I thank You that I am rooted in Christ and I am being built up and strengthened in my faith and when I spend time in your word I see your provision for me and in this I thank You, Father. I pray that you would help me to always be overflowing with thanksgiving. It is because of my Savior Jesus that I can pray in this way, and I praise You for this blessing in His holy and precious name, Amen.

Days 3 and 4 - Colossians 2:1-7 1. As you begin your in-depth study of Colossians 2, open by praying that the Holy Spirit will help you understand Paul’s heart as well as help you understand your faith. After reading Colossians 2:1-7, begin with these observation questions. • Colossians 1 and 2 are connected by two distinct things. Look back at Colossians 1:29 so you can see how this verse connects with the beginning of Colossians 2, and then notice the first word in Colossians 2 which tells us again that “what came before” leads into Colossians 2. What did Paul share about himself in Colossians 2:1 and for whom was he concerned? 61

Lesson 5

2.

•

What did these other believers have in common according to Colossians 2:2?

•

Are you discouraged today? Do you have a friend that is discouraged? How did Paul seek to encourage believers according to Colossians 2:2?

•

What does Paul say about Christ in Colossians 2:3?

•

What was Paul’s concern according to verse 4?

•

What brought Paul joy according to Colossians 2:5?

•

Paul began Colossians 2:6 with words of conclusion. What is his instruction in verse 6b and how does he come to this conclusion according to Colossians 2:6a, 7? a. Paul’s instruction: b. Why did Paul give this instruction?

•

How does Paul describe the church of Colossae at the end of verse 7?

Please examine these word studies for some of the key words used in this passage.




73 agon agoóna Colossians 2:1

Struggle, properly, a place of assembly (as if led), i.e. (by implication) a contest (held there); figuratively, an effort or anxiety: conflict KJV, contention, fight, race. The origin of the English word agony. United, to drive together, i.e. unite (in association or affection), (mentally) to infer, show, teach: compact, assuredly gather, intrust, knit together KJV, prove

Hebrews 12:1

4822 sumbibazo sumbibasthéntes Colossians 2:2 62

Colossians 2:19




3870 parakaleo parakleethoósin Colossians 2:2

Encouraged, to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation): beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort (ation), intreat, pray

Hebrews 10:25

4149 ploutos ploútos Colossians 2:2

Riches, wealth (as fulness), i.e. (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specifically) valuable bestowment Complete understanding, a mental putting together, i.e. intelligence or (concretely) the intellect: knowledge Full knowledge, entire confidence: (full) assurance KJV

Colossians 1:27

4907 sunesis sunéseoos Colossians 2:2 4136 plerophoria pleerophorías Colossians 2:2 3466 musterion musteeríou Colossians 2:2 2344 thesauros theesauroí Colossians 2:3 3884 paralogizomai paralogízeetai Colossians 2:4 4086 pithanologia pithanología Colossians 2:4 4733 stereoma steréooma Colossians 2:5 4492 rhizoo errizooménoi Colossians 2:7 2169 eucharistia eucharistía Colossians 2:7

Colossians 1:9 Used four times in the New Testament. Hebrews 10:22

Secret, a secret or “mystery” (through Colossians 1:26, 27; 4:3 the idea of silence imposed by initiation into religious rites): mystery KJV Treasure, a deposit, i.e. wealth 2 Corinthians 4:7 (literally or figuratively) Mislead, to misreckon, i.e. delude: beguile KJV, deceive

Used twice in the New Testament. James 1:22

Nice-sounding rhetoric, persuasive language - enticing words KJV

Hapax legomen.

Stable, something established, i.e. (abstractly) confirmation (stability): stedfastness KJV Rooted, to root (figuratively, become stable): root KJV. The origin of the English word rhizome, the bulbous root of some plants. Thanksgiving, gratitude; actively, grateful language (to God, as an act of worship): thankfulness, (giving of) thanks (-giving). Someone said that “ingratitude is the ugly child of pride.”

Hapax legomen. Used twice in the New Testament. Ephesians 3:17 Colossians 4:2

3. Paul made a very important statement at the beginning of Colossians 2:2. In Jesus’ teaching in His Upper Room Discourse, John recorded what Jesus told His disciples the night before His death. Read Jesus’ command to His disciples in John 15:12-17 to see how Paul could declare that those who follow Christ are “united in love.”

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Lesson 5 4.

What did Paul believe would encourage (parakaleo) believers according to Colossians 2:2?

Look at how Jesus used a similar form of the word (parakletos) in John 15:26; 16:7. What did Jesus promise His followers in His Upper Room Discourse that was recorded in John’s Gospel?

5. In the first century, people in Asia Minor (where Colossae was located) were familiar with the writings and teachings of the Greek philosophers who sought truth and reason. The Greek philosophers felt that truth and reason was embodied in the philosophy that they called the Logos, although the literal meaning of logos is “word.” The Greek philosophers searched for and esteemed truth and reason in their work. To the nation of Israel God’s word was something they knew to be true as the word of God was a “concrete” entity that could be trusted as real, dependable, and unchanging. In Colossian 2:4 Paul used two words (translated in the ISV as mislead and nicesounding rhetoric) that come from the Greek word logos. Write out a summary of Paul’s exhortation in Colossians 2:4 and then look at a contrast of this when you read what John said when he used the word logos in John 1. a. Colossians 2:4 b. John 1:1, 2, 14

6. Discouragement comes to all of us because of grief, disappointment, tragedy, and trauma. Sometimes our only hope is the glory of the future when we will be with our Father and our Lord and Savior in heaven. In many of the Psalms we read of genuine expressions of sorrow and despair and yet faith in God and a longing for His intervention on behalf of His children. We each need to find passages in Scripture that clearly “lift” our spirits and encourage our hearts even in the midst of discouragement. Stop and search for an Old Testament passage as well as a passage in the New Testament that encourages your heart and read these prayerfully before the Lord who has promised to listen to His children. a. An Old Testament passage that encourages your heart and several truths that are proclaimed about God in the passage:


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Lesson 5 b. A New Testament passage that encourages your heart and several truths that are proclaimed about your faith in the passage:

In Colossians 2:3 Paul said that in Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. How are these treasures revealed? What is your response to this?

I love Paul’s words in Colossians 2:5. Are you connected to a group of believers who rejoice when they “see how stable you are and how firm your faith in Christ is”? I challenge you to open yourself up to someone so that you might be “real,” allowing another to rejoice in your maturity or admonish you concerning any area of immaturity. Stop and ask the Lord to help you humble yourself before another and ask for accountability in this. The command that Paul gave in Colossians 2:6 is in the present tense which is why it has been translated as “continue to live” (in the ISV) rather than just “live.” Based on what you have read in Colossians 1:1-2:7, what does Paul mean when he said “continue to live in Christ”? You might express this answer in a different way, such as in the words of a poem or in a picture or diagram.

To the nation of Israel, Proverbs 8 explains and commends wisdom. Please close by reading this Proverb to see how Israel understood wisdom. Do you think that Paul had this Proverb in mind when he wrote Colossians 2:3? Continued on the next page. 65

Lesson 5 What is your response to Jesus Christ after reading Proverbs 8?

Close in prayer as you meditate on what you have learned about your faith through the first thirty six verses of Colossians.

Day 5 - Colossians 2:8-10 1. As you come to the last day of this lesson you will look at the beginning of a long paragraph that Paul wrote and then Lesson 6 will finish the paragraph. Several decades after Paul died Irenaeus of Lyons became a leader in the early Christian church who was born around 130 A.D. Irenaeus had a pastor’s heart and was very concerned about the heresies that had begun to confront the church and wrote, “Error never shows itself in its naked reality, in order not to be discovered. On the contrary, it dresses elegantly, so that the unwary may be led to believe that it is more truthful than truth itself.”22 The Apostle’s Creed (see Appendix) was compiled (probably around 150 A.D.) in response to the heresy confronting the church. Begin in prayer asking the Lord to help you with the lesson and read Colossians 2:8-10 before completing these observation questions. • What was the concern Paul shared in Colossians 2:8 and what did Paul contrast in this verse?

22

•

Paul used an important word in Colossians 2:9 that appears no where else in the New Testament. The Greek word for God is theo, and in verse 9 Paul wrote about the fullness of God (theotetos). The word theotetos has been translated as Godhead in the KJV and as Deity in the NASB and expresses the personality of God while also expressing the character of Christ. See the word study for God, #2320, in Question 2. What did Paul say about Christ in verse 9?

•

How did Paul identify believers and what did he say about Christ Colossians 2:10?

Gonzalez, Ibid., 58. 66

Lesson 5 2.





4812 sulagogeo sulagoogoón Colossians 2:8 5385 philosophia philosophías Colossians 2:8

Enslaves, to lead away as booty, i.e. (figuratively) seduce: – spoil KJV; takes captive NASB Philosophy, a compound word from phileo translated as love and sophia which means wisdom. Originally the word philosophy meant “the love or pursuit of wisdom.”

Hapax legomen.

2756 kenos keneés Colossians 2:8 539 apate apátees Colossians 2:8

Empty, empty (literally or figuratively): empty, (in) vain KJV

James 2:20

Deceit, delusion, deceit (-ful, -fulness), deceivableness (-ving)

Hebrews 3:13

Human, men, man-faced, i.e. a human being: certain, man


Tradition, transmission, i.e. (concretely) a precept; specifically, the Jewish traditionary law: ordinance

1 Corinthians 11:2

Basic principles, something orderly in arrangement, i.e. (by implication) a serial (basal, fundamental, initial) constituent (literally), proposition (figuratively): element, rudiment KJV; elementary principles NASB Whole fullness, (see word study for “fullness” on page 44)

Colossians 2:20

God ISV, divinity, (abstractly): godhead; Godhead KJV, Deity NASB; the “Godhead as directly revealed; God’s personality”23 Bodily form, corporeally or physically: bodily KJV

Hapax legomen.

Fullness, (see word study for “;ed” on page 25)

Colossians 1:9

444 anthropos anthroópoon Colossians 2:8 3862 paradosis parádosin Colossians 2:8 4747 stoicheion stoicheía Colossians 2:8

4138 pleroma pleérooma Colossians 2:9 2320 theotes theotetos Colossians 2:9 4985 somatikos soomatikoós Colossians 2:9 4137 pleroo pepleerooménoi Colossians 2:10

Hapax legomen. A similar word (philosophos) was used in Acts 17:18.

Colossians 1:19

Hapax legomen.

3. Greek philosophy in the simplest terms meant the love and pursuit of wisdom. Look back at Colossians 2:3 to see what Paul said about wisdom. Now please write out the words 23

Zodhiates, Ibid., 921. 67

Lesson 5 Paul used to contrast the important ideas he taught using the verses noted, focusing on the key words in these verses. a. Colossians 2:2; 3, 9 b. Colossians 2:8

Read what Jesus said about Himself in John 14:6 and write out this powerful statement. Do you know this verse? If you have never memorized this verse, please do so and then think about how Jesus’ words agree with what Paul has written in Colossians 2. John 14:6

The way Paul used the word philosophy in verse 8 refers to a specific philosophy, rather than philosophy in general. As Paul was writing in the first century, he would have understood the word to mean information coming “from secular sources rather than religious.”24 In 1 Timothy 6:20, 21 Paul wrote instructions to Timothy that relate to what Paul wrote in Colossians 2. What was the concern that Paul shared with Timothy in these verses?

4. Dr. Edwin Yamauchi is a respected conservative Bible scholar who has researched the second century heretical movement called Gnosticism by gathering information from writings throughout the ancient world. In Dr. Yamauchi’s book, Pre-Christian Gnosticism: A Survey of Proposed Evidences he quoted J.B. Lightfoot, a respected scholar from the nineteenth century who said the concern that Paul had was of a syncretistic sort, as the error that Paul was addressing was from a variety of systems and places with links to the ascetic Jewish Essene community of the Qumran area near the Dead Sea in Israel.25 Just as the Ebionites (who were later called the Judaizers) were preaching “another gospel” according to Paul’s letter to the churches in Galatia, in Colossae there were also those antagonistic to the Gospel message. As the Magi came from Iran to worship the Savior soon after Jesus was born, others came from the East and shared their religion with those who would listen. According to Dr. Yamauchi, the very beginnings of Gnosticism came in the second century, several decades after Paul’s death as a martyr in Rome in the early 60’s.

24

Melick, Ibid., 252. Edwin M. Yamauchi, Pre-Christian Gnosticism: A Survey of Proposed Evidences, Grand Rapids, Baker Book House, 1983, 45. 68 25

Lesson 5 Rather than focus on the error that was influencing the church in Colossae, Paul focused on the doctrine of salvation through Christ and the sanctification of the follower of Christ. In Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae he provided some of Scripture’s most important teaching about Christ and then he challenged the church concerning their response to being saints, holy and set apart in Christ. N.T. Wright interprets Colossians 2:8 as Paul explaining the variety of ways the world can influence Christians. Dr. Wright says that the Greek word stoicheía that was translated as basic principles can mean “the elemental spirits of the universe, identified as the ‘deities’ who preside over individual nations and peoples.”26 Read Colossians 2:8-10 again to see the message Paul was giving his audience. Other scholars see Paul’s teaching in this portion of his letter as Paul recognizing the “spiritual battle” involved in the early church. Read Ephesians 6:10-20 and write the key words or phrases that Paul used to explain the battle and the provision God made for His children. a. The battle: b. God’s provision for the battle:

5.

Please read Colossians 2:8-10 again and put into your own words Paul’s message.

Proverbs 9:10 says that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Dr. Bruce Waltke, an Old Testament scholar says that the phrase “fear of the Lord” means to bow before God and wave a white flag of surrender before Him, submitting oneself to His word, His will, and His sovereignty. This was Israel’s understanding of wisdom before the Greek philosophers began their studies and their writing. Continued on the next page.

26

Wright, Ibid., 101. 69

Lesson 5 Read Proverbs 1:20-33 for another explanation of wisdom. What does this paragraph associate with wisdom?

Record on the sheet entitled “The Person and Work of Christ Jesus” in the Appendix what you have learned about Jesus from this week’s lesson. In thinking about Paul’s many concerns on behalf of the early church I thought of the hymn “Immortal, Invisible” because of the phrase in the first verse that claims that God is only wise. If you know this beautiful hymn, close by singing these words, or reading them as a poem, allowing the truths in this song to minister to your spirit. “Immortal, Invisible” Immortal, invisible, God only wise, in light inaccessible hid from our eyes, most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise. Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light, nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might; Thy justice, like mountains, high soaring above, Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love. To all, life thou givest, to both great and small; in all life thou livest, the true life of all; we blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree, and wither and perish – but naught changeth thee. Great Father of glory, pure Father of light, thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight; all praise we would render: O help us to see ‘tis only the splender of light hideth thee. By Walter Chalmers Smith

Jesus Over All Creation

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Lesson 6

Lesson 6 – Colossians 2:11-23 Introduction Jesus told His disciples in His Sermon on the Mount to “Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor figs from thistles, are they? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit; but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits,” Matthew 7:15-20, NASB. Paul told the Colossian church in Colossians 2:8 to “see to it that no one enslaves you through philosophy and empty deceit according to human tradition, according to the basic principles of the world…” As Paul continued in his letter, he told the church how it was possible that they had been brought to fullness in Christ. This week’s lesson will complete Colossians 2, further examining Paul’s message to those who follow Christ Jesus. Did you memorize a verse while you worked on last week’s lesson? Write out the verse or verses that you have been learning. You will be blessed to have these verses hidden within your spirit. The memory verse you worked on while doing Lesson 5:

Days 1 and 2 - Colossians 2:11-15 1. Colossians 2:11-15 contains very important doctrinal truth. Open in prayer as you begin to study and then work on these observation questions. • Read the entire paragraph, (Colossians 2:8-15) and mark the phrases “in Christ” or “with Christ” as you did when you studied Colossians 1:15-20. (I underlined each phrase in red.) In verses 9-13 Paul used these phrases six times. After marking the phrases, read them again and write out what Paul wrote to the church in Colossae. a. Colossians 2:9 b. Colossians 2:10

c. Colossians 2:11

d. Colossians 2:12a

e. Colossians 2:12b

f. Colossians 2:13

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Lesson 6 •

One way to look at Colossians 2:11-15 is to see what Paul said about who you were before coming to Christ Jesus and who you are now as His follower. In this paragraph Paul also explained how this happened or how this was possible. Ask the Lord to help you understand the gift of your salvation as you study this passage.

Before Christ:

2.

As a follower of Christ:

How did this happen or how was this possible?

•

In Colossians 1:16 Paul mentioned Jesus’ role in creation. Read this verse again and then Colossians 2:15. What did Paul say about rulers and powers in Colossians 1:16 and what did Paul say about rulers and authorities in Colossians 2:15?

•

What did Paul say about the cross in these verses? a. Colossians 1:20 b. Colossians 2:14, 15





4059 peritemno perietmeétheete Colossians 2:11

Circumcised, to cut around, i.e. (specially) to circumcise

John 7:22

4061 peritome peritomeé Colossians 2:11

Circumcision, (the rite, the condition or the people, literally or figuratively): circumcised

Philippians 3:3 (Mark this for later.)

72




886 acheiropoietos acheiropoieto Colossians 2:11

Without human hands, unmanufactured, i.e. inartificial: made without (not made with) hands; unhandmade

Used three times in the New Testament. Mark 14:58 2 Corinthians 5:1

4561 sarx sarkós Colossians 2:11 4916 sunthapto suntaphéntes Colossians 2:12

Corrupt nature ISV, flesh (see word study for “flesh” on page 52)

Colossians 1:24

Buried, to enter in company with, i.e. (figuratively) to assimilate spiritually (to Christ by a sepulture as to sin): bury with

Used twice in the New Testament. Romans 6:4

908 baptisma baptismoó Colossians 2:12

Baptism, [from #907 baptizo, ablution (ceremonial or Christian): baptism, washing.] The “literal” meaning is to dip or immerse in a dye so that what was dipped comes out different. Raised, to rouse (from death) in company with, i.e. (figuratively) to revivify (spiritually) in resemblance to: raise up together, rise with Power, efficiency (“energy”): operation KJV, strong, (effectual) working Dead, (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

Romans 6:4 (Mark this for later.)

4891 sunegeiro suneegértheete Colossians 2:12 Colossians 3:1 1753 energeia energeías Colossians 2:12 3498 nekros nekroús Colossians 2:13 3900 paraptoma paraptoómasin Colossians 2:13 1813 exaleipho exaleípsas Colossians 2:14 5498 cheirographon cheirógraphon Colossians 2:14 1378 dogma dógmasin Colossians 2:14

27 28

Used four times in the New Testament. Ephesians 2:6 Colossians 1:29 Romans 6:4, 9, 11, 13

Offenses, a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e. (unintentional) error or (wilful) transgression: fault, sin, trespass Erased, to smear out, i.e. obliterate (erase tears, figuratively, pardon sin): blot out, wipe away; blotting out KJV

Galatians 6:1

Charges, something hand-written (“cheirograph”), i.e. a manuscript (specifically, a legal document or bond [figuratively]): handwriting KJV Decrees, a law (civil, ceremonial or ecclesiastical): decree, ordinance KJV; regulations NIV. “An organized and purposely arranged list of laws – a code: it refers to the law of Moses.”28

Hapax legomen. “A bond of debt, an IOU, signed by the debtor.”27

Used five times in the New Testament. Acts 3:19

Used five times in the New Testament. Ephesians 2:15

Wright, Ibid., 111. Melick, Ibid., 263. 73




5227 hupenantios hupenantíon Colossians 2:14 2358 thriambeuo thriambeúsas Colossians 2:15

Hostile, under, (covertly) contrary to KJV, i.e. opposed or (as noun) an opponent: adversary, against Triumphing, to make an acclamatory procession, i.e. (figuratively) to conquer or (by Hebraism) to give victory: (cause) to triumph (over) Disarmed, to divest wholly oneself, or (for oneself) despoil: put off, spoil. Used in a military sense as “disarm” or politically as “disgrace.”29 Rulers, a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank): …, (at the, the) first (estate), magistrate, power, principality, principle, rule Authorities ISV, privilege, (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, … or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, …), delegated influence: … strength, powers KJV

Used twice in the New Testament. Hebrews 10:27

554 apekduomai apekdusámenos Colossians 2:15 746 arche archas Colossians 2:15 1849 exousia exousías Colossians 2:15

Used twice in the New Testament. 2 Corinthians 2:14 Used twice in the New Testament. Colossians 3:9 1 Corinthians 15:24 (ruler ISV, rule KJV, dominion NIV)

Colossians 2:10

3. Circumcision was a distinctive part of the Jewish religion. There is also evidence that circumcision was the “custom” during some ancient Egyptian dynasties. To the Jew circumcision represented a physical obedience to God’s law. Look at these Scriptures to see what was said about circumcision to Abraham as well as in Scripture written centuries later. Old Testament circumcision: Genesis 17

New Testament circumcision: Acts 15:1-32

Romans 2:28, 29

Romans 3:29, 30 Deuteronomy 30:6 Philippians 3:3

29

Melick, Ibid., 265. 74

Lesson 6 Old Testament circumcision: A summary statement about circumcision:

4.

New Testament circumcision: A summary statement about circumcision:

Read Colossians 2:12 and draw a simple diagram of what Paul said in this verse.

Some of the wording in Scripture can certainly be unclear at first glance. Read what Paul wrote to the church in Rome ( in Romans 6:4-14) that relates to Colossians 2:12. a. Truths about Christ:

b. Truths about your life as a follower of Christ:

Based on what you have read, what does baptism represent to those who follow Christ?

75

Lesson 6 5. Read Colossians 2:13, 14 and circle the word that describes the blessing of your salvation, found toward the end of verse 13. Now read Colossians 1:13, 14 and then put into your own words a definition of the word forgive.

When someone was crucified under the Roman legal system, their “charges” were written out and nailed to their cross for their crucifixion. John 19:19 tells us that when Jesus was about to be crucified, Pilate wrote an inscription and had it placed upon the cross that read, “JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” Based on what you have read in Scripture, how would you explain what it means to be saved to someone who does not believe that their sins can be forgiven?

6. In Romans 8:1 Paul said that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Please read this verse in its context (Romans 8:1-4) and then read Paul’s concluding paragraph in the chapter (Romans 8:31-39). The Greek word Paul used in Colossians 1:15, translated as rulers (#746, arche, defined on page 44), is the same word Paul used in Romans 8:38 as principalities. The word Paul used in Colossians 1:16, translated as authorities (#1849, exousia, defined on page 38), is the same as the last word Paul used in Romans 8:38. What did Paul say about the life of those who are in Christ Jesus in Romans 8:38, 39? (Remember that Paul often makes his point by writing lists.)

Remember in Colossians 1:13 Paul said that God rescued us from the power of darkness and has brought us into the kingdom of the Son whom He loves. Before Christ was crucified, He sent out His disciples to minister in His name. Read the conversation upon the disciples’ return in Luke 10:17-20 to see how the disciples were entrusted to represent their Savior Jesus.

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Lesson 6 Read what Jesus said in John 16:8-10 about the role of the Holy Spirit and then what Jesus announced in verse 11 about the ruler of this world (Satan).

Paul said that Jesus had “disarmed” the rulers and the authorities in Colossians 2:15. Read what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 about Jesus’ relationship with “all rule and authority and power.” (Notice the way Paul used verbs in this paragraph to tell time, as this will help you see what has happened or what will happen.)

7.

What does Ephesians 1:18-23 say about your Savior, Jesus Christ?

Read what John heard in Revelation 12:10-12 about the devil. According to the revelation, what is coming?

Now read what John said in 1 John 4:4, 5 and 1 John 5:4, 5 that relates to Paul’s teaching. What does John say about God and what does he say about our enemy?

In a book entitled Christ and the Powers, Hendrikus Berkhof drew an analogy about Paul’s teaching. Berkhof, “who lived in the Netherlands during World War II, recalls that the Nazis during the ‘hunger winter’ of 1944-45 were already defeated, yet were still able to oppress the Dutch. So although the powers’ doom has already been assured, they still oppress the believers.”30 What are we to do about the opposition we face as Christ’s followers? Look back at the answers you gave to Question 4 on pages 68, 69 concerning Ephesians 6:10-20. Read Paul’s teaching to the Ephesian church in Ephesians 6:10-20. Stop and meditate on this passage to see who we battle and God’s provision for us in the battle.

30

Erickson, Ibid., 668. 77

Lesson 6

Days 3 and 4 - Colossians 2:16-19 1. Some biblical scholars say the heresy being taught in Colossae originated from Judaism alone. Biblical scholar, the late A.T. Robertson wrote “There is a Jewish element in it beyond a doubt, but it is not wholly Jewish.”31 Most biblical scholars also recognize the influence of the Babylonian and Persian culture in the first century. When Paul said “Farewell” to the leaders of the church in Ephesus he challenged them to “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock” in Acts 20:28. Paul continued in verse 29 saying “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them,” NASB. You notice that the beginning word in Colossians 2:16 is the word “therefore.” Anytime you see the word “therefore,” you must stop and determine what it is “there for” as the word introduces concluding thoughts based on what was written before the word. So before studying Paul’s concluding thoughts, ask the Lord to help you with this portion of his letter claiming 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 as “all Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the person who belongs to God may be complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Read Colossians 2:8-19 before answering the observation questions that follow. • In what regard did Paul say the church was not to let anyone judge them and why according to verses 16 and 17?

31

•

What is the irony of how Paul described those who were judging the people of Colossae in verse 17? (Notice the key words that Paul contrasted to make his point in this verse.)

•

Evidently some who followed Christ came to believe that they were to humble themselves before the Lord and they named angels as their mediators when they approached Almighty God. Read Colossians 2:18 and then summarize what is said about the person of Christ in Hebrews 7:25.

A. T. Robertson, Paul and the Intellectuals, Nashville, Broadman Press, 1956, 6. 78

Lesson 6

2.

•

Write Colossians 2:19 in your own words so that you include an explanation of the words “head” and “body” in your paraphrase.

•

Mark in some way the words and phrases that were used to describe the “body” in verse 19. Please examine these word studies for some of the key words used in this passage.




2919 krino krinétoo Colossians 2:16

Judge, properly, to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish: avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree,… judge, go to (sue at the) law, ordain, call in question, sentence to … Festival, feast, holyday; holy day KJV

Acts 4:19

1859 heorte heorteés Colossians 2:16 4521 sabbaton sabbátoon Colossians 2:16 4639 skia skiá Colossians 2:17 4983 soma soma Colossians 2:17 5012 tapeinophrosune tapeinofrosúnee Colossians 2:18 2356 threskeia threeskeía Colossians 2:18 32 angelos angéloon Colossians 2:18

Sabbath, (i.e. Shabbath), or day of weekly repose from secular avocations (also the observance or institution itself); by extension, a se'nnight, i.e. between two Sabbaths; … (day), week Shadow, “shade” or a shadow (literally or figuratively [darkness of error or an adumbration]) Reality, the body KJV, (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively: bodily, slave; substance NASB Humility, humiliation of mind, i.e. modesty: humbleness of mind, humility (of mind, loneliness (of mind); selfabasement NASB Worship, ceremonial observance: religion, worshipping KJV

Angels, a messenger; especially an “angel”; by implication, a pastor

Acts 18:21 Mark 2:23-28 (Mark this for later.)

Hebrews 10:1

Colossians 2:11, 19, 23


Used four times in the New Testament. James 1:26, 27 Romans 8:38

79




5448 phusioo phusioúmenos Colossians 2:18 4561 sarx sarkós Colossians 2:18 2023 epichoregeo

Boasting, to inflate, i.e. (figuratively) make proud (haughty): puff up; puffed up KJV Carnal, (see word study for “flesh” on page 52)

1 Corinthians 4:6

epichoreegoúmenon

Colossians 2:19 4822 sumbibazo sumbibazómenon Colossians 2:19 837 auzano aúxei Colossians 2:19

Nourished, to furnish besides, i.e. fully supply, (figuratively) aid or contribute: add, minister (nourishment KJV) Held together, knit together KJV, (see word study for “united” on page 62) Grows, to grow (“wax”), i.e. enlarge (literal or figurative, active or passive): grow (up), (give the) increase; increaseth KJV

Colossians 1:24 Galatians 3:5 Colossians 2:2 Colossians 1:10

3. In the first century, Jewish people who called upon Christ as their Messiah struggled with knowing how they were to live their lives as followers of Jesus. They asked if they were to follow the religion of their heritage as well as the teaching of Christ and His disciples. Gentiles who followed Christ also had questions about their new life. The Apostle Paul answered some of the questions of the Gentiles in his first letter to the church in Corinth in 1 Corinthians 8-10. Two verses in 1 and 2 Chronicles use the same words that Paul used in Colossians 2:16 as the Chronicler mentioned “the Sabbaths, the new moons, and the fixed festivals” in 1 Chronicles 23:31 and 2 Chronicles 31:3. Because of the words Paul used in Colossians 2:16, we will focus on God’s teaching to the Jewish people regarding their diet as well as how they spent their week (the Sabbath), their months (the new moon), and their year (the festivals). Read (in the list of the Ten Commandments) what was said about the Sabbath in Exodus 20:8-11 to gain an understanding of the commandment concerning the Sabbath. How would you summarize the teaching in Exodus 20 about the Sabbath?

Now look at what Jesus said in Mark 2:23-28 when He was confronted about the Sabbath by Jewish religious leaders.

Jesus said in John 8:31, 32 “If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” Was part of the freedom to “move” the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday? The Christian church 80

Lesson 6 gathered for worship on Sundays because that was the day of the week that Jesus rose from the dead. We have already looked at the decision of the Christian church leaders in Acts 15, which was around twelve years before Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae. Read Mark’s record of Jesus’ teaching in Mark 7:18-23. What “comment” did Mark add at the end of verse 19? What was Jesus’ concern according to the Mark 7 passage?

4. In the “inter-testament” years, between the writing of the book of Malachi and the coming of Christ, there was an interest in angels who could be called upon for help as well as an interest in the work of the devil’s messengers (demons) because of the suffering among the Jewish people under the reign of the Greeks and then the Romans. By the time Christ began His ministry, Scripture tells us about the people in Israel who were possessed by demons, as Jesus freed many individuals from their oppression, and cast out the demons. One of the “signs” established by the religious leaders of Israel was that they would recognize their Messiah because He would be able to “cast out demons” without knowing the name of the demon. Historical records of the Jewish faith say that God empowered Jewish leaders to “cast out demons” when they knew the name of the demon. The Bible tells us that a number of times Jesus “cast out demons” without calling them by name. The Essene community that lived in the Qumran area near the Dead Sea required as part of their membership oath that men joining promised “carefully to guard… the name of the angels.”32 In Revelation 19 and 22, the Apostle John recorded two of his conversations with angels. Read what the angel/s said in Revelation 19:9, 10 and Revelation 22:8, 9.

Look again at how Paul countered the “interest” in worshiping angels in these verses. a. Colossians 1:16 b. Colossians 1:17

c. Colossians 1:20

d. Colossians 2:9

5. The book of Hebrews was written to show the people of Israel that Jesus, their Messiah was “better” than all that they considered worthy as a people. What is said about Jesus in these verses? Continued on the next page.

32

William Hendriksen, A Commentary on Colossians & Philemon, London, The Banner of Truth Trust, 1971, 126. 81

Lesson 6 a. Hebrews 1:1-4

b. Hebrews 8:4-6

c. Hebrews 9:8-12

d. Hebrews 10:1-4, 10-12

Now read a corresponding passage by Paul in Ephesians 4:15, 16 and summarize what Paul said about Jesus to the church in Ephesus.

Close by reading Psalm 24 to see Israel’s declaration of God as the creator and then meditate on how Israel was told they were to relate to Him. “At the Cross” Alas, and did my Savior bleed? And did my Sov’reign die? Would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I? Refrain: At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away, (rolled a-way,) it was there by faith I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day! Was it for crimes that I have done, He groaned upon the tree? Amazing pity! Grace unknown! And love beyond degree! Refrain: But drops of grief can ne’er repay the debt of love I owe: Here, Lord, I give myself away, ‘Tis all that I can do! Refrain: By Isaac Watts and Ralph B. Hudson

Day 5 - Colossians 2:20-23 1. As you come to the end of Colossians 2 please ask the Lord to give you the wisdom to see how Paul’s writing in the opening two chapters connects together. Read Colossians 2:8-23 and then continue with these observation questions. • In Colossians 2:20 Paul makes an amazing declaration. Read Colossians 2:8 and then verse 12 to see how Paul used similar words and concepts as he used in verse 20. Underline the phrase “with Christ” as you did earlier in the chapter and then explain how Paul described a believer in this verse.

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The teaching of sound biblical doctrine protects one’s thinking from the heretical teaching of false teachers. In the first century heresy “threatened to undermine the very heart of the gospel.”33 Read Colossians 2:8, 16 and think about how these verses contribute to Paul’s question in verse 20. How would you explain this connection to someone?

•

What did Paul say would happen to those “things” touched and tasted and why?

•

Paul continued with his comparison of the wisdom of Christ and the philosophy of the world in verse 23 by contrasting these two. The word wisdom in verse 23 is the same word for wisdom Paul used at the beginning of the chapter in verse 3. Please read verse 3, then verse 8, and lastly verse 23. What is the contrast Paul made concerning wisdom, philosophy (the love and pursuit of wisdom), and the appearance of wisdom? a. wisdom (Colossians 2:3) b. philosophy (Colossians 2:8)

c. the appearance of wisdom (Colossians 2:23)

2.





1379 dogmatizo dogmatízesthe Colossians 2:20

Submitting to its decrees, to prescribe by statute, i.e. (reflexively) to submit to ceremonial rule: be subject to ordinances KJV Human commands, an injunction, i.e. religious precept: commandment KJV

Hapax legomen.

1778 entalma entálmata Colossians 2:22 1319 didaskalia didaskalías Colossians 2:22 33

Teaching, instruction (the function or the information): doctrine KJV, learning

Used three times in the New Testament. Mark 7:7 Ephesians 4:14


Lesson 6 Strong’s # and Transliteration: 1479 ethelothreskeia

ethelothreeskía Colossians 2:23 857 apheidia apheidía Colossians 2:23 4140 plesmone pleesmoneén Colossians 2:23



Self-made religion ISV, voluntary (arbitrary and unwarranted) piety, i.e. sanctimony: - will worship KJV; self imposed worship NIV Harsh treatment, unsparingness, i.e. austerity (asceticism): neglecting KJV

Hapax legomen.

Self-indulgence, a filling up, i.e. (figuratively) gratification; satisfying of the flesh KJV

Hapax legomen.

Hapax legomen.

3. Now go back to Colossians 2:12 and then read through Colossians 3:1. Look at what Paul wrote to the churches in Galatia, reading Galatians 2:18-21 and then summarize what Paul said about Jesus and His relationship with His followers in this passage.

Many people have memorized Galatians 2:20. Please write out the first two phrases of Paul’s declarative statement in this verse.

Now look at Paul’s teaching in Galatians 4:8-11 regarding a similar concern.

Jesus said in Matthew 15:17-20, “Don’t you know that everything that goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and goes out into a toilet? But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and it is those things that make a person unclean. For it is out of the heart that evil thoughts come, as well as murder, adultery, sexual immorality, stealing, false testimony, and slander. These are the things that make a person unclean…” In this same context Jesus quoted Isaiah 29:13. Turn to this passage in Isaiah and read the paragraph, verses 13-16 to see God’s heart toward a specific group of people. What did God pronounce about these people and what did God say would happen in verse 14?

4. God knew that what one ate was very important to Jewish converts to Christianity. When you study the Old Testament, you learn of God’s commands to His people concerning how they as a chosen people were to be set apart from specific “things” of the world. God called His people to be holy as He reminded them that He Himself is holy in Leviticus l9:2. 84

Lesson 6 Some biblical scholars have looked to the teaching of the Essene community in Qumran who isolated themselves from the Jewish community in Jerusalem in order to maintain the daily charge to live holy lives, and not be influenced by the ruling Greeks and then later the ruling Roman Empire. Look at how God communicated His new standard to Peter in Acts 10:15. Read Acts 10:9-17 to see what Peter learned here.

5. Please read Paul’s instructions to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:1-10 to see Paul’s concern for the Christian believers, and his way of training Timothy for his role as pastor. How did Paul describe the “problem”?

How did Paul give Timothy assurance concerning the problems being faced in the church?

6. When the Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the church in Colossae there were no chapter divisions and neither were the sentences given numbers. These were added later to help people study the Scriptures. So when Paul wrote his paragraph at the end of Colossians 2, he proceeded directly into his statement that opens the third chapter. The hint that these are connected is the opening word in verse 1 of chapter 3, “therefore.” Remember that when you see that word it calls us to look at what came before. To help you summarize Colossians 2:20-23, look at the contrast that Paul made between the end of chapter 2 and the beginning of chapter 3. Looking at these verses in this way should help you summarize Paul’s message in Colossians 2:20-23.


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Lesson 6 The Gospel According to John was the last Gospel written in the 90’s, at the end of the first century. It is evident that the Holy Spirit directed John to write words that Jesus spoke that were not included in the other three Gospels. The Apostle John records that Jesus clearly told His followers who He is. In John 6:48 Jesus presented an analogy about His identity, as He called Himself the ____________ of _________. Knowing what you know about Jesus, what did He mean by this? It will help you if you read Jesus claim in the context of His teaching, in John 6:26-58.

What does this mean to you?

The lesson this week looked at Jesus from many Scriptures. Please take the time to record on the sheet entitled “The Person and Work of Christ Jesus” in the Appendix what you have learned about Jesus from this lesson. God’s gift of salvation is truly amazing. You might close by singing the hymn “Amazing Grace” and with a grateful heart thank God for His every provision for you. “Amazing Grace” Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see. ‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed! Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we first begun. By John Newton

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Lesson 7 – Colossians 2 Review, Colossians 3:1-11 Introduction This week’s lesson will review Colossians 2 and then begin the study of Colossians 3. Can you join Paul in saying that “you have been rooted in Him and are being built up and strengthened in the faith, just as you were taught, while you overflow with thanksgiving”? Did you memorize a verse of Scripture while you were working on Lesson 6? Write out the verse or verses that you have been learning in this space and keep working on this discipline! You will be blessed to have words from the holy Scriptures within your spirit. Remember it helps to “write out” as well as “speak out” the verse you are learning. The memory verse you worked on while doing Lesson 6:

Day 1 - Colossians 2 Review 1. As you begin your review of Colossians 2, ask the Lord to help you go through the chapter looking for the themes that were presented by Paul. I challenge you to pray and then approach this part of the lesson trusting that God will bless you for the time you spend with Him. Start by reading Colossians 2 and decide what you think are the five key words in the chapter. List these here.

2. Now reflect back on the message in each paragraph of Colossians 2. Using some of the key words in the chapter, and especially the five words you chose in Question 1, you will now consider a theme for each of the paragraphs you studied in Colossians 2. It might help to write out several summary statements for each section, and then try to limit your statement to no more than five words. List your statements on the following chart. Paragraph Summary Statements for Colossians 2 Colossians 2:1-5

Colossians 2:6, 7

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Lesson 7 Colossians 2:8-15

Colossians 2:16-19

Colossians 2:20-23

3. The next part of the lesson is to ask God to show you the theme for Colossians 2 based on the main points of each paragraph. Is there one theme that the separate paragraph themes would “fit” under? Sometimes you can take some of the key words from the paragraph themes and write those into a theme or title for the entire chapter. Another reminder: Take the time to pray and ask for the Lord’s help with this part of the lesson! Look back at your key words for Colossians 2. Try to include at least two of these key words in your chapter title. List your summary statements and title for Colossians 2 on the Theme and Title Chart in the Appendix and then write out your title for Colossians 2 here.

4. Meditate on the theme and title you chose for Colossians 2. How can you apply this truth to your life today?

My prayer is that you would continue to grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that God’s holy word would renew your mind and transform your heart. Close in prayer asking the Lord to minister to those areas in your life that struggle with submitting to His will.

Day 2 - Colossians 3, Comprehensive Chapter Study 1. In today’s lesson you will begin the observation of Colossians 3 by completing the Comprehensive Chapter Study. Open in prayer asking for the Holy Spirit’s help as Christ promised His followers that the Holy Spirit would help us and guide us into the truth. • Read through Colossians 3 paying attention to the key words in the chapter. You can refer to the Appendix pages 140, 141, 143 for help with the inductive observation process. When the key words are removed they leave the text without clear meaning. Key words are essential to the text, because they reveal the message of the text, and 88

Lesson 7 form the basis for studying specific doctrinal truths. The key words also reveal the subjects in the passage, and these subjects then reveal the themes of the text. As you begin the observation process, mark the key words in a consistent way. Now look at your marking in the chapter and decide the ten most important words in Colossians 3, and then list these key words here.

•

As you read Colossians 3, you can also look for contrasts and comparisons that were used. Refer to Appendix pages 141 and 143 and then write the contrasts and comparisons in the space provided, or mark your Scripture Work Sheets in some way to show these. You might circle the words or phrases that have been contrasted or compared and then draw arrows between them. This will help you see these important truths, a part of the observation process. Contrasts (to show differences Comparisons (to show similarities and or opposites) connections, often using the words as or like)

2. As you continue with the observation process, you will be looking for the purpose of the book of Colossians, by looking at how Paul communicated through declarative statements, instructions, exhortations, warnings, and admonitions. Ask the Lord to help you with this so that you might see Paul’s message in Colossians 3. Declarative statements consist of the straightforward teaching of doctrinal truths, and are common in the New Testament. Examples of declarative statements appear in Colossians 3:3, 7, 9b, 10, 11 as they would be considered as truths to inform the believer. Since there are many of these declarative statements in Colossians, you might mark the number of the verse in some way, with a colored line or circle, or by putting the verse or paragraph in brackets, < >, to help differentiate these declarative statements from other verses. I write in the left hand margin the means the author used to communicate. Remember that this is to help you “see” the purpose for the book, so be patient. The word exhortation comes from the word exhort which was used in the New Testament to mean coming alongside of someone, reminding them of God’s truth, and perhaps urging them to be obedient to the word of God. Exhortations might also be stated in the form of something that is promised from God. Exhortations are also personal in nature, sometimes introduced with the word “you” or when the author includes himself “us.” 89

Lesson 7 Colossians 3:4, 12a, 24 are written as words to exhort. Read these verses and think about how they would exhort the recipients of the letter from Paul. Mark these exhortations in some way. Now look at the instructions Paul wrote in Colossians 3. Remember that instructions were written as commands, where the author tells the recipient or recipients to “do something,” and sometimes the author included himself in the instruction by saying “Let us…” Read Colossians 3:1, 2, 5, 8, 9a, 12b, 13-23 to see the instructions that Paul gave. Some “clues” for finding instructions would be sentences that use the words “must” or “let.” Mark the instructions you find in Colossians 3. Another “hint” is that the pattern for Paul’s writing is that the last half of his letters he included instructions for his audience. Sometimes in Scripture we find warnings that are used to put the recipients on guard or on notice concerning possible danger, evil, or harm. Warnings also describe a just recompense or a possible consequence for behavior based on God’s prophecy concerning judgment or God’s standard for righteousness. Warnings were written to say “if you do this, you will face consequences for your actions.” In Colossians 3:6, 25 you see Paul’s warnings for his audience. 3. Look for terms of expression that help you understand time, with words like “now, then, later,” etc. and mark these in a consistent way. Another means of understanding language is to examine the way verbs are used in writing. A simple explanation of verbs is that they are words that express action or the state of being, and they relate the words communicated within a framework of time. Verbs communicate that something is happening at the moment, or has happened in the past, or will happen in the future. (The verbs in the preceding sentence are in italics.) Verbs can also announce that an event has already taken place and the results of that event are continuing at the present time. Please take the time to read Colossians 3 looking for the different verb tenses that were used, noting in the left hand margin references to the future, the present, or the past. This can add another dimension to your study, not because you will be studying verbs, but this will help you see what God has done in the past, what He is doing in your life today, as well as show you what the future holds. 4. Mark words that express conclusion or show results or purpose with words like “for,” “for this reason,” “so that,” and “because.” Words that express conclusion are important to note because they show why the author wrote what he wrote and help you see the promises or consequences that will come. 5. As you worked on the Comprehensive Chapter Study, did the Holy Spirit bring conviction to your heart concerning something in Colossians 3? How specifically has this portion of Colossians ministered to you today?


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Lesson 7 A Memorization Challenge! Please choose a verse from Colossians 3 and read the verse several times to help you remember the wording. Write the verse out on a three by five inch card and carry the card with you this week as a reminder of your desire to hide God’s word in your heart. Now please close by praying through the verse you have chosen and make it very personal to yourself and where you are in your life today. My prayer comes out of Colossians 3:1, “Father God, I thank You that I have been raised with Christ, and that Your will is for me to keep focusing on the things that are above, where my Savior is seated at Your right hand. I thank You Father, that You have made it possible for me to keep my mind focused on You and Your righteousness. I thank You Father that I can be transformed by You and can renew my mind through Your holy and precious word. It is because of my Savior Jesus that I can pray in this way and I praise You for this blessing in His name, Amen.”

Days 3, 4, and 5 - Colossians 3:1-11 1. Biblical theologians have studied the doctrine of salvation and see it categorized in three ways for those who follow Christ: we have been justified (declared as innocent by the Judge who has all authority); we are being sanctified (set apart as God’s holy and chosen ones, Colossians 3:12 and equipped to be obedient to His will); and when we leave this earth to join our Lord in heaven we will be glorified (transformed into conformity with the body of Christ’s glory, Philippians 3:21). In Colossians 2:20-23, Paul is telling the church how they are NOT sanctified and then he follows (in Colossians 3) with teaching that addresses the sanctification of the believer. In the next three days you will study Colossians 3:1-11. There is a “paragraph” division beginning with verse 5, however, because the verse starts with the word “so” it is connected with the verses that came before it, and so we will keep the first eleven verses together in the next three days. Open by asking that the Holy Spirit would be within your spirit what God intends; the One who convicts of sin, righteousness, and the coming judgment. I pray that your faith would be increased by your time in the word. Begin with these observation questions. • Some place the first four verses of Colossians 3 with the last paragraph of Colossians 2 since verse one clearly ties into the end of Colossians 2. Read Colossians 2:20 and then Colossians 3:1. What was the contrast that Paul made at the beginning of these two verses and what did he write following his declarative statements? a. b. •

What did Paul command the church in Colossae to do in Colossians 3:2 and what was the reason Paul gave for this according to verse 3?

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Lesson 7

2.

•

Paul wrote an exhortation in verse 4. What is the promise that is made in verse 4?

•

In the literature of the Greek culture, philosophers wrote “vice lists” and “virtue lists” as part of their teaching. Paul incorporates this “style” into his writings, as he often lists positive character qualities and then contrasts these with negative behaviors or character qualities. Write out Paul’s “vice list” that is found in verses 5, 8, 9.

•

What is the warning that Paul gave in verse 6?

•

What truths did Paul declare about believers in verses 7, 9b, 10?

•

Read Colossians 3:11 and mediate on this verse. Put this amazing statement into a form that could communicate this truth to someone else. (You could paraphrase, draw a diagram or picture, or write a poem.)





2212 zeteo zeeteíte Colossians 3:1

(Keep) focusing, to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by Hebraism) to worship (God), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life): be (go) about, desire, endeavour, enquire (for), require, (will) seek KJV (after, for, means)

Matthew 6:33

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4202 porneia porneían Colossians 3:5

Sexual sins, harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry: fornication KJV. The English word “pornography” comes from this Greek word. Impurity, (the quality), physically or morally: uncleanness KJV. The “root” of this word means clean, and when the prefix “a” is added it makes the word mean the opposite. Passion, properly, suffering (“pathos”), i.e. (subjectively) a passion (especially concupiscence): (inordinate) affection KJV, lust Evil, worthless (intrinsically), i.e. (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious: bad, harm, ill, noisome, wicked Desire, a longing (especially for what is forbidden): concupiscence KJV, lust (after) Greed, avarice, i.e. (by implication) fraudulency, extortion: covetous (-ness) practices, greediness; covetousness KJV Idolatry, image-worship (literally or figuratively). Made up of the Greek words used for “idol” and “worship.” Wrath, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e. (by analogy,) violent passion (ire, or [justifiable] abhorrence); by implication punishment: anger, indignation, vengeance Disobedient, disbelief (obstinate and rebellious): disobedience KJV, unbelief

Ephesians 5:3

167 akatharsia akatharsían Colossians 3:5 3806 pathos páthos Colossians 3:5 2556 kakos kakeén Colossians 3:5 1939 epithumia epithumían Colossians 3:5 4124 pleonexia pleonexían Colossians 3:5 1495 eidololatreia eidoololatría Colossians 3:5 3709 orge orgeé Colossians 3:6 543 apeitheia apeitheías Colossians 3:6 3709 orge orgeén Colossians 3:8 2372 thumos thumón Colossians 3:8 2549 kakia kakían Colossians 3:8 988 blasphemia blaspheemían Colossians 3:8

Ephesians 4:19

Used three times in the New Testament. 1 Thessalonians 4:5 Titus 1:12 Ephesians 4:22 Ephesians 5:3

Galatians 5:20 Colossians 3:8

Ephesians 5:6

Anger, (see word study for “wrath” above)

Ephesians 4:31

Wrath, passion (as if breathing hard): fierceness, indignation

Ephesians 4:31

Malice, badness, i.e. (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity, or (passively) trouble: evil, malice (iousness), naughtiness, wickedness Slander, vilification (especially against God): blasphemy KJV, evil speaking, railing. The Greek word that has been transliterated in English as blasphemy.

Ephesians 4:31

1 Timothy 6:4

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148 aischrologia aischrologían Colossians 3:8 5574 pseudomai pseúdesthe Colossians 3:9 4234 praxis práxesin Colossians 3:9

Obscene language, vile conversation: filthy communication KJV

Hapax legomen.

Lie, to utter an untruth or attempt to deceive by falsehood: falsely

James 3:14

Practices, (concretely) an act; by extension, a function: deed KJV, office, work. This Greek word became the Latin word praxy meaning practice. Clothed, to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively): array, clothe (with), endue, have (put) on KJV Renewed, to renovate

Romans 8:13

1746 enduo endusámenoi Colossians 3:10 341 anakainoo anakainoúmenon Colossians 3:10 1504 eikon eikóna Colossians 3:10 2936 ktizo ktísantos Colossians 3:10 1672 Hellen Hélleen Colossians 3:11 915 barbaros bárbaros Colossians 3:11 4658 Skuthes Skúthees Colossians 3:11 1401 doulos doúlos Colossians 3:11 1658 eleutheros eleútheros Colossians 3:11

Colossians 3:12 Used twice in the New Testament. 2 Corinthians 4:16

Image, (see word study for “image” on page 38)

Colossians 1:15

Created, (see word study for “created” on page 37)

Colossians 1:16

Greek, a Hellen (Grecian) or inhabitant of Hellas; … a Greek-speaking person, especially a non-Jew: Gentile Barbarian, a foreigner (i.e. nonGreek): barbarian (-rous)

Galatians 3:28

Scythian, a Scythene, i.e. (by implication) a savage. From an area by the Caspian Sea, known as Siberia. Slave, (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency): bond KJV (-man), servant Free, unrestrained (to go at pleasure), i.e. (as a citizen) not a slave (whether freeborn or manumitted), or (genitive case) exempt (from obligation or liability): free (man, woman), at liberty

Hapax legomen.

Romans 1:14

Galatians 3:28

Galatians 3:28

3. In other letters, Paul wrote about our relationship with Christ that confirms his words in Colossians. Read these Scriptures to see how you have been united with Christ. a. Romans 6:5

b. Galatians 2:20

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Lesson 7 c. Ephesians 2:6; Ephesians 1:20

d. Romans 8:34

Psalm 110:1 is a verse that the early church used to claim the deity of Christ. Read Mark 12:35-37 to see how Jesus taught using this Psalm. (Matthew and Luke also wrote about this.) How did Jesus say that David wrote this verse in Psalm 110? What did David say about the Messiah in Psalm 110:1?

4. In Colossians 3:3, 4 Paul contrasts the words hidden and revealed. In Colossians 3:3, Paul used the phrase “your life is hidden with Christ” which is written in the passive voice. This means that this is something that happened to you, and you had nothing to do with being “hidden with Christ in God” as it was accomplished for you. Paul used the phrase “in Christ” 150 times in his letters and in this passage of Colossians Paul gives another explanation of what it means to be “in Christ.” Look at these Scriptures to see what is taught about our relationship with our Savior. a. John 14:6 b. John 11:25, 26

c. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44

d. 1 Peter 1:13

e. 1 John 2:28; 1 John 3:2

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Lesson 7 5. Paul presented similar teaching to the churches in Galatia concerning sin and righteousness. Please read Galatians 5:16-26 and answer these questions: a. How did Paul instruct the churches in Galatia and what was promised to them in Galatians 5:16?

b. What did Paul say about the Spirit and the flesh in verse 17?

c. How did Paul introduce the works or deeds of the flesh in verse 19? To this simple phrase I believe that Paul is saying at the beginning of verse 19 “Now the works of the flesh are obvious” … to the believer… Would you agree with that? How is that possible?

d. Read Galatians 5:19-21 and think about the warning Paul gave and the consequences that were promised in verse 21.

e. Now read Paul’s list of the nine fruit of the Spirit that provides evidence of a believer’s faith. What were Paul’s declarative statements in verses 24 and 25?

f. What was Paul’s instruction in Galatians 5:26 and how does that relate to the context of Galatians 5?

g. How does Paul’s writing to the churches in Galatia add to your understanding of Colossians 3:1-11?

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Lesson 7 h. Stop and ask God what He would have you “take away” from this portion of the lesson. Maybe you could write out a prayer to the Lord after you have quieted yourself before Him concerning His standard of righteousness and His will for your life.

6. In Colossians 3:6 Paul follows his list of “worldly impulses” with “It is because of these things that the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient.” If you look for places in the New Testament where the phrase “the wrath of God” is used you can have a fuller understanding of what Paul meant in verse 6. Look at these verses and answer the questions concerning the wrath of God. a. What did Paul say awaits the disobedient in Romans 2:5-8?

b. What did Paul say about the wrath of God in Romans 5:9?

c. What did Paul say about believers before they came to Christ in Ephesians 2:2?

d. What will take place in the future when Christ comes according to Revelation 19:15?

e. What awaits the disobedient according to Revelation 22:15?

7. I know many who have chosen to follow Christ and they are in fact the only believer in their family, so Colossians 3:7 has a special significance as they still live among those who are disobedient. This is difficult. Do you have prayer support to stand beside you in your daily battle? If you do not have someone you can turn to for prayer please stop and ask God 97

Lesson 7 to help you find a prayer partner that could encourage you with your circumstance. God designed His church that there would be community among His children, He did not intend that we fight the battle without support here on earth. I challenge you to not stop praying for someone who can support you as your prayer partner until you find someone who will make that commitment with you. 8. Paul presents a picture in Colossians 3:9, 10 to contrast the “old” with the “new.” In 2 Corinthians 5:17 Paul said “If anyone is in union with Christ, he is a new creation. What was old has disappeared, and now everything has become new!” What did Paul write to the church in Ephesus in Ephesians 4:22-25 that relates to Colossians 3:9, 10?

What did Paul ask of believers in Romans 12:1, 2?

9. The Apostle John wrote in 1 John 3:1-10 about the distinction between one who has accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and one who has not. Keep in mind what you have learned from Colossians 3:1-11 as you read from John’s epistle. “See what kind of love the Father has given us: We are actually called God’s children! And that’s what we are. For this reason the world doesn’t recognize us, because it didn’t recognize him either. Dear friends, now we are God’s children, but what we will be like hasn’t been revealed yet. We know that when Christ is revealed we will be like him, because we will see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him keeps himself pure, just as he is pure. Everyone who lives in sin also practices disobedience. In fact, sin is disobedience. You know that he was revealed to take away sins, and there isn’t any sin in him. No one who remains in him goes on sinning. The one who goes on sinning hasn’t seen him or known him. Little children, don’t let anyone deceive you. The person who practices righteousness is righteous, just as he is righteous. The person who practices sin belongs to the evil one, because the Devil has been sinning since the beginning. The reason that the Son of God was revealed was to destroy the works of the Devil. No one who has been born from God practices sin, because God’s seed remains in him. He is not able to go on sinning, because he has been born from God. This is how God’s children and the Devil’s children are distinguished. No person who fails to practice righteousness and to love his brother is from God,” ISV. Continued on the next page.

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Lesson 7 Does this passage from 1 John help you understand what Paul wrote? Please meditate on the issue of who has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. How would you explain this to someone else? Would you take some time to think about this and jot out your thoughts here?

Look at the commands Paul gave in Colossians 3:1, 2. In a practical sense what does it mean to focus on the things that are above? What “things” are “above”?

Can you focus on those things that are above when you turn to the world to relax, entertain, and/or stimulate your thinking? I realize that was a “yes or no” question! Can you ask God to help you think of ONE thing that is on the earth that prevents you from focusing on the things that are above in heaven? Would you be willing to “give up” one hour of that activity each week and instead focus on the Lord and His righteousness? In Colossians 2:20 and 3:3 Paul talked about believers who have died with Christ, and then in Colossians 3:5 Paul commands believers to “put to death your worldly impulses,” as this is something that is our responsibility. I just had a picture in my mind of a group of tombstones, each with the name of a “worldly impulse” engraved upon it. The tombstones include the date one chose to put that “worldly impulse” to death. Remember years ago when the initials R.I.P. were placed on tombstones? This desire that the deceased would “Rest In Peace” was sometimes not possible… Some of these “worldly impulses” might have been a part of your life for many years and so putting this to death would require a decided determination. For many, living out this decision would be difficult, but not impossible. As those who follow Christ we are no longer enslaved to sin and it has no power over us. However, habits take a while to break, and so with God’s help, your decision and determination make it possible to “put to death your worldly impulses.” Behavioral researchers have said that it takes a month for people to change, to either break away from a “bad” habit or to make a “new habit.” The conclusion then is that to not do something for thirty days changes one’s behavior. Adding something positive to your life for thirty days contributes to that becoming a part of the pattern of your life. What is different for those who follow Christ about changing your lifestyle? I just thought of Paul’s testimony to the church in Philippi when he wrote about his relationship with Christ and said in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” What truths from Scripture can you claim that will make a difference for you? Continued on the next page. 99

Lesson 7 Scriptural truth that I can claim to help me change:

Dr. Rick Durst said that when the enemy knows your weakness, he will continue to tempt you in that area. When the enemy sees that you are “serious” about not falling into that impulse any longer, he backs off because he recognizes that you have changed and will not give in to that temptation as you used to do. I have seen this take place in my own life, so hang in there, use the weapons that God has provided and trust in Him for your new life. To God be the glory! Praise God, Hallelujah, Amen! Look again at the “vice list” that Paul wrote in verses 5, 8, and 9b. Which of these would you need to put to death? Confess your sin before the Lord God Almighty. Draw a tombstone to represent this and then the obituary that could be proclaimed concerning this putting to death your old pattern of life.

What is your plan for having this “worldly impulse” remain dead?

The hymn “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” came to my mind as I was thinking of the many ways that God helps us. You might close by reading or singing these words as your own declaration of God’s faithfulness to you as His child. “O God, Our Help in Ages Past” O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home! Under the shadow of Thy throne still may we dwell secure; sufficient is Thine arm alone, and our defense is sure. Before the hills in order stood, or earth received her frame, from everlasting Thou art God, to endless years the same. A thousand ages, in Thy sight, are like an evening gone; short as the watch that ends the night, before the rising sun. O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, be Thou our guide while life shall last, and our eternal home. Amen. By Isaac Watts, and William Croft

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Lesson 8 – Colossians 3:12-25, Colossians 3 Review Introduction This week you will continue with Colossians 3 and on the last day review the chapter. As you study the “practical” portion of Paul’s epistle, I pray that these verses will be used by the Lord to teach, reprove, correct, and train you in His righteousness so that you may be complete and thoroughly equipped for every good work, (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). Did you memorize a verse of Scripture while you were working on Lesson 7? You can write out the verse or verses that you have been learning in this space. Remember it helps to “write out” as well as “speak out” the verse you are learning. The memory verse you worked on while doing Lesson 7:

Days 1 and 2 – Colossians 3:12-17 1. In this next passage of Colossians 3, Paul identified the believers and followed with a series of instructions as well as the reasons for obedience to these commands. Open in prayer asking the Lord to encourage, challenge, and convict you as you study this portion of Scripture and then read today’s passage and answer these observation questions. • How did Paul identify the believers in Colossians 3:12? After you have written out this phrase, stop and praise God for His faithfulness to you as His child. •

What are Paul’s instructions in Colossians 3:12, 14a? (These instructions will be discussed at the end of the lesson.)

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Why did Paul say believers are to put up with others and forgive each other in verse 13?

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What was Paul’s concluding comment in Colossians 3:14?

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What does it mean to be a follower of Christ according to Colossians 3:15?

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2.

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What was Paul’s instruction at the beginning of Colossians 3:16 and what does this mean within the body of Christ according to the remaining of the sentence?

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What is to be the attitude of our hearts when we come together according to the last phrase of verse 16?

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Please mediate on the truth of Colossians 3:17 and then stop and spend some time putting this into your own words.

Please examine these word studies of these key words that relate to Colossians 3.




1588 eklektos eklektoí Colossians 3:12 40 hagios hágioi Colossians 3:12

Chosen, select; by implication, favorite: elect KJV

1 Peter 2:9

Holy, sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated): (most) holy (one, thing), saint Loved, to love (in a social or moral sense): (be-) love (-ed); beloved KJV; unconditional, sacrificial love Clothe, (see word study for “clothed” on page 94)

1 Peter 2:9

25 agapao eegapeeménoi Colossians 3:12 1746 enduo endúsasthe

Colossians 3:19 Colossians 3:10

Colossians 3:12 3628 oiktirmos oiktirmoú Colossians 3:12 5544 chrestotes chreestóteeta Colossians 3:12 5012 tapeinophrosune tapeinophrosúneen Colossians 3:12 34

Compassion, pity: mercy (ies) KJV. “A feeling of distress through the ills of others, used of God’s compassion.”34 Kindness, usefulness, i.e. moral excellence (in character or demeanor): gentleness, good (-ness) Humility, humbleness of mind KJV, (see the word study for “humility” on page 79)

Hebrews 10:28 Titus 3:4 Colossians 2:18, 23

W. E. Vine, Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, Old Tappan, NJ, Fleming H. Revell Co., 1981, 218. 102




4236 praiotes prauteta

Meekness, gentleness: by implication humility

Galatians 6:1

Patience, (see word study for “endure” on page 26)

Colossians 1:11

Put up with, to hold oneself up against, i.e. (figuratively): bear with, endure, forbear (-ing) KJV, suffer One another, each other, mutual, (the other), (them-, your-) selves, (selves) together Forgiving, to grant as a favor, i.e. gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue: deliver, (freely give), grant Lord, supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Mr. (as a respectful title): God, master, Sir Unity, (the state) completeness (mentally or morally): perfection (ness); perfectness KJV Peace, (see word study for “peace” on page 18)

Hebrews 13:22

Rule, to arbitrate, i.e. to govern (figuratively, prevail)

Hapax legomen.

Riches, copiously: abundantly, richly KJV

Titus 3:6

Psalms, a set piece of music, i.e. a sacred ode (accompanied with the voice, harp or other instrument; a “psalm”); … the book of the Psalms Hymns, a “hymn” or religious ode (one of the Psalms)

Ephesians 5:19

Colossians 3:12 3115 makrothumia makrothumían Colossians 3:12 430 anechomai anechómenoi Colossians 3:13 240 allelon alleéloon Colossians 3:13 5483 charizomai charizomenoi Colossians 3:13 2962 kurios Kúrios Colossians 3:13 5047 teleiotes teleióteetos Colossians 3:14 1515 eirene eireénee Colossians 3:15 1018 brabeuo brabeuétoo Colossians 3:15 4146 plousios plousíoos Colossians 3:16 5568 psalmos psalmoís Colossians 3:16 5215 humnos húmnois Colossians 3:16 4152 pneumatikos pneumatikaís Colossians 3:16 5603 oide oodaís Colossians 3:16 103 aido ádontes Colossians 3:16

Spiritual, non-carnal, … or (daemoniacally) a spirit … or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religious Songs, a chant or “ode” (the general term for any words sung; brew cantillation) Singing, a primary verb; to sing

Colossians 3:9 Ephesians 4:32 Matthew 7:21 Hebrews 6:1 Colossians 1:2

Used twice in the New Testament. Ephesians 5:19 Ephesians 5:19

Ephesians 5:19 Ephesians 5:19

3. What does it mean to be one of God’s chosen ones? To the nation of Israel at the time of Christ it meant to be a descendant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and of one of the 103

Lesson 8 twelve tribes of Israel. Israel was a nation set apart by God among all the nations of the world. The Lord revealed to the Apostle Peter in Acts 10 that there was no longer any partiality among people, because “the person who fears Him and does what is right is acceptable to Him in any nation,” Acts 10:35. What does Peter say about being chosen in 1 Peter 2:9, and what is the privilege of those who follow Christ according to this verse?

What did Paul say about a believer’s relationship with God in Romans 8:14-17?

4. The word that Paul used for forgiving (in verse 13) is based on the Greek word used for “grace.” As God has extended His grace to us, we are to extend grace to others. What a powerful reminder Paul gave. “Anyone can hold grudges, but the mark of Christians is that they do not.”35 Paul wrote in Romans 15:7, “Therefore, accept one another just as Christ accepted you, for the glory of God.” Living in this way, for the glory of God, means that your love and acceptance of people will cause others to see God’s character revealed in you. Read the instruction that Paul gave to the church in Ephesus in Ephesians 4:32. Look at the context of verse 32 by reading verses 29 through 5:2. How does Paul say believers are to relate to one another and why?

Putting up with one another and forgiving each other does not mean that you ignore a wrong someone has committed. Read Colossians 3:16 and see what Paul said about how believers are to relate to others. Paul used the same word for admonish in Colossians 1:28 as he used in Colossians 3:16. The word (noutheteo #3560) means to caution or reprove gently or warn. When we study verse 16, we will come back to verse 13. 5. In Colossians 3:15 we are told to “Let the peace of Christ also rule in your heart.” What is the “peace of Christ”? Look at Jesus’ words that He shared with His disciples. What do these verses say about the peace of Christ? a. John 14:27

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Lesson 8 b. John 16:33

c. John 20:19-21

Does Christ’s peace rule your heart or does something else? Stop and think about this for a while. Years ago I realized I was a worrier by nature, and was so convicted that my faith needed a new direction. Believing in God’s word is one thing, but living by God’s word is another. What do you need to “do” so that the peace of Christ actually rules your heart?

6. Paul said believers are to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you…” What does that mean? The Apostle John said of Jesus “The Word became flesh and lived among us. We gazed on His glory, the kind of glory that belongs to the Father’s unique Son, full of grace and truth,” John 1:14 Some translations use the word dwelt for Jesus’ place while He was on the earth, as Jesus came and dwelt among us. How often does your mind dwell on Jesus? What does your mind dwell upon? If it is what you read or hear in the news it is probably certain that your mind has anxious thoughts. If it is the murder/mystery show that the media presents, those stories might “haunt” your mind. If it is your own troubles or those of a loved one, that sorrow can easily consume your thinking. Take the time to write out some truths of Scripture and as you do, read the words out loud. a. Colossians 3:1, 2

b. Colossians 3:15, 16a

c. Philippians 4:6-8

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Lesson 8 These instructions are not just words the Apostle Paul strung together. They are powerful and God breathed to transform you and renew your mind. What are you going to do about these commands?

7. Look back at Colossians 2:16 for a reminder of Paul’s teaching concerning the sanctification of those who follow Christ. Some have interpreted this as Paul’s concern for the timing of one’s worship. The Jewish faith worshipped God at the temple and they received instruction in the “neighborhood” synagogue. The weekly synagogue gathering included the singing of the psalms, as the Hebrew Scriptures were “completed” nearly three hundred years before Christ came, so the psalms were well known to the church. The early Christian church gathered together “day by day” according to Acts 2:46. Read Acts 2:42-47 to see how the church celebrated their faith in Christ.

Paul was concerned with “corporate” worship in this portion of his letter. Look back at Colossians 1:28, 29 to see Paul’s testimony of his role in the body of Christ. In Paul’s letter to the church in Rome he wrote, “I am convinced, my brothers, that you, too, are filled with goodness and full of all the knowledge you need to be able to instruct each other,” Romans 15:14. The word “instruct” is the some word translated as admonishing in Colossians 3:16. What did Paul ask of the church in Colossians 3:16?

In the Jewish synagogue, only the leaders had Scripture available to them. When people came together they “heard” Scripture and thereby remembered the words. A perfect example of this is to read Mary’s response to her news of the coming incarnation of the Messiah within her. Read Luke 1:46-55 to see Mary’s knowledge of sacred Scripture. If you have a concordance in your Bible, look at the number of places Mary “quoted” in her response, including Genesis, 1 Samuel, Job, (many) Psalms, and Habakkuk. Mary’s words have been set to music by many talented musicians. How do you respond to Mary’s words?

Research has shown that when someone sets words to a melody of music, both sides of the brain are involved and the message of the words penetrates the mind. This is why many have put Scripture to song, as a means of remembering God’s truth. I saw this in my dear Mother’s life as she battled the effects of a cancerous tumor in her brain and lost the ability to speak and think abstractly. While she was recovering from surgery, a dear couple came to the convalescent home on a Sunday morning and led a time of worship with older hymns. My Mother sang every verse of several hymns, remembering the words she had known for over fifty years even though she could no longer carry on a 106

Lesson 8 conversation. This was so precious, and evidence of my Mother’s strong faith and decades of worshipping our Lord through song. How can you guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus?

8. In Isaiah 61:10 Isaiah recorded his testimony; “I will rejoice greatly in the LORD, my soul will exult in my God; for He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” Is the “old man” truly stripped off from you? Please go back to Colossians 3:5 and read through verse 14. God did not mean that we are to place His robe of righteousness over the abominable sinful behaviors of our flesh. These patterns of our flesh are to be stripped off. What do people “see” in you when they spend time with you? In this section of the lesson we will look at the six qualities Paul shared in Colossians 3:12, 14a. The way Paul wrote these instructions there are no exceptions to his teaching. Are you a compassionate person? I think one thing that helps me be more compassionate is that I have chosen to have the mind of Christ toward other people. Another thing that helps me is to meditate on God’s compassion toward me as His child. John 3:16 tells us that God loves us so much that He sent His only beloved Son so that whoever believes in Christ will have eternal life. Moses told Israel before they entered the Promised Land that “the LORD your God is a compassionate God; He will not fail you nor destroy you nor forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them,” NASB. Jeremiah wrote in Lamentations 3:22, “The LORD’s gracious love is the reason we are not consumed, since His compassions do not fail,” ISV. Israel was reminded of God’s compassion many times throughout Scripture and in the New Testament believers are told that they are to be compassionate. A friend of mine told me that she did not have the “spiritual gift” of mercy and admitted that she was not very compassionate toward others. The command given by Paul does not depend on one’s spiritual gift. God enables His children to be obedient to His word, and I am convinced that if you ask God to help you be more compassionate, He will answer that prayer, he has for my friend! If you are compassionate toward others you will show this by being kind (useful), humble (as all humanity is created in Christ’s image), meek (gentle in spirit), and patient toward others who are different from you and perhaps not meeting your expectations. As you think about the following questions begin by deciding what you think is the opposite of each of these qualities and then answer the questions that follow. What is the opposite of compassion? Are you typically compassionate toward others? How have you shown compassion toward someone in this past week or in this past month?


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Lesson 8 What is the opposite of kindness? Are you typically kind toward others? How have you shown kindness to someone who was not able to reciprocate?

What is the opposite of humility? Do you have a humble heart? What evidence is there of your heart being humble?

What is the opposite of meekness? Would you be called “meek”? What evidence is there of your heart being meek toward others?

What is the opposite of being patient toward others? Are you typically patient toward others? Give an example of how you show patience toward other people.

What is the opposite of love? Are you loving toward other people? Give an example of how you showed love toward someone this week.

Read Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:11-16 to see how he relates love and unity in this passage. What impact will this have upon the body of Christ?

What does it mean to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus? Read what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10:31 as this relates to Paul’s teaching in Colossians 3:17.

I have prayed some of the truths Paul wrote in the passage we have just studied. My prayer was “Father I thank You that You have chosen me and that because of Christ I am considered holy and loved by You. I ask You Father to let my life make known Continued on the next page. 108

Lesson 8 compassion toward others and that I would be kind. I ask that I would relate to You and those You bring into my life in humility, gentleness, and patience. I thank You Father that since my old self has died with Christ I can live for You, as I am now alive in Christ.” A hymn that expresses a personal desire of my heart is “May the Mind of Christ Our Savior.” Close by reading or singing the words of this beautiful hymn. “May the Mind of Christ Our Savior” May the mind of Christ our Savior live in me from day to day, by His love and pow’r controlling all I do and say. May the Word of God dwell richly in my heart from hour to hour, so that all may see I triumph only thru His pow’r. May the peace of God my Father rule my life in ev’rything, that I may be calm to comfort sick and sorrowing. By Kate B. Wilkinson and A. Cyril Barham-Gould

Days 3 and 4 – Colossians 3:18-25 1. Paul continues with his practical teaching in the last paragraphs of Colossians 3. Open in prayer asking the Lord to make these instructions come alive to you so that you might see how these words can be applied to your own life today. Begin with these observation questions. • What was asked of wives in Colossians 3:18 and why?

•

What did Paul say was to be the pattern of a husband’s life?

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Paul knew that when his letter to the church was read the children would be present and so he included an instruction for them. What is asked of children and why?

•

What did Paul ask of fathers in verse 21 and what reason did Paul give?

•

One cultural reality in the first century was the number of people who were indentured as slaves. It has been said that at one point in the first century over 20% of the world’s population were slaves, and in the city of Rome the number reached as high as 30%. In the early Christian church slaves were a part of the congregations that assembled together. What did Paul say to slaves about their behavior?

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2.

•

How did Paul exhort slaves in the church in Colossae according to verse 24?

•

What was Paul’s warning for slaves in verse 25 and how would Paul’s last statement affect those who were slaves?





5293 hupotasso hupotássesthe Colossians 3:18

Submit yourselves, to subordinate; reflexively, to obey: be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under) Love, (see the word study for “loved” on page 102)

Ephesians 5:21, 22

Harsh, to embitter (literally or figuratively): be (make) bitter KJV

Used four times in the New Testament. Revelation 10:9, 10

Obey, to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e. to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority: hearken, be obedient to Pleasing, fully agreeable: acceptable (-ted), well pleasing KJV

Ephesians 6:1

Resentful, to stimulate (especially to anger): provoke KJV

Used twice in the New Testament. 2 Corinthians 9:2

Discouraged, to be spiritless, i.e. disheartened: be dismayed

Hapax legomen.

Masters, (see word study for “Lord” on page 103)

Ephesians 6:5, 6

Please, man-courting, i.e. fawning: men-pleaser KJV

Used twice in the New Testament. Ephesians 6:6

Sincere, i.e. (subjectively) sincerity (without dissimulation or self-seeking), or (objectively) generosity (copious bestowal): bountifulness, liberal (-ity), simplicity, singleness KJV

Ephesians 6:5

25 agapao agapáte Colossians 3:19 4087 pikraino pikraínesthe Colossians 3:19 5219 hupakouo hupakoúete Colossians 3:20 2101 euarestos euárestón Colossians 3:20 2042 erethizo erethízete Colossians 3:21 120 athumeo athumoósin Colossians 3:21 2962 kurios kuríois Colossians 3:22 441 anthropareskos

anthroopáreskoi Colossians 3:22 572 haplotes haplóteeti Colossians 3:22

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Colossians 3:12

Ephesians 5:10




5399 phobeo phoboúmenoi Colossians 3:22

Fearing, to frighten, i.e. (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. revere: be (+sore) afraid, fear (exceedingly), reverence Work, to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with, etc.: commit, do KJV, labor for, minister about, trade (by) Wholeheartedly, breath, i.e. (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely, … heart (+-ily), life, mind, soul, us, you Reward, requital (properly, the act)

Hebrews 13:6

Serving, to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary): be in bondage, (do) serve (-ice) Does what is wrong, to be unjust, i.e. (actively) do wrong (morally, socially or physically): hurt, injure, be an offender, be unjust, … Favoritism, partiality, respect of persons KJV

Titus 3:3

2038 ergazomai ergázesthe Colossians 3:23 5590 psuche psucheés Colossians 3:23 469 antapodosis antapódosin Colossians 3:24 1398 douleuo douleúete Colossians 3:24 91 adikeo adikoón Colossians 3:25 4382 prosopolepsia prosoopoleempsía Colossians 3:25

Ephesians 4:28

Philippians 1:27

Hapax legomen.

Philemon 18

James 2:1

3. In the creation account (in Genesis 2:18) God said “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.” When some women read Paul’s instruction to wives in Colossians 3:18 they find it is VERY difficult. Read verses 18 and 19 together and then read Ephesians 5:15-33. What instructions did Paul give to the church in Ephesus that you do not find in his letter to the church in Colossae? a. Instructions to wives: b. Instructions to husbands:

Read what Peter wrote in 1 Peter 3:1-7 that is directed to wives and husbands. a. Instructions to wives: b. Instructions to husbands:

Paul wrote to Titus concerning women in the church in Titus 2:3-5. What did Paul say about marriage in this passage?

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Lesson 8 Please stop and think about what you have learned about marriage from the passages you just studied. How would you summarize the teaching that you have looked at from Colossians, Ephesians, 1 Peter, and Titus?

4. Israel was given the Ten Commandments after they left Egypt. Read the commandment in Exodus 20:12 that relates to what Paul said in Colossians 3:20. Write what God told His people.

Another place in Scripture that addresses the relationship that parents were to have with their children is in Deuteronomy 6:7. Read this verse in its context to see how God commanded adults to live, what they were to teach their children, and why this was so important. a. How adults were to live:

b. What specific instructions adults were to teach their children:

c. Why obedience to these commands was important:

What did Paul teach in Ephesians 6:4 that relates to Colossians 3:21?

5. None of the writers of the New Testament said that Christians should “do away” with slavery. Many have wondered why this is not taught in Scripture. The truth is that the Roman Empire was based upon the institution of slavery, and for Christianity to call for 112

Lesson 8 slavery to be abolished would have caused chaos throughout the Empire. Christianity teaches that individuals can be transformed to live by God’s righteousness, and when this takes place, society will most certainly be affected. Look at these Scriptures to see what the New Testament says to slaves. Instructions for slaves: Ephesians 6:5, 6

1 Timothy 6:1, 2

Titus 2:9, 10

1 Peter 2:18-20

How would you summarize the teaching to slaves from the passages you read? How were slaves to live and why?

In Colossians 4:1 Paul gave an instruction to those who were the masters of slaves. We will study that in Lesson 9. 6. Read 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 to see how believers were to conduct their lives as followers of Christ. What does Paul say about slavery and one’s relationship with Christ in this passage?


Lesson 8 As you complete the last section of Colossians 3, please look back at verse 17 and after reading what that says look at page 102 where you were asked to put the verse into your own words, by paraphrasing its message. Paul’s instruction includes everything you say and everything you do. Then Paul said that those who follow Jesus are to do everything in His name. What does that mean? Look at some verses that can help us understand this message. a. Matthew 28:16-20

b. John 14:26

c. Luke 10:17 Now look at Colossians 1:12-14 and Colossians 3:23 and incorporate these truths into a concluding statement about what it means to do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.

How do the instructions in Colossians 3:17 relate to the instructions that were given in verses 18-25?

What do the instructions in verse 17 say to you today?

Close by singing the song “Cleanse Me” as your closing act of worship before the Lord. Allow these words to become your prayer of commitment. “Cleanse Me” Search me, O God, and know my heart today; try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray. See if there be some wicked way in me; cleanse me from ev’ry sin and set me free. Lord, take my life and make it wholly Thine; fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine. Take all my will, my passion, self and pride; I now surrender, Lord in me abide. O Holy Ghost, revival comes from Thee; send a revival – start the work in me. Thy word declares Thou wilt supply our need; for blessings now, O Lord, I humbly plead. By J. Edwin Orr 114

Lesson 8

Day 5 - Colossians 3 Review 1. As you begin your review of Colossians 3, ask the Lord to help you go through the chapter looking for the themes that were addressed by Paul. Before you begin pray and then approach this part of the lesson, trusting that God will bless you for the time you spend with Him. Start by reading Colossians 3 again and then determine the five key words in the chapter and then list these here.

2. Now reflect back on the message in each paragraph of Colossians 3. Using some of the key words in the chapter, and especially the five words you chose, you will now consider a theme for each of the paragraphs you studied in Colossians 3. It might help to write out several summary statements for each section, and then try to limit your statement to no more than five words. List these statements here as well as on the chart in the Appendix, the Theme and Title Chart in the section for the Chapter 3 Summary Statements. Paragraph Summary Statements for Colossians 3 Colossians 3:1-4

Colossians 3:5-11

Colossians 3:12-17

Colossians 3:18, 19

Colossians 3:20, 21

Colossians 3:22-25

3. The next part of the lesson is to ask God to show you the theme for Colossians 3 based on the main points of each paragraph. Is there one theme that the separate paragraph themes would “fit” under? Sometimes you can take some of the key words from the paragraph themes and write those into a theme or title for the entire chapter. Another reminder: Take the time to pray and ask for the Lord’s help with this part of the lesson! List your summary statements and title for Colossians 3 on the Theme and Title Chart in the Appendix. List your title for Colossians 3 here.

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Lesson 8 Look back at your key words for Colossians 3. Are at least two of these key words in your chapter title? 4. Meditate on the theme and title you chose for Colossians 3. How can you make this truth the pattern for your life?

I thank God for His faithfulness to each of His dear children and for the MANY ways He helps us. May our hearts be wholly His and may our every word and action bring our Savior honor and glory. I do not want to forget the sacrifice of our Lord on my behalf, and desire to continue to grow in my faith and be faithful to Him. “I Am Thine, O Lord” I am Thine, O Lord - I have heard Thy voice, and it told Thy love to me; but I long to rise in the arms of faith and be closer drawn to Thee. Chorus: Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, to the cross where Thou hast died; draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, to Thy precious, bleeding side. Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord, by the pow’r of grace divine; let my soul look up with a steadfast hope and my will be lost in Thine. Chorus: By Fannie J. Crosby and William H. Doane

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Lesson 9 – Colossians 4, Colossians 4 Review, Colossians Review Introduction In this last week of the study of Colossians you will study Colossians 4, review the chapter, and then review the entire book of Colossians. To finish a study you are required to look back at the entire book that has been studied, and determine the title for the epistle. When you “do” this with only the help of the Holy Spirit, you will remember the theme or title because you have worked to get to that place of summarizing the message of the book. I thank the Lord for His gift to us and through His faithfulness we can continue to grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Did you memorize a verse of Scripture while you were working on Lesson 8? You can write out the verse or verses that you have been learning in this space. Remember it helps to “write out” as well as “speak out” the verse you are learning. The memory verse you worked on while doing Lesson 8:

Day 1 - Colossians 4, Comprehensive Chapter Study 1. In today’s lesson you will begin the observation of Colossians 4 by completing the Comprehensive Chapter Study. Open in prayer asking for the Holy Spirit’s help as Christ promised His followers that the Holy Spirit would help us and guide us into the truth. • Read through Colossians 4 paying attention to the key words in the chapter. You can refer to the Appendix pages 140, 141, 143 for help with the inductive observation process. When the key words are removed they leave the text without clear meaning. Key words are essential to the text, because they reveal the message of the text, and form the basis for studying specific doctrinal truths. The key words also reveal the subjects in the passage, and these subjects then reveal the themes of the text. As you begin the observation process, mark the key words in a consistent way. Now look at your marking in the chapter and decide the ten most important words in Colossians 4, and then list these key words here.

•

As you read Colossians 4, you can also look for contrasts and comparisons that were used. Refer to Appendix pages 141 and 143 and then write the contrasts and comparisons in the space provided, or mark your Scripture Work Sheets in some way to show these. You might circle the words or phrases that have been contrasted or compared and then draw arrows between them. After marking the Scripture Work 117

Lesson 9 Sheets, write these out. This will help you see these important truths at the beginning of the observation process. Contrasts (to show differences Comparisons (to show similarities and or opposites) connections, often using the words as or like)

2. As you continue with the observation process, you will be looking for the purpose of the book of Colossians, by looking at how Paul communicated through declarative statements, instructions, exhortations, warnings, and admonitions. Ask the Lord to help you with this so that you might see Paul’s message in Colossians 4. Remember that the Bible includes declarative statements that consist of the straightforward teaching of doctrinal truths, or perhaps historical narrative, as found in the Gospels and the book of Acts. Declarative statements are common in the New Testament. Examples of declarative statements appear in Colossians 4:1b, 3b, 4, 7-10a, b, 11, 12a, 18a as they would be considered to be truths to inform the believer. Since there are many of these declarative statements in Colossians, you might mark the number of the verse in some way, with a colored line or circle, or by putting the verse or paragraph in brackets, < >, to help differentiate these declarative statements from other verses. I write in the left hand margin the means the author used to communicate. You will be learning about this as you move through the study of Colossians. Remember that this is to help you “see” the purpose for the book, so be patient. The word exhortation comes from the word exhort which was used in the New Testament to mean coming alongside of someone, reminding them of God’s truth, and perhaps urging them to be obedient to the word of God. Exhortations might also be stated in the form of something that is promised from God. Exhortations are also personal in nature, sometimes introduced with the word “you,” or when the author includes himself “us.” Colossians 4:12b, 13, 18c are written as words to exhort. Read these verses and think about how they would exhort the recipients of the letter from Paul. Mark these exhortations in some way. Now look at the instructions Paul wrote in Colossians 4. Remember that instructions were written as commands, where the author tells the recipient or recipients to “do something,” and sometimes the author included himself in the instruction by saying “Let us…” Sometimes in a narrative passage of Scripture an instruction is given to someone. Read Colossians 4:1a, 2, 3a, 5, 6b, 10c, 15-17, 18b to see the instructions that gave. Some “clues” for finding instructions would be sentences that use the words “must” or “let.” Mark the instructions you find in Colossians 4. Another “hint” is that the pattern for Paul’s writing is that the last half of his letters is where he included instructions to his audience. 3. Look for terms of expression that help you understand time, with words like “now, then, later,” etc. and mark these in a consistent way. Another means of understanding language is to examine the way verbs are used in writing. A simple explanation of verbs is that they are words that express action or the state of being, and they relate the words communicated within a framework of time. Verbs communicate that something is happening at the moment, or has happened in the past, or will 118

Lesson 9 happen in the future. (The verbs in the preceding sentence are in italics.) Verbs can also announce that an event has already taken place and the results of that event are continuing at the present time. Please take the time to read Colossians 4 looking for the different verb tenses that were used, noting in the left hand margin references to the future, the present, or the past. This can add another dimension to your study, not because you will be studying verbs, but this will help you see what God has done in the past, what He is doing in your life today, as well as show you what the future holds. 4. Mark words that express conclusion or show results or purpose with words like “for,” “for this reason,” “so that,” and “because.” Words that express conclusion are important to note because they show why the author wrote what he wrote and help you see the promises or consequences that will come. 5. As you worked on the Comprehensive Chapter Study, did the Holy Spirit bring conviction to your heart concerning something in Colossians 4? How has this portion of Scripture ministered to you today?

A Memorization Challenge! Please choose a verse from Colossians 4 and read the verse several times to help you remember the wording. Write the verse out on a three by five inch card and carry the card with you this week as a reminder of your desire to hide God’s word in your heart. Now please close by praying through the verse or verses you have chosen and make it very personal to your life and where you are today. My verses are Colossians 4:2-4 “Father I sincerely want to devote myself to prayer and be alert when I pray with a thankful heart. Lord, I ask that You help me pray for those in ministry to be able to find open doors when they go out to share the truth of Christ. May each of Your children reveal the gospel message as clearly as possible. In the holy name of Jesus I pray, Amen.”

Day 2 - Colossians 4:1-6 1. Some have questioned the chapter division between Colossians 3 and 4, because the first verse of Colossians 4 begins with an instruction for those who are the masters of slaves and the last verses of Colossians 3 are instructions for those who were slaves. When Paul wrote his letter it was without chapter divisions as those were added years later. As you open your time in the word today ask the Lord that the message in these six verses would make a difference in your life. Begin with the observation questions. • What did Paul ask of those who were the masters of slaves and what did Paul say should motivate these individuals?

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2.

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What did Paul ask of the church concerning prayer in verse 2?

•

How did Paul ask the church to pray for Timothy and himself?

•

What was Paul’s concern about outsiders?

•

What was Paul’s concern about the church members’ speech and why?





1342 dikaios díkaion Colossians 4:1 2471 isotes isóteeta

Justice, equitable (in character or act); … innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively): just KJV, … right (-eous) Fairness, likeness (in condition or proportion); by implication, equity: equal (-ity); equal KJV Devote, to be earnest toward, … to persevere, be constantly diligent, … attend (give self) continually, continue (in, … with) wait on (continually) Alert, to keep awake, i.e. watch (literally or figuratively): be vigilant, wake, (be) watch (-ful) KJV Prayer, (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel): pray earnestly

Hebrews 10:38

Colossians 4:1 4342 proskartereo proskartereite Colossians 4:2 1127 gregoreuo greegoroúntes

Colossians 4:2 4335 proseuche proseucheé Colossians 4:2 4336 proseuchomai

proseuchómenoi Colossians 4:3 4678 sophia sophía Colossians 4:5 1854 exo éxoo Colossians 4:5 5485 charis cháriti Colossians 4:6 120

Used twice in the New Testament. 2 Corinthians 8:14 Acts 2:42

1 Peter 5:8 Colossians 4:12

Pray, (see word study for “praying” on page 19)

Colossians 1:3, 9

Wisely ISV, wisdom KJV, (see word study for “wisdom” on page 25)

James 3:13, 15, 17

Outsiders, out (-side, of doors), literally or figuratively: away, forth, (with-) out KJV (of, -ward), strange Gracious, (see word study for “grace” on page 18)

1 Corinthians 5:13 Colossians 4:18

Lesson 9 3. Look back at the paragraph that comes before Colossians 4 and read Colossians 3:2225 and then Colossians 4:1. While verses 22 through 25 present Paul’s teaching (instructions, exhortations, and warning) for slaves, what did Paul say that would also apply to the masters of slaves?

Now look at Ephesians 6:9 to see the instructions that Paul gave to masters regarding their slaves.

4. In Colossians 4:2-4, Paul taught concerning prayer and the place of prayer in evangelism. Read what Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 that reveals his heart and his concern. Meditate on Paul’s teaching in 2 Corinthians and how this could relate to his request for prayer by the church.

James 5:13-18 teaches about the importance of prayer. James was writing to Jewish believers who were scattered because of the persecution of Christians in the first century. James challenged the church to pray in James 1:5-8 as well as at the end of his letter. James’ example in James 5 pointed the recipients of his letter to think about the ministry of Elijah who served as a prophet during the ungodly reign of King Ahab in the northern kingdom of Israel. In 1 Kings 17 and 18 we learn of circumstances in Elijah’s life at a time when God revealed His power to “hold back” life sustaining rain, and the battle that took place on Mt. Carmel between the 850 prophets of Baal and the prophet Elijah who represented the Lord God Almighty. God revealed Himself to all of Israel through the events in 1 Kings 17 and 18. James’ writing in James 5:16-18 was a reminder of what had taken place centuries earlier. If you have the time to read the 1 Kings’ passage, allow these chapters to encourage your heart. (As you read this, keep in mind that King Ahab’s ungodly wife Jezebel was from Sidon.) How did God make Himself known to the people of northern Israel?

God still reigns as all powerful and as we have learned in Colossians 1:17, Christ “holds all things together” here on the earth. While we know that our God is greater than the enemy who continually accuses and deceives all of God’s children, we are in a battle here on 121

Lesson 9 earth. Do you face this spiritual battle with prayer as a warrior, knowing that you are equipped to fight this battle? We can share of God’s faithfulness and His love with those who do not know Him. The battles that God ordains for our life probably will not be as obvious as the battle that Elijah waged on Mt Carmel, but I know that God can use the circumstances of our lives to help others see Him more clearly. 5. Read Colossians 4:2-4 again and ask God who He would want you to pray for today. I challenge you to stop and pray for two believers and yourself right now. First pray for a missionary or missionary organization that you know. Secondly, pray for your pastor. Lastly pray for yourself using Colossians 4:2-4 as your model for intercession and prayer. Name those for whom you prayed: Will you pray for these two every day for the next week? The Greek word used for devote in Colossians 4:2 (gregoreuo) was the word chosen by many Christian parents in the first centuries of the early church for their son’s name. The word Gregory became a name for someone devoted to guarding themselves and the gospel in the world. Quite a number of church leaders had the name Gregory. Read the narrative account of Jesus’ time of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane where He used a form of the same word gregoreuo in Matthew 26:40. What was Jesus’ instruction to His disciples in this passage? (The context is Matthew 26:36-45.) What did Jesus say “gets in the way” of being on guard?

What is the message that God has for you concerning prayer and being devoted to prayer?

What should you do about this message?

Do you long to be in fellowship with your Savior, Jesus? You might read or sing the song “Draw Me Nearer” in closing, knowing that what draws us nearer to our Lord is spending time with Him in His word and in prayer. Continued on the next page. 122

Lesson 9 “Draw Me Nearer” I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice, and it told Thy love to me; but I long to rise in the arms of faith, and be closer drawn to Thee. Refrain: Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, to the cross where Thou hast died; draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, to Thy precious, bleeding side. Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord, by the power of grace divine; let my soul look up with a steadfast hope, and my will be lost in Thine. Refrain: Oh, the pure delight of a single hour that before Thy throne I spend; when I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God I commune as friend with friend! Refrain: There are depths of love that I cannot know till I cross the narrow sea; there are heights of joy that I may not reach till I rest in peace with Thee. Refrain: By Fannie J. Crosby and William H. Doane

Day 3 - Colossians 4:7-18 1. In Colossians 4:6 Paul said that those who follow Christ are to let their “speech be gracious, seasoned with salt.” Jesus told His disciples in the Sermon on the Mount that they were the “salt of the earth” and then He warned His followers to not lose this quality, in Matthew 5:13. Mark 9:50 records Jesus’ instructions as He told His disciples that we are to have salt in ourselves and “be at peace with one another.” In the ancient world salt was used as a preservative and it also added flavor and seasoning to foods. In classical Greek writings “salty speech” was known as “joyful, witty, and life giving.” In studying the last paragraphs of Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae I thought of how Paul communicated with grace and “salt” to the church. Keep this in mind as you read through Colossians 4:7-18 and after you have opened with prayer, answer the observation questions. • What do you learn about Tychicus from Paul’s letter?

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Who was Onesimus according to Paul?

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What do you learn about the character of the Jewish believers who were with Paul according to Colossians 4:10, 11?

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How do you respond personally to Paul’s words about Epaphras?

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Lesson 9 2. Most biblical scholars believe that the Tychicus mentioned in Colossians 4:7, 8 is the same Tychicus mentioned in the book of Ephesians. Look at Paul’s description of Tychicus in Ephesians 6:21, 22 and the reasons Paul gave for Tychicus coming to their church. What information do you find in the Ephesians passage that is not mentioned in Colossians 4:7, 8?

3. At the same time that Paul sent his letter to the church in Colossae, he also sent a “personal” letter to Philemon. Please read Paul’s letter to Philemon to learn what he said about Onesimus. What do you learn about Onesimus in the book of Philemon?

What do you learn about the calling for those who follow after Christ from the book of Philemon?

4. When you look at the Greek word charis, often translated simply as grace, you see the heart of God toward His children. God’s grace shows His love, acceptance, and favor upon those who receive His gift of salvation through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ. Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:8, 9 that it is by grace that we are saved and not of our own works so that we would not boast about our own efforts. As God’s grace is upon His children, we are to extend His grace to those He places in our lives. One way we can extend grace to others is to understand biblical encouragement. What does it mean to encourage someone in a biblical sense? I think we are presented a picture of biblical encouragement in Hebrews 10:19-25. What does this passage say that our faith is based upon, and what are we called to do?

How do you see Paul modeling biblical encouragement in Colossians 4:7-18?


Lesson 9 How did Paul’s letter communicate grace and “salt” to the church in Colossae?

Ask the Lord who He would want you to encourage in this next week? How can your words be gracious and seasoned with salt? You could close with the hymn of consecration, “Take My Life, and Let It Be” as your prayer before the Lord. “Take My Life, and Let It Be” Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord to Thee; take my moments and my days, let them flow in cease-less praise, let them flow in cease-less praise. Take my hands, and let them move at the impulse of Thy love; take my feet, and let them be swift and beautiful for Thee, swift and beautiful for Thee. Take my will, and make it Thine – it shall be no longer mine; take my heart – it is Thine own, it shall be Thy royal throne, it shall be Thy royal throne. Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store; take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee, ever, only, all for Thee. By Frances Ridley Havergal and John B. Dykes

Day 4 - Colossians 4 Review 1. As you begin your review of Colossians 4, ask the Lord to help you go through the chapter looking for the themes that were presented by Paul. I challenge you to pray and then approach this part of the lesson, trusting that God will bless you for the time you spend with Him in His holy word. Start by reading Colossians 4 and determine the five key words in the chapter. List these here.

2. Now reflect back on the message in each paragraph of Colossians 4. Using some of the key words in the chapter, you will now consider a theme for each of the paragraphs you studied in Colossians 4. It might help to write out several summary statements for each section, and then try to limit your statement to no more than five words. List these statements here as well as on the chart in the Appendix, the Theme and Title Chart in the section for the Chapter 4 Summary Statements. Paragraph Summary Statements for Colossians 4 Colossians 4:1

Colossians 4:2-4

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Lesson 9 Colossians 4:5, 6

Colossians 4:7-9

Colossians 4:10-17

Colossians 4:18

3. The next part of the lesson is to ask God to show you the theme for Colossians 4 based on the main points of each paragraph. Is there one theme that the separate paragraph themes would “fit” under? Sometimes you can take some of the key words from the paragraph themes and write those into a theme or title for the entire chapter. Another reminder: Take the time to pray and ask for the Lord’s help with this part of the lesson! List your title for Colossians 4 here.

Look back at your key words for Colossians 4. Are at least two of these key words in your chapter title? 4. Are you praising the Lord as you finish the review of Colossians 4? It is always good to praise God for His faithfulness! My prayer continues to be that the Scripture you are studying would make a difference in your life. What has the Lord impressed upon your heart concerning the message of Colossians 4?

In closing, look at the message in the song “Grace Greater Than Our Sin” as a reminder to you of God’s gift of grace. “Grace Greater Than Our Sin” Marvelous grace of our loving Lord, grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt! Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured - There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt. Chorus: Grace, grace, God’s grace, grace that will pardon and cleanse within, grace, grace, God’s grace, grace that is greater than all our sin. Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold, threaten the soul with infinite loss; grace that is greater – yes, grace untold – points to the refuge, the mighty cross. Chorus: Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace, freely bestowed on all who believe! You that are longing to see His face, will you this moment His grace receive? Chorus: By Julia H. Johnston and Daniel B. Towner

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Day 5 - Review of the Entire Book of Colossians 1. As you begin this day of review ask the Lord to help you see the purpose of the book Colossians. This will be beneficial for you for many reasons. Begin in prayer, seeking God’s wisdom, because He has promised to give His wisdom to you generously and without a rebuke according to James 1:5. Read through the entire book chapter by chapter. After reading each chapter look at what you recorded for the theme of each chapter on the Theme and Title Chart in the Appendix. When you finish going through the book, think about the Apostle Paul’s purpose for writing his letter. If someone were to ask you what the book of Colossians is about, how would you answer them? Based on the key words, declarative statements, instructions, exhortations, warning, admonitions, and summary statements, what is the purpose for the book of Colossians?

2. Now write a short statement to summarize the entire book of Colossians. This will help you sum up the book in a “nutshell.” This is not an easy task, but God will help you with this! In a brief statement, write out the over all message of the book.

3. Now please take the time to determine a theme for the book of Colossians. Ask yourself how each chapter relates to this theme of the book. Your theme could become a “sub-title” for the book of Colossians. Look to see how each chapter theme relates to the main theme of the book. Here are some guidelines for writing a book theme/title: Use five words or less, if possible! Use at least one key word that is actually used in the book. The theme should be a descriptive summary of what is in the book. My Theme/Title for the Book of Colossians:

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Lesson 9 4. Those who follow Christ believe that the Bible is our authority for life and relevant for our lives today. How does the purpose, message, and/or title that you chose for the book of Colossians make a difference in your life today?

As God’s ambassador, with whom would He want you to share about your Savior Jesus Christ? Look again at the sheet in the Appendix, “The Person and Work of Christ Jesus” and thank God for His precious gift of salvation. The beautiful hymn “Come Thou Fount” reminds us of God’s grace and has become a hymn of dedication. Close by singing these words as your own prayer of consecration before the Lord God. I would like to provide an explanation of two of the words in this song that might not be familiar to you. The name Ebenezer was given by the prophet Samuel to the stone he erected in recognition of God’s help in defeating the Philistines, as recorded in 1 Samuel 7:12. The word fetter is an old English word for a chain or shackle for the feet to prevent escape. “Come Thou Fount” Come, Thou Fount of ev’ry blessing, turn my heart to sing Thy grace; streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some melodious sonnet sung by flaming tongues above; praise the mount I’m fixed upon it, mount of Thy redeeming love. Here I raise my Ebenezer – hither by Thy help I’m come; and I hope by Thy good pleasure safely to arrive at home. Jesus sought me when a stranger wand’ring from the fold of God; He to rescue me from danger interposed His precious blood. O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be! Let Thy goodness like a fetter bind my wand’ring heart to Thee. Prone to wander - Lord, I feel it - prone to leave the God I love; here’s my heart O take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above. By Robert Robinson and John Wyeth

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Appendix

The Apostle Paul in Prison, Rembrandt (c.1627) Staatsgalerie, Stuttgart

Scripture Work Sheets

Chapter 1

Scripture Work Sheets Chapter 1 1

From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and

Timothy our brother, 2to the holy and faithful brothers in Colossae who are in union with Christ. May grace and peace from God our Father be yours! 3

We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

praying always for you, 4because we have heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the saints, 5based on the hope laid up for you in heaven. Some time ago you heard about this hope in the word of truth, the gospel 6that has come to you. Just as it is bearing fruit and spreading all over the world, so it has been doing among you from the day you heard it and came to know the grace of God in truth. 7You learned about this gospel from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf. 8He has told us about your love in the Spirit. 9

For this reason, since the day we heard about this, we have not

stopped praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the full knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10so that you might live in a manner worthy of the Lord and be fully pleasing to him as you bear fruit in every good work and grow in the full knowledge of God. 11You are being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might, so International Standard Version® Version 1.4.2

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that you might patiently endure everything with joy 12and might thank the Father, who has enabled us to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light. 13He has rescued us from the power of darkness and has brought us into the kingdom of the Son whom he loves. 14In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 15

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all

creation. 16For by him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether they are kings, lords, rulers, or powers. All things have been created through him and for him. 17He himself existed before all things, and by him all things hold together. 18He is also the head of the body, which is the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he himself might have first place in everything. 19For God was pleased to have all of his fullness live in him. 20Through him he also reconciled all things to himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, thus making peace through the blood of his cross. 21

You who were once alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil

deeds, 22he has now reconciled by the death of his physical body so that he might present you holy, blameless, and without fault before him. 23However, you must remain firmly established and steadfast in the faith, without being moved from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

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International Standard Version® Version 1.4.2

Scripture Work Sheets 24

Chapter 2

Now I am rejoicing in my sufferings for you and completing

in my flesh whatever remains of Christ's sufferings on behalf of his body, which is the church. 25I became its servant according to God's commission that was given to me for you, so that I might fulfill the ministry of the word of God. 26This secret was hidden throughout the ages and generations but has now been revealed to his saints, 27to whom God wanted to make known the glorious riches of this secret among the gentiles—which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28It is he whom we proclaim as we admonish everyone and teach everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29I work hard and struggle to do this according to his energy that powerfully works in me. Chapter 2 1

For I want you to know how much I struggle for you, for those

in Laodicea, and for all who have never seen me face to face. 2

Because they are united in love, I pray that their hearts may be

encouraged by all the riches that come from a complete understanding of the full knowledge of Christ, who is the secret of God. 3In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4I say this so that no one will mislead you with nicesounding rhetoric. 5For although I am absent in body, I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see how stable you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.


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Scripture Work Sheets 6

So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord,

continue to live in him. 7For you have been rooted in him and are being built up and strengthened in the faith, just as you were taught, while you overflow with thanksgiving. 8

See to it that no one enslaves you through philosophy and

empty deceit according to human tradition, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9For in him the whole fullness of God lives in bodily form. 10And you have been brought to fullness in him, who is the head of every ruler and authority. 11In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision performed without human hands by stripping off the corrupt nature in the circumcision performed by Christ. 12When you were buried with him in baptism, you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. 13Even when you were dead because of your offenses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with him when he forgave us all of our offenses, 14having erased the charges that were brought against us with their decrees that were hostile to us. He took those charges away when he nailed them to the cross. 15And when he had disarmed the rulers and the authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in the cross. 16

Therefore, let no one judge you in matters of food and drink

or with respect to a festival, a new moon, or Sabbath days. 17These are a shadow of the things to come, but the reality belongs to Christ. 18Let no one who delights in humility and the worship of 134



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angels cheat you out of the prize by boasting about what he has seen. Such a person is puffed up without cause by his carnal mind. 19

He does not hold on to the head, from whom the whole body,

which is nourished and held together by its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that comes from God. 20

If you have died with Christ to the basic principles of the

world, why are you submitting to its decrees as though you still lived in the world? 21“Don't handle this! Don't taste or touch that!” 22

All of these things will be destroyed through use because they are

based on human commands and teachings. 23These things have the appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion, humility, and harsh treatment of the body, but they have no value against self-indulgence. Chapter 3 1

Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep focusing

on the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Keep your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth. 3For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ your life is revealed, then you, too, will be revealed with him in glory. 5

So put to death your worldly impulses: sexual sin, impurity,

passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). 6It is because of these things that the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient. 7You used to behave like them when you were living International Standard Version® Version 1.4.2

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among them. 8But now you must also get rid of anger, wrath, malice, slander, obscene language from your mouth, and all such sins. 9Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old man with its practices 10and have clothed yourselves with the new man, which is being renewed into full knowledge according to the image of the one who created it. 11Where this happens, there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free person. Instead, Christ is all and in all. 12

Therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and loved, clothe

yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13Put up with one another and forgive each other if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, you also should forgive. 14Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which ties everything together in unity. 15Let the peace of Christ also rule in your hearts, to which you were called in one body, and be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you with all richness and wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, and singing to God with thankfulness in your hearts. 17And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 18

Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the

Lord. 19Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. 20

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing

to the Lord. 21Fathers, do not make your children resentful, lest 136



Chapter 4

they become discouraged. 22

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only

while being watched in order to please them, but with a sincere heart, fearing the Lord. 23Whatever you do, work at it wholeheartedly as though you were doing it for the Lord and not merely for people. 24You know that it is from the Lord that you will receive the inheritance as a reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you are serving! 25For the person who does what is wrong will be paid back for what he has done, and there is no favoritism. Chapter 4 1

Masters, treat your slaves with justice and fairness, for you

know that you also have a Master in heaven. 2

Devote yourselves to prayer. Be alert when you pray with

thanksgiving. 3At the same time also pray for us—that God would open before us a door for the word so that we may tell the secret about Christ, for which I have been imprisoned. 4May I reveal it as clearly as I should! 5

Behave wisely toward outsiders, making the best use of your

time. 6Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone. 7

Tychicus will tell you everything that has happened to me. He

is a dear brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord. 8I am sending him to you for this very reason, so that you may know how we are doing and that he may encourage your International Standard Version® Version 1.4.2

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Chapter 4


hearts. 9He is coming with Onesimus, that faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. 10

Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends his greetings, as does

Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. You have received instructions about him. If he comes to you, welcome him. 11Jesus, who is called Justus, also greets you. These are the only ones of the circumcision who are fellow workers for the kingdom of God. They have been an encouragement to me. 12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He is always wrestling in his prayers for you, so that you may stand mature and completely convinced of the entire will of God. 13For I can testify on his behalf that he has a deep concern for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hieropolis. 14Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you. 15

Give my greetings to the brothers in Laodicea, especially to

Nympha and the church that is in her house. 16When this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans. And be sure to read the one from Laodicea. 17Tell Archippus, “See that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.” 18

This greeting is by my own hand—“Paul.” Remember my

imprisonment. May grace be with you! Amen.

138


Appendix

Inductive Study Methodology

Inductive Study Methodology Definition: Using the Bible as the primary source of information and reading with a purpose by asking relevant questions, so that through complete observation, one can accurately interpret, determine eternal principles, and then apply Scripture to all circumstances of life. • • • •

God speaks through the prophets, recorded in Scripture God gave the word so that He might reveal Himself to us God speaks through Jesus, as He is the word who came in the flesh The Holy Spirit gives all believers the ability to understand the word of God

Four Components of the Inductive Study Methodology 1. Observation: Seeing what the text says, to gain facts and information The process of observation is foundational to inductive Bible study Asking the “5 Ws and an H” questions helps students focus on the obvious Who People

What Events

Where Place

When Time

Why Reason or purpose

How Means or method

2. Interpretation: Determining what the text means to gain understanding Looking for information and the correlation in the context of Scripture Context: Looking at the surrounding words, phrases, sentences, paragraphs, chapters, and book in which something exists, occurs, or is placed. The author’s use of the repetition of ideas or thoughts will also help you discover meaning within the context. 3. Principlization: Determining what eternal truths are being taught? Stating the author’s propositions, arguments, narration, and illustrations as abiding timeless truths. 4. Application: Conviction as to how the truth applies personally, leads to transformation. Component of the Methodology

Holy Spirit’s Ministry

Man’s Response

Product of Component

Observation -Focus on the obvious

Illumination

Reasoning

Facts & Information

Interpretation -Done in light of context

Teaching

Evaluation

Understanding

Principlization -Focus on Learning

Conviction

Summarization

Eternal Principles

Application -Begins with individual

Guidance

Accountability

Transformation

139


Step 1

Appendix

The Overview

Discovering the Context or the Big Picture Purpose: To identify the flow of thought that ties the book together and to identify the author's reason for writing A. Who is the Author: Ask Questions

B.

C.

D. E. F.

G.

• • • • •

Who is writing and what does he say about himself? What are his circumstances? Where is he and why is he there? When in his life is he writing? Why is he writing?

• • • • • •

Who is it written to? How is the recipient described? What does it say about the recipient? What is the relationship of the recipients to the author? Where is the recipient? Why is the author writing to the recipient?

• • •

Who are the other people mentioned and what does the text say about them? What do you learn about their relationship to the author or recipient? What is their relationship to the key message?

• •

Words generally repeated throughout the text When removed the text is left without meaning

• •

Teaching doctrinal truth that would inform and equip those who follow after Christ Historical narrative, sharing historical events or personal testimony

• •

A command or imperative statement, telling someone what they are to do Usually written in the second person such as you, your, or yourself; or introduced with the phrase “let us”

Who is or who are the Recipient/s: Ask Questions

Other People Mentioned: (Either specifically, or by generalization or implication)

Look for Key Words

Look for Declarative Statements Look for Instructions or Commands

Look for Exhortations •

H. I.

140

• •

A personal message from the author to encourage the recipients regarding their own situation, whether personally or within their church Show the uniqueness of the situation that led to the book being written Sometimes introduced with the word “you,” calling or urging obedience

• •

Confronting the behavior of the recipient that has not honored God To advise strongly, to reprove, or to call the recipients to repentance

• •

To put on guard or to put on notice concerning possible danger, evil, or harm To describe a just recompense or a possible consequence for behavior based on God’s prophecy concerning judgment

Look for Admonitions Look for Warnings

Appendix

Step 2


Comprehensive Chapter Study

Observation Chapter by Chapter Purpose:

A.

Marking Key Words 1. 2. 3. 4.

B. C. D.

E. F.

To examine the details of the chapter, to see how the chapter details relate to the book Mark so your eye can see on the page the occurrence of the word This is typically done with colored pencils God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and their pronouns are always keywords The key words become a basis for developing a list of facts

Making lists of the key words by writing phrases and sentences Reasoning through the lists of information from the key words Contrasts - Reasoning from another perspective Comparisons of ideas or bodies of truth that the author used to teach. • Point out differences in words or phrases • Most contrasts are identified by the following words: but, however, or never the less

Comparisons

Dealing with ideas or bodies of truth that are similar to make some point • Identified by the words: like, as

Terms of Expression

Time - Helps us answer when something occurred or will occur • Look for words like: now, then, or later Conclusion or Results or Purpose • Look for words like: for, for this reason, so that, that, or because Verb Usage – Will tell if something has occurred in the past, will occur in the future, or is to be part of the present time

Step 3

Word Studies

Purpose: To deepen understanding of the text To clarify understanding of the text To determine the meaning of unknown or confusing words or sections of texts

A.

Pick a Word 1. 2. 3.

B.

Look at the key words in the text Look at the words with unclear meanings Look at the verbs and nouns in the text

Look up the definition in a word study tool Exhaustive concordances contain three sections 1. Alphabetical list of all words used in the text of Scripture that are then ordered in biblical occurrence 2. Dictionary of Hebrew words arranged numerically 3. Dictionary of Greek words arranged numerically Expository Dictionaries Vine’s Dictionary of the New Testament: keyed to the KJV Spiros Zodhiates: Complete Word Study Dictionary of the New Testament Complete Word Study Dictionary of the Old Testament

C.

Read the definition back into the text

141


Step 4

Appendix

Cross Referencing of Scripture

Purpose: To establish the context within the broader context of Scripture • • • •

Context always rules in all interpretations Amplify or clarify the understanding of the text Scripture is the best interpreter of Scripture Scripture never contradicts Scripture

A.

How to determine Cross References: 1. Look up the word in a concordance 2. Look up the word in a topical Bible 3. Look up verses identified by marginal references

B.

Read the cross reference

C.

Evaluate the message in the light of the cross reference

Step 5

Determining Paragraph and Chapter Theme and Book Title

A.

Paragraph Analysis • Determine the paragraph theme. The editors of some translations of the Bible have each verse starting on a new line within each chapter. The NASB begins each new paragraph by printing the verse number in bold type. The NIV divided the chapters into paragraphs, as we know them, indenting at the beginning of each new paragraph. When you study the ancient languages of the Bible, there are differences in paragraph divisions from one manuscript to another. The words of Scripture were inspired, but years ago, editors added verse numbers, paragraph divisions, and the divisions made by chapter numbers.

B.

Developing each Chapter Theme and the Book Title • A collection of summary statements, one for each chapter and one for the entire book • These can be verified from key words, instructions, exhortations, admonitions, and warnings within the chapter 1. Use five words or less, with at least one actual word found in a chapter 2. Each chapter title should be distinctive from the other chapter titles 3. Each title should be descriptive of what is in the chapter 4. Place these themes on the Themes and Titles Chart

142

How?

Why?

What?

Author Recipient(s) Other people Key words Declarative Statements Instructions Exhortations Admonitions Warnings

A. B. C. D. E.

F. G. H. I.

Identify the flow of thoughts which ties it together

•

A. B. C. D. E. F.

•

•

Marking key words Making lists of facts Reasoning the lists Contrasts Comparisons Terms of expression of time, conclusion or results

Examine the details of the chapter Examine how the chapter details relate to the book

Step 2 Comprehensive Chapter Studies

Step 1

Deepen the understanding of the text Clarify the understanding of the text

A. Pick a word B. Look up the definition in an exhaustive concordance or an expository dictionary C. Read the definition of the word back into the text

•

•

Word Studies

Step 3

Establish the context within the broader context of Scripture Amplify or clarify the text

Step 5

Appendix

•

•

B.

•

•

To determine the paragraph and chapter themes To determine the book title Summary statements for each paragraph, chapter, and the book From the key words, declarative statements instructions, exhortations, admonitions, and warnings Use five words or less Each chapter title should be distinctive from other chapters Descriptive of what is in the chapter Place each theme on the Themes and Titles Chart

Paragraph and Chapter Theme and Book Title

A. Look up the word or A. phrase using: • a concordance • a topical Bible • • marginal references B. Read the cross reference C. Evaluate the message in the light of the cross reference •

•

•

Cross Referencing Scripture

Step 4

Inductive Study Methodology: Summary of the Process

The Overview: Discovering the context or the big picture of the book • Identify the author’s reason for writing


Appendix

Themes and Titles Chart Themes for the Chapters & Book

Title for the Chapters & Book Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

BOOK

145

Appendix

The Person and Work of Christ Jesus A description of the nature of Jesus Christ:

146

What was accomplished What is said about Christ through Christ in the past? at the present time?

Appendix

The Person and Work of Christ Jesus A description of the nature of Jesus Christ:

What was accomplished What is said about Christ through Christ in the past? at the present time?

147

Appendix

My Response to the Person and Work of Christ Jesus

148

Map

149

Appendix

He descended into hell. The third day He arose again from the dead.

150

*The word "catholic" refers not to the Roman Catholic Church, but to the universal church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy *catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:

Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.

The Nicene Creed

The Apostle’s Creed

He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.

Appendix

Appendix

Word Study Index Hebrew Words D Delivered 5337

31

R Redeemer 6299

31

Greek Words A Admonish 3560 Alert 1127 Alienated 526 Angels 32 Anger 3709 Apostle 652 Authorities 1849

52 120 48 79 93 17 74

B Baptism 909 Barbarian 915 Basic principles 4747 Bearing fruit 2592 Beginning 746 Blameless 299 Boasting 5548 Bodily form 4985 Body 4983 Brother 80 Buried 4916

73 94 67 19 44 49 80 67 44 18 73

C Carnal 4561 80 Charges 5498 73 Chosen 1588 102 Christ 5547 18 Church 1577 44 Circumcised 4059 72 Circumcision 4061 72 Clothe 1746 102 Clothed 1746 94 Compassion 3628 102 Complete understanding 4907 63 Completing 466 52 Corrupt nature 4561 73 Created 2936 38, 94 Creation 2937 38

D Darkness 4655 Dead 3498 Deceit 539 Decrees 1378 Deeds 2041 Desire 1939 Devote 4342 Disarmed 554 Discouraged 120 Disobedient 543 Does what is wrong 91 E Empty 2756 Enabled 2427 Encouraged 3870 Endure 3115 Energy 1754 Enslaves 4812 Erased 1813 Evil 2556 Evil 4190 F Fairness 2471 Faith 4102 Faithful 4103 Father 3962 Favoritism 4382 Fearing 5399 Fellow servant 4889 Festival 1859 Filled 4137 Firmly established 2311 Firstborn 4416 Flesh 4561 (Keep) focusing 2212 Forgiveness 859 Forgiving 5483 Free 1658 (Full) knowledge 1922 (Full) knowledge 4136 Fullness 4137 (Whole) fullness 4138 (Fully) pleasing 699

30 73 67 73 49 93 120 74 110 93 111 67 30 63 26 53 67 73 93 49 120 19 18 18 111 111 20 79 25 49 38 52 92 31 103 94 25 63 67 44, 67 25

151

Appendix G Glorious 1391 God 2316 God 2320 Good 18 Gospel 2098 Grace 5485 Gracious 5485 Greed 4124 Greek 1672 Grow 837 Grows 837 H Harsh 4087 Harsh treatment 857 Head 2776 Heaven 3772 Held together 4822 Hold together 4921 Holy 40 Hope 1680 Hostile 2190 Hostile 5227 Human 444 Human commands 1778 Humility 5012 Hymns 5215 I Idolatry 1495 Image 1504 Impurity 167 In union with 1722 Inheritance 2819 Invisible 517

26, 52 18 67 25 19 18 120 93 94 25 80 110 84 44 19, 38 80 38 18, 102 19 48 74 67 83 79, 102 103 93 38, 94 93 18 30 38

J Jesus 2424 Joy 5479 Judge 2919 Justice 1342

18 26 79 120

K Kindness 5544 Kingdom 932 Know 1921 (Full) knowledge 1922 (Full) knowledge 4136

102 31 20 25 63

152

L Lie 5574 Light 5457 Live 4043 Lord 2962 Love 25 Love 26 Loved 25 M (Making) peace 1517 Malice 2549 Masters 2962 Mature 5046 Meekness 4236 Might 1411 Mind 1271 Minister 1249 Mislead 3884 N Nice-sounding rhetoric 4086 Nourished 2023 O Obey 5219 Obscene language 148 Offenses 3900 One another 240 Outsiders 1854 P Passion 3806 Patience 3115 Patiently 5281 Peace 1515 (Making) peace 1517 Philosophy 5385 Please 441 Pleasing 2101 (Fully) pleasing 699 Power 1753 Power 2904 Powerfully works 1411 Powers 1849 Practices 4234 Pray 4336 Prayer 4335 Praying 4336 Proclaimed 2784 Psalms 5568 Put up with 430

94 30 25 18, 103 110 19 102 45 93 110 53 103 26 48 20 63 63 80 110 94 73 103 120 93 103 26 18, 103 44 67 110 110 25 73 26 53 38 94 120 120 19 49 103 103

Appendix R Raised 4891 Reality 4983 Reconciled 604 Redemption 629 Renewed 341 Rescued 4506 Resentful 2042 Reward 469 Riches 4146 Riches 4149 Rooted 4492 Rule 1018 Rulers 746

73 79 45 31 94 30 110 111 103 52, 63 63 103 74

S Sabbath 4521 79 Scythian 4658 94 Secret 3466 63 Self-indulgence 4140 84 Self-made religion 1479 84 Servant 1249 49 Serving 1398 111 Sexual sins 4202 93 Shadow 4639 79 Share 3310 30 Sin 266 31 Sincere 572 110 Singing 103 103 Slander 988 93 Slave 1401 94 Son 5207 31 Songs 5603 103 Spirit 4151 20 Spiritual 4152 25, 103 Stable 4733 63 Steadfast 1476 49 Strengthened 1412 25 Struggle 73 62 Submit yourselves 5293 110 Submitting to its decrees 1379 83 Sufferings 2347 52 Sufferings 3804 52

T Teach 1321 Teaching 1319 (Give) thanks 2168 Thanksgiving 2169 Tradition 3862 Treasure 2344 Triumphing 2358 Truth 225

52 83 18 63 67 63 74 19

U Understanding 4907 (In) union with 1722 United 4822 Unity 5047

25 18 62 103

W Whole fullness 4138 Wholeheartedly 5590 Will 2307 Wisdom 4678 Wisely 4678 Without human hands 886 Word 3056 Work 2038 Work 2041 World 2889 Worship 2356 Worthy 516 Wrath 2372 Wrath 3709

67 111 18 25, 53 120 73 19 111 25 19 79 25 93 93

153

Appendix

Bibliography Butler, Trent C. Homan Bible Dictionary. Nashville, Holman Bible Publishers, 1991. Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology. Grand Rapids, Baker Books, 2003. Gonzalez, Justo L. The Story of Christianity. San Francisco, HarperSanFrancisco, 1984. Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. Leicester, Inter-Varsity Press, 1994. Hendriksen, William. A Commentary on Colossians & Philemon. London, The Banner of Truth Trust, 1971. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Biblesoft Electronic Database, 1996. International Standard Bible. Yorba Linda, CA., The ISV Foundation, Davidson Press, Inc. 2004. Melick, Richard R. The New American Commentary: Philippians, Colossians, Philemon. Nashville, Broadman Press, 1991. Robertson, A. T. Paul and the Intellectuals. Nashville, Broadman Press, 1956. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance. Gordonsville, TN., Dugan Publishers, Inc., 1894. Vine, W. E. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. Old Tappan, NJ., Fleming H. Revell Co., 1981. Wells, Jan. Joshua and the Call to Live Victoriously by Faith. Sebastopol, Sunergos Bible Studies, 2006. Wright, N.T. Colossians and Philemon. Leicester, Inter-Varsity Press, 1988. Wuest, Kenneth S. Wuest’s Word Studies. Grand Rapids, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1973. Yamauchi, Edwin M. Pre-Christian Gnosticism: A Survey of Proposed Evidences. Grand Rapids, Baker Book House, 1983. Zodhiates, Spiros. The Complete Word Study New Testament. Chattanooga, AMG Publishers, 1991. Zodhiates, Spiros. The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible. Chattanooga, AMG Publishers, 1990.

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Sunergos Bible Studies Name of Study: Book Studies: Joshua and the Call to Live Victoriously by Faith The Book of Ruth The Life of David The Book of Nehemiah The Book of Esther Jonah The Sermon on the Mount The Gospel According to Mark The Epistle to the Romans Galatians and the Fruit of the Spirit Ephesians Philippians and the Call to Biblical Fellowship Colossians Titus and the Call to Biblical Discipleship Philemon (Learn the Inductive Bible Study methodology with this short study) James Topical Studies: Old Testament Worship for Followers of Christ Prayers of the Bible Women of the Word Discipleship Series Studies:

Number of Lessons: 10 4 12 8 5 10 14 22 23 10 12 12 9 9 2 11 8 12 12

The format of the Discipleship Series is different, as each lesson is like one day’s work in the other studies.

The Call to Following Jesus the Messiah The Call to Biblical Character – An In-depth Look at the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:10-12) The Call to Bear Fruit by the Power of the Spirit – An In-depth Look at Galatians 5:22, 23 The Call to Live Victoriously by Faith – An In-depth Look at Ephesians 6:10-20 The Call to Biblical Fellowship – An In-depth Look at the “One Another” Commands A Woman’s Call to Biblical Discipleship – An In-depth Look at Titus 2:3-5

10 11 12 10 12 16

All of these lessons are in-depth inductive Bible studies that encourage the students to examine Scripture through observation before seeking to interpret, while looking for eternal principles in the word that can be applied to their own life. While the studies encourage critical thinking, they also provide some “commentary” from a variety of conservative sources. The studies include instruction for studying inductively, and the work for each lesson has been divided into five days. All studies have been formatted with two options for completing the lessons. The student who has less time for study can complete the opening observation questions which cover the portion of Scripture or theme for the day, and then the student can move to the last question/s which might incorporate other Scriptures and as well as several application questions. The other option is for the student to complete the entire lesson for each day and that would generally take between 30 minutes to one hour. This option includes word studies and an in-depth look at the passage or theme for the day. Leader’s Guides are available for each study to provide resources for those interested in leading a study. Check the Sunergos Bible Studies’ website www.sunergosbible.org for availability, costs, and ordering options. New studies, leader’s guides, and other resources are available from the website.

Book Summary There were many challenges facing the early Christian church in the first century and the Apostle Paul addressed these concerns when he wrote each of his letters. This study of the book of Colossians looks at the message written to the church in the ancient city of Colossae and contains very important theology, providing one of the most important portions in Scripture that teaches about the person of Christ. The book of Colossians contains instructions for living and seeks to find the relevance of this book’s message for those living in the 21st century. This in-depth inductive study carefully observes the text of Scripture, interprets the original intent of the book, and challenges the student to claim the eternal principles that can be applied in everyday circumstances of life for all those who follow Jesus Christ. The homework provides options for students and can be done in one to three hours each week. When the study is done as part of a group, the weekly discussion helps everyone gain perspective from others.

Author Profile JAN WELLS has been been married forty years, is the mother of two grown children, and is a grandmother of three grandchildren. A former English and history teacher, Jan has written twenty in-depth, inductive studies reflecting her passion for the Lord and His word. Incorporated in Jan’s writing are a commitment to the importance of the ministry of discipleship within the body of Christ and a sensitivity to the differences in the way people think and learn. Jan, the creator of Sunergos Bible Studies, has taught the Bible to adults for over twenty years in an interdenominational ministry. The author has an M.A. in Christian Ministry from Simpson University (C&MA) and is pursuing a PhD. in Biblical Studies from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (SBC). The studies have been used in a number of churches throughout the country and internationally, and because of their thoroughness, they have become valuable resources for many pastors and Bible teachers.

Colossians - An Inductive Bible Study

Ephesians - An Inductive Bible Study

Esther (Inductive Bible Study)

Galatians (Sunergos Inductive Bible Study)

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The Book Of Ruth: Inductive Bible Study (Sunergos Bible Study)

Women Of The Word [Inductive Bible Study]

Inductive Study Methodology (Sunergos)

The Gospel Of Mark (Sunergos Inductive Bible Study)

Colossians, Philemon

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Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon

CSB Worldview Study Bible [2018]

Esther: Life Application Bible Study

Ruth: Life Application Bible Study

Philippians: Life Application Bible Study

Apologetics Study Bible (HCSB) (Epub)

An Introduction to Probability and Inductive Logic

That I May Know Him (The New Inductive Study Series)

Bible Dictionary Collection (Deluxe Study Edition) (KJV Bible, Smith's Bible Dictionary, Easton's Bible Dictionary)

Freud: An autobiographical study

Logic, Inductive and Deductive

Logic: Deductive and Inductive

An Introduction to the Bible

The NKJV Study Bible: Second Edition

That I May Know Him (The New Inductive Study Series)

Derek Prince Self Study Bible Course

Berean Study Bible (Old & New Testaments)

Daily Strength: Devotions for Bible Believing Study

The Scofield® Study Bible III, NKJV

Knowing God Personally (Bible Study Guide)

Colossians - An Inductive Bible Study

Ephesians - An Inductive Bible Study

Esther (Inductive Bible Study)

Galatians (Sunergos Inductive Bible Study)

Inductive Bible Study Quick Overview

The Book Of Ruth: Inductive Bible Study (Sunergos Bible Study)

Women Of The Word [Inductive Bible Study]

Inductive Study Methodology (Sunergos)

The Gospel Of Mark (Sunergos Inductive Bible Study)

Colossians, Philemon

Colossians, Philemon

Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon

CSB Worldview Study Bible [2018]

Esther: Life Application Bible Study

Ruth: Life Application Bible Study

Philippians: Life Application Bible Study

Apologetics Study Bible (HCSB) (Epub)

An Introduction to Probability and Inductive Logic

That I May Know Him (The New Inductive Study Series)

Bible Dictionary Collection (Deluxe Study Edition) (KJV Bible, Smith's Bible Dictionary, Easton's Bible Dictionary)

Freud: An autobiographical study

Logic, Inductive and Deductive

Logic: Deductive and Inductive

An Introduction to the Bible

The NKJV Study Bible: Second Edition

That I May Know Him (The New Inductive Study Series)

Derek Prince Self Study Bible Course

Berean Study Bible (Old & New Testaments)

Daily Strength: Devotions for Bible Believing Study

The Scofield® Study Bible III, NKJV

Knowing God Personally (Bible Study Guide)

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