Colossians 1-4 Questions Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Colossians 1

vv.3, 9 The church in Colosse was composed of believers that Paul had never met, yet these statements suggest that he prayed frequently for them (vv.3,9) and he affectionately addresses them as his “holy and faithful brothers in Christ.” Reflect on Paul’s depth (and breadth) of love and concern that is highlighted herein. How much more should we pray for our brothers and sisters whom we are surrounded by today! How can you become more like Paul in increasing your sphere of concern and compassion beyond yourself?

vv.6, 10 According to verses 6 and 10, “bearing fruit and growing” is characteristic of the gospel and Christians alike. Consider the fruit of the Spirit as listed in Gal. 5:22,23. In what ways have you been pleasing God through the bearing of these fruits? What fruits are sorely lacking? What can you do to cultivate these fruits in order that “you may live a life worthy of the Lord…”?

vv.11-14 What are the spiritual blessings that we have in Christ that Paul excitedly enumerates in these verses? In light of the recent Passion Week, let’s thank our Lord once again for being willing to pay such a high price in order to provide these blessings for us. What should be the natural outcome that flows out of such gratitude of the heart?

v.18 “…so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” Take a moment to examine Jesus’ place in your life. Is Jesus reigning as supreme king and master? If not, how did Jesus become relinquished to a lower position in your life? How can you guard yourself against the forces that seek to unseat Jesus’ position of supremacy?

v.21 Paul states that in our previous condition, “you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds.” Prior to becoming a Christian, in what ways were you “enemies in your minds” towards God? If this is indeed true, then it suggests that renewing our minds after we become Christians is critical (cf. Romans 12:1-2). What are some old ways of thinking that you still need to alter? What are some steps you can take to renew your mind?

v.23 “…continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel.” What are things that threaten to move you from the hope found in the gospel? What are some steps you can take to keep your faith “established and firm”

Colossians 2

v.17 Apostle Paul, in highlighting the supremacy of Christ, points out that all contending religious rituals which seek to take up center stage in one’s life, are merely “a shadow of the things that [are] found in Christ” (see v.16). What contemporary “religious rituals” have taken up center stage in your spiritual life, and, in the process, relegated Jesus to lesser positions? How can you maintain Jesus as the supreme reality in all aspects of your life?

v.20 The phrase “died with Christ,” when read in light of vv.13-15, leads us to the significance of Christ’s death, where we discover that the necessary price for our sin has been fully paid for. In effect, Apostle Paul is asking the Colossians, “Why are you reverting back to following those inferior principles and patterns of this world?” What patterns of your life have you reverted back to, when Christ has purchased your full release from them? Why do you think these Colossians would be attracted to re-establishing a set of rules and regulations for their newfound spiritual life? What might they be gaining by doing this? What might they be losing in the process? (cf. 23)

Colossians 3

v.2 “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” What are some of the “earthly things” that fill your mind and consume your heart? (these may be very small, mundane things as well.) How will setting your heart and mind on things above affect these tangible, earthly concerns in your life?

vv.5,8 Christian life is not merely setting our hearts and minds on things above, but also, it requires a “putting to death” and “ridding ourselves” of concrete sins. Notice the words that Paul uses which carry a sense of urgency in dealing with our sins. What are the benefits of approaching sin with the attitude prescribed by Paul? What are the dangers of having a half-hearted, cavalier approach to sin? What steps can you take to put to death “whatever belongs to your earthly nature”?

vv.9-10 Apostle Paul affirms that Christians “have taken off their old self with its practices and have put on the new self.” Why, then, do you think some Christians still live in their old lifestyle? Verse 10 says that the “new self” is being “renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” How can you be renewed daily to faithfully reflect the image of Jesus? What aspects of God’s image do you need to foster?

v. 12 Of the virtues listed in verse 12, which one do you feel the greatest urgency to foster and why? Paul tells us to “forgive as the Lord forgave you” (v.13). Reflect on the degree of God’s forgiveness you have received. Considering this, how are you prompted to “forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another” today?

v.15,16 What do you think needs to happen in order for the peace of God to rule in your heart? What are some things you can do to allow the word of Christ to dwell richly in your heart?

v. 23 Christianity elevated the standard of all relationships listed in this passage because the primary focus (and audience) was God rather than people (cf. v.23). How does your interaction with people around you measure up to these standards? What areas of relationships need improvement in your life? Are there responsibilities in your life where you have not worked “with all your heart, as working for the Lord”?

Colossians 4

v. 2 “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” For Paul, alertness and gratitude were significant characteristics of being devoted to prayer. What is your attitude toward prayer? How can you display the attitude of thanksgiving for opportunities you are given to pray? Also, what is it about prayer that makes it sometimes difficult and even unattractive?

v.3 One of Paul’s personal prayer requests was for God to open doors for evangelism. Why was this gospel message so important to Paul that he was even willing to suffer (chains) for it? What can you do to strive to attain such zeal for evangelism? Also, perhaps God is prompting us to pray for others so that they might have an open door for preaching the Good News. Spend some time praying for our missionaries so that God may indeed open a door for their message to be proclaimed…

vv. 5-6 Paul urges the Colossians to be mindful and wise in their actions and conversations toward outsiders. In what ways are you wise in your action toward others? Also, in what ways is your conversation with your roommates, co-workers, and others, full of grace? How can you change to apply these admonishments?

v.10-12 Paul ends his letter by relaying the greetings of his fellow workers for the kingdom of God (Aristarchus, Mark, Justus, Epaphras, etc.). Consider the intimate fellowship and the sense of camaraderie that must have been fostered amongst these co-laborers. What opportunities do you have right now to join in the fellowship of working for the kingdom of God? How can you be more faithful in these areas?

v.12 “[Epaphras] is always wrestling in prayer for you.” This is such a challenge and a rebuke to each of us who have a hard time persisting in prayer! What might have been the source (and motivation) for his powerfully active prayer life? Another aspect to consider is how the Colossians would have felt in knowing that someone is praying for them this fervently in their times of need. The lyrics of a praise song remind us that there are prayers being lifted up on our behalf:

When it seems that you’ve prayed till your strength is all gone, when your tears fall like raindrops all the day long; Jesus cares and He knows just how much you can bear, He’ll speak your name to someone in prayer! Someone is praying for you; someone is praying for you. And when it seems you’re all alone and your heart will break in two, remember someone is praying for you.[1]

How does this provide strength for your troubles that seem too heavy to bear alone? Also, whom might you be called to intercede for today?

v.18 “Remember my chains. Grace be with you.” This interesting non sequitur ends Paul’s letter to the Colossians. How can someone “in chains” possibly offer grace to others? Perhaps it is because he has been applying the very admonitions that he has delivered to Colossians in this letter (e.g., 3:2 “Set your minds on things above”). As we end our QT’s through Colossians, take time to review and reflect over all that Apostle Paul has encouraged (cf. 2 Cor. 12:9) so that you too, may be a channel of God’s grace in times of need.