Before You Begin Your Lesson Each Day

Spring 2011

Lesson 9: Colossians4:7–18

Christian Graces

Study Tip:

Before you begin your lesson each day...

• Pray for a teachable heart and an understanding of the passage.
• Ask for guidance to apply what you learn to your daily walk with Christ.
• Look for God’s attributes as you study, and take time to praise Him for them.

Day One: Read Colossians 4:7–18; Paul’s Beloved Brothers

1.What challenged or encouraged you from last week’s study or lecture?

2.Fromthis passage and Acts 20:1–4, Ephesians 6:21–22, Colossians 4:7–8, and 2 Timothy 4:12, what do you learn about the character of Tychicus?

a.How can youemulate Tychicus’ example of faithfulness?

3.Read Paul’s letter to Philemon and briefly explain the story of Onesimus.

a.From Colossians 4:7–9, whatconnectsOnesimus with the church in Colossae?

4.The story of Philemon and Onesimus illustrates many of the theological and practical lessons taught by Paul. Identify at least onelesson and how you can practically apply to your own life.

Day Two: Read Colossians 4:10–18; Paul’s Fellow Workers of the Circumcision

1.From today’s reading and the passages listed below, describe the following men and why each was an encouragement to Paul.

a.Aristarchus (See also Acts 19:29; 20:2–4; 27:2)

b.Mark (See also Acts 12:12, 25; 13:5, 13, 15:36–39; 2 Timothy 4:11; 1 Peter 5:13, Philemon 24)

c.Justus

2.What lesson can you learn from these men and how can you implement that in your own life?

3.From verses 12–13, how does Paul describe Epaphras in the following areas?

a.His relationship to the Colossian church

b.His identity with Christ

c.His efforts on behalf of the believers in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis

4.What do you learn from Epaphras’ example, and how can you put it into practice?

Day Three: Read Colossians 4:12–18; Paul’s Fellow Workers

1.From verse 14 and 2 Timothy 4:10–11, what do you learn about Luke and Demas?

a.What reason does Paul give for Demas’ departure?

b.How is this a warning for believers today?

2.Paul writes of Epaphras’ prayer for the church in verse 12. Identifyat least one theme in (from might be better?) Paul’s prayers in the other letters we’ve studied this year. Cite specific references.

a.Galatians

b.Ephesians

c.Philippians

Day Four: Read Colossians 4:15–18; Paul’s Final Exhortations

1.From verses 15–16, describe the relationship between the different churches.

2.According to these verses, what responsibility does Paul give to the Colossian church?

a.Do you see a principle that could be applied tobelievers today? Explain your answer.

3.From verse 17, what exhortation does Paul give to Archippus?

a.What ministry God has given you, and how are you being careful to fulfill it?

4.Why do you think Paul wanted the Colossians to know he wrotethis letter, and why does he instructthem to remember his imprisonment?

5.Identify the specific words or phrasesPaul uses to end his letters to the Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians.

a.How do these specific words encourage you?

Day Five: Skim Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and your completed lessons;Paul’s Letters

1.Identify at least one lesson God has taught you from the following letters, citing verses.

a.Galatians

b.Ephesians

c.Philippians

d.Colossians

2.How has your understanding of God changed this year?

a.How has that understanding changed you?

______

Niednagel/Peters May 11, 2011

NOTES