Colossians - 6 Sessions
Here there are 2 approaches of study for Colossians. The first one involves a thematic approach emphasizing fellowship and encouragement. While the second one a the bottom is a traditional, historical walk through the events recorded in Colossians.
The book of Colossians, written by the Apostle Paul, emphasizes the supremacy of Christ and the importance of living a life rooted in Him. Paul encourages believers to reject worldly practices and embrace a new identity in Christ, focusing on spiritual growth and unity. A key verse from the book is, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” (Colossians 1:15).
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Session 1: "The Anchor of Our Hope" - Colossians 1:1-14
Session 2: "Christ Above All Things" - Colossians 1:15-29
Session 3: "Rooted and Built Up" - Colossians 2:1-15
Session 4: "The Danger of Empty Philosophy" - Colossians 2:16-23
Session 5: "Heavenly Minded, Earthly Good" - Colossians 3:1-17
Session 6: "Love in Action" - Colossians 3:18-4:18
Traditional, historical walk through the events recorded in Colossians.
1: "Christ Above All"- Colossians 1:1-14
2: "The Fullness of Christ"- Colossians 1:15-29
3: "Rooted in Christ, Not Deceived"- Colossians 2:1-23
4: "Living as God’s Chosen People"- Colossians 3:1-17
5: "Christ in Our Relationships"- Colossians 3:18-4:1
6: "Prayer, Witness, and Encouragement"- Colossians 4:2-18
The letter to the Colossians, written by the Apostle Paul during his imprisonment, is a profound and rich epistle that addresses both doctrinal and practical issues facing the early church in Colossae. Colossians emphasizes the supremacy of Christ and the sufficiency of His work in salvation, offering believers a strong foundation for their faith and a clear vision of the Christian life. Paul writes to combat false teachings that were creeping into the church, which sought to diminish the centrality of Christ. By placing Christ at the center of everything, Paul urges believers to live in light of His greatness, both individually and as the body of Christ.
One of the core themes of Colossians is the preeminence of Christ. As Paul writes in Colossians 1:16-17, “For by him all things were created... all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” This passage reminds us that Christ is not merely a figurehead of the Christian faith but the very Creator and Sustainer of all life. Theologian John Stott writes, "In the world of the Colossians, Christ was either ignored or relegated to a secondary place; the letter to the Colossians insists on His supreme place in creation and redemption." By declaring Christ’s centrality in creation and salvation, Paul points believers back to Him as the ultimate source of all life and hope.
In practical terms, Paul urges the Colossians to live out their faith by putting off old sinful ways and putting on new Christ-like virtues. Colossians 3:12-14 calls Christians to "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." These qualities reflect the character of Christ and should be evident in every believer’s life. As Paul continues, he exhorts the church to set their hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1-2). This heavenly focus empowers them to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10).
Colossians is a powerful reminder to the church today that our identity and purpose are wrapped up in Christ. The words of the great preacher Charles Spurgeon echo this truth: "Look at Christ, and you will be more and more like Him." As senior citizens in the faith, you are called to continually reflect Christ's image, bearing witness to His grace and truth in your daily lives. May this study deepen your understanding of His supremacy and encourage you to live with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that Christ holds all things together—now and forever.