Colossians 1: Supremacy of Christ
What role do you think Timothy played in composing the letter to believers in Colosse?
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Colossians 1:1–2 From Paul, a special messenger of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and our brother Timothy, writing to the faithful followers of Christ, especially those who live in Colosse. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
King James
Colossians 1:1–2 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
How do we receive “grace and peace” from God?
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Colossians 1:1–2 From Paul, a special messenger of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and our brother Timothy, writing to the faithful followers of Christ, especially those who live in Colosse. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
King James
Colossians 1:1–2 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
In times of persecution, how would Paul saying, “We’re praying for you,” benefit believers?
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Colossians 1:3–4 We are always praying for you, giving thanks to the Lord after hearing of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love you have for God’s people.
King James
Colossians 1:3–4 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,
How can knowing about people’s faith and love encourage us in our prayers for them?
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Colossians 1:3–4 We are always praying for you, giving thanks to the Lord after hearing of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love you have for God’s people.
King James
Colossians 1:3–4 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,
What is the difference between “hope in Christ” and “faith in Christ”?
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Romans 8:24 We are saved by this hope, but if we had this expectation in our grasp, it wouldn’t be hope, would it?
Colossians 1:5 You heard the good news and believed, making your hope in Christ secure.
Hebrews 11:1 Faith believes when physical evidence is lacking.
King James
Romans 8:24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
Colossians 1:5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
How did persecutions aid the spreading of the message of Christ?
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Acts 8:1 Saul stood in agreement with the Jewish leaders in putting Stephen to death, beginning a time of great persecution of the church in Jerusalem, and except for the apostles, believers were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
Acts 11:19 During the persecution of believers when Stephen was stoned, disciples left Jerusalem for Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, where they spread the message of Christ only to the Jews.
Colossians 1:6 The message is spreading around the world, bearing fruit in others as it has you from the day you heard and accepted the truth of God’s grace.
2 Timothy 3:12 for all who live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted in some way.
King James
Acts 8:1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
Acts 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
Colossians 1:6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
How can the message of Christ be unfruitful?
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Isaiah 55:11 Listen, everyone. If you’re thirsty, come to the water that satisfies. Even if you have no money, come buy food and eat, for here you don’t need money to have wine and milk that is priceless.
Mark 4:21 Jesus said, “Is a lighted candle ever put under a basket or couch? No, it is always placed where its light will shine.
Colossians 1:6 The message is spreading around the world, bearing fruit in others as it has you from the day you heard and accepted the truth of God’s grace.
King James
Isaiah 55:11 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Mark 4:21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
Colossians 1:6 Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:
What might have happened to make Epaphras a faithful servant of Christ?
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Colossians 1:7 Christ’s faithful servant Epaphras, who shared the good news with you, is now working with us.
King James
Colossians 1:7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;
What is the difference between “ordinary” love and “Holy Spirit” love?
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Matthew 5:43–46 “People usually say, ‘Love your neighbor, and hate your enemy,’ but I say you should show kindness to your enemies, doing good to those who persecute you. Your Father in Heaven causes the sun to rise on the evil as well as the good. He sends rain on both the righteous and unrighteous. You should show kindness as he does. What is commendable about loving only those who love you? Even greedy tax collectors and other sinners do that.”
Luke 6:33–35 “You get no credit for showing kindness to those who treat you well, because sinners do that much. Will you receive compliments for lending money only to those you are sure will pay you back? Even sinners lend to sinners when they are confident of repayment. Lend when you have no assurance of being paid back. Then you will be rewarded as children who are like their Father God, who is kind to the wicked and ungrateful.”
Colossians 1:8 He told us about the love you have for others in the Holy Spirit.
King James
Matthew 5:43–46 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?
Luke 6:33–35 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
Colossians 1:8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.
How do we achieve a complete knowledge of God’s will?
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John 16:13 “But when the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own authority but will say only what he hears. He will reveal to you things to come.”
Romans 12:2 Don’t follow what society says is right. To experience God and have the highest feeling of self-worth, and to live life to its fullest, your thinking must drastically change. Instead of centering your desires upon yourselves, satisfy the good and perfect will of God by seeking to help others.
Colossians 1:9–10 From the day we heard the news, we’ve prayed for your complete knowledge of God’s will, with great wisdom and spiritual insight. May your lives honor the Lord as you work to please him in every way, increasing in knowledge.
2 Timothy 2:15 Diligently study so you will be recognized by God and others as one who correctly interprets Scripture, one who need not be ashamed.
King James
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Colossians 1:9–10 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
What hinders our joyfully remaining steadfast and patient?
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Romans 8:25 If we continue to hope for what we do not yet have, then we will patiently persevere.
Colossians 1:11–12 We pray for your strength through God’s mighty power that with joy you remain steadfast and patient, always thankful for his gifts, sharing his promise to believers who live in the light.
James 4:7 Completely surrender your will to whatever God wants. Then your resistance to the devil is an absolute no, and he has no reason to hang around.
King James
Romans 8:25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Colossians 1:11–12 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Why does the darkness have any power to keep us from the light?
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1 Corinthians 2:3–4 When I was with you, I humbly trembled with great concern, that you experience the power of the Holy Spirit and not be enticed with an appealing human philosophy.
Colossians 1:13 For God has delivered us from the power of darkness to bring us into the Kingdom of his beloved Son
James 1:14 People are tempted when their desires take them in a direction different from where God would have them go.
King James
1 Corinthians 2:3–4 And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
What do you think is the most significant difference between kingdoms of this world and the Kingdom of God?
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Colossians 1:13–14 For God has delivered us from the power of darkness to bring us into the Kingdom of his beloved Son, whose sacrifice made us clean, freed from sin.
King James
Colossians 1:13–14 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
By what means do we perceive God?
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John 14:9 “Philip! Have I been with you so long and you still do not recognize who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. So why do you ask me to show him to you?”
John 16:13 “But when the Spirit of Truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own authority but will say only what he hears. He will reveal to you things to come.”
Romans 1:20 They have no excuse for not believing and doing the good they know to do, since the power and nature of our invisible God can be clearly observed in his creation.
Colossians 1:15–16 Christ is the visible image of our God whom we otherwise could not see, who preceded all creation. All things in the spiritual and physical realms were created through him, in Heaven and on Earth, what is seen and what cannot be seen, the rulers and those being ruled, all authorities and powers. Everything was created through him for his purpose.
King James
John 14:9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Colossians 1:15–16 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
How would you describe Jesus’ existence prior to his physical birth?
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Colossians 1:17 He existed before anything else, and all things exist through him.
King James
Colossians 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
What makes Jesus “the greatest”?
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Philippians 2:7–8 Instead of coming in royal attire, asking to be served, he worked as a lowly member of the servant class. As an ordinary human being, he subjected himself to death on the cross.
Colossians 1:18–19 He is the head of his body, the assembly of believers, the first of all who rise from the dead, supreme in everything. The fullness of God is revealed in him.
King James
Philippians 2:7–8 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Colossians 1:18–19 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
In what ways does God restore our relationship with him?
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Colossians 1:20 Through his blood, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross closed the abyss that separated us from God, restoring our relationship with him in every way, both physically and spiritually.
King James
Colossians 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Why does knowing Christ make such a difference in people’s lives?
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Colossians 1:21–22 At one time you were on a different team, fighting for your way instead of God’s. Your mind took you through goals, strategies, and wicked works. But now you have given up all that opposes him, reconciled to his plan for your life. Through Jesus’ physical death and burial, Jesus raised you up, without guilt or shame, blameless in his eyes.
King James
Colossians 1:21–22 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:
How does a person stay “deeply rooted” in faith?
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Colossians 1:23 Stay deeply rooted in your faith, never wavering from the hope you have in the good news of Jesus Christ, which you have heard me preach everywhere.
King James
Colossians 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Why did Paul think he had made a worthwhile sacrifice?
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Colossians 1:24 I rejoice in my suffering for you, which is much less than what Christ sacrificed for the assembly of believers who are his church body.
King James
Colossians 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church:
How well do you think the Colossians?
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Colossians 1:25–26 As God’s servant, I was sent to make his message fully known in your lives, a mystery hidden from past generations but now revealed to his followers.
King James
Colossians 1:25–26 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
What is the best means to make the message of Christ known?
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Matthew 5:15–16 “People do not light a lamp and hide it under a bowl. It is placed on a stand to give light to everyone in the house. In the same way, you should let your kindness shine before men so they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.”
2 Corinthians 3:3 You are expressly purposed through our ministry to be Jesus’ letter to the world—not written with pen and ink but by the Spirit of our living God. His message will not be read from stone tablets but from your changed hearts.
Colossians 1:27 God is making the richness of his glory known. No longer a mystery, Christ living in you is the hope for all nations.
King James
Matthew 5:15–16 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
2 Corinthians 3:3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
What is the difference between teaching and preaching? Which do you think is more effective? Why?
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Colossians 1:28 Using wisdom in every situation, we teach and preach so people may become what God wants them to be in Jesus Christ.
King James
Colossians 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Who is most responsible for learning, the teacher/preacher or the student?
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Colossians 1:29 That’s why I work so hard, striving to use every ounce of energy he gives me to accomplish his purpose.
King James
Colossians 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.