Colossians 4:5-17 Outsiders & Fellow Workers

Well, we made it!! This is our last Colossians lesson. I am sad to leave this book behind, but I am also so excited for our next study! I hope you will join us for our study on Covenant. 

So let's get to it! Read Colossians 4:5-17. You will notice this section breaks up into two ideas outsiders and fellow workers. The focus of our study this week will be on the two little verses that talk about outsiders. These verses are powerful, so don't miss it! 

So let's observe these verses. Remember when we observe we want to ask the 5W & H kind of questions. Think about what questions you could ask to observe verses 5&6. 

What commands does Paul give the Colossians regarding their actions toward outsiders? Write down these commands in your journal. 

Conduct with Wisdom
The first command Paul gives is to conduct themselves with wisdom. But what does this mean? What are two tools we use to find out what the text means?? (Yes this is a test) Use those two tools to interrogate what it means to conduct with wisdom. (make sure you look at both conduct & wisdom) Make sure to write down everything you learn in your journal!! 

Making the Most of Every Opportunity
WOW. This phrase hit me right between the eyes!! This phrase is broken up into two parts just like conduct with wisdom above. If the test above confused you, let me clarify at this point. We use two tools to interrogate the text: word studies & cross references. Remember how I showed you last week how to look up word studies on Blue Letter Bible? One thing we didn't talk about a lot, was how to find cross references. Blue Letter Bible can help you out here. When you are looking at a verse and want to do a word study, click the tools button to the left of the verse. This will bring up a box that breaks down each word or phrase. Click on the Strong's Number to the right of the word. This is your word study. If you scroll below the definition you will find the cross references. 

So here is what I want you to do. Do a word study & find 3-5 cross references for each part of the phrase making the most of every opportunity make sure to write down what you learn in your journal.. If you didn't do this for conduct wisdom, please go back and do so. 

Speech Seasoned with Grace
I will share with you at Bible Study why this verse is so important to me. It's been a big part of transformation in my life. Using the same two tools above interrogate this verse. I'm not going to tell you exactly what to look up. I want you to try it on your own. Remember part of what we do in Bible Study is to learn how to study for ourselves. We are constantly practicing it! Write down what you learn in your journal. 

The Church
Now I want you to observe what you learn about the church, Paul's fellow workers in the faith. Simply observe these verses. Ask yourself the 5W's & H questions. Write down what you learn in your journal. 

Wrap it Up
What has God shown you this week? In what ways has He pricked your heart? Spend some time confessing any sin He has revealed. Maybe you need to seek forgiveness. Don't miss out on this process. Write down in your journal any thoughts or prayers you have over what we studied this week! 

I love ya'll. Thank you for joining me on this journey through Colossians. It is my sincere pleasure to study with you each week. 

Colossians 4:2-4 Prayer

Can you believe it? This is almost our last lesson in Colossians. This week and next week we should finish out the book. I pray God is reminding you of all that He has taught you as we have studied this book together.

So let's get to it!! Open up your Bible and read chapter 4 in it's entirety. We studied verse one last week so we won't focus on it this week. There are three main sections in this chapter: 2-6, 7-9, and 10-18.

Let's start with the first section: read back through these verses and write down in your journal what is the main theme of these verses. Remember the easiest way to find a theme is to look for key words that are repeated. So what is repeated?? yep! Prayer. Make a list in your journal of what you learn about prayer. Remember to write down as much as possible trying to answer any 5W's & H. Now just in case you missed it, answer these questions in your journal: How are the Colossians to pray? With what attitude? What is Paul's specific request?

Are there any word here that stick out to you that you think we need to do a word study on? Write down in your journal any words or phrases that we should look into further by doing a word study. Now remember a word study is stopping to look at a word or phrase in it's original language while also considering the mood, tense, and voice. We use Blue Letter Bible for our word studies. Okay so let's dive into the Word studies. Look up these words (and any other words you wrote down): devote, keeping alert, & with an attitude of thanks giving and write down the definition in your journal.

What about some cross references on prayer? Let's do a few! Remember a cross reference is just another place in scripture that talks about what we are studying. Look up these verses and write down what you learn about prayer and what we should pray for:

• Matt 6:5-13
• 1 Thessalonians 5:17
• Philippians 4:6
• James 5:16-18
• Ephesians 6:18-19

So let's review here. How were the Colossians to pray? With what attitude? What is Paul's specific request? What about you? What does prayer look like in your life? What has God shown you this week about prayer. Write down in your journal what you have learned. Be specific!! 

Colossians 3:22-4:1 Slaves & Masters

This week we come to the final relationship type that is seen in Colossians: masters and slaves.

Let's begin this week's study be reading our passage in Colossians. Read Colossians 3:33-4:1. 

Now let's see what else we can learn about the relationship of slaves and masters in both the new and old testament.

Exodus 21
Go to Exodus 21. Exodus is one of the books of the law. In Exodus 21 we see what God said about how slaves are to be treated. Read the entire chapter and write down what you learn about slaves and masters.

Ephesians 6
Read Ephesians 6:5-9. Consider, what does God call both masters and slaves to do here? Write down what you learn about slaves and masters. Specifically noting how and why God calls them to these specific instructions. Why don't you stop and do a word study using Blue Letter Bible on the words eye service and men pleasers.

1 Tim 6
Read 1 Timothy 6:1-2. Using your chart write down what you learn about slaves and masters. Let's do another word study here in 1 Timothy. Search out the definitions of honor and disrespectful using Blue Letter Bible.

Titus 2
Now let's see what we can learn from Titus 2:9-10. Write down what you learn about slaves or masters.  Did you notice that word pilfer? Let's do a word study on this word.


Colossians 3
Let's open up the Word and read Colossians 3:22-4:1. Notice what this passage says about slaves and masters. Let's begin our third chart. This time one side will say masters and the other side will say slaves. Write down on your chart everything you learn about slaves and masters. The word for please men is the same word we saw in Ephesians 6 and the phrase external service is the same phrase as eye pleasers. What about the words sincere & fear? How does God call slaves to obey their masters? Write down your answer, then do word studies for the words sincere & fear. What does verse 23 have to say about how slaves are to work? Who are slaves really working for? How are masters to respond to their slaves in 4:1? Why? Do a word study on the words justice & fairness

You may be thinking...but what does this have to do with me? That is a great question. We will talk about it in Bible Study on Thursday! Cannot wait to see you!!

Colossians 3:20-21 Parents & Children

Who knew last week that just two verses could hold so much for us. I pray that this week is the same for you! This week we turn our attention to parents and children. 

Open up your Bible to Colossians 3 and read verses 20&21. This week we will do something similar to the list we made last week. However, I do not have a fancy chart for you, so you will have to make your own. 

Exodus
Read Exodus 20:12. This is one of the ten commandments. Write down what you learn.

Deuteronomy
Go to Deut 6:4-9. This passage is known as the Shema. As you read this passage write down everything you learn about the role of a parent.

Psalm
Read Psalm 78:1-4. Write down what you learn here about parents. 

Proverbs
Read Prov 22:6,15, & 23:13. Write down what you learn here about parents and children. 

Ephesians
Go to Ephesians 6:1-4. Read these verses and write down what you learn about children and parents.

Colossians
Now let's return to Colossians 3:20-21. Write down what you learn about parents and children

In your journal ask and answer these questions. 

• What is the role of children?
• To what extent are children to be obedient to their parents
• Why are children to be obedient to their parents?
• What are parents called to do?
• Why are parents given this instruction?

Now let's turn out attention to word studies! Look up these words on Blue Letter Bible: be obedient, all things, well pleasing, exasperate, & lose heart. 

As we close this week, it's time for a heart check. Where is your heart at in this? Write down how God is prompting your heart through this lesson. 

I am praying for you this week! I pray that your hearts will remain open to what God has to say to you! 

Colossians 3:18-19: Submit & Love

Hi, welcome to marriage week. Okay, so not really, but kinda. I pray that you do not read these verses and decide it doesn't apply to you. I pray that God will use this week to begin to create you into the woman He has designed you to be!! I pray that your heart would be open and soft toward this thing called submission and the role God calls us to as women.

Read Colossians 3:18-19. This week we will focus on what we learn from the Bible about man and woman and their roles. I created a chart for you to use this week to document your study, or you can create your own in your journal (or laptop). We are going to be all over the place in scripture, so hang on!! Just right click and download the picture.

Genesis

Let's go back to the beginning, the book of Genesis. Where this whole man and woman thing started. Go to Genesis 2:15-24. Read this section and write down on your chart what you learn about man and woman and what God designed their roles to be. 

Ephesians
Okay, now let's see what we learn in Ephesians. Remember, Ephesians and Colossians share similar themes. Read Ephesians 5:22-33. Write down everything that you learn about the husbands and wives on your chart.

1 Peter
Now let's go to 1 Peter 3:1-7. Read these verses and write down everything you learn about husbands and wives.

Titus
Okay, let's head to Titus 2. Read the entire chapter. This chapter has specific instructions for old men, young men, old women, and young women. Write down everything you learn about the roles and character of men and women in this chapter. The word 

Colossians
Okay, back to where we started! Go, back to Colossians and write down everything you learn about husbands and wives from this passage. 

Okay, let's make some observations about what we have learned about man and woman, husbands and wives. Going back to your chart, ask yourself, why did God make woman? What job did God create for man? What common instructions do you see from each New Testament passage? Who is the woman to submit to? Who is the man to love? To what degree is the man to love his wife (look for the word as, it shows a comparison)? Write down what you learn in your journal.

Now let's do some word studies!! First up, that word submit. Using Blue Letter Bible look up the greek definition and write down what you find in your journal. This word submit is in the middle voice. Blue Letter Bible Tells us: The middle voice indicates the subject performing an action upon himself (reflexive action) or for his own benefit. E.g., "The boy groomed himself." How does this help you understand what it means to submit? Write down your thoughts in your journal. 

Now, let's look up that word love. Look up this word and write down what you learn about it. 

Lastly, we are going to look up the word bitter. Write down what you learn about this word in your journal.

WOW! We have seen so much in scripture about the roles of men and women. Sometimes it amazes me how clear God is about who He calls us to be. Know I am praying for you as you study and wrestle with these truths.

Colossians 3:10-17: The New Self

Last week was a hard lesson. We had to honestly stop and take a look at ourselves and allow God to reveal any sin in our lives. I pray that you have not left that lesson and that you continue to deal with verses 5-9. As believers those things should not even be named among us. 

This week our contrast moves to the new self! Stop and ask God to move in your heart as you study. Ask Him to reveal if the new self is true of you! Now read Colossians 3:5-17. 

We begin our particular study this week in verse 10. What command does verse 10 give us? What do we learn about the renewal in verses 10-11? In other words how or to what are we to be renewed? 

Now let's start with some word studies & cross references on verses 10-11. Read through those verses and look for words you need to look up in the greek. As I look at these verses there are so many words that we need to dive into. Let's look up the definition of these phrases and find 2-3 cross references on each: put on, new self, & who is being renewed. Make sure to write down all that you learn with each word study & cross reference. Did you notice the voice of "put on" and "who is being renewed"? If not, go back and write down the voice of each one. 

Now let's look at what the new self looks like beginning in verse 12. How are we as believers  described at the beginning of verse 12? Paul used the word chosen. We need to stop at look at it before we move on. Look up the word chosen on Blue Letter Bible. Let's also look at some cross references. Look up 2-3 verses that help us get a better understanding of this word. Write down what you learn in the definition and the cross references about being chosen.

A list of the new self begins in verse 12. Write down the qualities of the new self. I think we also need to stop and reflect on each word in this list. Look up each word in the greek and write down the definition in your journal.

The new self list runs all through verse 13, then something happens in verse 14. Look at 14-17 and write down Paul's commands. Let's look up a few words from this section of verses on Blue Letter Bible. Look up these words: love, peace, rule, word, and dwell. Now think about how the commands in 14-17 connect to the new self found in 10-13. Write down your thoughts.

Now, stop, look back at Colossians 3:5-17. After all the work you have done the past few weeks do you have a greater understanding of this passage? Okay, now let's look at our hearts and our actions. Do your heart and the things of your heart (that spill out in action) reflect that of the old self or the new self? I am praying that God would continue to expose sin in our lives and that we would be willing to confess & repent that sin. I pray that you are "considering" the old self. Know that I am praying for you as you study this week! 

Colossians 3:5-9 The Old Self

I am so excited to get to this lesson and the next lesson. This part of Colossians was major in my life. God used it to show me change that needed to happen in my life. 

Begin this week by asking God to reveal to you sin in that is in your life. Ask Him to expose any areas of the Old Self that might remain in you. Now stop, read Colossians 3:5-17. Let's consider what the old self is. In your journal list what you learn about the old self. Please write down as much detail in your journal as possible. Now ask yourself why are we to consider these things as dead? 

Now let's break apart some of these verses. Look at Colossians 3:5-7 and look for words that you think we need to look up in the greek. Write them down in your journal. Now use Blue Letter Bible to investigate those words. Look up the greek definition, see if you can figure out the mood, tense, and voice. 

So what words did you look up? I looked up the words: consider, immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, greed, idolatry. If you missed it, go back and try to determine the mood, tense, voice of the word consider. 

Did you notice what verse 6 had to say about the result of these sins? Go back and look at it and write down the answer in your journal. Did you notice what Paul says in verse 7? Write down what Paul is saying about the Old Self in verse 7. 

The lists we see at the first part of this section of verses contrast how believers walked before Jesus and then how they walk in Jesus. But what about those people who profess to be in Jesus yet walk in sin? Let's consider some cross references on this subject!

• 1 Cor 6:9-11
• Eph 5:3-10
• Gal 5:19-21
• 1 John 3:4-10

Now let's look at the second command Paul wrote about in Colossians 3:8-9. What is the second list that we find? Write it down. What does Paul command them to do? Where do these things come from?

Paul is calling them to put aside several things. Let's look up what it means to "put aside". Using Blue Letter Bible, find the definition for this word along with 2-3 cross references that help us gain insight to this word. Write down the address to the verse and what you learn in that verse about putting aside. 

Now let's look specifically at Paul's second list. Let's look up each word in the greek and write down the definition. 

That is the end of our homework this week. Next week we will contrast the Old Self with the New Self. I pray this week as you look at the Old Self, if there are any parts of the Old Self still in your life that God will reveal that to you. Praying for you this week!!! 

Chapter 3:1-4 Seeking the Things Above

This week we begin diving into Chapter 3! Let's focus on verses 1-4. As we look at the beginning of chapter 3, it is important for us to remember how it connects to chapter 2. Look back at chapter 2 and ask yourself, what two points did Paul make in 2:11-13? Write them down in your journal.  Now look at 2:20-23, ask yourself what point did Paul make about believers having died with Christ? Now as we look at chapter 3, Paul continues with another point about having died with Christ. What point is he making in 3:1? Write your answer down in your journal.

According to verse 1, what are those who have been raised by Christ to do? Answer in your journal. In verse 1 Paul tells the church to keep seeking the things above. What does it mean to seek the things above? Let's turn our attention to word studies and cross references to find out.  Go to Blue Letter Bible and write down the definition of "keep seeking"in your journal. Keep seeking in in the active voice, go here and read what that means. Write down how knowing this helps you understand this verse better.

Now on to our cross references! Ask yourself: According to verse 1, where is Christ and what does that have to do with seeking the things above? Look up each verse below & write in your journal what this verse tells you about the idea of seeking the things above (were Christ is).

• Matthew 6:25-34
• Galatians 1:10

Consider how you might seek the things above in your daily life. Write down what God shows you in your journal.

Now let's look at verse 2. Using Blue Letter Bible look up the definition for "set your mind." Consider how you might set your mind on things above, not earthly things on a daily basis. Write down your thoughts in your journal.

How does doing what we see in Col 3:1-2 help us control the flesh? What is the flesh? Let's look up some cross references to give us more understanding. Look up the cross references below and write in your journal what you learn about the flesh.

• Galatians 5:16-25
• Romans 13:14
• 2 Timothy 2:22
• 1 Thessalonians 5:22

Now let's look at Colossians 3:3-4. In your journal write out what these verses have to do with verses 1-2. Let's look at some cross references that will help us make this connection:

• Philippians 1:20-21
• Romans 8
• 2 Corinthians 5:17
• Philippians 3:8-11

There is good news! Read the verse below and write down what you learn about when Christ is revealed:

• 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
• 2 Corinthians 5:1-10

When we meet this week we will bring this all full circle. It's okay if it doesn't make sense right now. Press on, write down what you learn, and we will discuss it all together on Thursday night. 

Colossians: Chapter 3 Overview

Welcome to Chapter 3!! YEAH!!!! We are half way through with the book of Colossians. As I have been telling you we are at a turning point in the book of Colossians. 

If you are new to our study, I have a little catch up for you. I encourage you to read through the entire book of Colossians. Now, go back through chapters 1 & 2, and mark every reference to Jesus (including pronouns) with a red cross. Next make a list on what you learn about Jesus. As I mentioned above, so far in Colossians the focus has been on Jesus. So it is important for you to observe what we learn about Jesus in the first two chapters. When you make your list, just write down what you learn about Jesus exactly as it is mentioned in the text. (Example: 1:13- He (God) rescued us from the domain of darkness & transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son (Jesus))

Now let's turn to chapter 3 and do an overview.  Remember in an overview we are getting an birds eye view of the chapter. We won't dive into each truth that we see, but are looking what this chapter is about and how it relates to the rest of the book. Read through chapter 3. Now, read through it again and mark any reference to Jesus. Make a list on what you learn about Jesus in chapter 3. 

Now, read through chapter 3 again and look for terms of conclusion, contrasts, or lists. We have talked before that Paul likes to use terms of conclusion (the words therefore or so that) and contrasts. Another thing Paul loves is making lists. Read through chapter 3 and mark with a black rectangle any terms of conclusion. Now go back through and look for any contrasts, mark the contrast with a black slash /. When you see a contrast (like life or death, light or dark) put a / where the two thoughts divide. Now read back through one last time and look for any lists Paul makes (hint: there is one in verse 8). When you find a list number the list by putting a number by each item in the list. Please remember, at this point we are doing an overview of chapter 3. So we are not going to get into the detail of what we learn  about these terms of conclusion, contrasts, or lists quiet yet.

Now I want you to look for paragraph sections. If you are using an Observation worksheet or a NASB version of the Bible, it is easy to see the paragraph sections, you simply look for the bold verse numbers. Bold verse numbers help us to see the beginning of a new paragraph. Read through chapter 3 and write down where the paragraphs divide. 

Now let's look at each paragraph and write down the main theme of each paragraph. We determine the theme, not by interpreting the paragraph, but looking for a part of the paragraph that sums up what Paul is saying in the paragraph.

So where do our paragraphs divide? 3:1-4, 5-11,12-17,18-20,22-25. Read through each paragraph and look for a word, or phrase that sums up what Paul is saying in that paragraph. 

Now consider the rest of the book of Colossians. Write down how chapter 3 relates to the rest of the book of Colossians. I have told you this is a turning point in the book, how so?? Write down your thoughts in your journal.

Colossians 2: Bringing it to an End

Last week we talked about Paul's instruction to the Colossians to not allow anyone to judge them based on food, drink, Sabbath, festivals, or New Moon. All of these were laws that God gave the Israelite people in the Old Testament. We saw that these laws were only a shadow of things to come. That they foreshadowed something better that was coming, something perfect when the OT laws could not make us perfect. That something, was a someone: Jesus.

This week we are going to look at the next set of verses. Read Colossians 2:18-23. Focusing on verses 18-19 ask yourself some 5W's & H questions & write down your answers in your journal:

• In what ways are the Colossians allowing themselves to be defrauded of their prize?
• What are they not doing in verse 19?

As you read 18-19 once again look for words or phrases that we might need to study further (with a key word study or cross reference). Write down the words that you see we need to look at.

So what words did you write down? Did you really do it, or are you just waiting for me to give you the answer? No cheating!! If you didn't write anything down, then stop and do it now. It's okay, I will wait for you!

Okay, so let's do some word studies!! Pull up Blue Letter Bible and let look up some words. I picked these words to look at in the Greek: defrauding, self abasement, hold fast. You might have those same words, or you might have different ones. That is okay, it's better to look up too many than none at all. When you look these words up, write down in your journal what you learn about it. Make sure to also read the Vine's entry, sometimes Vine's gives us more insight.

Okay, let's look up some cross references on some of the words above and some I haven't mentioned yet.

• Self-Abasement: James 4:6 & 4:10
• Angels: Romans 8:38, 1 Corinthians 6:3, Hebrews 1:4
• Visions: Isaiah 8, Deuteronomy 13, Joel 2, Acts 2, 1 Corinthians 12

Okay, lets look at a couple more cross references. Look up Gal 4:8-11 & 1 Timothy 4:1-8. As you read these consider how they connect with Colossians 2:16-23. Write down your observations in your journal.

Okay, now let's go back to Colossians 2. Read verses 2:20-3:4. Ask yourself these questions and write down the answers in your journal:

• What is the flow of thought that we see from 2:20-3:4? Look for the therefore? Why is it therefore? What is it concluding. 
• The end of chapter 2 is reasoning about being dead with Christ. What is the reasoning and what does that have to do with what we saw in 2:16-19?
• What is the reasoning about being raised up with Him in 3:1-4?

We will study chapter 3 in more detail next week, but I want you to see how these two chapters connect. Remember that when Paul wrote this, he didn't write in chapters, but it was one long letter. Sometimes we need to stop and see how each chapter connects. 

Colossians 2:16-17

If you haven't already, read through the book of Colossians to re-establish context. It's been several weeks since we studied together, so I want you to remember what is happening in the book.

Now, go back and read through chapter two. As you read, consider what we have looked at specifically in chapter 2. In your journal, write down these questions along with the answers:

• What are Paul's labors & struggles according to the end of chapter 1 and the beginning of chapter 2
• What truths does Paul stress regarding Jesus in chapter 2

Now it's time to focus on verses 16-17 of chapter two. Read through these verses again. Did you notice the term of conclusion in verse 16. The word "therefore" is called a term of conclusion. Paul uses this often in his writings, often to sum of (or conclude) something he has been talking about. Look at the serves above and below verse 16 and write down what Paul is concluding or connecting with "therefore."

Read through these verses again and write down words, or ideas that we might need to do a word study on or cross reference. (Yes Marissa, that's how I figure this part out.) Often it is something that the Bible references that I am not sure what it is talking about. Other times a word stands out that I have studied in a different passage that I know is important. In these verses what are things that you need to know more about? Are there any words that stand out to you that you might need to do a word study on? Write them down in your journal.

Now, let's start doing some word studies!! What words did you write down? The words I wanted to learn more about were: judge, shadow, & substance. Using Blue Letter Bible, look up these words and any other words you wrote down.

Okay, now it's time to do some cross references!! YEAH!!! We have talked before how we find cross references. The easiest way to do this is when you are doing your word studies. When you have the Greek definition pulled up, you can scroll down to the bottom of the page and see every reference to that word in the Bible. Sometimes you will find several pages, other times you will only find a couple.In the verses we are studying this week, there are several references to law from the Old Testament. It's important that we get some understanding about these laws, so we are going to focus our cross references here.

Look up the following cross references and write down what you learn about the laws God gives regarding food, drink, festivals, new moon, or the sabbath.

• Leviticus 11
• Exodus 20
• Mark 2
• 1 Chronicles 23
• 2 Chronicles 31
• Nehemiah 10
• Hebrews 8 & 10 (don't miss in these verses what you learn about the new covenant vs the law or old covenant)

Okay sweet girls, that is all for this week. I prayed for you this morning and asked the Lord to give you understanding of these verses. Love you greatly!! Cannot wait to see you!!

Colossians 2: In Him

This week, we will focus on Col 2:9-15. And it’s all about being in Him. Ladies, please know that this week is crucial in our study. I encourage you to not lose heart in your study of the Word.   

Each day as you work on your homework, I encourage you to stop and pray. Ask the Lord to speak to you, ask Him to give you understanding of His Word. I also encourage you to begin each day by re-reading 2:9-15. Begin the week by writing down what you learn about being in Him (remember the Him is Jesus). Make a list of everything you learn about being in Him in Col 2:9-15. 

Okay, now it’s time to break apart our list!! The first thing we see is that in Him the fullness of deity dwells in bodily form. Look up the word  deity on Blue Letter Bible.  Let’s see what else we can learn about God’s deity in Scripture. Look up these cross references: Isaiah 43:10-11, John 10:30, Heb 1:3-4 and write down what you learn about deity.  Now let’s look at another word: Look up the word  fullness on Blue Letter Bible. As you do that look up 3-5 cross references that help you understand more about fullness. Write down in your journal what you learn. Be ready to share what you learn with us on Thursday. Okay, let take it back to Colossians. Go back and read verse 9. Write down any thoughts you have about this verse and why it would be important for the Colossians (and us) to know that Jesus was God. 

In verse 10, we learn that in Him we are made complete. We have said several times that this verse is the theme of Colossians. Look up the Greek definition for “complete”. Next, look up cross references (3-5) for complete.  Write down what you learn about each cross  reference.  Now let’s look up the word “head” in the Greek. Look up 1 Cor 11:3 & Eph 1:22 and write down what you learn about head and Christ being the head of the body. 

In verse 11 we see that we are circumcised in Him. Hmmm.. that seems fishy! Let’s investigate the text! Look up these verses and write in your journal what you learn about circumcision. Who ordained it? Why? Genesis 17, Deuteronomy 30, Romans 2, Philippians 3:2-3, Galatians 5:6. So from these verses write down what Paul is saying in Colossians 2. 

In verse 12, we see that we are buried with Him in Baptism and raised up with Him through faith. Look up the word “baptism” in the Greek. Then read Romans 6:1-11. What does this tell us about baptism? How then are we buried with Him and raised up with Him in baptism? Write down what you learn in your journal. 

In verse 13 & 14 we need to stop and notice a contrast. What is the contrast in this verse? Write it down in your journal. Here we see a contrast between death and life. Answer these questions about these verses in your journal: What were you? What did Jesus do? How did He accomplish this life? Let’s dig a little deeper. Look up the word “transgression” in the Greek. Write down the definition. Now look up Ephesians 2:1-10 and write in your journal what you learn about death and life. Let’s look up some more verses that help us to understand that transformation from death to life (With each passage write down what you learn in your journal): Romans 6, James 4:17, 1 John 5:17, 1 John 3:4, Galatians 3:10, Gal 3:13, Romans 7:4-6, Romans 8:3-4. 

So let’s ask ourselves again, how did this life (forgiveness of our sins) come about? Colossians tells us that Jesus canceled the debt of our sin. Look up certificate of debt and write down what you learn. 

Let’s finish with verse 15, write in your journal how verse 15 relates to what we have already seen in verses 11-14. Look up these verses and write down what you learn: John 12, Hebrews 2:14-15, 1 Peter 3. 

WOW, so much this week. But wasn’t it SO good! Don’t you love seeing who Jesus is, and what He has done on our behalf? I pray that God has shown you more about Himself through His Word this week. I pray your love for the Word has grown deeper. I pray that He is rooting your faith in Him this week and you see who you are in Him!!

Colossians 2: Don't Be Deluded; Have Knowledge

Hey friends! Let’s dive in deeper to chapter 2. Chapter 2 is about things that might delude the Colossians. Things that might take them captive. 

We talked about Paul’s struggle. We know he was laboring for those he had never even seen. In your journal make a small list of what Paul desired their hearts to be encouraged by.

One of the things Paul is wanting for the Colossians is that their hearts would have a true knowledge of God’s mystery. We have talked about knowledge and mystery before.  Let’s remind ourselves what we have learned. Look up the definition of "knowledge" and "mystery" on Blue Letter Bible. A tutorial of how to do that is here.

Once you have the definition pulled up, scroll toward the bottom. The verses below the definition are cross references on that word. Read through the cross references for each word. In your journal write down 3 verses that help you understand the word knowledge and what you learn about knowledge in those verses. 

In your journal answer these questions: According to Colossians who is the mystery? What things are hidden in the mystery? List them.

Jesus is the mystery.  One of the things we get in Him is wisdom. Do you remember our lesson wisdom? Wisdom is the capacity to understand and hence act wisely.  In your journal answer the following questions: What do we see about wisdom in chapter 2? How does this relate to what we  have seen already in Paul’s prayer in chapter 1?

Open up 1 Corinthians and read chapters 1-3. Write down everything you learn about wisdom. 

What is Paul concerned about for the Colossians in chapter 2:4-8? What are Paul’s hopes for them? What does he ultimately want the outcome to be in their lives? List these things.

The first thing is that they would not be deluded with persuasive argument. Look up the word “persuasive argument. Look up 2 Cor 2:4. Write down what you lean about persuasive argument.

Next Paul tells them he rejoices to see their good discipline and the stability of their faith. Look up the definitions for discipline and stability. Write down 1-3 cross references that help you understand what the text is saying here. 

Then Paul tells them to walk in Jesus. Look up the word walk and write down what you learn about it. Look up Ephesians 4:1-3, Ephesians 5:8, 5:15, Romans 6:4, Gal 5:16, & 1 John 1:6-7. Write down what you learn about walking. 

Lastly, they were to see to it that they were not taken captive through empty deception & philosophy. Look up the words “philosophy”, “empty”, and “deception”. Look up these cross references and write down what you learn about empty deception or philosophy: Ephesians 5:6 & Acts 17:16-34

Do you see a contrast in Colossians 2:8? Look for it and write down the contrast in your journal. We will talk more about this in Bible Study.

Well, that is it for this week. I know it requires much study. I pray that you will be faithful to study. I pray that God is growing in you a love for His Word. I pray that He is making you hungry for it. Please come to Bible Study with your journal. Be ready to talk about the Mystery and Paul's concerns (and hopes) for the Colossians. 

Inductive Bible Study

This post is for those of you who missed out on the first study we did: How to Study the Bible. We used Kay Arthur's book Lord Teach me to Study in 28 Days and learned the Inductive Study Method.

If you have ever sat down and talked Bible study with me, you have probably heard me tell you some form of the Inductive Study Method.

Inductive vs. Deductive
Inductive Bible Study is where you learn how to study for yourself. You are learning directly from the text itself, instead of hearing someone else speak the words to you. It's the difference between going to church and listening to the pastor preach and message and you at home in the Word studying it for yourself. Another example is you studying the Word vs. doing a study by someone who tells you what it means. Learning though people is not a bad thing, but when you learn it yourself you will find that the Word is truly written on your heart!

Observation
The first step to Inductive Bible Study is observation. Observation asks the question "What does the text say?"Observing is what we are doing when we read through the book of Colossians and mark key words, or make a list while asking the 5W's & an H. In observation we are only looking at what the text says itself.

Interpretation
The next step of Inductive Bible Study is interpretation. Interpretation asks "What does the text mean?" We are interpreting the text when we consider the context, look up Greek or Hebrew definitions, or look up cross references. Interpretation is closely related to observation. We are still not looking at what someone else tells us the verses or chapter means, but we are drawing conclusions from the text always while keeping the context in mind. In Interpretation, context is king, because it rules (or directs) interpretation.

Application
Application is the final step of Inductive Bible Study. In application we ask "How does the text apply to me?" In application we must consider how what we learned in the text changes our  belief or our behavior. True application happens when we our minds, hearts, or actions change based on what we see in the text.

This is just a brief synopsis of the Inductive Study Method. If you are interested in learning more, I encourage you to stop by www.precept.org. You can find a more in-depth description of the Inductive Study Method here.

Colossians 2 Overview: Pt 3

Now we are going to mark time. With a green clock, mark any reference to time. Remember time references are often seen with the words when, then, next, etc.

Read through the chapter once more looking for paragraph divisions. Paragraph divisions can be found by looking for the verse numbers in bold. Once you find the paragraph division or section summarize each one. Please use the text itself to develop your summary. Be careful to not jump to interpretation, we are just observing chapter two. In your journal write down the paragraph summaries.

In your journal answer these question:
How does chapter 2 relate to chapter 1? It's important that you see how the two relate. Remember the theme found in 2:10. Everything we are seeing must fit under the umbrella of that theme. 

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Colossians 2 Overview: Pt 2

As you read did you notice any other key repeated words? If not, go back and look for any key words. Remember Key words are words that are repeated and hold meaning. They help us unlock the meaning of the text. 

Mark these key words. Key Words: knowledge/understanding, circumcision. Then make a list of them in your journal.

This chapter has warnings or instructions to the Colossians. Read through the chapter and number the warnings/instructions. Then (if you haven’t already) make a list of the warnings and instructions in this chapter. 

Colossians Overview: Part 1

Welcome to Chapter two! I am so proud of your study up to this point! I encourage you to continue in your diligence! 

This week we are going to observe chapter two more directly. Remember that this chapter is where we found our chapter theme of “complete in Christ”. If you haven’t mark the theme verse in a distinguishing way. I like to put a star next to the verse.

Read through Chapter 2 of Colossians. If you haven’t marked the author and recipient, then do that as you read through the chapter. Using colored pencils or pens put a rectangle around the author (any reference to Paul) and put a circle around the recipients (any reference to the Colossians).  If you haven’t made a list on them, do so at this time. If you have already marked author & recipient then review your list for chapter 2.

If you have not marked and listed Jesus, in chapter two, now is the time to do it. I mark Jesus with a red cross. Don’t forget to mark any reference including pronouns. Then make a list on Jesus.