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.