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!!