LEARNING FROM COLOSSIANS

Colosse was a city in decline during the time of Paul. It was near the growing cities of Laodicea and Hierapolis. Paul probably never visited the city but heard about it through Epaphras, the evangelist who planted the church. Paul wrote the letter, at the request of Epaphras, because of some strange teachings that de-emphasized the Supremacy of Jesus. This false teaching is described in Colossians 2:8, 16-23. It involved some old Jewish teachings (2:16f), the worship of angels (2:18) and extreme asceticism (reaching a higher spiritual state through self-punishment). The theme of the book is that Jesus is sufficient – we need no one else or nothing else but Him for salvation. This week we will read the book of Colossians. After reading the assigned passage answers using the S.P.A.C.E.P.E.T.S. questions below for each day. Record your answers and look for ways to put what you learn into practice. Is there any … Sin for me to confess?
Prayer for me to pray
Attitude for me to change?
Command for me to obey?
Example for me to follow?
Promise for me to claim?
Error for me to avoid?
Truth for me to believe?
Something to thank or praise God for?

MON: Colossians 1:1-14 - Paul begins the letter with giving thanks for the Colossian Christians (3-8) and offering a prayer for their maturity (9-14).

TUES: Colossians 1:15-23 – The first six verses of this section is a hymn celebrating the Godhood of Christ. Paul attacks the false teaching that attempts to persuade folks to worship angels and obey Jewish law by declaring the supremacy of Jesus. The last three verses apply the truths about Jesus found in the hymn to our lives.

WED: Colossians 1:24-2:5 – Paul continues to fight the false doctrine being taught in Colosse. He begins by sharing how he has served the church (1:24-2:5). Sharing the sacrifices he made for Christ gives Paul credibility as he teaches the Colossians that Jesus and only Jesus is Lord and Savior.

THURS: Colossians 2:6-23 – Paul warns the Colossians not to be deceived and continue to look to Jesus as Lord. He emphasizes the Deity of Jesus and in verse 16 and following describes the elements of the false teaching as he points the Colossians to Christ.

FRI: Colossians 3:1-4:1 – In chapter 3 Paul contrasts true Christian living with the heresy being taught. Notice the first four verses focus on Jesus versus the angel worship etc. being taught. Notice most if not all of these virtues deal with relationships.

SAT: Colossians 4:2-18 – Paul closes the letter asking for prayer for himself as he class the readers to a more devoted prayer life. He closes the letter with final instructions and greetings.