Coachlight Bible Study – Colossians Chapters 3-4

Coachlight Bible Study – Colossians Chapters 1-4

Rightly Dividing The Book Of Colossians – Questions for Study

The group at Colosse, like other groups even today, is in a battle against twisting good sound doctrine.

In chapter one, Paul sets forth the antidote to the poison of false doctrine – A big dose of “Who Christ Is”. Paul begins his teaching about “Who Christ Is”, with a metaphor comparing Christ and the first-born of a Roman family during Paul’s time. Christ is preeminent or before all things. Christ is the Creator in the Old Testament, and Christ is the Redeemer, Who, by shedding His blood on the cross, purchased salvation for mankind dispensing His Grace to all who will follow Him. Christ is the head of the Church. Christ was before the Gospel message and the Gospel message is all about Christ. Even the Mystery of Christ, in which the Gentile as well as the Jew may be presented perfect in Christ, with Christ performing the works in each person.

In chapter two, Paul uses military metaphors, demonstrating that Christians are at war. The enemy is false doctrines based on man’s tradition, and not the Word of God. Paul demonstrates that striking out roots into Christ or being grounded in the knowledge of Who He is, is the way to have an orderly and solid front line in the battle. If the person builds on the foundation of Christ, he is established in the faith, and sets him free from the seduction of false damnable teachings.

Chapter three and four demonstrate that the fruits or works need to be pursued and they will follow a true “epignosis” of Who Christ Is.. The “fruit” or “works” is taught to be a Holy Walk before the Lord. This point is illustrated with

The Christological Letter To The Colossians
Intension	To give the antidote (Christology) for false teachings
Reference	1:1-----------1:14-------------2:4----------3:1-----------3:5-----------4:7--------4:18
Plan	Introduction And Prayer For The Colossians	Preeminence of Christ Who He Is	The War Freedom In Christ	The “Mind Set” of the Christian	The Holy Walk Fruit of Knowing Who He Is	Conclusion
Focus	Doctrine			Application
Topic	Supremacy of Christ			Submission to Christ
	What Christ Did For Us			What Christ Does Through Us
Location	A Prison In Rome
Time	AD 60-61

I. The Introduction and Prayer for the Colossians

Colossians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,

Colossians 1:2 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.

Colossians 1:3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

Colossians 1:4 Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,

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;

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:

Colossians 1:7 As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;

Colossians 1:8 Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit.

Colossians 1:9 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;

Colossians 1:10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

Colossians 1:11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

Colossians 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

Colossians 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: {his…: Gr. the Son of his love}

1. What is the author’s (Paul’s) Intension? ________________________________________

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2. What is determined to be Paul’s Plan?

1:1 – 1:13 _________________________________________________________________

1:14 – 2:3 _________________________________________________________________

2:4 – 2:23 _________________________________________________________________

3:1 – 3:4 __________________________________________________________________

3:5 – 4:6 __________________________________________________________________

4:7 – 4:18 _________________________________________________________________

3. What does the Greek word Thelema actually mean in verses 1 and 9?

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4. What does the Greek word for knowledge, epignosis, actually mean in verses 9 & 10?

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5. To what demonstrable end does Paul pray for the Colossians to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding?

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6. What are the “fruits” of “Walking Worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing?”

Verse 10b ________________________________________________________________

Verse 10c ________________________________________________________________

Verse 11a ________________________________________________________________

7. What are the demonstrable fruits of being “Strengthened with all might according to His glorious power?

Verse 11b ________________________________________________________________

Verse 11c ________________________________________________________________

8. For what specific reasons does Paul thank the Father?

Verse 12b ________________________________________________________________

Verse 13a ________________________________________________________________

Verse 13b ________________________________________________________________

9. What do we have from His dear Son? (Verse 14)

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II. The Preeminence of Christ – Who He Is

Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Colossians 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

Colossians 1:16 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:

Colossians 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

Colossians 1:18 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. {in…: or, among all}

Colossians 1:19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;

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. {having…: or, making}

Colossians 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled {in…: or, by your mind in}

Colossians 1:22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

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;

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:

Colossians 1:25 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; {to fulfil…: or, fully to preach the word}

Colossians 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

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: {in: or, among}

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:

Colossians 1:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Colossians 2:1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; {conflict: or, fear, or, care}

Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

Colossians 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. {In whom: or, Wherein}

A. Christ Is Preeminent In Creation

10. What does the Greek word, Eikon, translated “image” mean? (Verse 15)

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11. What does the following phrase mean: “The image of the invisible God”?

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12. Paul uses a metaphor to explain the phrase in number 11, what are the two things being compared? (Points of comparison)

1. _______________________________________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________________________________

13. What are the two characteristics involved in the metaphor?

1. _______________________________________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________________________________

14. What is the characteristic of Christ taught in verse 16?

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15. What two characteristics of Christ are taught in verse 17?

1. _______________________________________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________________________________

B. The Preeminence of Christ in the Church

16. Why is Christ the Head of the Church?

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17. In what things does Christ have the preeminence? (Verse 18b)

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C. The Preeminence of Christ in Redemption

18. What is it that dwells in Christ? (Verse 19 – Also look 2:9)

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19. What took place when Christ performed His work on the cross? (Verse 20-21)

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20. What alienated mankind from Christ? (Verse 21)

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21. How does Christ intend to present you? (Verse 22)

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22. What does the big “IF” mean in verse 23?

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D. The Preeminence of Christ in the Gospel Message

23. Why does Paul rejoice in his sufferings? (Verse 24)

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24. Paul knew he was made a minister by God, how was Paul to fulfill the Word of God in this dispensation?

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25. What is the mystery that was hid from the ages? (Verses 1:25-2:3)

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26. In Whom is hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge? (gnosis)

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III. The War – Freedom In Christ

Colossians 2:1 For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; {conflict: or, fear, or, care}

Colossians 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. {In whom: or, Wherein}

Colossians 2:4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

Colossians 2:5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

Colossians 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

Colossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. {make a prey: or, seduce you, or, lead you astray} {rudiments: or, elements}

Colossians 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

Colossians 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Colossians 2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

Colossians 2:15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. {in it: or, in himself}

Colossians 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: {in meat…: or, for eating and drinking} {respect: or, part}

Colossians 2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Colossians 2:18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, {beguile…: or, judge against you} {ina…: Gr. being a voluntary in humility}

Colossians 2:19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

Colossians 2:20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, {rudiments: or, elements}

Colossians 2:21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;

Colossians 2:22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?

Colossians 2:23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. {neglecting: or, punishing, or, not sparing}

27. What is the meaning of the Greek military term Agone, translated conflict? (Verse 2:1)

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28. What is the meaning of Greek military terms, Taxis & Stereoma, translated “order” & “stedfastness”? (Verse 5)

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29. What are the two points of comparison of the military metaphor in verses 2:1-5?

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30. What are the shared characteristics and meaning in this metaphor?

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31. What is it that would keep the Colossians free from enticing words?

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32. From what specific false teaching is the Colossians to beware? (Verses 2:8-10)

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33. From what specific false teaching are the people “circumcised without hands” free? (Verses 11-17)

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34. From what specific false teaching is the Colossians free if they strike out roots in Christ? (Verses 2:18-19)

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35. From what specific false teaching is the Colossians free in verses in 2:20-23?

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IV. The “Mind Set” of the Christian

Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. {affection: or, mind}

Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

36. What is the meaning of the Greek word Phroneo, translated affection in verse 3:2?

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37. The same Greek word, Phroneo, is translated “Do mind” in Romans 8:1-10. Of what concept is Paul talking about in these two verses? Is this the same concept as Colossians 3?

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38. What will happen to those whose life is hid in Christ when Christ appears? (Verse 3:4)

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V. The Holy Walk – Fruit of Knowing Who He Is

A. Put on a New Wardrobe

Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Colossians 3:6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

Colossians 3:7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

Colossians 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

Colossians 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

Colossians 3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. {quarrel: or, complaint}

Colossians 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

39. What is the meaning of the Greek word Neckro, translated “mortify” in verse 3:5? What would the Greek mind imagine when this word is used?

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40. What members (Old wardrobe or works) are to be put off because the wrath of God comes upon the children of disobedience? (Verses 3:5-7)

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41. What new wardrobe (evil works) must be put off now? (Verses 3:8-9)

42. What is the meaning of the Greek word Enduo, translated “put on” in verse 3:10 & 12? What would be in the Greek mind when this word is used?

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43. What new inner garments must be “put on”? (Verses 3:10-13)

44. What new otter garments must be “put on” (Verses 3:14-15)

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B. The Way to Put On This New Wardrobe?

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

45. How does the sanctified Christian “put on” this new wardrobe? (Verses 3:16-17)

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C. Practical Holiness In Family Life

Colossians 3:18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

Colossians 3:19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

Colossians 3:21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

46. What points of the holy walk in family life are taught in verses 3:18-21?

D. Practical Holiness In Work Life

Colossians 3:22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

Colossians 3:23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Colossians 3:24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

Colossians 3:25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Colossians 4:1 Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

47. What points of the holy walk in work life are taught in verses 3:22-4:1?

D. Practical Holiness In Public Life

Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

Colossians 4:3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

Colossians 4:4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

47. What points of the holy walk in public life are taught in verses 4:2-4:5?

48. What is the proper way to be a witness in public life?

VI. The Conclusion

Colossians 4:7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:

Colossians 4:8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;

Colossians 4:9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.

Colossians 4:10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

Colossians 4:11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. {labouring…: or, striving} {complete: or, filled}

Colossians 4:13 For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.

Colossians 4:14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.

Colossians 4:15 Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

Colossians 4:16 And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

Colossians 4:17 And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it.

Colossians 4:18 The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.

49. Why do you think Paul wanted this Epistle to be read in Laodicea as well as Colosse?

50. Now that we have attempted to interpret this book, what would be an important application to adhere to in your life taken from the teaching in this book?