Thanksgiving and Prayer
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6 that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our[d] behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.
~ One of the ways the Colossians' faith was revealed was through the love they had for all of God's people. How is your faith being revealed through your love for others?
~ What is your attitude today toward the gospel of Christ? How might God be calling you to share the gospel with others? Are you resisting His call? If so why?
Colossians 1
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2 To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father.
~ With what attitude do you greet those you come in contact with daily? What kind of message do you think you send to others based on the way you greet them?
~ Would you describe yourself as a faithful brother or sister in Christ? Why or why not?
Colosse was a city in Phrygia, in the Roman providence of Asia (part of modern Turkey) about 100 miles east of Ephesus. The church in Colosse was founded by Epaphras. Paul ministered for three years in Ephesus and during that time Epaphras made a trip there. He was saved on that trip and most likely started the church when he returned home. Colossians is referred to as one of the prison epistles because Paul wrote it while in prison in Rome. Paul wrote this letter to warn the Colossians against the heresy they faced. Colossians contains teachings on several key areas of theology, including the deity of Christ, reconciliation, redemption, election, forgiveness, and the nature of the church. Also, as noted above, it refutes the heretical teaching that threatened the Colossian church.
~ What are you hoping to receive from Colossians?
~ What areas of your life do you need the most direction in? Will you ask God to direct you through Colossians?
Final Greetings
21 Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. 22 All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.
23 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
~ How do you treat fellow believers? Do you live as if each is worthy of your concern?
~ What was the importance of Paul putting an amen at the end of this letter?
14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. 15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
~ What is your motive and attitude behind giving to the church or others? What does the bible say it takes for our gifts to be pleasing to God?
~ In what ways has God used others to meet your needs lately? How have you witnessed Gods faithfulness in this?
