Colossians 2:4-5

4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.



~ How are we to protect ourselves and other from false teaching?
~ How was Paul looking out for the Colossians though he was in prison and could not be with them?  What things might you be letting get in the way of your leadership?

Colossians 2:1-3

Colossians 2

1 I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.


~ How hard is God calling you to contend for those He is using you to lead to spiritual maturity? Will you take a moment to pray for those He has placed around you?
~ Do you view your relationship with Christ as personal? What are you doing to get to know Him more?

Colossians 1:28-29

28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.


~ What do you think it means to be fully mature in Christ? What evidence do you find in your own life of this maturity?
~ How have you experienced Christ's power working in you? What challenge might you be facing that you need to surrender to His power?

Colossians 1:24-27

Paul’s Labor for the Church

24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.


~ What commission has God given you?
~ According to these verses what is the mystery and how has it been revealed?

Colossians 1:21-23

21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of[g] your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.


~ How has your life changed from the days when you were alienated from God? Who in your life is still living alienated from God? Will you pray for them today?
~ Are you living as one free from accusation? What areas do you still feel you are in bondage to? Will you invite God into this area today?