Colossians for Beginners
Colossians 1:18b-29
Estrategia pedagógica
The focus of this lesson is a continuation of Paul’s teachings on the pre-eminence of Christ. Of special note in this lesson is why Jesus is pre-eminent and what our response should be.
Resultados del aprendizaje de los estudiantes
- Know: Understand the pre-eminent Christ
- Feel: Defend Jesus as pre-eminent
- Do: Use information from the Letter to the Colossians to live faithfully and grow spiritually.
Cuerpo de la lección
Preguntas de discusión
A continuación se sugieren preguntas para utilizar durante la parte de debate guiado de la lección. También se sugieren respuestas a las preguntas para ayudar a los alumnos a comprender los distintos conceptos. Se proporcionan para ayudar al debate y no se consideran respuestas "correctas o incorrectas".
It was through the resurrection of Christ. His resurrection confirmed all He had taught and claimed and was not seen before. In short, it fulfilled prophecy in a way not understood. It further confirmed our Lord's relationship within time and for eternity.
- Redemption – Jesus paid the price to (purchase) free us from our sin.
- Resurrection – Jesus proved His deity (Godliness) by His resurrection from the dead.
- Reconciliation – Jesus re-established the balanced relationship between man and God as a product of our redemption.
Taken together we see the entirety of the role Jesus fulfilled as our Messiah (deliverer) in like fashion to Moses as the deliverer of the Hebrew nation. Moses freed from physical slavery and Jesus frees us from spiritual captivity. Whereas the physical is temporary, the spiritual is eternal.
None can provide the elements of redemption, resurrection, and reconciliation.
Jesus brought man and God together completing the authority of Christ.
To present us blameless before God. The blood of Christ cleanses us of our sin (I John 1:7; Hebrews 9:13-14).
Our continued faithfulness
If we accept any teachings other than the pre-eminence of Christ then we reject Jesus as our Lord and the product of our redemption, salvation.
Note: The action is on us. We reject Christ and His gift.
Paul also suffered in Christ for their sakes. In doing so he is teaching by example that all will have to endure hardship for the sake of Christ.
Note: This was part of the statement made by Jesus to Ananias in Acts 8:16 regarding Paul's calling and what he would endure.
Mystery refers to something unknown or not understood. The mystery was the process of redemption of man through the suffering of Christ and Paul's sharing in it as he carried the gospel to the gentiles.
None. God's salvation is now known for all to receive.
False teachers have always used the same methods, therefore we must be on guard against them. They seek to displace Jesus as Lord and pervert (change/alter) the teachings of who Christ was and His message.
The gospel produces everything God intends for us. The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ and our redemption before God (I Corinthians 15:1-4). This meets God's requirements for the purchase of our souls.
Suffering is a normal part of Christianity. Christ suffered physically and through the separation from the Father, and so will His followers (Matthew 5:11-12). For some the suffering is harsh treatments as they stand uncompromising before the world. Every faithful Christian suffers if nothing more than when we refuse to give in to the desires of the flesh. The closer we grow to Christ, the more our discomfort and suffering. We are to be aware and prepared so we will remain faithful (Forewarned is forearmed).
Note: Consider bringing in Jesus' statement from Matthew 7:13-14 regarding what is endured, and the reward received.
Christ suffered for our sins. To receive His blessing of salvation we must forsake all and turn to Him in obedience and submission. This involves our understanding of who He is as the Son of God, the author and finisher of our salvation (Hebrews 12:1-2). Following our understanding we demonstrate our commitment to Him by our baptism and faithful living. We do not compromise in His message and how we live our lives as faithful followers.