Colossians for Beginners
Introduction to Colossians
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is on foundational information about Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Of special note in this lesson is the circumstances of why he wrote this letter.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand background information for Colossians.
- Feel: Appreciate the applicability of Paul’s teachings to our life today.
- Do: Use information from the Letter to the Colossians to live faithfully and grow spiritually.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
As a doctrinal statement concerning the deity and all sufficiency of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Follow-on Question: What is meant by "deity of Jesus Christ" and "all sufficiency"?
Jesus is the Son of God. He is a member of the Godhead. All sufficiency indicates that following the teachings of Jesus is what we need for receiving salvation and for living as God wishes.
Paul began his life as a zealous Jewish Pharisee determined to maintain the purity of Judaism, including persecuting those who departed from his view of Judaism. Because of his significant education and position, he was knowledgeable beyond most of the Law of Moses. This enabled him to speak directly to who Jesus was as the long-awaited Messiah. As he began to reach out to non-Jews, he used his knowledge of God and how God brought about salvation for all to reach those seeking God's will. He was able to use his Roman citizenship to overcome obstacles in spreading the gospel even to the highest levels of the empire. His passion and commitment kept him faithful during the most trying times in his life.
- When is it thought to have been written? AD 61-63 during his imprisonment in Rome. (See also Acts 28:14-31).
- What indicates Paul is the author of Colossians? Paul begins his letter by naming himself as the author in the first verse. The early church accepted it as a authentic letter from Paul.
- What was a key reason for Paul to write Colossians? He was informed by Epaphroditus that there was dangerous false teachings being taught in Colossae. The heresy (false teachings) involved a mixture of ideas from Greek philosophy, oriental religions, and Jewish traditions. It was presented as higher thought.
Answers will vary but encourage learners to look to not only the content of Colossians, but the intent of the letter to live faithfully. It is all to easy to lead spiritually immature Christians into directions away from God's word. Satan uses individuals, sometimes unknowingly, with persuasive arguments that chip away at the surety of the deity and all sufficiency of Jesus. More mature Christians must be on guard to protect younger Christians from being led away as well as maintaining their own faithfulness. This necessitates constant vigilance in prayer, study, meditation, and fellowship with other Christians.