Colossians for Beginners
Colossians 1:1-2
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is the value of the teachings of Jesus over false wisdom. Of special note in this lesson is Paul’s objective to show that the true teachings of Jesus are the sole response to false teachings.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand the all sufficiency of Christ and His teachings.
- Feel: Defend the all sufficiency of Christ for our salvation.
- 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 he begins, Paul establishes his authority as an apostle in presenting this teaching. However, he does so in a way that softens the teaching by also recognizing them as fellow Christians. In a very cordial way, he wishes for them peace and God's grace.
This was Paul's customary way of addressing those directly targeted with he letters. Even those he offered criticism to (Corinthians), he recognized them as fellow Christians. In Acts 17 we see Paul recognizing the value of the Athenians as he presents the truth of the one true God in the face of their polytheistic view. This overcomes hostility and encourages others to listen.
We can take a lesson from this as we seek to teach the gospel of Christ to others. We should start with commonalities and recognizing others as sincere in their position. We also should not be so prideful as to think that we also can learn.
Saints – It is not a special category of "super saints", rather those made holy by the blood of Christ.
Faithful Brethren – Faithful brethren are those that share in the relationship with Christ. Rejecting Christ and following false teachings indicates unfaithfulness. Our role is to teach the erring one so as to bring them back into faithfulness. Interestingly, Paul uses this term for the Colossians even as he teaches them about the danger of following false teachings. Even those slipping into heresy are brethren until such time that they completely reject the teachings of Jesus. It is not our place to determine who is or who is not a brother in the Lord but rather the teachings of our Master. That is not to say we overlook error or false teaching, but we judge according to God's standard and not ours.
Grace is God's favor and gift of forgiveness, and as a result, salvation from the result of sin. He offers this regardless of our imperfection.
Peace is a result of God's grace. This is peace of mind and soul, and with self, and others.
Taken together these two are the most precious gifts God grants to us as His faithful children.
The conflicting false and erroneous teachings created turmoil and stress. The core teachings of Jesus as presented by Paul and the other apostles were being undermined. As a result, the peace offered by God was not being felt.
- All are sinners and condemned before God (Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23)
- No one can save themselves by trying to keep the law in any of its religious or social forms (Galatians 2:16).
- The only way to be saved from the condemnation that awaits us because of our sins is through faith in Jesus Christ and not other (Acts 4:12; Galatians 2:16).
God's grace through faith saves us (Ephesians 2:8). That is the simple message of the Gospel. Our response of repentance, baptism, and faithful to the teachings of Jesus are how we respond to God's grace – An active and obedient faith. We are saved when we express our faith in Jesus by repentance and baptism. That's the true meaning of saved by faith.