Teacher's Guide

Colossians for Beginners

This 12 part series is an easy to understand explanation of Paul's epistle to the Colossian church. In it, the Apostle describes the many facets of Christ's pre-eminence (superiority) in both the physical and spiritual worlds thus establishing the reasons for His Lordship over all.
Series
Colossians for Beginners
3 of 12
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Colossians 1:3-12

Paul offers a prayer which will serve as a bridge to the idea that Christ is pre-eminent in their relationship with God.
Guide by:
David Laton, D.Min.

Teaching Strategy

The focus of this lesson is on Paul’s prayer that serves as a bridge to the idea of Christ pre-eminent in their relationship with God. Of special note in this lesson is understanding the expressions Paul uses and how they should influence our understanding of the pre-eminence of Christ.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • 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.

Body of the Lesson

1.0 - Christ Pre-eminent in relationship
2.0 - Application

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.

1. How does Paul's prayer equate Jesus to God the Father and how does this express the pre-eminence of Jesus?

He states both God and Jesus in the opening of His prayer. He offers one prayer but prays to them as one. Paul's prayer is for the Colossians to continue seeking a relationship with Jesus overall all others.

2. What concepts make up Paul's prayer of thanksgiving and what do they mean?

Faith – The Colossians faith in Jesus. They believe in the Lord and have not moved from this. Paul is thankful for that.

Love – Paul is thankful because the Colossians are expressing their faith in a loving way. They are expressing it as what is best for all through Christ. Just as Christ put others before self.

One cannot be for God and against the Church – Paul is thankful because the Colossians continue to believe in Jesus, their love for others. Together they make us the body of Christ (church).

3. What is Paul expressing in Colossians 1:5b-8?

Paul expands his comment about the hope and reward that the Colossians anticipate. Their reward comes from the message of the gospel – Jesus died to pay for our sins and offers eternal life through Him. (vs. 5b)

The Gospel initiates faith, love, and hope every time God's grace is understood and acted upon. (vs. 6)

Paul reminds them of Epaphras who presented them the Gospel message tells him of their condition and attitude but not in a way that denigrates the Colossians. (vs. 7-8).

4. How does Paul express his blessings for the future of the Colossian church?
  • By knowledge of God's will (vs. 9)
  • Their continued ability to please the Lord (vs. 10)
  • Increasing in power (God's power) (vs. 11a)
  • A joyful attitude (vs. 11b – 12)
5. How can you use this lesson to grow spiritually and help others come into a relationship with Jesus?

We continue to express:

  • Jesus died for all. This truth is a core teaching of the Bible.
  • We have hope because of the resurrection of Jesus.
  • We should ask for spiritual blessings, not just for material blessings. In all our prayers, we should as from the perspective of glorifying God.
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Series
Colossians for Beginners
3 of 12