Colossians for Beginners
Colossians 1:13-18a
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is a continuation of Paul’s statements about the pre-eminence of Christ. Of special note in this lesson is how Paul expresses why Christ is foremost in relationship to God. Additional consideration should be given to how this increases 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
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.
- Vs. 13-14 – We are saved by and through His active role in our redemption.
- Vs. 15-16 – He is the image of God, there before creation.
- Vs. 17 – All things created through and for him (see also John 1:1-5).
- Vs. 18 – He is the head of the church and first to rise from the dead (permanent resurrection).
- Rescue – We could not save ourselves.
- Domain – A place or authority or where on resides.
- Transfer – To move or shift from darkness to light. We could not move ourselves, God in Christ moves us.
- Kingdom – Similar to domain. The environment ruled by Jesus with all power and authority. God's Kingdom on earth is the Church which belongs to Christ
- Forgiveness/Redemption – a debt removed. Our debt was removed because of the price paid by Jesus. Not only was the debt removed, but a reward placed in its stead.
Answers will vary but look for what Moses and Joshua did for the Hebrew people and relate how that is done by Jesus. Moses led the Hebrew nation from physical slavery and delivered the Law. Joshua led the Hebrew nation into the promised land. Jesus does all of this. He frees us from spiritual slavery of sin and delivers the law of grace. He leads us into the eternal promised land of God's Kingdom, the Church.
- Image of the invisible God – vs 15 - (Not just the characteristics or attributes, but God himself in a form we can see (Exodus 33:17-33)).
- First born of all creation – vs 15 - Not the first thing created but a position of rank over all creation. In many societies, the first born holds pre-eminence over all other children and is granted special status and favor, including the larger portion of the inheritance. This is given so as to be the provider for the family when the inheritance is ultimately granted.
- Power of creation – Vs. 16a - Jesus is the power behind creation itself, both the physical and spiritual creation and all who reside therein.
- Purpose of creation – vs. 16b - Not only the power behind creation, but the created for his purpose.
- Before creation – vs. 17a - This shows the divinity of Jesus equal to that of God the Father since God only was before creation.
- Sustains creation – vs. 17b - All things continue to exist in Christ until His return.
- Head of the Church – vs. 18a – Paul also uses the term, "body" to describe the church. This fits with the imagery of Jesus as the "head." The head gives direction and control to the body.
Answers will vary but common responses include that we feel an overwhelming sense of guilt and need to suffer in some way to earn God's grace and forgiveness. In reality, we do need to "do" something. We must act upon our faith in Jesus by obeying. Not to earn salvation, but to demonstrate our faith and join with Him.
First, we must have a relationship with Christ. Not just any relationship, for even an alien sinner has a relationship, all be it a bad relationship. We must have a personal relationship in which Jesus is the head and we submit to His will in all things. Without that relationship, we have nothing and no way in hope before God. Lastly, when we pray (communicate with God) we do so in the name of Jesus meaning by His authority and through His acceptance. (See also John 14:14).