Colossians for Beginners
Colossians 2:1-14
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is on Paul’s instruction on the pre-eminence of the teachings of Jesus. Of special note in this lesson is why the teachings of Jesus are pre-eminent.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand Paul’s teachings of the pre-eminence of the teachings of Jesus.
- Feel: Recognize the pre-eminence of the teachings of Jesus over all other religious doctrines.
- Do: Follow the teachings of Jesus for our salvation and faithfulness.
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.
Paul – Although he did not personally start these congregations, he taught and influenced the founders, Epaphroditus and Timothy. Paul also expresses his prayer of love and unity, so they'll see Jesus as He is, God's Son and our Savior. Paul also points to Jesus as the source of true wisdom.
Jesus – Jesus taught and influenced many who carried His message to others, even though they had not personally met Him. His life and message show the true nature of God. His life was given for us as the ultimate expression of love. Jesus also prayed for unity (See John 17).
Paul is writing so they won't be misled. Being misled would result in believing false doctrine thus endangering their salvation.
(See also Hebrews 12:1-2; Matthew 21:42; I Peter 2:6-7; Ephesians 2:19-20)
Jesus must be first in our life. When we understand and commit to this, it helps us focus all other parts of our life; physically, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.
In Matthew 7:24-27 Jesus tells the parable of building a house on the solid foundation of His teachings. In verses 28-29 of this passage, even those listening to Him recognized the authority by which He taught these things.
It isn't just what Jesus taught, but also how He lived, showing His devotion and faithfulness to God the Father.
Unlike the doctrines of the false teachers, the truth of Jesus and His message sets us free from the slavery of sin. He also sets us free from the despair of hopelessness and into the hopefulness of eternal life with God.
- Vs. 9 – Jesus is divine – THE Son of God and His doctrine is God's doctrine. This is part of the statement made by Jesus in John 17:6-8.
- Vs. 10a – We are complete in Christ. In Christ we have all we need for salvation and faithfulness.
- Vs. 10b – Jesus is ruler of all. It is His church, and we are His subjects. He is the Master, and we are the servants.
- Vs. 11-15 – Jesus is the Savior. This pulls it all together. We are saved through Christ and identified as His people through our obedient, faithful response. We now have eternal life through sharing in His death and resurrection (baptism).
The doctrine of Christ is pre-eminent because there is no other salvation except through Jesus. He purchased our souls by His death therefore, we are now His. And being His, we reject all other doctrines. That is the basis of our faithfulness.