Colossians 2:8-9

Colossians was sent from Rome at the same time as Ephesians and Philemon. Unlike Ephesians, where the focus was on the 'body of Christ', the emphasis here is on the Head of the body. Paul shows that not only was Christ Head of the church, but He is Head of all rule and authority. In this epistle he stresses the preeminence of Christ - stating several times that He is Jehovah-God. Because of the absolute omnipotence of Christ we who are His need to live accordingly.

At the church at Colossae a heresy, Gnosticism, was threatening to enter which elevated superstition, ritualism and salvation by works. This heresy undermined the true concept of Christ. Hence Paul gives here in these four chapters some of the most powerful Christ-centred teaching in the Bible. The first two chapters deal with the doctrine of Christ's absolute Lordship over all creation, while the last two chapters show how to surrender to and live for Him.

Colossae was located about 100 miles east of Ephesus. It was in the fertile Lycus Valley and over the years had become famous for its sheep and their glossy black wool. By the time of Paul it had declined to be a minor city which was overshadowed by Laodicea and Hierapolis (4:13). The church there was founded by Epaphras who had possibly come to the Lord during Paul's three years of Asian ministry based at Ephesus. Paul had never been to Colossae.

1. Who carried this letter to the church at Colossae? (4:7, 9)

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2. What other letters were also carried?

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Colossians 1

Col.1:16-17

3. To show that Christ is the rightful Lord over creation, what does Paul say Jesus Christ did? (Col. 1:16-17)

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4. How does this compare with Genesis 1:1?

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Although Colossians contains no Old Testament quotations there are some obvious restatements of Old Testament truth contained in it.

5. Who is Jesus Christ the image of? (1:15)

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The expression "firstborn" in reference to Christ has been taken by some to mean that Christ was actually created.

6. Could this be possible based on Col. 1:16?

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"Firstborn" means in this case about His eternal relationship to God. He was God's first son. But He has always been God's son. Therefore when Christ began His creative work, everything began with Him. He was the source or origin of all creation- hence "firstborn". It is also used in reference to His resurrection (1:18).

7. What was the difference between Christ's and Lazarus's resurrection?

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Colossians 2

Colossians 2:6

8. What are some things Paul was praying for the church? (2:2)

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Paul urges the believers to continue in Christ the same way they started. They had originally built their lives on Christ by faith. This obviously led to an understanding of salvation by grace. Yet people were corrupting them with false teachings. These included: philosophy, deception, traditions (2:8), circumcisions (2:11), foods, drinks, festivals/new moons or Sabbaths (2:16), angel worship (2:18), false humility, self-imposed religion, and neglect of the body (2:23).

We must be careful, as well, in two areas: 1) That our foundation and buildings are right, and 2) that we share the right foundation with others and help them to build correctly. If we scare someone into the kingdom, we'd better keep that fear up! If someone accepts Christ because of the great music at a rally, we'd better keep great music being pumped into their ears! It's far better to have a person come to Christ because they saw their need for God's forgiveness. This will naturally lead to genuine repentance and faith in Christ. With a foundation of repentance built on the person of Christ, Paul urges them "continue on that way".

9. What does Colossians 2:9 mean?

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Colossians 3

Colossians 3:2

It's very easy to get bogged down in the things of day-to-day life and forget about God. Occasionally its tempting to try and take control of things ourselves. Yet, Christ is Lord! We need to rest in that assurance. Despite the circumstances, Jesus is supreme Master of the universe.

10. What are we commanded to put to death? (3:5)

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b)

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c)

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d)

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e)

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11. What are we commanded to put off? (3:8)

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12. What are we commanded to put on? (3:14)

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Being 'heavenly minded' should affect every area of our lives. Paul says it will make for better relationships with others resulting in peace, for better marriages and a better home-life.

13. How are we to admonish one another? (3:16)

a)

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b)

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c)

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14. In Colossians 4:5, what are we told to do?

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