Adult
• 4 Sessions of Learner’s Materials
• 4 Sessions of Teaching Materials
• 3 Handouts
1. Colossians 1:15-23
2. Colossians 2:8-23
3. Colossians 3:1-17
4. Colossians 4:1-6
A short letter from an imprisoned Apostle to a young church in Colossae is the seedbed for a rich collection of insights. The issues are all too familiar to the modern Christian and the modern church: Who is a true teacher and who is a false teacher, and how does one tell the difference? What beliefs are truly at the core of Christian faith? Do any surefire methods exist which allow some Christians to be more spiritual and closer to God than others? How do we begin to understand our existence in the universe? How can earthly humans even begin to relate to a spiritual being like God? What difference do our conversion and redemption make in the way we live? How do we treat one another within the church and even outside the church?
Because Paul is grappling with so many issues that are central to Christian faith, and defending Christianity in the face of competing teachings, Colossians is considered by many to be one of the first apologetics. An apologetic is a reasoned defense of the faith. The philosophical nature of the first two chapters often makes Colossians a more difficult study. Yet, the issues raised are as relevant today as then.
Paul is essentially making three core points to the Christians at Colossae. First, Christ is supreme. No other is above him, nor is any being between us and Christ. Second, the incarnation was real. Jesus came to earth as a human, lived, and died. With his resurrection, he redeemed us and has completely changed us from within. His presence continues with us even now. Finally, what Christ desires from his followers is living which treats others with the same dignity and respect that he provides to us. Only through this kind of living do we discover true freedom and purpose.
Thus, while Paul begins with a high-minded philosophical defense of the faith, he concludes with extremely practical advice for living by faith. Even with such a clear picture of the life of faith, the Christian's task is no less difficult, but with the grace and presence of God, it is unarguably worth living.
The book of Colossians may be short in length, but it is rich in meaning. This unit of study is designed to help your learners mine through some of the more significant nuggets of wisdom found in this fascinating letter.
by David Cassady
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