Colossians: Clear Direction for Life Study Guide #1 - M. Kevin McKee

Study Guide: Colossians: Clear Direction for Life Author: M. Kevin McKee Table of Contents	PDF version (113K)

Colossians:
Clear Direction for Life
Traveling Notes for the Journey
Study Guide #1

Paul's teaching about knowledge of God and of spiritual truths reinforces the basic view of knowledge presented in the OT. There is no dichotomy between information about God and knowing God: the two are linked in human experience. God has acted to communicate with mankind. He has shown himself in creation, in his written Word, and in Jesus. Human beings are called on to acknowledge and respond appropriately to what God has revealed. It is in the interaction between revelation and response that a human being comes to know God personally and to grow in that personal relationship.
Richards

The Church in Colosse was not founded by Paul, nor had he been there. It came into being as a natural spreading of the Gospel through everyday people, namely Epaphras. (See Acts 19.1-10, especially v. 10) The letter is to encourage the church to stay the course, focused on Christ. He starts by giving thanks for their faith, and praying for their growth.

Colossians 1:1-14

Read the passage twice and consider the following questions:

1. What parts of this passage show the relationship Paul has with the Colossians?

2. Who are the saints (v.4)

3. What does it mean to bear fruit (v. 6,10)? See also John 15.1-8.

4. What does the word ‘knowledge’ mean in verses 9 & 10?

5. What is the ‘inheritance of the saints’ (v. 12)?

6. How am I qualified to share in this inheritance?

Bearing fruit— “...this growth, as a sign of life, does not lie at man’s disposal. In using this term, Paul wishes to stress that in those who have been received into the body of Christ, in whom the Sprit of Christ is active and who share in the gifts of this living fellowship, the outworking — the fruit — appears naturally, because it is not manufactured [by man].”

Colin Brown, Dictionary of New Testament Theology

Life Response

1. What was Paul, Timothy and Epaphras’ common bond?
Who are the Pauls and Timothys in your life?
Why does Paul call Epaphras a fellow bond servant?
Who are your fellow bond servants in ministry?
Who do you serve with fellow servants?

2. What does it mean to ‘live a life worthy of the Lord’ (v.10)?

3. The Gospel ‘bears fruit and grows’ (v. 6). How can you be part of spreading this good news this week?

4. How are you growing in the knowledge of God?

5. As a follower of Christ, why should you give thanks (v. 12)? Personalize this prayer, thanking God for what He has done for you.

Prepared as a team, Sharon Comiskey with Kevin McKee



		Paul's teaching about knowledge of God and of spiritual truths reinforces the basic view of knowledge presented in the OT. There is no dichotomy between information about God and knowing God: the two are linked in human experience. God has acted to communicate with mankind. He has shown himself in creation, in his written Word, and in Jesus. Human beings are called on to acknowledge and respond appropriately to what God has revealed. It is in the interaction between revelation and response that a human being comes to know God personally and to grow in that personal relationship. *Richards*