Bible Session 10-14-13

COLOSSIANS – Chapter 1:24-2:5

Quick Review:       

1.     What book of the Bible are we reading? Colossians

2.     Who wrote this book? Paul

3.     To whom was it written? Believers in Colossae

4.     Why was this book written? Gnostics claimed they had the supernatural knowledge necessary for salvation.  Paul wrote to clear up the true identity of Jesus Christ and wrote against the false teachings of the day.

5.     Who started the church in Colossae? Epaphras

Colossians 1:24-2:5

            24 Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.

            25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness –

                        What is Paul saying?  He’s thankful that he is in jail and suffering for Christ, because it is like the suffering Christ went through.  It helps Paul to serve Christ and the church by laying out the whole truth of the gospel. 

           

26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.

What is Paul’s point? This message of salvation through Christ isn’t just for the Jews but for all people. 

 

27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

            What is the message? A message of hope; because Christ is in you, you can look forward to sharing in God’s glory.

 

28 We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. 

            Why are Paul and Timothy teaching with wisdom?  So everyone can become mature in Christ.

 

29 To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.

            Whose strength does Paul use to complete his teaching? God’s!

 

1 I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally.

            This is just sort of a personal endorsement to say, “I’m in your corner.  I’m here to help. You are not alone in this.”

 

2 My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,

3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

            What is Paul’s purpose? He wants all the saints/believers to be united in love and understand God’s will, and know Christ.

 

4  I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.

What is Paul afraid will happen?  Why did he tell them all this? He is afraid the saints will be led off in another direction away from the truth. 

 

5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

            Again Paul reminds them and assures them that although he isn’t with them physically, he is with them and they are not alone.  He applauds them for their dedication to Christ.

 

 

Thought:

The times haven’t really changed much from those days in Colossae.  There was a strong group in Colossae who believed you had to have supernatural knowledge to know Christ and gain access to heaven.  It’s not too hard to imagine those people trying to convince the believers that they only hold part of the truth.  The same is true today as people say that the Bible is just a story and Christ was just a man. Creation is just a story, and we don’t hold the truth when we hold the Bible in our hands.  Just as Paul said to the Colossians, don’t be deceived, I say to you do not be deceived. And I say to you what Paul said to the Colossians, I am in your corner; you are not alone.

 

Questions to Ponder:

1.       Do you think being a Christian and following Christ will be easy or do you think it will be hard?  Why?

2.       Who is your corner?  Who is helping you understand Christ and stay faithful?

3.       Who’s corner are you in?  Who are you supporting?

4.       I have a few questions to ask God when I get to meet him face to face.  Science has a lot of good points that aren’t explained in the Bible one way or the other.  Technology has brought up many more questions that we don’t have a direct answer to in the Bible.  What questions would you like to ask God when you get to heaven?