Colossians | To Know and Make Him Known

The Colossians church found itself in the middle of a spiritual and cultural battle in that the inhabitants sought to impart various understandings of knowledge.  The purity and witness of the church was being threatened by a combination of eastern philosophies and jewish legalism as well as there were elements of what bible historians have identified as gnosticism. The title of Gnostics is derived from the greek “gnosis” which means “To Know.” This word is familiar to us when we recall the word agnostic which typically refers to one that does not know. During the time of the Colossians church the gnostics were “in the know” when it came to the deep things of God.  They were the spiritual aristocrats of the church. Their focus was on their knowledge and they sought to make others aware of their prominence and influence.  Paul in writing to this church, mind you he did not start  the church nor did he ever visit, was sending a letter of encouragement because he had heard of their faith (Col. 1:4,9).  A faith that was solid in the midst of the confusing knowledge being shared by the gnostics. Here sat a church of unknown people, in a small town, receiving an inspired letter from none other than the well known Apostle Paul. In this letter Paul wanted to accomplish one thing…Make Him Known.

To be a mature follower of Christ is to know God and His gospel so fully that it permeates every inch of our lives. Living this way begins with the simple truth that God has delivered us from sin and death by the work of His Son. We are now under His rule, free to follow Him wherever He leads.

• When did you first hear and understand the gospel message?

• Since then, how has the gospel helped you mature as a believer? How has the Spirit played a role in your maturity?

• What’s one thing you could do this week to remind yourself of the gospel story?

Jesus reigns supreme over all creation. All things were created through Him and for Him. He rules over the seen and the unseen—the physical and the spiritual world. From the foundation of the world, He has authority over the created realm. By defeating death, Jesus rules over it and made a way for us  to be reconciled to God. His sacrifice solidifies His supremacy. From your salvation to your work to your inner thoughts, Jesus has authority over it all. 

• What’s been the biggest difference in your life experience between knowing Jesus and not knowing Him?

• How does it feel to know that you’re presented “without blemish and free from accusation” before God because of Jesus?

• In what areas of your life do you need to remember Jesus’s supremacy? What’s one way you could trust Him with that area this week?

Paul’s words in this passage remind us of the hope found in the gospel message. In Jesus, we know there’s an end to suffering—one day He will return and renew all things. Through Jesus, we’ve been given understanding to the mystery of God. People of all nations can put their trust in Him and He lives in every believer. 

• Describe an instance where the gospel helped you look to God in the midst of a difficult time.

• What does it look like to walk in the reality that Christ is in you? How does it differ from living like it’s Christ and you?

• What are some practical ways you could pursue growth in your faith?

Salvation is an incredible gift. We’ve received Christ and in Him we can continue to follow Him every day of our lives. He is our firm foundation. When we root ourselves in Him and His gospel message, we are able to discern when people and spiritual authorities try to deceive us. 

• According to verse 14, how did God cancel our debt? What does that mean for us?

• What difference does it make to the way you approach your relationship with God knowing that you can’t add to or take away from your salvation?

Sometimes we find ourselves submitting to the rules of the world, just as Paul cautioned the Colossians against in verse 20. Instead of planting our foundation in the shaky things of this world, we must remain connected to the Head—Jesus Christ. In Him, we find freedom from sin, wisdom for daily life, and strength to pursue holiness. Let’s rely on Him this week. 

• What are some the unique aspects of your walk with Jesus? Would you say those things would absolutely work for or have the same effect on every believer? Why or why not? 

• What could you do this week to remain connected to Jesus? 

Taking off the old self and putting on the new isn’t something we’re meant to do alone. It can seem like an overwhelming—maybe even impossible—task on our own. But we know that not only do we have the power of Christ in us through the Spirit, but we also have a community of believers to encourage us forward. 

• What do you think it would look like for you to do everything in Jesus’s name this week?

• What’s one practical way you could take off the old self and put on the new self this week?

We all know that following Jesus doesn’t guarantee us an easy life. Jesus promises the opposite in John 16:33—in this world, we will endure hardship. But we can put our hope in Jesus, who overcame the world through His death and resurrection. In all that we do and in every relationship we can look to Jesus and rely on the strength of the Holy Spirit. 

• What was it like to obey your parents as a kid? What does that look like to honor them today?

• For those who are parents, how do you feel when your children obey you? What about when they don’t?

The question we walk away from Colossians asking is: How will we respond to the supremacy of Jesus Christ? His supremacy and sufficiency demands a response. We must allow Him to reign over all areas of our lives—from our work, to our family, to our friendships.

• How would your prayer life change if you focused your prayers on being a faithful witness rather on changing your circumstances? What would be
  the same?

• How would you describe your interactions with nonbelievers generally? What could it look like in your life to make the most of every opportunity you have with nonbelievers?

Pray: Pray that God would build you up in faithfulness this week. Ask Him for opportunities to obey Him by praying for other Christians, being a witness to nonbelievers, and comforting others.