Colossians

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1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2 To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6 that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Icebreaker: 
What is one skill, hobby, or subject you’ve tried to learn recently? How easy or hard has it been to make progress?

Digging into the Word:

1. Paul thanks God for the Colossians' faith, love, and hope (vv. 3–5). How do these three character traits work together to protect a believer or church from drifting spiritually?
2. In verse 6, Paul notes that the gospel is "bearing fruit and growing" everywhere. Where have you seen the gospel bring fresh transformation or growth—either in your own life or someone else's?
3. Epaphras shared the gospel with the Colossians (vv. 7–8). Who was an "Epaphras" in your life who faithfully introduced or modeled the gospel to you?
4. Read verses 9–12. Paul prays for them to have spiritual wisdom to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord." Practically speaking, what does a "worthy walk" look like in your daily home or work life this week?
5. Verses 13–14 speak of being rescued from darkness and transferred into the kingdom of God's Son. How does remembering this rescue shift our attitude when facing daily anxieties or spiritual battles?

Prayer Prompt:
Pray for one another to be filled with the knowledge of God's will and to walk worthily. Thank God for rescuing us from darkness into the kingdom of His Son.

The Supremacy of the Son of God

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

Icebreaker: 
What is a favorite song or anthem that always lifts your spirits or gets you motivated?

Digging into the Word:

1. Verse 15 says Jesus is the "image of the invisible God." If someone asks you what God is like, how does looking at the life and ministry of Jesus clarify the answer?
2. Verses 16–17 state that all things were created through Him and for Him. How does knowing that everything was made *for* Jesus change how we view our career, ambitions, and personal resources?
3. "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together" (v. 17). What is one area of your life right now that feels like it’s falling apart where you need to trust Jesus to hold it together?
4. Verse 18 calls Jesus the "head of the body, the church." What happens when a church or believer starts acting as if someone or something else is the head?
5. Verses 21–23 remind us that we were once alienated, but now reconciled through Christ's death. How does this grounded hope keep us from drifting away from the gospel?

Prayer Prompt:
Praise Jesus for His supreme authority over creation and the church. Ask Him to hold together specific areas of difficulty or chaos represented in the group.

Paul’s Labor for the Church

24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering 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— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s 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.

28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

2 I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My goal 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. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

Icebreaker: 
What is something difficult or strenuous you completed (e.g., a race, project, home renovate) that ended up being completely worth the effort?

Digging into the Word:

1. In verse 24, Paul says he rejoices in his sufferings for the sake of Christ's body. How can we cultivate joy even when our Christian service or ministry gets costly or painful?
2. Paul talks about "struggling with all his energy" to present everyone mature in Christ (vv. 28–29). Who is someone who historically sacrificed or labored so that you could grow in your faith?
3. What does the phrase "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (v. 27) mean to you on a random Tuesday morning when you feel inadequate or tired?
4. Read Colossians 2:2–4. Paul desires for believers to be encouraged and united in love so they aren't deceived by plausible arguments. What kind of false or subtle spiritual ideas do we need to guard against today?
5. How can our Connection Group practically encourage and support each other so that no one gets spiritually exhausted or isolated?

Prayer Prompt:
Pray for strength and perseverance for those experiencing trials or serving in demanding roles. Ask God to deepen the group's unity and confidence in Christ.

Spiritual Fullness in Christ

6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. 11 In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh was put off when you were circumcised by Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14 having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Icebreaker: Have you ever bought something that turned out to be counterfeit or not as advertised? What happened?

Digging into the Word:

1. Verse 6 tells us to walk in Christ just as we received Him. How did you first receive Christ, and how does that same posture of humble faith apply to your growth today?
2. In verse 7, Paul uses farming and building imagery: "rooted and built up in him." What spiritual habits help you stay deeply rooted when modern culture pushes against your faith?
3. Paul warns against being taken captive by "empty deceit" and worldly traditions (v. 8). What are some popular cultural philosophies today that try to hijack or diminish our faith?
4. Read verses 13–14. Paul paints a picture of God canceling our legal debt and nailing it to the cross. How does this vivid truth help break feelings of guilt, shame, or unworthiness?
5. Verse 15 says Christ disarmed spiritual rulers and authorities. How does knowing Jesus has victory over evil powers give us courage when facing spiritual battles?

Prayer Prompt:
Thank God for canceling our record of debt at the cross. Pray for wisdom to spot cultural counterfeits and stay rooted in gospel truth.

Freedom From Human Rules

16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. 18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. 19 They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.

20 Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Icebreaker: What was an unusual or silly rule you had to follow growing up (at school, home, or a job)?

Digging into the Word:

1. Why is it so tempting for religious people to add extra human rules or spiritual checklists that aren't in the Bible?
2. Verses 16–17 describe religious rituals as a "shadow," whereas the substance belongs to Christ. How can good religious routines sometimes become shadows if we lose sight of Jesus?
3. In verses 18–19, Paul warns against false humility and special spiritual experiences that detach us from the Head (Jesus). How do we keep our focus centered on Jesus rather than chasing emotional hype?
4. Verse 23 states that self-imposed regulations are "of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh." If strict rules don't change our hearts, what actually produces deep transformation?
5. Where do you tend to lean when you struggle spiritually: towards performance-based legalism or spiritual apathy? How does grace restore balance?

Prayer Prompt:
Ask God to free us from performance-driven faith and legalism. Pray for a vibrant, daily connection to Jesus as our true source of life and growth.

Living as Those Made Alive in Christ

3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Icebreaker: What item in your wardrobe or closet do you wear most often, and why do you love it?

Digging into the Word:

1. Read Colossians 3:1–4. What does it mean practically to "set your minds on things above" while staying fully engaged in everyday life and responsibilities?
2. Paul uses the metaphor of changing clothes (putting off/putting on). What is one "old garment" (a reaction, attitude, or habit listed in vv. 5–9) you’ve found challenging to take off lately?
3. Look at the "put on" list in verses 12–14 (compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience). Which of these character traits do you feel prompted to actively wear this week?
4. Verse 13 challenges us to forgive as the Lord forgave us. Why is the gospel the only foundation strong enough to help us forgive people who have genuinely hurt us?
5. How can we let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts and the word of Christ dwell in us richly (vv. 15–16) during stressful or conflict-filled weeks?

Prayer Prompt:
Pray for grace to take off old patterns of anger or pride and wear Christlike character. Pray for forgiveness and reconciliation where relationships are strained.

Instructions for Christian Households

18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.

4 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Icebreaker: What was your very first job, and what is one lesson you learned from it?

Digging into the Word:

1. In Colossians 3:18–4:1, Paul addresses marriages, families, and workplaces. Why do our closest relationships often serve as the true testing ground for our spiritual growth?
2. In a culture where ancient household rules gave complete power to men, Paul introduced mutual love, respect, and dignity "as is fitting in the Lord." How does Jesus reshape our view of authority and service?
3. Parents and leaders are warned not to embitter or discourage children/dependents (v. 21). What helps us offer gentle, constructive guidance rather than frustration?
4. Verse 23 says: "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men." How does this mindset transform mundane chores or a difficult workplace dynamic?
5. How can knowing we will receive an inheritance from the Lord (v. 24) keep us motivated when human recognition or appreciation is missing?

Prayer Prompt:
Pray for wisdom, patience, and love in our homes and marriages. Ask God for a renewed perspective and work ethic in our daily occupations.

Further Instructions

2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Final Greetings

7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant[a] in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our[b] circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here.

10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews[c] among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

17 Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”

18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Icebreaker: Who is a close friend or mentor in your life that you can always rely on when things get tough?

Digging into the Word:

1. Colossians 4:2 urges us to "continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." What hinders our prayer lives, and how can we cultivate a watchful, thankful prayer routine?
2. Paul asks for prayer that God would "open a door for the word" (vv. 3–4). Who is one person in your life right now that you are praying for an open door to share faith with?
3. Verses 5–6 talk about walking in wisdom toward outsiders and letting speech be gracious and seasoned with salt. What does gracious, winsome communication look like in modern digital or personal conversations?
4. Notice the diverse list of co-workers Paul mentions (Tychicus, Onesimus, Aristarchus, Mark, Luke, Nympha). What does this team teach us about the importance of Christian community and partnership?
5. Looking back over this 8-week study of Colossians, what is the biggest takeaway or shift God has made in your understanding of who Jesus is and how He is enough?

Prayer Prompt:
Pray for open doors and gracious speech with neighbors, friends, and co-workers. Thank God for our Connection Group community and pray for continued growth in living out Jesus' supremacy.