CONNECT: What next steps can you take to go deeper in your maturity in Jesus? Who can keep you accountable?

WARM-UP

1. Are there ever ways in which youʼre tempted to think, “if only I had ______” or “if only I did this ______” or “Iʼd be a more fulfilled/complete Christian, if I ______”?

Read Colossians 2:6-7  (Goal: Be Rooted and Built Up in Jesus)

1. In what way does Paul want the Colossians to continue walking with Jesus?
2. What does it mean to be both rooted and built up in Jesus? What type of images is Paul appealing to?
3. As we continue to walk with Jesus, why is it essential to be both rooted and built up in Jesus?
4. What are the rhythms or relationships that help you to hold fast and grow up in Jesus? How would you like to go deeper in your knowledge about Jesus and your relationship with Jesus?
5. How are you being: (a) strengthened in faith; and (b) cultivating an “overflowing” thankfulness?

Read Colossians 2:8  (Warning: Don’t be Taken Captive)

1. What is Paulʼs warning to the Colossians? What does he mean by being ʻtaken captiveʼ?
2. In what way were people telling the Colossians that their faith was insufficient or infantile?
3. What are the common ways that Christians are challenged (by other Christians) that they need ʻspecialʼ additional rituals, rules, knowledge, or experiences to be authentic Christians?
4. What are the hollow and deceptive philosophies of our culture that can take us captive? Is Paul against all philosophy or reasoning? How do we discern what is helpful and what is dangerous?
5. How do we ʻsee to itʼ that weʼre not taken captive by that which is shallow or deceptive?

Read Colossians 2:9-15  (Remember: Your Fullness in Christ)

1. In what way do we find all fullness in Jesus? Why is everything else therefore just a poor substitute?
2. What was the point of circumcision? How have the Colossian Christians been circumcised in Christ?
3. According to Paul, how is baptism connected to Jesusʼ death and resurrection?
4. How did Jesus disarm the powers and authorities, making a spectacle of the cross? Is this good news?

APPLY: What could most help you be rooted and built up in Jesus?

On Your Frontline This Week: In what ways has God been at work on your frontline? Take some time this week to stop, pray, and give thanks!

Listen, Watch, and Read:          

• Listen: “A Sealed Spirituality Under Threat” by William Talor
• Listen: “Alive with Christ” by Chris Wright
• Watch: “Christ and Disinformation” by Aaron Roberts (St Johnʼs Vancouver)
• Read: “Isnʼt Christianity Homophobic” (chapter in “Confronting Christianity” by Rebecca McLaughlin
• Read: “How to Find Yourself” by Brian Rosner

SERIES Resources:

• Read: St Bart’s Colossians Series Overview
• Book: NIV Scripture Journal for Colossians
• Book: “Paul for Everyone: The Prison Letters” by Tom Wright
• Commentary: “Colossians” by Michael Bird (eBook)
• Video: “Letter to the Colossians” by N. T. Wright
• Video: Bible Project Overview of Colossians

• Course: (Paid) “Paul and his Letter to the Colossians” on Udemy