Kevin's Kommentary: Colossians 1:24-2:5 Paul's Work for the Church = August 2

Paul's Work for the Church
Colossians 1:24-2:5

Intro Questions

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God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.

https://www.youtube.com/c/edmondchurchofchrist

Other Resources:
Seven Christian Virtues Colossians 1 https://virtualbiblestudy.com/lessons/colossians/1/

The Authority of Jesus Colossians 2 https://virtualbiblestudy.com/lessons/colossians/2/

Prison Epistles

Jesus: Share Him

Colossians 1:24-2:5

WHO IS JESUS TO YOU? — How would you answer the question?

Most likely, I would hope, is that he is Savior. If He is not this to you, then anything else He might be is of no real consequence. But in addition to that He might be thought of as teacher, friend, High Priest, Shepherd, sustainer, creator, and so on. All are true, and all are important.

Prophesied concerning the coming Messiah are the various roles He would fill. Isaiah said, “...his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

All of us struggle at times and some more often than others with what we should do. Jesus is the possessor of “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). Is He to me my Wonderful Counselor?

Unquestioned is the place of Jesus of Nazareth as the most influential man to ever walk this earth. But owing to that fact is the truth that He was not merely man. Jesus was God in the flesh. Is He to me, Mighty God?

Among the numerous limitations that define each of us as human is that of time. Our existence is in the present. We have memory the past and anticipation of the future, but reality is in the here and now. No such deficiency hinders Jesus. As deity He is eternal. That not only means He is without beginning or end, but He, like God, is not bound by time. He is the Father of Eternity. Is He to me, Everlasting Father?

Very great among the truths we must know is that of our sin placing us in an adversarial roll with God. He loves us, but our sin He hates. Sin, by its very nature, demands the wrath of God, by His very nature. Jesus, by the blood of His cross makes possible peace with God (Colossians 1:20). Is He to me my Prince of Peace?

What, we ask again, is Jesus to you?

Opening Questions — Get Us Thinking:

Are you someone who enjoys a mystery?

Paul’s Labor for the Church — Colossians 1:24-2:5

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.

1 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.

Research Questions — “Dig Deeper” to find God’s Will

God is ... What do we learn about God?
We are ... What do we learn about people?
Why is Paul rejoicing in verse 24? For whom is he doing it?
In what sense are Paul’s sufferings a continuation of Jesus’ sufferings? Why would this lead him to rejoice (see 2 Corinthians 12:9-10)?
When Paul "presents" the Word of God, what is his goal (v. 24)?
What is the "fullness" as used in verse 25?
How does Paul use the term "mystery" in verse 26? Compared to other uses from the same time period?
Who are the “Lord’s people” (saints) in verse 26?
What is significant in Paul's inclusion of the "Gentiles" (v. 27) “everyone” (v. 28)? What to "riches" and "glory" indicate for the believer?
Where does Paul's source of strength come from (v. 29)?
In verse 1 what does Paul intend for us to understand when he says he is "struggling" (contending hard)? Why would Paul strain for a people he had never met?
In verse 2 how is "heart" employed by Paul?
In 2:3-4, Paul contrasts clever speech and true wisdom. What does this indicate about false teaching infecting the church?
Why are these treasures from verse 3 no longer considered "hidden"?
What does the expression "in spirit" (v. 5) indicate?
What is the good news indicated by Paul's "delight" with the Colossians in verse 5?

Reflective Questions — Live it today.

Is Paul’s stated purpose (1:28; 2:2) a reality in your life? Or are you still somewhere along the way?
What “fine sounding arguments” hinder you in following only Jesus? How does Paul speak to your concerns?
How has finding Christ been like uncovering long-lost buried treasure?
I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?
You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this?
How does this equip us be a better disciple and help empower us to “make disciples”?