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GREAT RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE ABOUT

THE BOOK OF COLOSSIANS

 

  • Bible Project Video with Overview of the Book of Colossians
  • Right Now Media study on Colossians with Louie Giglio
    • This is a simple online video study and discussion guide that’s great for individuals, Bridge Groups or families.
    • If you need a free subscription to Right Now Media, go here.
  • Colossians for You Book by Mark Meynell
    • This book in the “God’s Word for you” series is perfect for a personal or family daily devotional.
  • Colossians: Rooted in Him Study by Daily Grace Co.
    • This beautiful study guide has daily readings and is perfect for individuals doing daily devotions or for Bridge Groups to study together.
  • Colossians Study Guide by N.T. Wright
    • This study guide by the well-known theologian, N.T. Wright, along with the simple commentary that goes with it give great historical and cultural background to Colossians and has good questions for discussions.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR MARCH 5TH SERMON: COLOSSIANS 3:5-11

“OFF WITH THE OLD!  ON WITH THE NEW!”

 

  • Read Colossians 3:5-11 then talk through these questions with your Bridge Group, your family and friends or others who are walking through Colossians with you.

 

    • Colossians 3:5 starts with a list of commands, but without the context of Colossians 3:1-4, Paul’s words can seem arbitrary. So take a minute to read the opening of Colossians 3, then answer this question: How does the reality that you’ve been raised with Christ and that your life is hidden in Him affect the commands Paul gives in verses 5-10?
    • Paul talks about “putting off your old self” (verse 9) and “putting on the new self” (verse 10).  How would you describe your old self or who you were before you followed Jesus?  What does it look like to put to death this old self and its behaviors and attitudes? Jonathan Scott describes this “putting to death” as a decisive but also continuing action that you will in cooperation with the power of the Spirit. What are some practical actions you can do to cooperate with the Spirit as He moves you towards your new self?
    • Paul describes this new self as being “renewed in knowledge after the image of the Creator” (verse 10).  The Bible teaches that every person is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), but that image was twisted by our sin (Genesis 3). As Christians, we are being renewed as we know the Creator—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—more. How have you experienced renewal since you’ve become a Christian and grown in knowing God?  How do you think about things in a new way? How do you behave in a new way?
  • Here are some ways to live out these verses in Colossians this week.
      • Every time you change clothes this week, meditate on these Colossians 3:9-10.  Reflect on what it means to take off the old self and put on the new self. Pray God would continue to remind you that you have been made new in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
      • When you walk through a busy place like an airport or mall or maybe when you’re stopped at a traffic light, look at the people who surround you and acknowledge that each of them is made in the image of God.  Let that truth change your attitude towards each of them. Try this with others in your life who aren’t strangers, such as your work colleagues, your neighbors, your roommates or your friends.  How does knowing they are lovingly made by God in His image help move you away from some of your ‘old self’ behaviors like anger, malice or lying?
      • This week, we’re recommending this amazing book again as a next step because it’s that good! The book “Hidden in Christ: Living as God’s Beloved” by James Bryan Smith is an excellent devotional book on Colossians 3. Each of the thirty short chapters bring out the main truth of just one word or phrase of Colossians 3 and each include a very simple daily practice to take up, as well as questions for reflection. Reading it over the next month would a great way to have the truths of Colossians root in your life and bear fruit long after this sermon series is over.
      • If you missed any of the Colossians sermons, you can find them on www.foresthill.org/messages.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR FEBRUARY 26TH SERMON: COLOSSIANS 3:1-4

“THE NEW ALTITUDE OF A NEW ATTITUDE”

 

  • Read Colossians 3:1-4 then talk through these questions with your Bridge Group, your family and friends or others who are walking through Colossians with you.

 

    • Colossians 3:1 starts with the words “if then”, which like the word “therefore” in Colossians 2:16, connects this passage with what came before it. What words and ideas in Colossians 3:1-4 relate to what we’ve already studied in Colossians 1 and 2? (See especially Colossians 2:9-15.)
    • In verses 1 and 2, Paul tells them to “seek the things that are above” and to “set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth”.  What do you think it means to think of ‘things above’?  How are things above different from ‘earthly things’? What are some habits or practices that can help you with your thought life?
    • What do we learn about Jesus from this passage in Colossians?  What does it mean that he’s “seated at the right hand of God”? (See Luke 22:66-71, Acts 2:32-33 & 7:54-56, Romans 8:34-39 & Hebrews 12:1-2 to take a deeper dive.)
    • Paul states an extraordinary promise in verse 4; he says that when Christ appears, we also will appear with him in glory. What difference does it make in your life here and now to know someday you will be with Christ when he returns?
  • Here are some ways to live out these verses in Colossians this week.
      • Colossians 3:1-3 is a scripture Christians often memorize to help them with the practice of setting their minds on things above. Why don’t you try it? It helps to write out the verses every day and to read them out loud several times throughout your day. You can also put the verses someplace like on your refrigerator, bathroom mirror or the dashboard of your car so you see them frequently.  Even these simple reminders can help you with keeping your mind on things above.
      • The book “Hidden in Christ: Living as God’s Beloved” by James Bryan Smith is an excellent devotional book on Colossians 3. Each of the thirty short chapters bring out the main truth of just one word or phrase of Colossians 3 and each include a very simple daily practice to take up, as well as questions for reflection. Reading it over the next month would an great way to have the truths of Colossians root in your life and bear fruit long after this sermon series is over.
      • If you missed any of the Colossians sermons, you can find them on www.foresthill.org/messages.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR FEBRUARY 19TH SERMON: COLOSSIANS 2:16-23

“FREEDOM FROM FALSE RELIGION”

 

  • Read Colossians 2:16-23, then talk through these questions with your Bridge Group, your family and friends or others who are walking through Colossians with you.
    • Colossians 2:16 starts with the word “therefore”, which tells us what comes next is going to be connected to all that has been taught before. So before diving into this week’s questions, look back at what we’ve been learning in Colossians. In your own words, how would you summarize what Paul has taught in Colossians so far?
    • The next section of Colossians 2 talks about religious rituals and practices that the Colossians were emphasizing. What were they?  Why was Paul so concerned that the Colossians were doing them?  What are some external Christian practices that people emphasize today?  Do these practices have a foundation in the gospel and work of Jesus?  Why or why not?
    • What happens to people’s character when they become more concerned with outward rules and rituals instead of their inward connection to Jesus?  What does Paul see happening to the Colossian Christians (see Col. 2:16,18-19, 23)? What have you seen in your own or others’ lives when you focus on doing the “right” or “deep” Christian behaviors instead of doing things that grow your connection to Christ?
    • Habits like reading Scripture, praying and being in community with other Christians on Sundays in worship and in small gatherings like Bridge Groups are good. But they are not are required for salvation. How does adding rules and required behaviors to salvation change the truth and power of the gospel?  Conversely, why are these habits good?  Why are they taught in scripture and in churches today.
  • Here are some ways to live out these verses in Colossians this week.
      • One of the best ways to grow your connection with Christ is by praying simple, honest prayers. Try praying out loud or writing out a prayer without using religious words or saying things you think God ‘wants to hear’. Talk to Jesus like you would a friend who knows and loves you; tell him how you are feeling and what you need.
      • Make a list of all the things you think Christians “should” do. Now look through the gospels and the letters of the New Testament to see if these things are found in Bible and if they are, look at why Christians are told to do them. Websites such as Bible Gateway or You Version Bible are have easy search tools for finding words and phrases in context in Scripture.
      • We will be celebrating baptisms at all of our campuses on Sunday, February 26. If you want to learn more about baptism and making a public proclamation of your new life in Christ, fill out this form or email baptism@foresthill.org
      • If you missed any of the Colossians sermons, you can find them on www.foresthill.org/messages.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR FEBRUARY 12TH SERMON: COLOSSIANS 2:8-16

“CULTIVATING CONFIDENCE AGAINST COUNTERFEITS”

 

  • Read Colossians 2:8-16, then talk through these questions with your Bridge Group, your family and friends or others who are walking through Colossians with you.
    • In Colossians 2:8 Paul warns against deceptive or empty philosophies and human traditions that do not align with following Christ. What are some examples of these philosophies or traditions in the world? How can you discern if an idea or approach to life is not Christ-centered or grounded in Scripture?  What are some practical ways you can test things that hear or read?
    • Colossians 2:9 says the fullness of the God dwells bodily in Christ. Paul said something similar earlier in the letter (Col.1:15,19), and we also find this truth of Jesus’ divinity and humanity in Hebrews 1:2-3.  How would you describe this truth about Jesus to someone who is not a Christ-Follower?  Why is it critical to our salvation that Jesus is fully God and fully human?
    • Paul connects baptism to the Jewish practice of circumcision. Look up Genesis 17:9-14 to learn more about the significance of circumcision. Why do you think Paul makes this connection?  Paul also talks about baptism as being buried then raised to new life (Col 2:12, Rom. 6:45).  How does baptism mirror Christ’s work of salvation?  If you’ve been baptized, describe your experience. 
    • Paul says that we’re raised to new life in Christ through the same power that raised Jesus from the dead (Col.2:12). What does having new life in Christ mean to you?  Does it mean you never sin or go back to your old pre-baptism ways of living? What difference does it make in your circumstances or the way you live that the “old you” is dead and that you are now “made alive with Christ” (Col. 2:13)?
  • Here are some ways to live out these verses in Colossians this week.
      • Do at least one thing this week that deepens your understanding of the gospel so that you are better able to discern worldly ideas or philosophies that aren’t in line with the way, truth and life of Jesus. Some ideas include reading a section of one of the Gospels (such as Matthew 5-7 or John 14-17); discussing what the gospel is with a friend or your Bridge Group; or studying and perhaps memorizing a section of the scripture that explains the Gospel like Romans 1:1-15, 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 or Ephesians 2:4-22.
      • Name some of the deceptive philosophies or ‘—isms’ such as atheism, secularism or materialism that are the biggest challenges to your faith. Another way to think of this, is what are the things that you are tempted to add to your life in Christ or that erode your faith in Him? Examples could be depending on finances for your security or thinking religious performances or practices are linked to God’s acceptance and love for you.
      • We will be celebrating baptisms at all of our campuses on Sunday, February 26th. If you want to learn more about baptism and making a public proclamation of your new life in Christ, fill out this form or email baptism@foresthill.org
      • If you missed any of the Colossians sermons, you can find them on www.foresthill.org/messages.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR FEBRUARY 5TH SERMON: COLOSSIANS 2:1-8

“STAND FIRM AGAINST DECEPTION”

 

  • Read Colossians 2:1-8, then talk through these questions with your Bridge Group, your family and friends or others who are walking through Colossians with you.
    • Beginning in Chapter 2, Paul shifts the focus of his letter to the things that threaten the Colossians’ faith in Christ and cause them to wonder about or wander from the Gospel.  What causes you to wonder about or wander from the Christian faith?  What are some healthy ways to walk through these things rather than ignore them or be overcome by them?
    • We saw in Colossians 1 that Paul does not struggle with this physical sufferings, such as being in prison. But in Colossians 2:1, he says he struggles for the Colossians. Why do you think he uses the word struggle? What does Paul want to see happen in the Colossians’ lives?  Look at the specific words Paul uses. Is he speaking to them individually or as community?  How does being in community help us when we wonder or wander? How does community help mature us (Col.1:28)?
    • Paul says that “in Christ are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col.1:3).  How would you describe the difference between wisdom and knowledge?  What does it mean that Christ has all wisdom and knowledge? What are some everyday situations you are in where you need to be wise or knowledgeable? What does Jesus say or do in the Gospels that could apply to those situations? Is it different than what the culture says is wise to do?
    • Paul encourages the Colossians that after they have received Jesus as Lord they are to “walk in Him” or some translations says “live your life in Him” (Col. 2:6). What does it look like to live your life in Jesus? What is different in what you do or say than those who do not walk in Christ?  How does being rooted in Him and established in faith in Him help you walk this way?  Roots are hidden below the surface, but the way you live your life is out in the open for everyone to see.  What are some of your hidden habits or actions that root you in Christ and establish your faith in Him?
  • Here are some ways to live out these verses in Colossians this week.
      • Colossians 2:8 reads: See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. This is Paul’s key exhortation of the book. Meditate or even memorize Colossians 2:8 verse this week in preparation for next week’s teaching.
      • If Christ holds all the wisdom and knowledge we need in life, one of the best ways to discover it is by studying his life and teaching in Scripture.  If you’ve never learned how to study and understand the Bible for yourself, we are offering a 1 month online “Foundations: How to Read your Bible” group on Monday nights starting February 20.  Find out more here: https://foresthill.org/events/foundations/.
      • Paul emphasized the need for community if we are to be able to recognize the things that threaten our faith.  Community also helps us stay rooted, built up and firmly established in our faith. If you are not meeting regularly with a small group of believers, then join a Bridge Group, one of Forest Hill’s Christ-centered communities. Go to www.foresthill.org and click “Join a Bridge Group” to find a group of people you can meet with often to pray and study scripture and grow together into full maturity in Christ.
      • If you missed any of the Colossians sermons, you can find them on www.foresthill.org/messages.

JANUARY 29TH SERMON: COLOSSIANS 1:21-29

“THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST IN YOU”

  • Read Colossians 1:21-29, then talk through these questions with your Bridge Group, your family and friends or others who are walking through Colossians with you.
      • How does Colossians 1:21 describe the Colossians’ lives before they heard the gospel?  What does it feel like to be alienated or estranged from someone?  If you are a Christian, what did it feel like when you were separated from God?  What separates people from God and how is that barrier taken away (verses 22-23)? Describe the biggest difference in your life once you were reconciled to God.
      • This letter was written while Paul was in prison, and he writes that he “rejoices in his sufferings” (verse 24) while he’s imprisoned.  That sounds impossible! Why was he able to rejoice?  Look back at Colossians 1:5-20. What did Paul know that was true about Jesus that empowered him to rejoice in prison?  What did Paul know about himself and his future that helped him find joy in hardship? Describe a time in your life when the gospel and its power in your life helped in the midst of a hard season.  What particular promises in Scripture helped the most?
      • Paul describes the mystery of “Christ in you” (verse 27).  How is the truth of Christ being in you different than Christ just being with you? How does thinking that Jesus is simply with you fall short of what God really promises?  What does it look like to walk in your everyday circumstances with “Christ in you”? Does it look different than living like Christ is simply with you?
  • Here are some ways to live out these verses in Colossians this week.
      • Have you read through the whole book of Colossians yet?  If not, do it! If so, do it again!  Paul wrote this letter to be heard in one sitting and there’s things you can miss when you read it bit by bit. Try reading the whole book in one sitting (it takes less than 15 minutes). What did you notice?
      • Paul talks about becoming “mature in Christ” (verse 28). Think of someone you know who best represents maturity in Christ. What about them shows their faith and maturity? Reach out to that person and discover what God has used in their lives to mature them.
      • We cannot grow to maturity in Christ by doing life alone. We need other Christians around us to encourage, teach and admonish us.  If you are not meeting regularly with a small group of believers, then join a Bridge Group, one of Forest Hill’s Christ-centered communities. Go to www.foresthill.org and click “Join a Bridge Group” to find a group of people you can meet with often to pray and study scripture with and grow together into full maturity in Christ.
      • If you missed any of the Colossians sermons, you can find them on www.foresthill.org/messages.

JANUARY 22ND SERMON: COLOSSIANS 1:15-20

“THE SUPREMACY AND MAJESTY OF CHRIST”

  • Read Colossians 1:15-20, then talk through these questions with your Bridge Group, your family and friends or others who are walking through Colossians with you.
      • Colossians 1:15 & 19 say, “The Son (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God… and God was pleased to have his (God’s) fullness dwell in him (Jesus).”  In your own words, what do these verses mean?
      • These verses teach us that Jesus is God, and in his incarnation, he is the image or physical representation of God on earth. He is both fully God and fully human.  So think about the Gospels and some of the things Jesus did and said while he was on earth. How were they like things we see God do and say in the Old Testament?  For example, we see God controlling nature by parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and Jesus controlled nature when he did things like walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33).  What are some other things that Jesus did and said that displayed the nature of God?
      • Paul describes all the ways that Jesus rules and has authority.  According to these verses in Colossians, why does Jesus rule?  Who or what gives him his authority?  Think about what Jesus’s authority means in in your life.  Name some specific circumstances or areas of your life where Jesus has authority.  How does His rule in those areas make you feel?  What are some areas in your life where it is difficult for you to acknowledge Jesus’ authority?
  • Here are some ways to live out these verses in Colossians this week.
      • For the Colossians there was great cultural pressure to not trust Jesus and commit to follow him. Today, we have these same temptations to waver in our trust in Him.  Think through some of the things in your life that cause you to waver in trusting in the Lord—maybe it’s social media or what you’re streaming or who you are spending time with. Now think about the things and people who strengthen your faith.  What changes do you need to make in how you spend your time, so that your faith in Jesus is strengthened and you do not waver?
      • In 2023, all of us at Forest Hill are committing to reaching one person with an invitation to trust Christ.  Begin praying about “who your one” will be. Think who you can “do life with” who doesn’t know Jesus.  Pray for them daily—set a reminder on your phone so you won’t forget.
      • Read back through Colossians 1:1-20.  List everything you learn about Jesus. Put this list somewhere you can see it throughout daily and reflect throughout the week on who Jesus is.
      • If you missed any of the Colossians sermons, you can find them on www.foresthill.org/messages.

QUESTIONS AND RESOURCES ON COLOSSIANS

JANUARY 15TH SERMON: COLOSSIANS 1:9-14

“THE AMAZING GRACE OF THE GOSPEL”

  • Read Colossians 1:9-14, then talk through these questions with your Bridge Group, your family and friends or others who are walking through Colossians with you.
    • Paul tells the Colossians that they have been praying for them. What have Paul and Timothy specifically been praying would happen in the lives of the Colossians (verses 9-12)?
    • One thing that Paul prays is that the Colossians would “walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.” What words does Paul use to describe a “worthy life” in these verses (verses 10-11)? Look at Ephesians 4:1-3 and Philippians 1:27-28.  What does a life “worthy of the gospel of Christ” look like in these verses? Give some examples of how you could like a “worthy life” in your circumstances at home, at work or around your neighborhood.
    • Paul also encourages the Colossians that the Father has already worked in their lives. What words and images does he use (verses 12-14)? What does it mean to you that you’ve gone from the kingdom of darkness the “Kingdom of God’s beloved Son” (verse 13)? How does now living in that kingdom enable you to walk and live in a manner worthy of the Lord like Paul described in verse 10?
  • Here are some practical next steps for the next week:
    • Pray Paul’s Colossians prayer, asking God to work in your life and others you are praying for: “God, fill me with the knowledge of your will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so I can walk in a manner worthy of you and be fully pleasing to you. I want to bear fruit in every good work and increase in my knowledge and experience of you. Strengthen me with all power, according to your glorious might, so I might endure and go through whatever may come with patience with joy!”
    • This week in at least one conversation, intentionally think of how you are representing Jesus with your words and way you are speaking to someone. Walking in a manner worthy of the Lord means representing Jesus’ character and actions in all that you do, including how you to talk to others.
    • Memorize Colossians 1:13-14. Write it out every day. Read it out loud. Put the verses someplace like on your refrigerator or the dashboard of your car so you see them throughout your day. Every time you see and say them, reflect on the life you were redeemed from and the life you were redeemed for.
    • Text, email or call the person who first shared the Gospel with you. Thank them for how the Father used them in your life.