1.  

Read v. 1. In the past Paul persecuted the church of Christ, but now he works as an apostle of Christ “by the will of God”. What can we learn here about the way God works in each person’s life?  

2.

Read v. 2. Here Paul describes the brothers at the church of Colosse “holy and faithful”. What is the significance of a Christian being “holy ‘and’ faithful”? 

3.

Read vs. 3-6a and describe Paul’s thanks topics for them. How are “faith”, “love”, “hope”, and “gospel” connected to one another? What does Paul mean by “hope” (stored up for you in heaven)? Why is this hope important to all, particularly to those who even risk their lives for the gospel? 

4.

Read vs. 6b-8. Paul says “All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing”, but what does such words as “heard”, “understood”, or “learned” (it from Epaphras) teach us the way in which the gospel practically bears fruit and grows? What lesson is there for us to learn from this observation?

5.

Memorize v. 9 and think about: 1) the way Paul prays for them, and 2) the prayer topic Paul has for them. What does the expression “the purpose of His will” tell us about God the Father who sent Jesus? Why is this “knowledge” of the purpose of his will so important to a believer (Isaiah 46:10; Proverbs 19:21)? What wisdom is there for us in making a plan for the New Year?

6.

Read vs. 10-12. How do the following expressions (or prayer topics) strike you: 1) “you may live a life worthy of the Lord”; 2) “[you] may please him in every way” (Hebrews 11:6); 3) “bearing fruit in every good work”; 4) “growing in the knowledge of God”; 5) “being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might”; 6) “[so that] you may have great endurance and patience”; and 7) “joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has ‘qualified’ you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light”? What do these prayer topics teach us about the way to plan for the New Year?

7. 

Read vs. 13-14. What does “For” tell us about the [spiritual] reality which gives rise to the prayer topics listed in vs. 10-12? What is “darkness” (Matthew 8:12)? What does “dominion” suggest to us about the “darkness”? What does Paul mean by “redemption” (5; Romans 8:23)?