1.

Read v. 15.  What does the expression “the image of the invisible God” tell us about the way for us to know God who is invisible?  What does “firstborn” indicate about Jesus’ relationship with those who would come into the family of God through Jesus? (cf. Hebrews 2:11) 

2.

Read v. 16. This passage explains the reason why Jesus is the firstborn over all creation. What does “all things were created by him and for him” mean to you? (Romans 1:5)

3. 

Read v. 17. What does this passage suggest about the role Jesus is playing at the present time?  What does “all things hold together” mean to you? 

4. 

Memorize v. 18a. Paul says that the church is the body of Jesus.  What does Paul mean by this analogy? (1Cor 12:12-20; John 14:20; 1Cor 6:19)  What does “he is the head of the body” tell us about the relationship between Jesus and all those who put trust in Him?

5.

Memorize v. 18b. What does “he is the beginning and the firstborn among the dead” mean?  What does this truth about Jesus mean to those who His?  In what respect does Jesus being the firstborn from among the dead give Jesus supremacy over all creation? 

6.

Read vs. 19-23a.  What does “God was pleased to have all of his fullness dwell in him” teach us about Jesus?  What does ‘reconcile’ mean?  What is the significance of being reconciled ‘to’ God?  How did Jesus open the way for all things to be reconciled to God?  On what condition will this hope of reconciliation affect your life? 

7. 

Read v. 23b.  ‘Gospel’ means “good news.”  In what respect is the news described in vs. 18-23a truly good news?  Paul says, “and of which [the gospel] I, Paul, have become a servant.”  What does it mean to become a ‘servant’ of the gospel?  What can we learn from Paul?