Grounded In Christ - 10 Lessons

Passages: Colossians 1-4
Big Idea: We do not need to go beyond Jesus. He has given us everything. In him, we have it all.
Ages: 5-7

Ten lessons exploring the book of Colossians.

The letter Colossians was written by Paul to a church in Colossae (now south-west Turkey). It is more likely that Epaphras, not Paul, first brought the gospel to the people of Colossae. Paul wrote to the church from prison in Rome after hearing that false teachers were adding to the gospel message. They were encouraging them to worship angels and follow Jewish ceremonies (Colossians 2:16, 18, 21).

Paul reminds the church of the central truth of the gospel – salvation is found in Jesus alone. Paul encourages the Christians to remember what was taught to them and not to be deceived by false argument (Colossians 2:4). Jesus is more than enough for salvation.

‘In Christ’ is a big idea throughout the letter. In him everything was created (Colossians 1:16). In him we are both redeemed and reconciled Colossians (Colossians 1:14, 22).  We are united in him in both his death and resurrection - our sinful nature died with him and now we have been raised to new life (Colossians 2:13). We grow mature in him (Colossians 3:23), living to please the Lord.

Paul reminds the church that, as God’s people they are to live as his holy people, different from people around them. They are to put off the old and put on the new, to live as God’s chosen people, clothed in his wardrobe of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. This is to impact all our relationships - husbands and wives, parents and children, slaves and masters. Whatever we do, we do it all for the Lord. 

Paul reminded the church to be devoted to prayer (especially asking that doors be open for the gospel), to be careful how they acted around people who didn’t believe in God yet, and to be ready to answer people who as yet have not come to faith.