Lesson 1: Who are the Colossians? And why should I care?

Big Idea: Through the pen of the Apostle Paul we will see Christ as king,
and that there is no place in our life that Christs Supremacy does not touch.

Who Wrote Colossians? (vs. 1)

The Apostle Paul wrote the letter of Colossians. He was traveling with Timothy preaching Christ and felt the need to write a letter to the Colossians for a number of different reasons. *Note about Paul* Paul was a very devout Jew, probably one of the Best. And when Jesus came and started ministry Paul began to oppose his work. After Christ had ascended Paul began killing off the remaining Christians to hopefully get rid of Christianity. But then God called him out of that life. READ ACTS 9:1-8

Who received the letter? (vs. 2)

The Apostle Paul had never visited Colosse (2:1), the church there was founded by Epaphras, who was converted by Paul in Ephesus. Then Epaphras went home and started teaching about Christ and started a church. So the letter was written to Epsphras church to encourage, warn, and teach them.

Why is it named Colossians?

The people to whom this letter was written were from a region named Colosse.

So why are we studying Colossians?

There are 3 main reasons I desire that we study Colossians together 1) Because I believe it will enlarge and deepen our view of the person of Christ. We want to see him a Lord and King and not only humble servant. 2) To guard ourselves against other gospels or false teaching that sound enticing or even talk about Jesus. But we find out they really have nothing to do with him. Ultimately they will fail to deliver the new life and fulfillment thy promise. 3) To show that the Only way to become fruitful as a Christian, is to focus on Jesus and understand who he is and what he has done. Through this we are free from human commands and teachings (2:22) and now under Gods loving guidance. I encourage you to read along as we go throughout the book, that was you can be familiar with the text before and ask great questions. Also if you read and re-read you will begin to memorize scripture which Ephesians 6 says is a sword and you will be better equipped to fight of the enemy.

The memory verse that I hope you can memorize by the end of the study is Colossians 1:15-18 *Write it out on the Card and keep it with you*
15

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

Walk through of lessons

1:3-14 - Jesus our Confidence We will see how Gods grace gives spiritual failures hope 1:15-23 The Supremacy of Jesus We will see that Jesus is God and ruler of all things 1:24-2:5 Jesus in Pauls ministry We will look at Jesus working through the Apostle Paul 2:6-23 Jesus: Our truth We will see Jesus is the true God, and frees us from human expectations. 3:1-11 Jesus: Our new Life-style pt. 1 We will look at the basis for our new life 3:12-4:6 Jesus: Our Life-style pt. 2 We will examine the practical parts of our new life in Christ. 4:7-18 Jesus: Our Ministry