26: Thanksgiving and Intercession (Col 1:1-14)

The Basics

Setting

In the opening of this epistle, Paul greets the readers as saints. Just as for the Ephesians, he give thanks to God and prays that the Colossians will be enlightened about certain spiritual truths and realities.

Key Verse

“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (1:9).

Observation

Outline

(1:1-2)

(1:3-8)

(1:9-14)

Key Words/Phrases

Segment Analysis

1:1-2

1.     What qualifies a person to be called a saint?

1:3-8

2a.   See if you can find the three abiding spiritual qualities made famous in 1 Corinthians 13 in this passage.

2b.   What is the source of these abiding qualities?

3a.   In what ways does the gospel bring forth fruit (6)?

3b.   What is the condition for the gospel to bringing forth fruit in a person’s life? Has the gospel brought forth fruit in your life?

4.     Who is Epaphras (7; Col 4:12; Phm 23)?

1:9-14

5a.   What does Paul ask for in his prayer? Compare this with your own prayers.

5b.   What lessons can we learn from Paul’s prayer?

6.     What is necessary in order to be filled with the knowledge of the will of God (1:9)?

7.     List the purposes of knowing the will of God (10).

8.     Based on this paragraph, explain the phrase “walk worthy of the Lord” (10).

9.     How do we carry out the will of God (11)?

10.   Discuss the will of God—for Christians on the whole and for individual members in the Bible Study group.

11a. For what should we be thankful to the Father?

11b. How did God deliver us from the power of darkness and convey us into His kingdom?