Colossians: Fullness In Christ

Faithful Laborers

Wonder Lake Bible Church — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

The lives of Paul’s co-laborers teach us to faithfully persevere in our labor for the Lord. In part 10 of Colossians: Fullness In Christ, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Colossians 4:7-18.

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Study Notes

Understanding the Text

The Person and Work of Christ (Col 1:1-29)
Error and Truth (Col 2:1-23)
Christian Living (Col 3:1 – 4:6)
Conclusion (Col 4:7–18)
1. Final Greetings (Col 4:7-15)
2. Final Instructions (Col 4:16-18)

Lessons from the Laborers

TYCHICUS: Be faithful and trustworthy in the discharge of your duties
ONESIMUS: Forgive one another and seek reconciliation
ARISTARCHUS: Live, and give, all for Christ
MARK: Failure is not final
JUSTUS: Comfort one another
EPAPHRAS: Love for others by working hard in prayer for them
LUKE: Be loyal to your co-laborers in the gospel
DEMAS: Do not let love of the world eclipse your love for Christ
LAODICEAN CHRISTIANS: Hold fast to sound doctrine and true spiritual wealth
NYMPHA: Extend hospitality and use your resources for the advancement of the kingdom
ARCHIPPUS: Persevere in your labor for the Lord

Prayer and Proclamation

Wonder Lake Bible Church — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

The growing follower of Jesus Christ is devoted to prayer and faithful proclamation of the gospel. In part 9 of Colossians: Fullness In Christ, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Colossians 4:2-6.

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Study Notes

Redeemed Relationships

Wonder Lake Bible Church — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

As God’s dearly loved, chosen people, let us conduct ourselves as true followers of Jesus in the church, in the home and in the workplace. In part 8 of Colossians: Fullness In Christ, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Colossians 3:12-4:1.

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Study Notes

Understanding the Text

The Person and Work of Christ (Col 1:1-29)
Error and Truth (Col 2:1-23)
Christian Living (Col 3:1 – 4:6)
1. The New Self (Col 3:1-11)
2. Redeemed Relationships (Col 3:12 – 4:1)
  1. Church (Col 3:12-17)
  2. Home (Col 3:18-21)
  3. Workplace (Col 3:22 – 4:1)

Redeemed Relationships in the Church

Clothe yourself with godly virtues
Forgive one another
Love one another
Be a peacemaker
Live in, and live out, the Word of God
Do all in the name of Jesus

Redeemed Relationships in the Home

Wives: Submit
Husbands: Love
Children: Obey
Parents: Do not embitter

Redeemed Relationships in the Workplace

Workers: Work hard as for the Lord
Managers & Owners: Do what is right and fair

Which of these most needs attention in your life?

Lord, help me…

clothe myself with godly virtues such as…
forgive…
make peace with…
be a better husband/wife by…
be a better parent by…
better honor my parents by…
be a better worker by…
be a better manager/owner by…

A Matter of Life and Death

Wonder Lake Bible Church — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Since we have been united with Christ’s life, let us put deadly things to death. In part 7 of Colossians: Fullness In Christ, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Colossians 3:1-11.

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Study Notes

Understanding the Text

The Person and Work of Christ (Col 1:1-29)
Error and Truth (Col 2:1-23)
Christian Living (Col 3:1 – 4:6)
1. The New Self (Col 3:1-11)

Commands for Holy Living

Set your heart and mind on things above
Put deadly things—sinful attitudes and behavior—to death

Deadly Things

Sexual Immorality
Impurity
Lust
Evil Desires
Greed
Idolatry
Anger
Rage
Malice
Slander
Filthy Language
Lies

Why should I set my heart and mind on things above, and put deadly things to death?

You have been raised with Christ
You are united with Christ
You will appear with Christ in glory
God’s judgment is coming
You have put on the new self
You have been united with all other believers in Christ

Applying the Text

Lord, forgive me for setting my heart and mind on…
Lord, help keep my heart and mind focused on…
Lord, help me put to death…
Lord, thank You for…

Fullness and Freedom in Christ

Wonder Lake Bible Church — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

As a believer in Christ, you are full and complete in Him- forgiven and forever free. In part 6 of Colossians: Fullness In Christ, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Colossians 2:9-23.

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Study Notes

Understanding the Text

The Person and Work of Christ (Col 1:1-29)
Error and Truth (Col 2:1-23)
1. Maturity in Christ (Col 2:1-8)
2. Fullness, Forgiveness and Freedom (Col 2:9-23)

1. Fullness (Col 2:9-12)

In Christ, the fullness of Deity lives in bodily form

You have been given fullness in Christ

2. Forgiveness (Col 2:13-15)

You were made alive in Christ

ALL your sins have been forgiven

You share in Christ’s victory over evil powers

3. Freedom (Col 2:16-23)

You are free from legalism

You are free to win the prize of spiritual rewards

You have God’s help in conquering evil desires

Principles from the Text

The believer has fullness of life through union with Christ
The believer is free forever in Christ

Applying the Text

Since I am united with Christ…

I can rejoice that..

God has forgiven my sin of…

God can help me overcome my sin of…

Deep Roots Defeat Deceit

Wonder Lake Bible Church — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

As believers grow deep roots into Christ’s love and truth, they can live free from empty philosophies and destructive teachings. In part 5 of Colossians: Fullness In Christ, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Colossians 2:1-8.

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Study Notes

Understanding the Text

The Person and Work of Christ (Col 1:1-29)
Error and Truth (Col 2:1-23)
1. Maturity in Christ (Col 2:1-8)

1. Paul’s purpose (Col 2:1-5)

That believers would…

Be encouraged
Be united in love
Have the full riches of understanding of God’s plan
Not be deceived by fine-sounding arguments

2. Paul’s counsel (Col 2:6-8)

That believers would…

Continue in Christ
Grow deep roots in Christ
Grow strong in faith and truth
Overflow with gratitude
Stand firm against empty, demonic philosophies

Principles from the Text

The treasures of true wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ
Believers must actively choose to continue following Christ as Lord
Believers must exercise discernment

Applying the Text

Is Jesus Christ Lord of your life?
Are you building your life on Christ, or on empty philosophies?

The Secret Is Out

Wonder Lake Bible Church — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

God has revealed a glorious mystery which was hidden in the Old Testament and has brought eternal blessing for all who believe. In part 4 of Colossians: Fullness In Christ, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Colossians 1:24-29.

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Study Notes

Understanding the Text

The Person and Work of Christ (Col 1:1-29)
1. Introduction (Col 1:1-2)
2. Thanksgiving (Col 1:3-8)
3. Prayer (Col 1:9-14)
4. The Supremacy of Christ (Col 1:15-23)
5. The Mystery of Christ (Col 1:24-29)
  1. Suffering for the Mystery (Col 1:24)
  2. Revelation of the Mystery (Col 1:25-27)
  3. Proclamation of the Mystery (Col 1:28-29)

Principles from the Text

It is a believer’s privilege to suffer affliction for Christ
The riches and glory of the indwelling Christ is for all peoples
The indwelling Holy Spirit is God’s guarantee of future glory
Through Christ’s power, believers are to labor and struggle to proclaim Christ

Applying the Text

Do you consider enduring hardship for Christ a privilege?
Are you laboring for Christ by His power?
Are you resting in the hope of future glory?

The Supreme Reconciler

Wonder Lake Bible Church — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

Jesus Christ is the supreme Sovereign of the universe Who has reconciled us to Himself in order that we might be holy and blameless in His sight. In part 3 of Colossians: Fullness In Christ, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Colossians 1:15-23.

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Study Notes

Understanding the Text

The Person and Work of Christ (Col 1:1-29)
1. Introduction (Col 1:1-2)
2. Thanksgiving (Col 1:3-8)
3. Prayer (Col 1:9-14)
4. The Supremacy of Christ (Col 1:15-23)

Jesus Christ is:

The Image of God
The Firstborn over Creation
The Creator of the Universe
The Head of the Church
The Firstborn from the Dead
The Fullness of God
The Reconciler of All Things

Once you were…

Alienated from God
An Enemy of God

But now, you are…

Reconciled
Holy
Blameless

Applying the Text

Do you worship Christ, the Supreme Sovereign?
Have you been reconciled to God?
Are you persevering in your faith?

Additional Media

A Persistent and Powerful Prayer

Wonder Lake Bible Church — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

A powerful prayer for other believers is for mature Christian character, conduct and knowledge of God. In part 2 of Colossians: Fullness In Christ, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Colossians 1:9-14.

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Study Notes

Understanding the Text

The Person and Work of Christ (Col 1:1-29)
1. Introduction (Col 1:1-2)
2. Thanksgiving (Col 1:3-8)
3. Prayer (Col 1:9-14)

Persistence of the Prayer (Col 1:9a)

“We have not stopped praying for you”

Content of the Prayer (Col 1:9b)

“Fill you with the knowledge of His will”

Results of the Prayer (Col 1:10-12a)

A life worthy of the Lord
A life pleasing to the Lord in every way
The fruit of good works
Growing knowledge of God
God’s strength
Endurance
Patience
Gratitude

The Underlying Truth of the Prayer (Col 1:12b-14)

Heavenly inheritance
Kingdom transfer
Redemption

Principles from the Text

Believers should pray persistently for other believers
Believers should pray for intimate knowledge of God
Intimate knowledge of God transforms a person

Applying the Text

Is your life ambition to know God deeply?
Do you persistently pray that others will know God deeply?

The Offspring of Hope

Wonder Lake Bible Church — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 00:00:00 +0000

The believer’s confidence in what God will do in the future leads to greater trust in God now, and a deeper love for others. In part 1 of Colossians: Fullness In Christ, Pastor Dan Cox reads from Colossians 1:1-8.

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Study Notes

Introduction to Colossians

Who wrote it?: The Apostle Paul
When was it written?: About 60 AD
Why was it written?: To combat false teaching and instruct in healthy Christian living
What is the theme?: The total supremacy & sufficiency of Christ

Overview of Colossians

The Person and Work of Christ (Col 1:1-29)
Error and Truth (Col 2:1-23)
Christian Living (Col 3:1 – 4:6)
Conclusion (Col 4:7-18)

Understanding the Text

The Person and Work of Christ (Col 1:1-29)
1. Introduction (Col 1:1-2)
2. Thanksgiving (Col 1:3-8)

Principles from the Text

Believers have the sure hope of heaven
The believer’s heavenly hope helps produce greater trust in God now
The believer’s heavenly hope helps produce greater love for others now

Applying the Text

Do you live in conscious anticipation and gratitude for heaven?
Does the reality of your heavenly inheritance produce greater faith and love in you?