Camp Crew Bible Study_2020

Camp Crew Bible Study_2020

CAMP CREW BIBLE STUDY SERIES:

COLOSS IANS AUTHENTIC: TRUTH OVER TREND

THEME VERSE: COLOSSIANS 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

SUMMER 2020

WEEK RETREAT NIGHT TOPIC

PASSAGE MEMORY VERSE (NIV)

All-Staff Campfire A challenge for all our camp staff to dedicate their summer and their lives to boldly following Christ.

Crew Week

N/A

N/A

Colossians 1:15-16 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 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. Colossians 1:17-18 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 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. Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Introducing Colossians: Objective: To give students the background and context to the Book of Colossians. To help students understand the power of the Gospel. To explore Paul’s prayer life.

Colossians 1:1-14

1

The Supremacy of Christ Objective: To show students the centrality of Jesus Christ in and over all things. To explore the nature of our salvation and our reconciled relationship with God.

Colossians 1:15-23

2

The Sufficiency of Christ Objective: To have students consider true spiritual growth, not merely thorough Christian disciplines and practices, but through the indwelling Christ.

Colossians 1:24-2:7

3

True Wisdom and Genuine Philosophy Objective: To have students discern the empty philosophy of the World compared to the true, biblical worldview of Christ. To distinguish between hollow, man-made rules and God’s divine reality. Living the New Life Objective: To explore the evidences of new life in Christ. To “put off” our old nature and to “put on” our new nature. To show students what it means to do everything in the name of Christ. Relationships and the Role of Submission Objective: To understand humility before the Lord and how it impacts how we treat others. To explore biblical foundations for the roles we live as men and women, parents and children, servants and leaders. Paul’s Prayer Life & The Power of Words Objective: To explore Paul’s prayer life and what we can learn for our own times of intercession with God. To discover how our words are to be used to reach and build up others. Wrapping Up: Faithful Friends Objective: To show Paul’s specific interactions with his fellow servants. To challenge students with practical ways to be bold for Christ in the coming year and to deepen their faith through continuing spiritual disciplines, especially prayer and mutual accountability

Colossians 2:8-23

4

Colossians 3:1-17

5

Colossians 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your

Colossians 3:18-4:1

heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 4:2-3 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Colossians 4:5-6 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

6

Colossians 4:2-6

7

Colossians 4:7-18

8

HELPFUL RESOURCES

UL Bible Study Schedule *UL Bible Study is shifted ahead one week, so that the UL’s can study the material one week before the rest of Crew.

WEEK

PASSAGE

Crew Week

Colossians 1:1-14

1

Colossians 1:15-23

2

Colossians 1:24-2:7

3

Colossians 2:8-23

4

Colossians 3:1-17

5

Colossians 3:18-4:1

6

Colossians 4:2-6

7

Colossians 4:7-18

8

Video:

Colossians: An Overview thebibleproject.com/explore/colossians (This video, a visual poster, and other study resources can be downloaded for free from The Bible Project website.)

Books:

Be Complete by Warren Wiersbe

Online Study Helps:

• Blue Letter Bible: Study Guide for Colossians by David Guzik www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/guzik_david/StudyGuide2017-Col/Col-1.cfm • Through the Bible with J. Vernon McGee: Colossians www.ttb.org/docs/default-source/notes-outlines/no39_colossians.pdf?sfvrsn=2

Word of Life Quiet Time Study Notes by Mark Strout See the following pages for helpful notes by Mark Strout.

STUDY NOTES ON COLOSSIANS by Mark Strout (Originally published as part of the Word of Life Quiet Time)

Introduction to Colossians Have you ever felt totally inadequate to handle some assignment at school or at your job? Or maybe it’s some issue involving family members or friends that has you feeling overwhelmed. How about your relationship with a perfect, holy God? Do you feel up to the challenge of being all that you should be in order for Him to accept you and to be pleased with you? No doubt there are some readers who would answer with a resounding “Yes!” Most of us would likely express some concern or even dismay if we were totally transparent. In either case, the book of Colossians is an essential epistle for the growing believer. It presents the liberating truth that Jesus Christ is our complete and only sufficiency before the Father. For those who feel adequate, it will challenge their self-sufficiency. For those who feel inadequate, it will affirm their all-sufficiency in Christ and Christ alone. Historical setting Paul wrote this epistle around the year A.D. 61 on the occasion of his first Roman imprisonment (4:3,10,18). During this time, he was permitted to stay by himself with a Roman guard in his own rented quarters. Never one to waste an opportunity just because of a bad turn of circumstances, Paul continued to receive guests and carry on his teaching ministry (Acts 28:16-31). This is a great example to any who may be tempted to look for excuses not to persevere in the work God has given them to do! The city of Colossae had been built on a major trade route which ran through the Lycus river valley in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). However, it had lost much of its prominence in favor of Laodicea and Hierapolis, two other cities located in the Lycus valley. This was largely due to the fact that the main road had been rerouted to pass through Laodicea. Recent earthquakes in the area may also have contributed to Colossae’s decline and it eventually went out of existence in the fifth century. Though Paul had never been to Colossae, he knew Epaphras the probable founder of the church there (1:7; 4:12-13). These believers were likely a result of Paul’s ministry in Ephesus, located about one hundred miles to the west, since we are told that the gospel had spread throughout all Asia during Paul’s two-year ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19:10). Paul mentions the fact that he had heard of their faith (1:4, 9) which must have been very encouraging to him! It’s a reminder that no one knows just how far the impact of their ministry will extend! Theme The primary theme of Paul’s epistle to the Colossians is the absolute supremacy of Jesus Christ and the total sufficiency of His death and resurrection to provide for our salvation and sanctification. Apparently, the Christians at Colossae were in danger of embracing false teaching which some believe may have been an early form of Gnosticism, one of the most dangerous heresies to arise in the early Church, reaching its peak in the second century. Gnosticism comes from the Greek word “gnosis” which means “knowledge.” We see it in the English word “agnostic.” In Greek, the letter “a” can be used for the negative (like the “un” in “unknown.”). Thus, the term “agnostic” refers to someone who does not believe that anything can be known about the existence or nature of God, if there is one! Gnostics taught that spiritual perfection was attained by means of special, mystical knowledge beyond that which could be found in Jesus Christ. It was a religion of special knowledge that saves rather than of simple faith that saves. Gnostics claimed access to obscure spiritual knowledge reserved

(Theme Continued) for a small group of insiders. For them, the knowledge of Christ might be a start, but more was required for a complete spiritual experience. Whether or not the Colossian heresy was directly related to Gnosticism, the point is that false teachers were claiming that simple faith in Christ was not enough for salvation and sanctification. To counter this, Paul presents a compelling description of the person and work of Christ. As a result, Colossians is his most Christ- focused epistle. In it, he refers directly to Jesus Christ over twenty-five times and uses over thirty different Greek words to explain and demonstrate Christ’s total sufficiency. Many of these words would later become favorite words of gnostic teachers such as “fullness” (1:19; 2:9), “knowledge” (2:3; 3 :10), “mystery” (1:26- 27; 2:2-3; 4:3), and “wisdom” (1:28; 3:16). In chapter one, he describes the supremacy of Christ above all. In chapter two, he warns against all attempts to add to Christ’s finished work. Finally, in chapters three and four he demonstrates how the truth of Christ’s supremacy and of our sufficiency in Him is to be lived out in daily life. Are you tempted to believe that Jesus is not enough? Or perhaps you’re discouraged by the keen awareness of your own spiritual inadequacy? In either case, enjoy Colossians and think deeply on its truths. It’s an awesome reminder that “ His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue. ” (2 Peter 1:3)

WEEK 1

Colossians 1:1-8 What is the most powerful, unstoppable force in all the world? A category 5 hurricane? An earthquake? An atomic explosion? Those are good candidates but they cannot compare to the power of the gospel which alone can totally transform a person’s character and change their eternal destination! No other message can produce love where once there was enmity (vv.4, 8) and provide authentic hope that extends beyond the grave (v.5). Paul reminds us in these opening verses that the gospel is unstoppable and is constantly producing results and increasing its impact around the world. No earthly force can stop it even though it is met with resistance wherever it goes. What can explain this kind of power? Paul answers this as he expresses his thanks for the impact of the gospel in the lives of his readers. The gospel message is powerful because it’s not an opinion or idea dreamed up by man. It is truth (v.5) that is focused on Jesus Christ, the Son of God (v.4). What can save a person from the horrific penalty and enslaving power of sin? No human effort, religion, or philosophy can do this. Christ alone is able to save. His death paid sin’s penalty and His resurrection opened up the way to a new life that cannot be defeated by sin’s power. Simple faith and trust in Him alone (v.4) unites me with Him so that His death and resurrection become mine. My sin penalty is paid and I become a totally new creation in Him. The gospel isn’t a call to have faith in just anything or anyone or a commitment to live a certain way. It’s an invitation to continually place one’s total confidence in Christ alone to save. When you do, you can’t avoid the gradual transformation that will result. LifeStep How confident are you in Christ’s power to save? Have you given up praying for someone’s salvation? Start praying for them again today! Have you given up trying hard to be a good Christian? Excellent! Instead of depending on yourself, ask Christ to live through you today! Colossians 1:9-14 If someone were to record and then analyze the content of your prayers over a two-week period, what would they find in terms of their frequency, content, and expectations? Most of us would probably decline such an exercise realizing that the results would leave much to be desired! In these verses, we can see just how spiritually-minded the apostle Paul was as we are given a glimpse of his “prayer list” for his readers. It’s challenging to note that every single request has something to do with spiritual growth and is centered on the Father and the Son. Paul asks for five basic things: 1) that they might be filled with an understanding of HIS will, 2) that they would walk and serve in ways that please HIM, 3) that they would know HIM better, 4) be strengthened with HIS power, and 5) be filled with gratitude to HIM. Paul did not ask for these things every once in a while. Rather, these requests were constantly on his lips as he prayed for his readers (v.9). What we continually pray for is an excellent indicator of the spiritual temperature of our lives. Paul’s prayer life was red hot because the affections of his heart were tied to eternal things! Could it be that our prayer life is cold because our hearts have become enamored with things that have no lasting significance? LifeStep There’s much food for thought in these verses. How can we begin praying for others as Paul did? Start today! Write and post these five requests in places where you will see them often: around the house, at your place of employment, on your tablet or smart phone, in your car, etc. Then begin continually asking God for these things, first for yourself and then for others. When you do, you’ll never have to wonder if you’re asking for the right things since every one of these will always be in accordance with what God would desire.

WEEK 2

Colossians 1:15-19 Today’s brief reading contains one of the most complete descriptions of the absolute supremacy of Jesus Christ in the entire Bible! False teachers were claiming that Christ was simply one of several created beings, including angels, which proceeded from God and by whom man had to pass in order to reach Him. In this section Paul affirms that Christ is not part of creation; He is the Creator of all things! The term “firstborn” (v.15) does not refer to time but rather to rank (see also Psalm 89:27). Everything that exists in the visible and the invisible realms was made by Him, for Him, and through Him including all angels regardless of their rank (v.16). All of creation not only originated with Him but it continues to depend on His continuous, sustaining power. Christ did not create all things and then leave them to spin on their own. He actively holds all of creation together (v.17). He is not only the Head of the current creation but also of the new creation which He is already bringing into being as people are born again to become new creatures in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17; Revelation 21:5) and members of His body, the Church (v.18). He leads the way as “ firstborn from the dead ” (v.18). This does not mean that He was the first to rise from the dead but that He was the first to rise with an immortal, glorious body as we will have one day (1 Corinthians 15:20-23; Philippians 3:20-21). There can be no doubt that Jesus Christ occupies the highest place (v.18). The final verse of today’s text is one of the most powerful affirmations of Christ’s deity (v.19). He is fully God! LifeStep Read today’s text several times while imagining yourself standing before Jesus Christ. What’s your reaction? Guilt and shame? Rest in His righteousness which is yours by faith. Hardened rebellion? Submit to Him and you will discover that He is a Good Shepherd. “Awe-full” wonder? Worship and admire Him! This is the beginning of wisdom. Colossians 1:20-23 To catch the impact of these verses we must remember what Paul was addressing in this letter. False teachers were claiming that Christ was not sufficient for salvation and sanctification. They taught that Christ was neither fully human nor fully divine but that He was a spiritual emanation from God who was only part of the path to reconciliation with God. In other words, Christ was not entirely sufficient. You needed far more than Christ if you were to ever be made right with God. Paul strongly denied all of this by affirming the full deity of Christ, His coming in the flesh as a fully human being, and the fact that His death alone made reconciliation possible between hostile sinners and a holy God. Notice the end result of Christ’s ministry of reconciliation. We who were once hostile aliens whose evil actions were simply the natural outward expression of what we were on the inside (v.21) become holy, blameless, and beyond reproach in God’s sight (v.22). How in the world is that possible?! It is not something that we can ever accomplish ourselves because it involves a fundamental change of what we are, not just what we do. Only Christ could change what we were. He did this by dying in the flesh in our place. By His death, what we were was crucified with Him so that we could become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). LifeStep It’s very easy to fall into the same error that the false teachers were pedaling. Our natural tendency is self- reliance. We think that somehow we must add to Christ’s work if we’re ever to be accepted by God. We imagine God standing at some distance, arms crossed, observing us with concern on His face as we do our best to pray more, work harder, fight off sin, and generally try to be better Christians and earn His “well-done.” Who do we think we are?! Christ and Christ alone is our standing before the Father. Find a way to remind yourself of this through the day so that you’ll constantly depend on Him to live out what you are in Him.

WEEK 3

Colossians 1:24-29 Imagine the rusted hulk of a once beautiful old Rolls Royce now sitting abandoned in a remote field with trees and bushes pushing up through the wreck. What hope does such a sorry ruin have of ever being returned to its former glory? None, unless a skilled expert rescues it from the field and carefully restores it over time. What about us? What hope do we have of ever being put back into a proper spiritual condition before a holy God? Is there any hope of being completely free of the anger, bitterness, lust, jealousy, fear, discontent, and loneliness that seem to constantly eat away at us like rust? There is! Such hope is not found in ourselves and our abilities or good intentions. We can no more restore ourselves to a right condition than the rusted vehicle can restore itself to its former glory. Our only hope of glory is Christ in us (v.27). It is not simply the fact that Christ died and rose again on our behalf. That is essential of course. But it is the fact that Christ now lives within us (Galatians 2:20). He is our life and our very identity before the Father (1 Corinthians 1:30-31). It is only the release of His power within that can enable us to walk in victory over sin’s corruption and enable us to bear up under the inevitable suffering, toil, and struggle that are a normal part of serving Him (vv.24, 29). Paul’s goal was not to somehow coerce people into making themselves presentable to God. His objective was to present everyone complete in Christ and in Christ alone (v.28). Which goal are you vigorously pursuing? LifeStep What means are you using to pursue spiritual growth in yourself and in others? Scripture reading and memorization, accountability, faithful church attendance, protective hedges of some kind? These are excellent but they’ll never produce genuine godliness if they are devoid of a conscious dependence on the indwelling presence of Christ. Write out one way you can consciously depend on Him today. Then do it! Colossians 2:1-7 Having spent the first chapter affirming the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ in the gospel, in spiritual growth, in creation, in the church, and in his own ministry, Paul now warns his readers against all attempts to undermine Christ by pursuing spirituality through human philosophy and methods. The danger was very real and it was a huge concern to Paul. He mentions how greatly he was struggling (v.1) to ensure that his readers would not be led astray by false teachers who were using extremely persuasive arguments (v.4). This translates a Greek word only used here in the New Testament. It describes speech that is fine-sounding, plausible, and extremely compelling. At the core was the notion that simple faith in Christ might be a good place to start but such simplicity could not take them very far. They needed to move beyond childish faith in Christ and pursue mystical wisdom and knowledge, something which the false teachers could help them achieve! They could access hidden secrets and enjoy mystical experiences that most people missed, if they would simply purchase their books and attend their conferences! What was Paul’s response? Bogus! All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ. The one who has Christ, has everything necessary for a complete and victorious new life in Him. Therefore, the way one begins through simple faith in Him is the only way to make real progress. LifeStep Are you alert to the possibility that you could be deceived by fine-sounding arguments and be led astray from the simplicity of your devotion to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3)? Have you somehow become convinced that you need more than simple trust in Jesus? It’s easy for many of us to associate our child-like faith with childishness and to feel that we need more now that we’ve “matured.” Not so! Identify one specific way you have been attempting to make spiritual progress without depending on Christ. What can you do to change that today?

WEEK 4

Colossians 2:8-15 Paul continues his warning not to turn away from Christ and seek after meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in human philosophy. The problem is not that philosophy is intrinsically wrong. After all, philosophy is simply the “love of wisdom.” The issue is the type of “wisdom” which is being loved! The problem with the philosophy that Paul is warning against is that it is based on human traditions and ideas rather than on Christ in whom are found all the treasures of wisdom (vv.3, 8). The Greek word translated elementary principles of the world refers to things that are lined up in a row: simple, basic, childish concepts. Human philosophy bases itself on surface issues: appearances, feelings, impressions, and opinions rather than on the profound, eternal realities found in Christ. The one who has been united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection has already been made complete in Him. Our former lost, empty, and guilty condition has been replaced with Christ’s fullness (vv.9-10). Sin no longer defines us nor can it require us to pay for it in hell. Why? Because Christ fully paid the debt of our sin. In verse 14, Paul has in mind the practice of nailing a sign above the heads of crucified criminals stating the crime(s) for which they were paying (Mark 15:26). It was a certificate of debt which would become void once paid. In Jesus’ case, Pilate could not find any charge to write so he wrote a title instead! However, there was indeed a certificate of debt nailed to Christ’s cross: ours! Now that it has been paid, it can no longer lay claim to us any more than a paid bill can lay claim to a person’s money. There is no condemnation left for those who are in Christ (Romans 8:1). Hallelujah! LifeStep Take out a sheet of paper and make a list of those specific sins for which you have trouble feeling forgiven. They may have been committed years ago but they still haunt you. Now cross them out by writing “Paid by Jesus Christ!” over them all. You are forgiven. Live free today! Colossians 2:16-23 In today’s text we encounter three forms of the most universal and deadly error in all of human experience: self-made religion (v.23)! This is the idea that we are capable of “making it” on our own and meriting everything we receive from God. It constantly intrudes into our walk with the Lord. Though we agree that Christ paid our way to heaven and that His merits alone are the basis of our standing before God, we are nonetheless easily drawn to the notion that we can and therefore should merit God’s approval. The first and most obvious form this takes is legalism, the religion of human works (vv.16-17). Legalism is not the use of rules for any reason. Rules can be a good thing in helping to realize certain goals but when we use rules to try to attain godliness and to merit God’s approval without God’s help, we have fallen into a trap. Rule-keeping not only fails to curb sin (v.23), it actually leads to pride and comparison with others. The second form is mysticism: the religion of subjective human experiences (vv.18-19). This is the pursuit of spirituality through emotions, intuition, or personal sensations and results in trusting one’s own experiences rather than God’s Word. The third form is asceticism, the religion of self-denial (vv.20-23). This can be very subtle. It’s reflected in the idea that the more you do without, the more worthy you become of God’s approval. All of these are attempts to access God through means other than Christ. They appear wise and even spiritual (v.23) but they cannot make us one bit more acceptable to God. That’s why we needed to be saved in the first place! LifeStep What is the source of your confidence in approaching God? Is it rule-keeping, experiences, sacrifices? What would change if you received a letter from God telling you that you’ve already been fully accepted by Him because of Christ? You have such a letter and you just read from it. How does that change how you feel and how you will act today?

WEEK 5

Colossians 3:1-7 Imagine that you’ve won a trip to some exotic destination but haven’t taken it. That’s when a friend says, “If you won the trip, then go!” This is similar to what Paul is saying here. If you died with Christ to this world and rose again with Him as part of a new creation, then why are you living as though that didn’t happen?! Stop trying to live as a new creation using the natural methods of this old creation (2:20-23) and start living as the citizen of heaven that you really are (3:1-3)! How? By continually seeking after the things of heaven (v.1). We are to be cultivating such an affection for the things above that our hearts are drawn there like the needle of a compass inevitably swings north. It can’t help itself! How can we do this? First of all by investing in heaven. Jesus spoke of the fact that we are to be laying up treasures in heaven because wherever our treasure is, there our heart will be as well (Matthew 6:19-21). We invest in heaven every time we spend our resources in the pursuit of eternal rather than earthly things. Secondly, Paul speaks of setting our minds on things above. The reality of heaven is to constantly shape my thinking, reasoning, evaluating, and decision-making. When it does, my material status on earth will not drive me because I know where my true riches lie. My sufferings on earth will not lead me to despair because I know that they are temporary (2 Corinthians 4:17). My unrewarded service on earth won’t discourage me because I know that God will one day reward me. My inevitable death will not fill me with dread because I know it is not the end but rather the beginning of an awesome, indescribable, eternal fellowship with the God who made and loves me! LifeStep How often do you think of heaven - seriously?! Does it impact the way you live or have you forgotten your real citizenship? Choose one specific way you will invest in eternal things going forward, using your time, talents, and treasure. You might consider reading a book about heaven. Colossians 3:8-17 What would your reaction be if, after calling 911 due to a home medical emergency, the medics showed up dressed to go surfing?! Or imagine appearing in court to find the judge wearing goggles and a parachute! Talk about ridiculous. And yet something no less absurd occurs when a born again, new creation in Christ behaves as though nothing significant changed at the moment of salvation. In these verses, Paul reminds us that our behavior is to reflect our new heavenly identity just as clothing usually reflects our earthly identity. One does not become a Christian by acting like one any more than a person becomes a police officer by simply dressing like one. However, once a person becomes a police officer, they are expected to dress like one and Christians are to do the same! We are to put off the old “clothes” that used to characterize us such as anger, malice, slander, abusive speech, and falsehood (vv.8-9). Instead (vv.12-14), we are to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, forgiveness, and above all, love which is the supreme identifier of Christ’s followers (John 13:34-35). We are also to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. The Greek word for “rule” appears only here in the New Testament and means to arbitrate or to settle a debate. Given the context, the most likely meaning is that God’s peace should characterize the way we settle any differences between ourselves and others. Even in difficult situations, I must allow the peace of God to guard my heart rather than becoming angry and upset. One of the best ways to cultivate this is to adopt an attitude of thanksgiving in all things (vv.15, 17). LifeStep Take a hard look at the way you’re “dressed” and choose one specific piece of “old clothing” you need to put off and one “new” one that you need to put on. Then ask the Lord for help in doing so today. Share this with a friend and ask them to pray for you and to hold you accountable in these areas.

WEEK 6

Colossians 3:18–4:1 There are few words that provoke as strong a reaction as the word “submission”! It usually conjures up negative thoughts and emotions for most people who instinctively link the concept with a person’s value or worth. Authority is then associated with power and privilege while submission is seen as degrading and even abusive. Though this is how popular culture may view it, as far as the Bible is concerned, such a perspective could not be further from the truth! Headship and submission as taught in God’s Word have nothing to do with value or worth but rather with roles and responsibilities. The fact is, no one is exempt from functioning in a submissive role to some form of leadership. Even those in authority must live in submission ultimately to God who holds them responsible for the welfare of those they are called to lead. Another way of saying this is that no one is ever “over” without also being “under” (see Matthew 8:8-9)! Furthermore, we are all to submit to the needs of others regardless of what our role may be (Ephesians 5:21). In these verses, Paul highlights several types of relationships where a submissive attitude is to be evident. Not only are wives, children, and servants to function in submission but so also are husbands, fathers, and masters as they self-sacrificially serve those they are called to lead. As biblical headship and submission are lived out the way God intends (Matthew 20:25-28), it brings blessing, and glorifies God by putting Him on display since the Father and the Son also function in a beautiful headship/submission relationship (1 Corinthians 11:3)! LifeStep Are you in a position of authority? Identify one way you can fulfill that role today through self-sacrificial service to those you lead. Are you called to submit to someone else? Identify one way you can bless them by making it easier for them to lead you well. Finally, how can you demonstrate your submission to God through your submission to others?

WEEK 7

Colossians 4:2-6 What is the common denominator in the instructions given in these verses? Our speech! James reminds us that our tongue, though a very small part of the body, is extremely powerful (James 3:1-12). It can set the entire course of our life on fire or it can be the source of profound blessing. Controlled speech is an indication of mature character. In today’s passage, we’re reminded that Christ’s supremacy must be reflected in how I use this little member. My tongue should first be used to speak earnestly to God (vv.2-3a) about others. Note that prayer is hard work. It requires steadfast perseverance and needs to be characterized by thanksgiving, not complaints or bitterness. Then our tongues are to be used to speak to others about God (vv.3b-5). It’s amazing to think that what we say can be used of the Lord to change the lives of fellow believers and the eternal destiny of those who do not yet know Him! Paul’s ultimate concern was that his own proclamation of the truth would be crystal clear and understandable. As one wise preacher puts it, “Be clear, be clear, be clear!” We need to be alert to every opportunity that comes our way to tell others of Christ and then take full advantage of it. Finally, our words are to be gracious and tasteful (v.6) as were the words of Christ (Luke 4:22). Notice that there is a right and a wrong way to respond to others. Furthermore, the way one responds needs to be fitted to the person to whom one is responding. This requires sensitivity and discernment. Our words are to be marked by gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15) and should minister grace to others (Ephesians 4:29) rather than an “I told you so” attitude. LifeStep Ask the Lord to help you to honestly review how you’re using your tongue. Do you talk to God about others? Do you talk to others about God? Is your speech gentle or harsh? Bitter or tasty? Gracious or demanding? Respond to whatever the Holy Spirit brings to mind.

WEEK 8

Colossians 4:7-11 In yesterday’s passage we noted the importance of gracious speech. As Paul concludes his epistle, notice how this characterizes the way he speaks of five companions and his appreciation of them. Tychicus is the one who brought this epistle to the Colossians just as he did with Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians (Ephesians 6:21). These were important assignments and Paul knew he could trust this man who was also a gifted encourager. Onesimus was an unbelieving servant who had escaped from his master Philemon who lived in Colossae. In God’s providence, Onesimus ended up meeting Paul who led him to the Lord. Now Paul was sending him back with a letter asking Philemon to forgive him (see Philemon). It’s Paul’s shortest epistle and presents one of the most beautiful analogies of God’s forgiveness in the entire Bible. It’s also a masterpiece of gracious tact and courtesy. Aristarchus was a faithful companion during Paul’s imprisonment, a great example of Proverbs 17:17. Mark is another recipient of grace. He had abandoned Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:13) and Paul later refused to bring him on his second trip because of this failure (Acts 15:36-41). But here we see that Paul had forgiven Mark and now counted him among his faithful companions (2 Timothy 4:11). Paul also mentions Jesus, called Justus. These last three were the only believing Jews among Paul’s fellow workers (v. 11). LifeStep What is your view of the importance of fellow believers to your spiritual growth and ministry? Too often we adopt a “Lone Ranger” mentality as though we need no one. To have such a perspective is to fail to live in a way that is worthy of our calling (Philippians 1:27). Take time today to express your appreciation to at least three believers and let them know how their fellowship in the gospel is a blessing to you. Don’t wait for them to “deserve” this. Instead, be known for your gracious words. Colossians 4:12-18 Paul concludes by passing along greetings from three other companions and then addressing comments to two people in Colossae. Epaphras was a true prayer warrior (vv.12-13). The Greek word used in reference to the intensity of his prayers means to agonize and is also used of Christ’s prayer in the garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:44). Epaphras’ deepest concern was that the Colossians would know and do God’s entire will for them, not just part of it. This matches what Paul was also praying for them (see comments at 1:9-14). God’s will for us encompasses the gifts and abilities which He gives to us. Luke, the physician, was doing God’s will by caring for Paul (v.14). God’s will can be ignored and eventually abandoned after a season of obedience. This happened to Demas who is mentioned here as one of Paul’s companions (v.14) but who later abandoned him because his love for the world overtook his love for the Lord (2 Timothy 4:10). God’s will includes using what we own to serve Him as in the case of Nympha who made her house available for the church to use (v.15). Finally, God’s will requires focused attention on our part. Archippus, needed to be reminded that He had received a specific assignment from the Lord which he was responsible to carefully fulfill. It is God’s will for us to know and to do God’s will (Ephesians 5:17)! LifeStep God does have a plan for us that includes specific things which He wants us to accomplish (Ephesians 2:10). It’s easy to miss this by becoming distracted with many other things. Write a short paragraph that includes two things. First, a brief description of what you believe to be the main thing God wants you to pursue in terms of a life calling. Whether you are able to write a lot or a little, begin asking Him to help you bring focus to this in the long term. Second, make a short list of specific things which you already know God wants you to do. Pursue these in the short term starting today! Remember that Christ in you is sufficient for all of these.