Paul's Prayer - Further Study Questions.

This past Sunday's lesson was titled Paul's Prayer (Colossians 1:1-14). Take time to continue studying, considering, and applying the lesson through the following questions and Scripture passages.

  

Read Colossians 1:1-14. Begin by making some general observations of the passage.

How did Paul introduce himself in this letter? What is significant about this introduction?

In verse 2, how does Paul greet the Christians to whom he is writing this letter? If Paul was writing this letter to you today, what words would he use to describe you in his greeting?

To establish some background information it is important to know that Gnosticism was a heresy which was threatening the church in Colosse. What is Gnosticism (don’t hesitate to Google the word if needed)? Why is Gnosticism so dangerous? How did Paul refute this heresy?

Consider our culture today. What erroneous teachings are threatening the church? What must we do to make sure we do not fall to such false teachings?

Read Colossians 1:3-8. Within these verses, Paul describes all the positive marks of the church in Colosse. The 4 marks which Paul uses to describe the church include…

Faith in Christ Jesus.

Love for all the saints (other Christians).

Hope.

Bearing fruit (lives are being changed).

From your perspective, how can a church do a better job at living out these 4 marks?

In verse 10, what is Paul’s prayer request for the Colossian church?

Why is knowledge so important?

Read and respond to Hosea 4:6.

Are there any dangers to growing in knowledge? If so, what are they? How do we avoid such dangers?

What is the relationship between knowledge and wisdom?

Read Psalm 1:1-8. Look specifically at verses 2-3. Regarding knowledge, what is promised in this verse and how can we apply it to our daily living?

Respond to the following quote by Donald Whitney…

Christians must realize that just as a fire cannot blaze without fuel, so burning hearts are not kindled by brainless heads.  We must not be content to have zeal without knowledge… To follow Christ and become more like Him, we must engage in the Spiritual Discipline of learning.

According to Donald Whitney (see Proverbs 19:1), one must not be content to have zeal without knowledge? Why is this so? How can it be dangerous to have zeal without knowledge?

Read Colossians 1:10-14. In these verses, Paul refers to the positive results of knowledge. What other positive results of having knowledge can you think of?

Are you seeking to be filled with knowledge? What is stopping you from seeking to be filled with knowledge?

What can I do to allow myself to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding? Take time to develop a plan and then determine to put the plan into action.